No, Rex, but in all fairness I don't go looking for them. I hope this makes sense: I just go fishing, and regardless what the sea Gods allow me to catch, then I am a happy man.

I appreciate that snapper are the prime specie for most anglers, well I must have been cast in an odd mould. For the table I would rate gurnard as #1, and I catch those very regularly. To give me a work out, then an angry eagle ray will test both myself and the light gear I use to the full. I must add I firmly believe the humble kahawhai has a lot going for it, especially when caught on lighter equipment.

I think we are very fortunate to find such enjoyable sport right here on our doorstep. Yesterday, from where I was fishing, I had an uninterrupted view both north and south, Awatoto to Marineland. There wasn't another soul fishing. Sometimes we need to remind ourself to count our blessings.