Thread: Stewart island first timer

First went there in 1980's but went back 4-5 times to there and other blocks in Patterson inlet since. We got a couple of deer in the bush - missed one a point blank that run up and stood at the base of the tree I had climbed up. There are open grassy faces above the coast in places but suspect these get a fair bit of attention - sat over a couple til dark saw zip. Kiwi out eating sand hoppers in the morning - we were plagued by wild cats which I hope are long gone now. Fresh deer prints around camp site most mornings - no hut back then, but stayed in the hut at Freds camp once, heading out and put up a deer less than 50m from the hut.
We snorkeled/fished the rocky head lands on either side of the bay - scallops the size of dinner plates back then on the sand. Had to do a lot of looking but found crays in amongst the weed on the points often in unusual places - went back to same spots on subsequent trips and got cray. Shot a Moki that bent my Hawaiian sling it was so big. We had a tinny too so we could cover ground and find places where the fishing was good - cod and trumpeter mainly. Lodger rig and bait will work of course as will soft baits or lures. I fish Marlborough sounds cod and no longer bother with stinky bait for cod much more fun on light gear with a soft bait or lure. Only use bait for snapper down Marlborough way now.