BOI Fishing Report - 1st April 2026

This last fortnight started with the Russell Volunteer Fire Brigade Billfish Tournament. While the weather conditions were favourable, the fishing was slow with only 3 kingfish and a dozen or so snapper being weighed. No billfish were caught or tagged which illustrates how poor the game fishing has been in the Bay of Islands area this season.

Following the Fire Brigade weekend the weather packed up somewhat and few have ventured out. Those who have have been rewarded with some good catches of snapper, both in shallow and out around Cape Brett.

Last Thursday the Truckers and Loggers Tournament kicked off but I believe none out of the 39 teams ventured out – not surprising in 50 knot winds! We ventured out on Friday and towed plastic around in somewhat sporty consitions – which I did not enjoy! This just confirms that there are no Marlin on the East Coast!! On the last day, with a few hours of fishing left we headed into Waiwiri rock to catch a kingfish. No kingfish were found but we encountered an insane snapper bite. Crew member Paul Powney snagged a respectable model weighing 8.05kgs which won heaviest snapper!

The weather for Easter weekend looks like Saturday and Sunday morning would be the best days but this can change quickly. With the snapper on the autumn chew, I’ll definitely be going out for a look if the conditions permit!

Next on the tournament calendar is the NZSFC Youth Nationals: 3 – 18 April, followed by the International Yellowtail: 7 – 12 June.

Come into the shop to check out the latest in gear, get your bait, ice and berley, and most importantly, some genuine intel! Open 7 days from 9am to 4.00pm, but close on Sundays at 3pm. As always, if you urgently need some supplies after hours just give me a call.