| 1. The Rocket Pad. 8km west down Bayleys Road from the settlement. I have caught big sevengill sharks from the beach at the Rocket Pad. Also kahawai, smaller sharks, skate and sting ray. I have at times fished here all day without seeing another person. Leave your dog at home as sheep in the paddocks. In 1963 a rocket was launched here. It soared to a hight of about 75km to conduct upper atmospheric research in a joint venture between Canterbury University's physics department and the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
2. The Aerials. An array of radar aerials used by Canterbury University to measure
atmospheric wind velocities
and other things. I have landed about six large sevengill sharks from the beach in front of the Aerials and many other fish over the past decades. The Combined fishing clubs held a surfcasting contest there for many years. I have also been kite fishing here many times - best when the wind is blowing nor'west. Some surfcasters catch quite a few elephant fish here during spring and early summer. The best baits for them are crab and shell fish. Rig also taken here but it is best to fish for them with crab baits. Sometimes shools of kahawai chase baitfish right up on to the beach.
3. Poranui car park. The shingle on the beach here is very loose. Don't try to drive your car or 4wd across it whatever you do. It "eats" cars! This is the most popular spot for surfcasters and those seaching the beach for coloured stones. I have caught many red cod from this beach. The best fishing usually starts from late evening until after the sun goes down. The picture at the top of this page was taken from the car park at Poranui.
4. The Hill End or Rocks at the eastern end of the beach. I used to fish here quite a bit as well. I have never caught any big sharks at this end. But I have caught other species that you don't generally get further down. I have caught red cod, blue moki, banded wrasse, kahawai (often on baited hooks), yellow-eyed mullet, dogfish and others here. The fishing at this end is best when the sea is calm. DON'T GO SWIMMING from these beaches as there is often a dangerous undertow.
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