Marlborough Sounds

Picton, Marlborough, New Zealand · Saltwater · Beginner

A maze of drowned river valleys with sheltered water in almost any wind. Blue cod over the rocky bottom, kingfish around the outer headlands, and increasingly good snapper in the warmer months.

Getting there & access

  • Fish from: boat

The Marlborough Sounds blue cod fishery is closed to taking blue cod from 1 September to 10 January inclusive, a season extended by MPI to let the fishery recover. MPI asks anglers to target other species away from rocky-reef blue cod habitat during the closure and to minimise handling and use large circle hooks when blue cod are caught. Check MPI and the NZ Fishing Rules app for current rules and closed areas.

Access information source

Species

  • blue cod
  • snapper
  • yellowtail kingfish

Best times to fish

  • Blue cod year-round
  • Snapper (Dec-Mar)
  • Calm mornings in the inner sounds

Recommended gear

Essential

  • Medium boat rod
  • Bait rigs and soft baits
  • Berley
  • Measuring gauge

Optional

  • Boat or water taxi
  • Sounder
  • Jigging outfit for kingfish

Regulations and requirements

  • No licence required for recreational sea fishing
  • Blue cod cannot be taken from 1 September to 10 January inclusive in the Marlborough Sounds — check Fisheries NZ for current rules before fishing
  • Some areas are closed or restricted to protect the blue cod fishery

Rules change regularly — always confirm with the relevant fisheries authority before you fish.

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