Words & Photos: Tim Taylor
Quickly hitting the brakes as I swerve to dodge a recent rock fall; negotiating one-way bridges; spinning yarns about all the awesome fishing along this coast ... this is how a roadtrip along the East Coast always starts.
Omaio is located 53 kilometres east of Opotiki. If you’ve ever driven State Highway 35 around the East Cape, then it’s one of the many pristine bays that you passed through on your way towards the better-known township of Te Kaha. Now given that there are plenty of safe launching points along this coast, the question arises: “What’s the attraction of Omaio?” Well it’s definitely not the coffee (there’s no coffee shop), nor is it the nightlife (there’s not even a pub) - so obviously it must be the fishing!
Over the last couple of years I’ve been fortunate enough to have been able to explore more of the East Cape region than have most people. It started off with my New Zealand sea kayaking expedition and it’s continued with my NZ Kayaker Sunday Sessions. I’ve caught kingfish at Lottin Point, hapuka and marlin at Waihau Bay, but what really keeps me coming back are the snapper at Omaio!
Now the first thing that you need to know about Omaio is that it isn’t suitable for the average weekend boatie. Yes, there’s a safe beach launching spot that’s reasonably protected from the swell, but it’s rather steep (especially at low tide) and it’s made of pea gravel, not sand.
“Big deal - I have 4WD in my townie ute,” you might say.
But please take my word for it; unless you have tires like a Massey Ferguson this isn’t the place to test your luck. To put it simply, if you’re driving down here with the boat, leave this launching spot for the kayakers and drive the short distance up the road to Te Kaha.
The second thing you need to know about this launching spot is that there’s a reef straight out, only 50 metres off shore. During daylight hours the rocks are obvious to everyone, especially if there’s swell breaking on them; the problem is that most fishermen like their early morning starts! Whatever the light conditions, when launching off this beach take an immediate turn left once you’re past the surf, and paddle parallel to shore for 100 metres before swinging out to sea.
Tim’s Tip:
check out Omaio on Google Earth before leaving home. The rocks are shown clearly and you’ll be able to plan an awesome day’s fishing.
So you’ve made it off the beach and are now faced with a choice of following the rocky coastline, or venturing out into the bay. For me the choice is simple: I’m here for the big snapper that lurk in the many reefs, so I’m following the rocks. Where exactly will remain my secret, but it’s not hard to find a good spot. Think about the many TV shows that you watched over the years … the presenters are always looking for the same few things: current, a nice drop-off, or an obvious school of fish. Finding current and a drop-off in this area is as easy as looking over the side, and by pumping a burley trail you’ll soon have a school of jack macks happily ringing the dinner bell. All that’s left for you to do is set the strayline and wait for the first run.
Things you need to know about Omaio…
Fishy things you need to know about Omaio…
Well, I hope all this talk of faraway places encourages you to get out and explore the East Cape region. With a drive time of around 2.5 hours from Tauranga, Omaio is one of my favourite kayak fishing destinations and I look forward to returning to it many more times in the coming years.
Omaio is located 53 kilometres east of Opotiki. If you’ve ever driven State Highway 35 around the East Cape, then it’s one of the many pristine bays that you passed through on your way towards the better-known township of Te Kaha. Now given that there are plenty of safe launching points along this coast, the question arises: “What’s the attraction of Omaio?” Well it’s definitely not the coffee (there’s no coffee shop), nor is it the nightlife (there’s not even a pub) - so obviously it must be the fishing!
Over the last couple of years I’ve been fortunate enough to have been able to explore more of the East Cape region than have most people. It started off with my New Zealand sea kayaking expedition and it’s continued with my NZ Kayaker Sunday Sessions. I’ve caught kingfish at Lottin Point, hapuka and marlin at Waihau Bay, but what really keeps me coming back are the snapper at Omaio!
Now the first thing that you need to know about Omaio is that it isn’t suitable for the average weekend boatie. Yes, there’s a safe beach launching spot that’s reasonably protected from the swell, but it’s rather steep (especially at low tide) and it’s made of pea gravel, not sand.
“Big deal - I have 4WD in my townie ute,” you might say.
But please take my word for it; unless you have tires like a Massey Ferguson this isn’t the place to test your luck. To put it simply, if you’re driving down here with the boat, leave this launching spot for the kayakers and drive the short distance up the road to Te Kaha.
The second thing you need to know about this launching spot is that there’s a reef straight out, only 50 metres off shore. During daylight hours the rocks are obvious to everyone, especially if there’s swell breaking on them; the problem is that most fishermen like their early morning starts! Whatever the light conditions, when launching off this beach take an immediate turn left once you’re past the surf, and paddle parallel to shore for 100 metres before swinging out to sea.
Tim’s Tip:
check out Omaio on Google Earth before leaving home. The rocks are shown clearly and you’ll be able to plan an awesome day’s fishing.
So you’ve made it off the beach and are now faced with a choice of following the rocky coastline, or venturing out into the bay. For me the choice is simple: I’m here for the big snapper that lurk in the many reefs, so I’m following the rocks. Where exactly will remain my secret, but it’s not hard to find a good spot. Think about the many TV shows that you watched over the years … the presenters are always looking for the same few things: current, a nice drop-off, or an obvious school of fish. Finding current and a drop-off in this area is as easy as looking over the side, and by pumping a burley trail you’ll soon have a school of jack macks happily ringing the dinner bell. All that’s left for you to do is set the strayline and wait for the first run.
Things you need to know about Omaio…
- While only 53km from Opotiki, SH35 is winding, often narrow, and treacherous in bad weather conditions. Take it easy and allow a good hour to get there.
- The East Cape region is remote and won’t have the same level of amenities that you’re used to in town. Don’t expect there to be a café around every corner, or a service station open until midnight.
- Cell phone reception is intermittent for all providers.
- There is a large free camping site at the end of Omaio Pa Road.
- The locals are a great source of knowledge but they will protect their turf. Be polite and stop to have a yarn with the guy who’s walking down the middle of the road on his horse.
Fishy things you need to know about Omaio…
- Softbaits work really well, but the fish are often big - so beef up your leader to 20lb and fish with a hard drag.
- When targeting snapper using a stray-line; I’ve found that a whole pilchard on an unweighted 40lb fluorocarbon trace works best.
- Tarakihi will be found in as little as 15 metres over the cooler months. Drop a flasher rig with 1/0 hooks near any cray pot and you’ll be sure to find this tasty delicacy.
- Kingfish will be found everywhere so it always pays to have a live bait under a balloon.
- Burley is your friend. Pump it hard and add in occasional chunks of pillies to really get the big fish homing in.
Well, I hope all this talk of faraway places encourages you to get out and explore the East Cape region. With a drive time of around 2.5 hours from Tauranga, Omaio is one of my favourite kayak fishing destinations and I look forward to returning to it many more times in the coming years.