b'A uckland fishos or boaties know that we are extremely fortunate to be positioned where we are, based around two large harbours (Waitemata and Manukau) and nestled in between the east and west coasts with easy access to both the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea, right off our back doorsteps. Much of our own lives here in Auckland revolves life around the ocean, with Aucklanders (and visitors alike) frequenting our many beaches, oceanside clifftop bushwalks, seaside promenades, Viaduct Harbour and Downtown Waterfront which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes and surrounding islands such as Waiheke and Rangitoto which are regular hot spots and tourist attractions.The most popular area for fishing in Auckland is, of course, the Hauraki Gulf (Tkapa Moana) with an area of 4000 km2 which lies between the Auckland Region, the Hauraki Plains, the Coromandel Peninsula, and Great Barrier Island. Most of the gulf is part of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.There are many well-known fishing spots in the Hauraki, particularly around the numerous islands, including Ponui Big donkey-sizedIsland, Waiheke Island, Tiritiri kahawai are everywhereMatangi and the iconic Rangitoto and great for the smoker. Island (a dormant volcano), which is connected to the much older Motutapu Island by a causeway. Thousands of mutton birds wereOther inner islands in the gulf gathered around Option Tacklesinclude Browns Island, Motuihe centre console to feed on the huge anchovy schools. Island, Pakihi Island, Pakatoa Island, Rakino Island, and Rotoroa Island in the inner gulf, around Waiheke and Rangitoto; Tarahiki Island just east of Waiheke.There is no shortage of habitat and fish around these hot spots and an abundance of sea life, no matter where you go.AUCKLAND BOAT RAMPSOne of the most popular boat ramps to launch at is the Takapuna boat ramp on the North Shore, but it can be chaos at peak weekend times with limited car and trailer parking and exposed to easterly weather so not an easy launch when there is a swell running, but it is a popular choice for many who only want to venture out to the inner Hauraki. /FISHINGINGODZONE25'