Kayak Drifting on the Northern Winds - Part 2
Fishing the Whangaroa Coast
After the excitement of game day at Marsden Point, I set my sights on Whangaroa to target the elusive John Dory. I launched my kayak from a cozy wharf, armed with live jack mackerel as bait—a surefire way to entice those tasty predators. The thrill of the hunt surged through me as I paddled out to the prime fishing spots, anticipation hanging heavy in the air.
Catching live bait took a bit of finesse, but after some persistence, I found a few jack mackerel that would be perfect. With my live bait deployed, I waited patiently, every splash on the water heightening my excitement. The tide began to change, sending hints of potential predators.
Almost instantly, I felt a heavy weight tugging down on my line! I struck, adrenaline pumping, and moments later, I was locked in battle with a stubborn kingfish. However, as my luck would have it, he wriggled free just as I was about to bring him on board. Frustrated but undeterred, I reminded myself that persistence pays off, especially in the unpredictable world of fishing.
Not long after, I had a live jack mackerel hitting the water, and a few minutes later, I finally hooked a John Dory—the moment was exhilarating! The feel ofthe fish tugging back heightened my focus. Just as I neared the net, it made alast-ditch escape, slipping away to the depths. Heartbreak!
I returned to the wharf cloaked by the evening setting sun, and I enjoyed some freshly prepared local seafood at the Whangaroa game fishing club, where tales of the day flowed as freely as the drinks.
KariKari Adventures
From Whangaroa, my next adventure led me to KariKari Peninsula. Arriving at Matai Bay, I set up my humble camp just in time for the sunset glow to cast a beautiful light across the scenery. However, the night proved challenging as I battled relentless mosquitoes that had other ideas, turning my sleep into an epic struggle for peace among the buzzing swarm.
The morning brought with it the promise of adventure; I launched my kayak into the pristine waters of KariKari, eager to fish in clear conditions. Paddle strokes echoed against the tranquil shore as I sat keenly focused on the rocky points ahead. My first casts yielded a fantastic snapper just under 50cm, with the satisfaction of seeing it glide into the net.
As I drifted along the coastal margins, the sheltered bays extended a warm invitation, calling forth kahawai that pulled taut on my line before they joined the feast of fantastical catches. I switched tactics, trying various lures and live baits, excitedly watching my rod tip dance as it was nearly stolen by hungry fish.
I expected to load into a serious kingfish after the line peeled out, the rod loaded up into weight and then the fish did nothing. In my head I was thinking “no way a John Dory got that kahawai in his mouth!”
Sure, enough a big JD popped up with half a kahawai hanging out of his mouth. It was shocking how he took on a bait that size and managed to choke it down. The 6/0KLT hook had pinned him all the way at the back of his mouth.
Now feeling the tide start pushing out, my attention turned to the incoming swell as I made my way back towards shore. A series of solid bites had me grinning like a Cheshire cat! I landed several more quality snappers and took a moment to release a few undersized fish back to grow and fight another day. Each spot along the coastline reinforced my connection with the amazing landscapes surrounding me, from rolling hills to golden sandy beaches.
Scaley Adventures at Ahipara
With Whangaroa behind me and sweet memories from KariKari still fresh, I headed to Ahipara, another hotspot known for its sprawling 90 Mile Beach. As I arrived,the scenic view of the beach stretched out ahead of me, the waves crashing softly against the sand. I immediately set my sights on Shipwreck Bay—a fishing paradise that beckoned with open arms.
The weather was looking great as I launched my kayak, and I was fired up to target trevally with fresh, green-lipped mussels as bait. I paddled into the shallows, casting my lines and eagerly waiting for those telltale tugs. As I leaned back and relaxed, I felt at one with nature, fully immersed in the ambience of Ahipara.
The bites came thick and fast! Kahawai led the charge, attacking my baits voraciously. Every hook-up had me scrambling to reel them in, their acrobatic jumps adding to the excitement. The joy of watching line peel off the reel while keeping a steady hand on the rod was pure bliss.
As I worked through the midday heat, I had a surprise guest—a hammerhead shark decided to join the party, testing my gear against his sheer strength. It was an exhilarating fight, a true test of skill against nature's power. Laughter echoed across the waters as I wrestled the beast before releasing it back to roam the ocean depths.
With each passing hour, the variety of my catch expanded. I boated several gorgeous trevally, whose shiny scales glimmered like jewels against the sun. I even pulled in my first Australian barracuda, an exceptional find that sent thrills racing through me, as these striking fish are a rare encounter in New Zealand waters.
Feeling accomplished, I rounded out the day with fresh camp-fried fish and sharing tales with local surfcasters on the shore, who were equally as eager to swap stories about their fishing exploits.
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