Gisborne East Cape fishing forecast
Gisborne East Cape is a saltwater fishing spot in Eastland NZ, New Zealand. Anglers here target Atlantic Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Yellowtail Kingfish, Mahi-Mahi. The most productive months are typically December, January, February, March.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 13.4 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 25 km/h from SSW |
| Wave height | 1.4 m at 10 s |
| Current | 0.02 m/s toward SSW |
| Pressure | 1028 hPa |
| Depth | 5 m |
| Cloud cover | 100% |
Last updated Jul 20, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Gisborne East Cape
Gisborne East Cape currently scores 94 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 13.4 °C. 8 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Gisborne East Cape:
About this spot
Open coastal saltwater — conditions and safety depend heavily on the live wind, wave, and tide forecast, so check them before you head out.
Approximate bottom depth: 5 m Depth is GEBCO-derived bathymetry, approximate only — not a nautical chart. Do not use for navigation or anchoring.
What you can catch
-
Makaira nigricans
-
Kajikia audax
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Seriola lalandi
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Coryphaena hippurus
Best months by species at Gisborne East Cape
| Atlantic Blue MarlinMakaira nigricans | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped MarlinKajikia audax | ||||||||||||
| Yellowtail KingfishSeriola lalandi | ||||||||||||
| Mahi-MahiCoryphaena hippurus |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents No licence required for recreational sea fishing in New Zealand coastal marine area., non-residents No licence required.
Some rules may have changed since our last verification — always confirm with the authority before you fish.
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. NZ fishing rules vary by Quota Management Area (QMA). Always verify with MPI at mpi.govt.nz before fishing.
Check Gisborne East Cape before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
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Nearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 293 km of Gisborne East Cape.
-
Lake Rotorua New Zealand
Lake Taupo New Zealand
Tongariro River NZ
Whitianga Coromandel
Whanganui River NZ
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Gisborne East Cape?
Anglers at Gisborne East Cape target Atlantic Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Yellowtail Kingfish and Mahi-Mahi.
When is the best time to fish Gisborne East Cape?
The most productive months at Gisborne East Cape are typically December, January, February, March.
What is the fishing forecast for Gisborne East Cape right now?
Gisborne East Cape currently scores 94 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Gisborne East Cape?
Fishing at Gisborne East Cape follows the local rules for Eastland NZ, New Zealand. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Yellowtail Kingfish: Taming the Brown BomberHow to Catch Mahi-Mahi / Dorado: Chasing the Electric-Green Ghosts of the BluewaterHow to Read Tides for Fishing
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.