Auckland upper harbour

[Mike Thomas]

Hi Guys, I have been fishing the meola reef, about 10 minutes from work in the afternoons when ever the tide is right and I can make the time.
The fishing this year has been hot, unlike the weather!
Here are a few pics
The spot

The fish

The reef is made up of volcanic rock, covered in mud and Oysters, it is very harsh on fly lines and a stripping basket is a must. The reef is under water at high tide and I often find smashed outboard props out there, not sure how this reef can catch the boaties unaware, it is dry at low water and is a well known landmark.
All the best.
Mike

[oarfish]

Nice pics Mike, what species of fish are they?

Rick

[Mike Thomas]

Hi Rick they are Snapper, the legal limit per person per day in this area is 9 and the minimum size is 27cm. Most guys only take a few and my personal minimum size is 30cm, I do not think they are worth filleting if they are any smaller. They are the most popular recreational fishing target in the North Island and grow to 30lb+ but they are slow growing, the ones in the pic would probably be 4 or 5 years old.
All the best.
Mike

[Mike Thomas]

I got out again, this time for an early morning fish, here are a couple of pics.
Very early

The result

I had organized to meet up with a young guy who had not caught a fish on salt water fly before, this is him with the result of his 3rd cast.

Not a big one but they all count and he went on to get about another 4 so it was well worth an early start.
All the best.
Mike

[Martin Joergensen]

Mike,

Thanks a bunch for the story and the pictures! We're just starting the season here, and cabin fever is running high. so a few fishing pics always soothes...

Martin