Autumn conditions deliver quality kingfish
Inshore fishing is firing across the upper North Island, with strong snapper numbers and kingfish pushing into the shallows. A standout 25.8kg kingfish landed off the rocks highlights just how good the action is right now.
Inshore fishing around the upper North Island is heating up, with harbours, estuaries and nearby coastlines producing consistent action for both snapper and kingfish as water temperatures remain favourable heading into autumn.
From the inner gulf through to local Coromandel waters, anglers are reporting solid snapper numbers in shallow areas, particularly around harbour entrances, channels and structure where baitfish are holding. Early mornings and late evenings have been standout times, with soft baits, straylined baits and small jigs all accounting for good fish.
While snapper fishing has been reliable, it’s the increase in kingfish activity that has really stood out.
Kingfish are now pushing well into the shallows, frequenting rocky points, marker poles and harbour edges where bait is concentrated. Land-based anglers in particular have been making the most of the conditions, with several quality fish landed off the rocks in recent weeks.
One standout capture came from 13-year-old angler Rich, fishing near Maraetai, who landed an impressive 25.8kg kingfish – a trophy fish by any standard, and even more so from the shore.
Fishing alongside his mate Hunter and his dad, the group had been using mullet caught in a cast net when the bite came.
“I knew straight away it was something big,” he said. “The fish went on a massive run – we even thought it was a stingray at first – but then I felt some serious head shakes.”
What followed was a hard-fought 20-minute battle, with the fish using both the current and surrounding rocks to its advantage.
“At one point my line was on the rocks and I thought I was going to lose it. I was holding on for dear life.”
With help from those nearby, the angler was eventually able to turn the fish and bring it within range – but landing it proved just as challenging.
“The hardest part was getting it off the rocks. I had so much adrenaline and no energy left, so we had to get a few people to help.”
As the fish came into view, the size quickly became apparent.
“My mate was saying it was the biggest kingfish he’d ever seen. Everyone around us was blown away.”
When the fish was finally landed, the moment hit.
“I was screaming – I couldn’t believe it. Even my hook was bent straight.”
At 25.8kg, the fish stands as a standout capture and highlights just how productive inshore waters are at this time of year.
With bait schools active and water temperatures holding, the inshore bite looks set to continue over the coming weeks. Anglers targeting kingfish are having the most success fishing live baits such as mullet, kahawai or mackerel around structure, while those chasing snapper are finding success with lightly weighted baits in shallow water.
As always, anglers are reminded to take care when fishing off rocks, particularly in exposed areas where swell and changing conditions can pose risks.
For those looking to make the most of the current bite, now is the time – with quality fish well within reach, whether you’re out on the water or standing on the rocks.
