6 FISHING IN GODZONE MAGAZINE Editorial T he colder months are now upon us with surprisingly low temperatures hitting much of the country already in late autumn. Once the temperature drops to single digits overnight, it sure makes it harder getting up early in the dark to go and launch the boat. However, I love heading out on the water when the chilly weather arrives, the mad summer rush is long gone and often when heading out mid-week it is just you at the boat ramp. So, you can take your time launching and there are plenty of parks closer to the ramp. It also means that you will have the pick of the favoured spots up the coast, this is important for my fishing as I want to be the only boat for hundreds of metres to drift along and work my softbaits in close to the shoreline. Less boat traffic will help increase your snapper catch rate, with a lot less noise meaning the fish wont spook so easily and go off the bite. Another great benefit of the cooler weather is that snapper really put on the condition, with fat slicks often covering the filleting knife when you are cleaning the fish and the fish fillets certainly taste the best at this time of year. While the snapper fishing in close can still be good over late autumn and into winter, the other species out wide also turn up in good numbers like hapuka, bluenose, albacore and bluefin tuna. Heading out further on calm days to deep water to send big baits to the bottom or trolling a lure spread can offer anglers reward for their efforts. A change of season just means a change of tactics, especially donning the warmer gear and getting the Thermos out for hot soup or coffee to warm those cold fingers so you can at least tie a reasonable knot. Remember to always check the forecast before going, tell someone your plans, pack reliable forms of communication (VHF, PLB/EPRIB and a mobile phone), and always take and wear your lifejackets. Good luck. Mathew Hewetson Editor at large FISHING IN GODZONE Issue #73 COVER PHOTO Scott Cushman with a 70cm+ snapper taken at Slipper Island which was released. Photo by Mathew Hewetson EDITOR AT LARGE Mathew Hewetson WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS LegaSea, Scott Cushman, Adam Clancey DESIGN Blockstart www.blockstart.co.nz PUBLISHER Marlin Marketing Limited Mathew Hewetson 022 355 0588 mathew@marlinmarketing.co.nz Fishing In Godzone is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publishers. All copy, photos or other material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labelled "not for publication". Opinions expressed from such content are not necessarily those of the publisher. ISSN 2382 – 1655 fishingingodzone.co.nz /fishingingodzone Digital Issue #73 2026 With the colder months approaching, you can still go fishing but beanies and jackets are necessary for those chilly early morning starts.
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