Espresso on the Gulf bite: terns over anchovies, kawhai smashing inshore, and the "drag queen" cast-back technique for pulling snapper and trevally from the mud.

Nik Key on the Bream Bay autumn bite: biomass moving in around the Hen and Chicks, Whangarei harbour still firing, and why light gear is a game-changer.

Pete Lamb's Wellington fishing report: Surf casting kingfish and snapper at Palliser Bay and Castle Point, mixed bags inshore but good boat fishing, and a solid 10-day forecast.