Mahimahi (Dorado)

The season 2007/2008 saw the biggest run of Mahimahi ever in New Zealand.
A few national records were set on conventional gear, and we can only hope it gets better from here. A lot of 10-15 kg fish were caught, and thousands of little baby ones as well.
Tackle: 8-10wt with intermediate/sinking lines and small baitfish patterns or poppers.

John Dory

The only shallow water fish in the dory family. Beautiful ambush hunter with very poor fighting skills.
It is New Zealand’s No 1 table fish though, so we always welcome a nice Johnnie.
Catching John Dory on fly is a bit tricky, but once they make up their mind the fly is sucked in immediately.
Tackle: 8wt baitfish patterns striped slow over bottom or around structure.

Gurnard

A by catch when fishing for snapper over sandy bottom.
The Gurnard always sings us a little song when he comes out of the water. Not a strong fighter, but a pretty fish to photograph.

Baracouta

Note: different from the tropical barracuda.
The Baracouta turns up in the cooler months by the millions. They respond very well to cube and burley trails, and gives the fly angler a good fight.
As for all barracuda species, wire trace is a must. Tackle: 8-10wt with fast sinking lines and big baitfish patterns.

Other species to mention would be:
Slimy mackerel
Jack mackerel
Yellowtail mackerel
Flounder
Pigfish
Wrasse
Leather jacket
Blue mao mao
Pink mao mao
Blue cod
Koheru
Porae
Scorpion fish
Silver drummer
Parore (luderick)