Rotorua Anglers Association

The RAA club trip to Otamangakau was blessed with good weather this year. Many fish were landed and members had a good time.

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On the first of April a small mixed armada of boats set forth to try jigging and trolling for Rotoiti,s famed trout. A mixed bunch of anglers from hardened, weathered veterans to newbies all tried there hand at out witting these large lake trout. Fortunately in spite of the trout being told we were coming there were about 25 fish caught for the day with the best going 2.7 kg. Some anglers caught there first jigged lake trout so this was a highlight for them.

Below are some of the images captured on this day.

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The clubs trip to Rerewhakaitu was well attended and enjoyed by all. A few fish were caught from a small flotella of watercraft.

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CLUB TRIP TO OHOPE 16-18 MARCH 2012

Once again we were hosted for the weekend by long-time members Cliff and Lyz Soanes in their Ohope home, for the annual saltwater fishing trip.

Weather prospects for Friday were good, so most of us were at Cliff’s by 10am, ready to go. Terry, Daphne, Rod and Nigel went with Cliff on 38South, while Ailsa, Russell and David came with me on Idle Hour II. Both boats headed west, Idle Hour fishing in 20metres off the radio mast, 38South fishing closer to Whale Is.

Both teams did quite well, catching a variety of fish – mainly kahawai, snapper, and trevally, with Ailsa once again showing us how to catch kingfish (too small to keep, sadly). Kahawai were in great numbers, proving a nuisance at times – both teams lost count of those released. The Idle Hour team finished with slightly the better bag, bringing home 8 snapper, 1 trevally, and several kahawai. So along with the 38South bag, we had more than enough fish for the sumptuous meal we had that night.

Saturday’s weather proved even better than Friday’s, so we went to sea again. The Idle Hour team consisted of Woody, Ailsa and me, and we headed to the same area as the day before. We immediately started catching kahawai, the damn things becoming a plague. Woody kept a couple for smoking, but the rest went back. Because of this, a move was made – the fact that there was a bit of NE swell, proving too much for a couple of delicate stomachs, had nothing to do with the decision to move to calmer waters! Once in calmer waters in the lee of Whale Is. we started to catch snapper, along with a few monster kahawai which were all released. In the meantime the 38South team of Cliff, Nigel, Charlotte, Russell and Rod had wisely started at the eastern end of Whale Is. in relatively calm water. They were doing better than us, so we moved closer to them, anchoring in their berley trail – thanks Cliff. More kahawai, with enough snapper to keep us interested (a lot of small ones – see photo of Woody’s catch on his pink monstrosity lure). Honours were pretty much even, but once again the Idle Hour team won the day thanks to Ailsa’s catch of the trip, a 4.1kg snapper. The bags brought home were similar to the day before, so we had plenty of fish for everyone to take a few feeds home.

Once again, a very enjoyable evening included a great meal of barbecued kahawai fillets and salad followed by some wonderful desserts, and accompanied by fine beverages.

On Sunday, the NE swell was building, as was the NE wind, so the decision was made to fish in the harbour. In fact, only Nigel and Russell went out, catching several small snapper and trevally and getting some good sport with the inevitable kahawai. The rest of us opted for a “chill-out” morning, leaving for home around lunchtime.

Once again, a great club trip, helped immeasurably by the weather gods allowing us to get out to sea, unlike the previous couple of years.

Thanks again to Cliff and Lyz for being perfect hosts, and opening their home to us for a very enjoyable weekend.

Neal Hawes, convener

Ohope Photos

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Larry, Brian, Rod, Ron, Martin, Gerry, Piet and Rika all left tha RAA clubrooms for the annual Tuituki trip. Accomodation was again the Hastings Anglers Club rooms. Fishing that afternoon revealed lots of scappy small fish that gave a good account of themselves on light 5 wt rods. Weather was changeable over the three days but 35 fish still hit the net. Highlights included Ron getting his truck stuck (4 wheel drive next year) , the flounder at the local pub and  we had our Scots member Martin Smith with us.

On the way back to Rotorua the Ngaruroa and Rangitaiki Rivers were all fished successfully.

Over all a very social trip and one for the calender next year.

A big thanks to Larry Ware.

Below are some of the images captured on this trip

Tukituki trip 2011

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