With a clear forecast and no shipping in the early morning (I work on tugs), I decided to hit the water at 5 am for some paddle training and to flick soft baits for blue cod. I rolled my kayak on my C-Tug wheel from the tug base and launched at Ferges Kayaks, paddling north to the new structures along the highway.

The area was teeming with baitfish, so I followed the tradition of "Te ika whakataki" – returning the first fish caught to the sea, a common practice among many tribes who also had shore sites for offering fish to Tangaroa and reciting karakia of thanks. After releasing the first fish, a kahawai, I continued to my spot and was rewarded with a large rāwaru (blue cod).

Over the years, I've refined a technique I call the blue cod twitch, which has proven very effective with larger cod. I paddled about three-quarters of the way from Wellington to Petone and then back home. With a nice catch of blue cod, I shared the bounty with my fellow tug crew. It's always interesting to see what the fish have been eating.

Have a great week, everyone.

Jason Grimmett

Wellington Kayak Fishing

#letthefishbethejudge

#saltyseadog

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