The morning high tide and clear water saw me hit on of my favourite shore spots only a five minute swim off one of Waiheke’s main swimming beaches. As usual the fisho’s launching off the beach were powering off to greener pastures. “What are you after?” they asked as I kitted up on the beach. “Just some mussels” I reply knowing full well I am likely to hit some decent snapper. My spot only fires at a high tide and is on the back of a reef in about 4 – 5m of water. I always snoop the reef then burley up on a nice little drop-off. Snapper to 5kgs are common during winter with the odd larger model seen. Snooping the clear water and trying to avoid some small purple jellyfish with very nasty stings (This I found out later with my face on fire most of the day and some nice welts to wear for the rest of the week…) I wasn’t really expecting much. My casual approach didn’t pay off as a large snapper disappeared in front of me. This I should have easily nailed and I berate myself for not snooping seriously. I set up my burley spot and returned 10 minutes later, peering over the drop-off I noticed a nice 3kg snaps off the main burley and I was about to line it up when it stops and veers off. Experience tells me to hold off, as this fish’s reaction usually means a bigger snaps is present and sure enough moving a little further over the drop off this nice 71cm model was directly below completely oblivious to its impending doom. A well placed shot and he was quickly on my float. Having more than enough fish to feed the family I packed it in and swam back to the beach. Loading up the car, knowing I will be home less than an hour after I left, I can’t help wondering how the fisho’s were getting on … - Navy Seal

That's a lovely Kelpy. Great spot that one Ants. Looking rather trim from all that winter diving mate? - Snoop