Fishing near Ruakaka, Northland

Ruakaka sits on the western shore of Bream Bay in Northland, a stretch of coastline Captain Cook named for the abundance of snapper — still the primary target today. The beach runs for 22 kilometres, giving surf casters, kite fishers, and long-liners plenty of room to work gutters and holes, particularly around the Ruakaka River mouth. Boats launch off the beach at Princes Road or from the ramp at Marsden Cove Marina, with the Hen and Chicken Islands 22 kilometres offshore drawing anglers and divers after snapper, kingfish, crayfish, and scallops. Wilson's Dam, just north of town off Prescott Road, is a stocked trout fishery managed by Northland Fish & Game.