Drifting through summer

Help protect our marine environment by drifting through summer – consider drift fishing as an alternative to anchoring. Anchoring can cause damage to our unique Marlborough Sounds sea floor – which are host to habitats similar to coral reefs!

For example, the rhodolith (Pictured right in vibrant pink) is a type of coralline algae that grows incredibly slowly – only about 1mm per year and plays a significant role as a habitat for other marine life, such as the juvenile queen scallop.

Check out the Tides & Navigation Guide for more advice (available from your marina office) and find the best anchoring spot on the Marlborough Sounds Cruise Guide App, which is a must for all boaties in Marlborough!  (Click here for the Cruise Guide) 

Further info on drift fishing is below:

Drift Fishing

Knowing how to drift fish allows you to fish over various habitats as your boat drifts with the currents or wind movement. Your drift fishing rig can be set up to enjoy fishing at any selected depth if your drift fishing setup includes a float. When it comes to selecting drifting bait, natural baits work best, but jigs and lures can produce good results, too.

How to Drift Fish

• Both live and cut baits can be drifted with a weight on your line to keep it near the bottom or suspended under a float

The difference between drifting a bait and bottom fishing is motion. You will need someone to keep watch and an eye on the coast line as you go – but it’s a much kinder way to seek your catch in the Sounds.