b'Editorial Digital Issue #71 2026FISHING IN GODZONE Issue #71COVER PHOTO Using the Lowrance Recon electric motor to stalk the shallows quietly.Photo: Matt HewetsonEDITOR AT LARGE Mathew HewetsonWRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Scott Cushman, LegaSea, Alex BurtonDESIGN Blockstart www.blockstart.co.nzPUBLISHER Marlin Marketing Limited Mathew Hewetson 022 355 0588 mathew@marlinmarketing.co.nzFishing In Godzone is subject Lets hope the weather is more settledto copyright in its entirety.The for boating and fishing over autumncontents may not be reproduced after the volatile summer we just had. in any form, in whole or in part, without the written permission of W hat a crappy start toThe west coast from Northland downthe publishers. All copy, photos or other material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed 2026 we had overpast Raglan is having another red-hotintended for publication January and Februarygame fishing season.While over atunless clearly labelled "not for publication".Opinions expressed for boating and fishing! Whakatane and around to East Capefrom such content are not The new year broughtthe tuna fishing is consistently showingnecessarily those of the publisher.us many damagingsome of the best for size and numbers. ISSN 23821655cyclones for most of Godzone, especiallyAs we move into the cooler autumnfishingingodzone.co.nzin the North Island.This meant manymonths, it is still a good time to chase/fishingingodzonekiwis had to retreat home early from thegame fish for those wanting big game, camping grounds or holidays with heavybut the snapper have moved in closer to rain, flooding and fierce winds makingharbours and the coastline.This is great it too dangerous to get on the water. for surfcasters, rock hoppers or small The windows to get out fishingboat anglers looking for a feed of fish, have been slim and I am sure hoping,which are now also in terrific condition like many thousands of keen fishosafter the spring-summer spawn, and (along with the fishing retailers),they are feasting up ahead of winter.that autumn brings more settledWe will be hitting the shallows in conditions, with better days tothe boat with early starts to softbait launch the boat and cast a line. or even strayline over the March-On a positive note, the fishing has beenMay period and target snapper.particularly good from all parts of theAlways check the forecast before country for those who have managed togoing, remember to take and wear coincide time off work and go fishing. life jackets, and stay safe. Snapper, kingfish, tuna, and marlin are allMathew Hewetson Editor at largeshowing up in good numbers and size.6FISHING IN GODZONE MAGAZINE'