After weeks of battling La Niña winds and north-westerlies with brief southerly changes, I seized a calm window early Wednesday morning.

Despite a blocked river mouth at Makara forcing a beach launch, I was on the water by 5am, paddling through mist that formed as the day warmed. Initially distracted by a large school of kahawai and English mackerel, I moved on to target blue cod, securing a few good 43cm catches before aiming for kingfish.

Although the kingfish were elusive, dropping a paua power jig behind the reef rewarded me with snapper instead. Paddling back against the wind in 8 to 10m of water, the clear visibility revealed blue cod attacking the jig and schools of moki and butterfish.

I returned with 4 snapper and 3 blue cod, much to my youngest's delight, who always looks forward to seeing what I bring home. The new paua power slow pitch jig, with its solid lumo band, and the strength of the tasline continue to impress.

Yiiipppahhh
#letthefishbethejudge
#theoceanismychurch

Jason Grimmet