Bay of Islands Fishing Report – April 2026

The latest Bay of Islands Fishing Report brings crucial insights for all anglers eager to catch the season's biggest fish. The fortnight kicked off with the Russell Volunteer Fire Brigade Billfish Tournament, although conditions were less than ideal for serious fishing. While the weather turned out to be favorable, anglers struggled with slow action: only 3 kingfish and around 12 snapper were weighed. The absence of billfish showcases the challenging game fishing seen this season.

Following the tournament, weather conditions shifted, leading many to hesitate before heading out. Nonetheless, those who ventured into the waters were rewarded heavily with decent snapper catches, both in the shallows and near Cape Brett. It’s worth noting that last Thursday, despite the start of the Truckers and Loggers Tournament, no teams braved the 50-knot winds. We took a chance on Friday but, unfortunately, found the conditions less than enjoyable for Marlin fishing. However, a silver lining emerged as we found exceptional snapper action near Waiwiri rock. Notably, crew member Paul Powney landed an impressive 8.05 kg snapper, clinching the title for heaviest snapper of the day!

Looking ahead, Easter weekend shows promise, as both Saturday and Sunday morning are likely to offer ideal fishing conditions, assuming they remain stable. With snapper fully engaged in the autumn chew, I'm personally excited about going out for a look if the weather plays nice.

The upcoming tournament calendar includes the NZSFC Youth Nationals from April 3 to April 18, followed closely by the International Yellowtail from June 7 to June 12. These events promise exciting competition and excellent opportunities to fish.

For all your fishing needs, don't forget to stop by our shop, open 7 days a week from 9 AM to 4 PM (closing at 3 PM on Sundays). We offer a full range of gear, bait, ice, and expert local fishing intel! If you need supplies beyond our hours, just give me a call!