Fishing in the Hauraki Gulf & Coromandel

Fishing mussel farms in the Firth

Renowned for holding large schools of snapper, the mussel farms between Waiheke and Coromandel are popular with avid fishers in the Firth of Thames.

The mussel farms attract the fish, especially while the mussel barges are harvesting. While we can’t guarantee the barges will be working on the day, it’s always a bonus when they are. Brad also has a few other Spot-X’s up his sleeve should the farms not fire on the day.

These mussel farms are generally where we’ll head on our half day trips.

Hauraki Gulf

Known to be a bait fish mecca, the Hauraki Gulf has dozens of great fishing spots.

It’s known for having lots of workups where schools of bait fish are chased to the surface by predatory fish below. The bait fish (or bait balls) race to the surface to escape but are then spotted by birds. Once the birds start diving on them, they are trapped, causing a big feeding frenzy or workup.

We recommend booking a full day trip for this action as the fish may be further out and unreachable on a half day charter.

The Hauraki Gulf boasts a variety of species and we’ll choose spots that have recently been fishing well.