A Fisherman’s Playground
Whitianga’s rich waters offer an abundance of fish species year round, making it a top fishing destination for many anglers. Spring is an exciting time for fishing, as the water temperature begins to rise and schools of baitfish start to show up. We often see the start of the Yellowfin Tuna showing up offshore too.
What’s Biting: Spring Kingfish Update
Fishing has been firing lately, with kingfish turning up in greater numbers and snapper feeding aggressively as they move in to spawn. The baitfish schools are thick, making for an action-packed morning catching livebait before heading out to deeper waters. Keep an eye out on our Facebook and Instagram pages for all the fishing action.
Notable Catches on recent trips
On a recent Whitianga fishing trip, every angler on board was hooked up to a solid kingfish. Safe to say, our crew left with sore arms, big smiles, and some unforgettable fishing memories.
What our guests had to say…
I’ve never caught a kingfish so as a novice, I found Gene , Our guide, very professional and friendly but also a fantastic coach when someone is doing something for the first time. We had a fantastic day full of humour and of course, with Gene’s guidance, so many fish we had to throw them back because of the volume, really keen to go again! – Peter Brebner
Best Techniques for Catching Kingfish in Spring
Whitianga fishing techniques vary depending on what we are targeting. During Spring, we find live baiting and slow trolling work best for Kingfish, while lures and jigs have been working great on snapper. We have used Shimano fishing gear for over 30 years and have used many different products. The gear we use is very effective and always gets the job done.
Gear and tackle recommendations for Kingfish
- Live baiting set up: Shimano Spin Twin Power / Grappler Overhead Ocea Jigger / Grappler
- Jigging set up: Shimano Overhead Ocea Jigger / Grappler
Lure recommendations for Snapper
- Shimano Bakubaku sliders
Tips for beginners and seasoned fishos
New to fishing and keen to catch your first kingfish? No worries – our gear is suited for both beginners and experienced anglers. Plus, all newcomers receive a full briefing before we drop a line, so you’ll feel confident and ready to go.
Top Spots for Kingfish Around Whitianga
One of the best things about fishing in Whitianga is the easy access to some of the top kingfish hotspots in the country. From inshore reefs to offshore pinnacles, the fishing grounds around Whitianga are endless. With over 30 years of experience fishing the Coromandel – ranging from Channel Island in the north to Tairua in the south – we know where the action is, and there’s no shortage of opportunity.
Planning Your Whitianga Fishing Trip
If you’ve never been to Whitianga, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for your trip. Make sure to bring warm clothing, a hat, plenty of water, and some food for the day. And if you’re prone to seasickness, we recommend packing seasickness tablets. A handy tip: take one pill the night before your charter, and another in the morning before you head out – it can make all the difference.
Make This Spring Count
Spring is prime time for kingfish in Whitianga – making it the perfect opportunity for a pre-Christmas catch-up with mates or a work function with a twist. Whether you’re keen to beat the summer rush or organise a memorable team day out, now’s the time to get on the water and into the action.