A
Guide to Fishing in Kaikoura.
by Bill Edwards
Kaikoura has always been famous for the rich marine life that abounds in the area. Maui the hero who is found throughout Polynesia is said to have used the Kaikoura peninsula (Te Taumanu o te Waka a Maui) to brace himself as he hauled up the large fish that was the North Island (Te Ika a Maui). Catches of this size are not the norm today, but with this guide and patience the angler can fish productively with in easy walking distance of the town centre.
1. In front of the Railway Station.
This area produces a number of fish species. Kahawai can found in
great numbers here. Look for birds feeding, or dark moving patches
in the water which indicate the Kahawai. Use a silver lure and cast
into the feeding fish. Kahawai are a fantastic sport fish and if you catch
one, bleed it straight away if you intend to eat it. Take it to one
of the fish shops and get it smoked -delicious!
Barracouta can also be caught here but always check the line after
a hook up as their sharp teeth wreck fishing line.
Surf casting behind the breakers with bait will produce red cod, rig,
skate, blue shark, and there are claims of snapper in late summer.
2. Lyell Creek.
This sluggish looking waterway behind the town can be a surprisingly
productive trout fishery. Please note that if you fish in freshwater
for salmon or trout, then you must obtain a licence. These are available
from sports and fishing shops in Kaikoura. Large brown trout are often
found just behind the town centre. It is possible to catch a nice
trout, then wander across the road for a coffee. Spinning with
a veltic or a toby can produce the fish. In the early morning and
evening a dry fly around by the trees is deadly. I would not eat the
trout from this creek, due to the water quality, so release the fish
for another day. Casting into the sea by the mouth, especially when
the whitebait are running, will produce nicely conditioned sea run
trout, good sport and good eating.
3. The New Wharf
The new wharf was opened in 1909 and is still used by local fishing
boats for the unloading of fish and loading of ice, water and fuel.
It is also a fishing structure which provides the angler with access
to a large variety of species. Opposite the fish factory on the western
side is a great place to catch sprats. There is an outlet pipe from
the factory and the water can be thick with small fish. Children can
have a great deal of fun here. The sprats also provide good bait for
larger fish. A live bait cast off the wharf will pick up red and blue
cod, Kahawai and the very large conger eels which are to be found
around the wharf.
4. Old Wharf
This wharf is suitable for children for the catching of spotties and
sprats. The reef that
runs to sea from the old wharf can provide good rock fishing. Blue
and red cod are caught here, especially in an incoming tide.
5. South Bay
Over the hill from the township of Kaikoura is South Bay. South Bay
has good fishing and is very pleasant when north east winds are blowing
on the town side. The first spot runs straight out from the small
car park by the trees at the South Bay turn-off. This reef funnels
fish close into the beach. Blue and red cod are caught here and the
odd blue shark.
The Kowhai river mouth is a good spot to fish for Kahawai and Barracouta.
Copies of M.o.F. regulations are available at sport and fishing stores.
If fishing for sport then practice catch and release.