Fishing

Fishing is one of the main attractions at Waihi Beach - gathering tuatua in the shallows, surf-casting from the ocean beach and the rocky headlands or boat fishing, either inside the harbour or beyond the Bowentown entrance.

Best times for surfcasting are at the change of light and at night. Long set lines are used outside the harbour entrance and netting is done off the beach and inside the harbour the sides of channels can be good for kahawai and snapper. Fishing from the jetties at Tanners Point and Kauri Point can also produce a worthwhile catch. There are plenty of snapper, trevally, kahawai and John Dory to be caught at the northern end of the harbour. Most fishing can be done in water of 5m or less and night fishing can be rewarding in summer.

The bar itself is quite good fishing except in easterlies and fish can be caught most of the year on the sides of the bar - a good anchor is essential.

The closest reef fishing is at Steele's ask a local or use Way Point S37.24.994 El 76.00.621. Drifting from the bar half-way to Karewa Island can also produce snapper in summer, red gurnard in winter.

Bigger boats can head for Mayor Island 18 miles from Tanners Point but watch sea conditions as rough weather can make for a slow trip home. There are maps showing the main fishing spots.

Be Prepared

Be sure to check out our links to the Bowentown bar camera and other important information on our Weather, Surf & Tides page.

For boaties, it's well worth consideration joining the  Waihi Beach Volunteer Coastguard.