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inlets and estuaries, so they probably do the same here.
Whatever the reason for their inshore migrations,
anchovies present a seasonal bonanza for ish and ishers
alike, providing anglers with spectacular multi-species
ishing that’s easily accessible.
So far, the inshore anchovy run hasn’t really got going- at least not where I ish. Skipjack tuna are feasting on
anchovy schools in open water, but anchovy work-ups
closer to shore have been sporadic at best.
he intense predatory ish and bird activity associated
with schooling anchovies in Hauraki Gulf normally peaks
in March-April, but with the water temperature hovering
around 22°Celsius, I’m not convinced the ‘run’ has
properly started yet.
Diferent regions of New Zealand experience anchovy
migrations at diferent times of year. As noted above, in the
Hauraki Gulf it’s usually between late February and early
April, which its with the region’s usual water temperature
proile, but in the Bay of Islands and the Far North, it’s later - May or June, with sporadic runs possible all winter long.
So, given that local waters are still well over 20°C, it’s
not surprising the anchovy run has been disappointing so
far. he good news is that the best may still be to come: it
wouldn’t surprise me if the Gulf ’s anchovy run peaked in
April-May this year, or if I’m still chasing anchovy work-
ups in June or July!
The beauty of fishing
around anchovy schools
is the variety of predators
they attract.WATCH FOR BIRDS
hough the run has been patchy, when you can ind anchovy
schools the ishing is good. And, if my hunch is right, it will only
get better as the water cools.
he easiest way to ind anchovy action is to look for birds.
Diving terns is a sure indication of predators below – usually
kahawai, but sometimes kingish and snapper – pushing
anchovies up to the surface.
Fluttering shearwaters indicate lots of bait in the vicinity,
so when you come across them you know you are ‘in the zone’.
Penguins are another indicator of bait ish close by and shags
can be useful as well.
Sometimes you can see anchovy schools plankton-feeding on