July 1999. Hatfields is a small beach with rocks to either side. It was once a good safe clear beach suitable for any of the kitefishing systems but several years ago I heard a rumour that a few of the locals decided to dump a car body in the middle of the bay to prevent commercial longliners from venturing too close inshore.

I would suggest you fish the area with any of the Dropper Rigs.

There is good access to local shops for food and drinks day and evening.

August 2002

Hatfields Beach is easy to fish in both a southerly and a northwesterly wind. It is free of snags if one stays near the centre of the beach.

I have seen other kitefishers do well here with catches of small snapper, kahawai etc but I have not had a good strike here myself yet.

Hatfields Beach has advantages that it is close to Auckland and accessible. Kitefishers should think in terms of 1500 to 2000 metres of mainline.

There can be red weed in early winter which can make kitefishing difficult. If present, it can slow down the setting and retrieving of gear. The weed does not stop the fish biting if your baits stay clear of the weed.

Note: To alleviate this problem try using the Running Float Dropper Rig System