Warehou

BLUE WAREHOU

Seriolella brama

RECORD:                    6.13, T. Hines, Makara, 1973

DESCRIPTION:  Blue warehou (there are also silver and white warehou found in NZ but blue warehou are the most common) are one of the most challenging fish to target in the Wellington region and South Island.  They are a dark blue-green on their flanks, lighter below and have a distinctive dark blotch on the back of their head.  They have a very steep smooth head and long pectoral fins that stretch back as far as the anal vent distinguishing them from other warehou. Warehou are very good eating and are usually shot in the 35-45cm range.

 MoF REGULATIONS:

Bag limit:                     15 in Southern Region Management Area and part of 20 finfish limit everywhere else

Size limit:                                                    -

 FEEDING HABITS & HABITAT:

Warehou are schooling fish generally found in deep (over 50m) water.  During certain times of the year however they congregate around structure and sometimes near the surface in diveable depths.  They feed mostly on salps but also eat krill, small crabs etc

HUNTING TECHNIQUES:

In order to specifically target warehou successfully you usually need some local knowledge of a pinnacle or reef where they come in shallow enough to spear.  These are usually 15m+ with close proximity to much deeper water.  They are often relatively flighty at first so a reasonable bottom time is needed to allow the fishes natural curiosity to lure them close enough for a shot.  They are also often encountered in weedline situations while looking for species such as terakihi.  In these shallower situations they are often more flighty.