Okuma Matata
November 24th 2017
Do you remember our last East coast foray? – you don’t? Well, I’m not surprised. It was a completely forgettable trip. The only thing I had learned from that particular day, is that local knowledge is the key to success . . . and we had none. So when I was asked to accompany the boys from CD Rods out East on their awesome new boat Okuma Matata, I had high hopes that with a little local expertise, we might achieve greater things this time around.
My own boat was out of commission due to engine problems and there is surely no worse time of year to experience those. I called around numerous yards til I found anyone who could squeeze a job in before Christmas – and by that stage the thought of spending my whole holiday season without my trusty Sea Nymph was giving me serious concerns. The engine is currently in pieces at Bensemann Marine and I’m waiting with baited breath for the news that she’s to collect.
It was very fortunate therefor that I had the call from the Composite Developments team inviting me to join them for the day. Their impressive vessel is a 7.5 metre Surtees that purrs along thanks to the silky, smooth twin Honda 150s bolted astern. She’s looked to be the ultimate fishing machine and after a day spent aboard I’m not ashamed to admit I have a serious case of boat envy.
After a 4am wake-up and bleary eyed drive North to Gulf Harbour, we were out on the water before 6am and wetted the first lures on sunrise. We tried a few spots in vicinity of Kawau and fished a mix of lures and baits to figure what was going to work on the day. When you are fishing with a tackle wholesaler, there’s no shortage of lures to choose from. Their communal bag was more treasure chest than tackle box, stuffed to the brim with jigs, softbaits, stickbaits, and poppers. We drifted various spots over the morning and landed a mix of snapper, kahawai, and gurnard. With a pristine day of clear skies and gentle breezes, on a shiny new Surtees, amongst the stunning scenery of the Northern Hauraki gulf, I have to thank my lucky stars I’m fortunate enough to live and work where I do.
