Hawke Bay is a large, open bay on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island, forming the coastal boundary of the Hawke's Bay region. The coastline offers a diverse mix of terrain, from expansive sandy surf beaches to rocky outcrops and steep shelving shingle beaches. The bay's waters are influenced by warm summer currents that can raise sea temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius, attracting a variety of pelagic and bottom-dwelling fish species. This creates a dynamic environment for both shore-based surfcasting and boat fishing, with conditions that can vary significantly based on wind direction and swell.