I fish at the free camping area at the northern end to the right of the rocks in front of the last set of steps. Ive caught Kahawai and red cod there. I'm told the other side of the rocks can produce gurnard and moki, but Ive yet to have seen it. Like most of Central Hawkes Bay beaches between Blackhead beach and Kairakau, there are plenty of rocks hidden in the water to snag your line so you do need to take care particularly when retrieving.
I fished Pourere beach yesterday and caught a red cod. But the sea was awsome. Why I didnt see a gurnard I have no idea .