Kawhia is where keen fishers from the Waikato and King Country go to catch a huge variety of fish... from fat flounder netted on the harbour shores to big-game fish that follow the warm currents south every summer.
Several charter fishing boats operate out of Kawhia Harbour. They cater for groups of up to 10 people and specialise in good catches of snapper and other table fish. During the game-fishing season in February they rig up for swordfish, marlin and shark, and cater for smaller parties who troll for the massive big-game fish.
There is good fishing within Kawhia Harbour, and the outer beaches are productive for surfcasting and kite fishing. Beach fishers regularly catch kingfish during the summer months.
Kawhia Harbour is very tidal, with depths ranging up to 20 metres, and the two main cautions for boaties are:
Don't get stranded on sandbanks by the falling tide
Take great care near the harbour entrance, where there are tricky shoals and occasional freaky wave conditions
Kahawai, trevally, mullet, gurnard, piper, snapper and kingfish are the main species targeted by harbour fishing enthusiasts. Stingrays and conger eels, and occasionally small sharks are also caught....
