b'THE SOUNDS T he Easter Holiday had finally arrived, and we hitched up the boat and grabbed a coffee to commence the five-hour trip from Christchurch to Picton on a sunny autumns morning. It was just after lunch as we drove through Kaikoura and then onto the beautiful northern section of the rebuilt Pacific Coastal highway, which has now become incredibly popular.With the views and top food as the road passes by the iconic Nins Bins, Oahu Point, Karaka Lobster and finally The Store at Kekerengu before heading back inland and on to Blenheim and Picton.For many South Island boaties, the Marlborough Sounds is a hugely popular boating and fishing destination as it has approximately 1500 km of coastline to fish and explore, along with historic sites, island sanctuaries, marine reserves, and lodges to stay at and enjoy.FISH SPECIESDuring the year, the inner Marlborough Sounds offers a good range of fish from snapper, blue cod, gurnard, and butterfish and crayfish for the keen free divers.The best way to explore the sounds is by boat during autumn and winter as often the Launching from Waikawa Bay boat rampmornings will be cool, and calm followed in the writers Osprey trailer boat. by shorter sunny days.There is plenty of accommodation options on offer in the Sounds from baches to rent, lodges and camping grounds.30FISHING IN GODZONE MAY/JUN 2023'