I have found in the harbour I have caught my best fish around sunrise. This is when I have caught snapper, gurnard, and tarakihi. I havn't caught that many of them, but this has always been the time.

I'm in the same boat family wise so morning is the easiest option. I've had a bad run with the harbour lately though, so have been going out to ocean beach. It hasn't mattered what time i've been out there, caught 15 fish over the last 3 visits. All red cod and a few lemons so far.