b'KAIPARA GRAVEYARDEditor Matt Hewetson lovesWe have had some amazing softbaitingFishing Locationhere over the past 10 years and have lost softbaiting for snapper in thehuge fish that straightened or crushed infamous Kaipara Graveyard. jig heads.I know of two 30lb snapper caught on softbaits here in the past few With turbulent waters, 5+years and on a red-hot day, you willKAIPARAknot currents and shallowstruggle to catch any fish under 5lb, with most ranging from 8-18lb.It can sand banks, it isnt a placebe simply outstanding fishing right on A s you would haveAucklands back door.for the faint hearted.HUGE CURRENTread in the front ofLets think about the size of the Kaipara this issue, I haveHarbour, it is one of the largest harbours already chosenin the world and covers 947 square snapper as mykilometres (366mi) at high tide, with favourite fish and409 square kilometres (158mi) exposed written about whyas mud flats and sand banks at low tide.I love surfcasting for them.However, I just had to write about my favourite way of targeting them from a boat and destination to do it.Softbaiting is my go-to approach and softbaiting the Graveyard, is an epic adventure that is always different.It is a rugged, wild, vast harbour that offers a unique place to visit and some seriously big snapper are found here.They come to feed on mussels which are foundThis image shows the type of along the edge of the North Head fromstructure where the mussel the old Pouto lighthouse and down torocks are found that hold fish when at the Graveyard.the Graveyard.Cruising down the calm harbour to the Graveyard with the near new Mercury 150hp.70FISHING IN GODZONE JAN/FEB 2021'