Global HOTSPOTS
The best destinations for an overseas kayak fishing expedition
Kayak fishing has gone global. With professional guides operating in destinations from Asia to the Caribbean, paddle- powered anglers can follow their adventurous spirit to the four corners of the earth. Kayak Angler magazine tracked down veteran travelers and local guides to find the best kayak fishing destinations in the world. Whether you’re looking for a remote expedition or a five-star vacation, we’ll tell you where to go, when to fish, what to bring and how to get there. So pack a bag, put the mail on hold, grab your passport and go global!
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Gulp! Jigs are deadly on local gamefish, but very expensive. Bring packs of Gulp and make local friends.
TRAVEL NOTES
New Zealand has strict quarantine laws so don’t bring any food. Also, sporting equipment must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any animal residue.
GET THERE Fly to Auckland where Coromandel Kayak Adventures transports anglers to Coromandel.
STAY Coromandel NE W ZEAL AND
LOCATION Peninsula on the east side of New Zealand’s North Island. 36°45'S 175°30'E
TOUR GUIDE Robert Fort, professional kayak guide and owner of Coromandel Kayak Adventures.
AERIAL VIEW Coromandel Peninsula is 40 miles long with steep mountain peaks and sheltered bays, estuaries and harbors surrounded by dozens of offshore islands. Expect cool mornings and comfortable days. From clear blue ocean water, temperate rainforests climb steep slopes to the deep blue sky. The peninsula is named for the HMS Coromandel, which stopped in the harbor in 1820.
46 …KAYAK ANGLER WINTER 2013 TARGET SPECIES
Blue cod are found on reefs and sand holes year round. John dory are located on reefs, over weed beds and along the edge of weed lines. Kahawai are pelagic fish that can be caught around the entire coast of Coromandel. Snapper are abundant on the reefs just offshore. The best time to target these species is from October through May. One of New Zealand’s hardest fighting fish, king fish bite best from January to April. This is open water fishing, without surf launches. Expect strong current and choppy seas.
TACTICS
Live bait fishing with dropper and flasher rigs. Cast quarter-ounce to half-ounce jigs and four- to five-inch softplastic tails in natural colors and white. Bounce vertical
jigs through fish marks or along reef sites. Troll between fishing spots with short- billed plugs or cast poppers and stickbaits to breaking fish.
TACKLE • Light spinner or baitcaster with 20-pound braided line
• Quarter- to one-ounce soft plastics, vertical jigs and Sabiki rigs
• Heavy jigging combo spooled with 50-pound braid
• Seven-ounce jigs • Seven-foot, heavy-action rod • Trolling plugs • Coromandel Kayak Adventures carries all bait and tackle needed
KAYAKS Ocean Kayaks available rigged with color fishfinder and all accessories necessary for local fishing. Guide provides all bait and tackle.
Coromandel Town is a popular destination for tourists and offers a wide variety of accommodations and activities from camping to five-star resorts. For a fun option, rent a campervan and stay at any of the Department of Conservation’s “Freedom Area” campsites. Make reservations ahead of time, vacancies can be hard to find during peak vacation months from December to January.
SIDE TRIP Take a trip on the Driving Creek Railway, a miniature train built to bring potting clay down from the mountains. The Waterworks is a museum showcasing unique water- powered machinery. The beach at New Chum features white sand, crystal clear water and very few people. Or, check out the local gold mining operation—you could strike it rich!
IDEAL ITINERARY Spend two days inshore fishing and three days offshore on a mothership expedition. Or, fish a guided half-day trip, then rent gear and fish on your own.
CONTACT Rob Fort at Coromandel Kayak Adventures:
www.kayakadventures.co.nz Coromandel visitor information:
www.coromandeltown.co.nz
PHOTOS THIS PAGE: ROBERT FORT
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