After launching at Motunau Beach it is another 35 km further up the coast to Port Gibson (no launching ramps) and from there it is a similar distance again up the coast north east to Bushett Shoal, and Bushett Rocks. To fish at Bushett Shoal boaties must use the launching ramps either at Kaikoura or Motunau. Bushett Shoal is about half way between these two places. Ether way it is a long return trip by trailer boat. Bushett Shoal Map.
This sunken reef system attracts many keen boat fishermen in search of trumpeter and blue cod. Both species being found there in extra large sizes. This excellent fishing area consists of rocky sea-mounts that rise from 40 metres plus to just a few metres from the surface. The whole system is about 5 miles offshore and approximately half way between the mouths of the Waiau and Conway Rivers. These seamounts are boarded on the seaward side by very deep water at the southern end of the deep canyon off Kaikoura. It takes about an hour's travel by boat to get to Bushett Shoal travelling north from Motunau. In other words, Bushett Shoal is difficult to get to, but well worth the effort for those who make the trip. Aside from big blue cod and trumpeter caught there anglers also catch groper, ling, tarakihi and sometimes moki.
See also: Boat fishing out of Motunau Beach.
You might also be interested in surfcasting at Kaikoura. Make this handy surfcasting trolly. Surfcasting locations around Canterbury. A big eagle ray caught surfcasting in Golden Bay. Get yourself a Saltec thumb caster especially if fishing with braided lines. Have you tried surfcasting at night.
Sea Fishing around New Zealand
