ISSUE 51
September 2015
Czech
Nymphing The Gateway To More Fish
Tow, tow, tow
Your Boat www.nzfisher.co.nz 1
H O N DA M A R I N E
MERMAID
H
onda Marine New Zealand recognizes women as an important part of fishing and boating. In dedication to the passionate fisher women of New Zealand we have released the Honda Marine Mermaid to swim our shores. Research has shown that female boating & fishing enthusiasts look for the same traits in their outboard engine as they do in their partners: start first time reliability, a high level of efficiency and extremely low noise emissions! In recognition of the passion NZ women have for the local boating and fishing scene, Honda Marine are backing the fairer sex in their pursuit of time out on the water and that record trophy fish. Meet the Honda Marine Mermaid, joining women afloat as they enjoy their piece of New Zealand’s coastline.
CONTENTS 4.. Editorial 8..
Czech Nymphing
14.. LegaSea Update 18.. Surfcasting: Surfcasting Taranaki’s Big Boulder Snapper
ABOUT / Short and sharp, NZ Fisher is a free e-magazine delivering thought provoking and enlightening articles, and industry news and information to forwardthinking fisher people.
EDITOR / Derrick Paull GROUP EDITOR / Colin Kennedy ART DIRECTOR / Jodi Olsson CONTENT ENQUIRIES /
20.. Tow, tow, tow Your Boat
or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz
25.. Video of the Month
Phone Derrick on 021 629 327
Phone Derrick on 021 629 327
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES /
26.. Kuala Rompin
or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz ADDRESS / NZ Fisher, PO Box 47794, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011 WEBSITE / www.NZFisher.co.nz
30.. Reader Pics
This is a GREEN MAG, created and distributed without the use of paper so it's environmentally friendly. Please think before you print. Thank you!
32.. Competiion
Cover Images: Benjamin with a stunning Taupo rainbow - Czech nymphing kicks ass!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 3
EDITORIAL
I’VE BEEN A MEMBER of many fishing
online, with older or at least more
clubs, for many years. I love the
experienced fishers to grow my
comradery of clubs and how members
knowledge and experiences.
rally around newbies – take them under
And that’s cool, but I’ve been blown
their wings and look out for them, often for many years. Clubs feel like a relic of an aged gone by, an era of our parents more so than our children. Instead of clubs we tend to rely more on Facebook and other social media to make new connections and spread the knowledge learned over generations. I feel that clubs still play an important part in the fabric of New Zealand fishing communities. I understand the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council and NZACA are in growth mode, but the net has filled the gap of many years decline.
away by the way kiwi fishers on the Facebook page NZ Fishing Community have rallied around a member Alastair McEwen who was badly beaten on his way home in Whitianga after celebrating the purchase of his new business Blue Water Marine Services. When NZ Fishing Community administrators Ben Chissell and Michael Walkley heard about Alastair’s plight, they set about raising funds to set Alastair up for more fishing adventures when he recovers. The NZ Fishing Community raised over $750 in just
I’ve found many groups online
two days. The biggest input came from
that I can call upon for knowledge
member Ian Lawrence, who purchased
and I’m building new bonds, albeit
a stick bait combo donated by NZFisher
4 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Alastair McEwen with his new toys
Alastair’s situation is horrible for both him and his family but the way the and Pauls Fishing Systems in Onehunga. fishing community rallied around them has proved to me that we’re not While Ian was the winner, there were a dozen bidders, all wanting to do
forgetting the club culture of our past
their bit plus 27 individuals who made
but more expanding it beyond the walls
donations directly.
of the clubrooms.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 5
On the subject of raising money, the team
the fishing front for a few weeks in August,
at The Marine Research Foundation are
par for the course I’d say. What seemed to
still working towards a hefty total to fund
make the difference between getting a feed
the ‘What’s fishing worth’ research project.
and going home empty handed was line
On this front, I’ve got to admit to being a
weight. I’ve enjoyed very light line fishing
bit disappointed in the lack of action (read
in the past, but for the last few years I’ve
donations) by the NZ fishing public.
tended to go for heavier gear – better to
With a Fisheries Act review already underway by the Ministry of Primary industries, the data that can be produced from the What’s fishing worth project can (and, in my opinion, will) show the true value of the recreational fishing sector to those who shape policy and the decisions that dictate the allocation of fish to the various stakeholders.
not lose fish once you do hook them. I think the 15lb soft bait set I have come to rely on might be a bit heavy for the depths of winter. I purchased a Shimano Stradic 1000, which is as small as any mainstream spinning reels go, before a trip to Bream Bay a few weeks ago. I had an absolute ball hooking (and landing all but one) snapper to 550mm. There was also a feisty kingfish, just to make things
To this end, NZFisher is putting our money
interesting. All the while me old mate Daz
where our mouth it. I’m putting in $2000,
manned the camera as he missed out on
but there’s a catch. We’ll match every dollar
everything but a handful of gurnard on the
donated by NZFisher readers – just watch
‘normal’ gear. While one session doesn’t
our Facebook page for the post. Please
make a trend, I’m reminded again of why
do donate, and then leave your donation
we so love light line fishing. It’s more
amount in a message on our Facebook page
effective and hells bells, it’s fun!
and we’ll match it – dollar for dollar. This is too important not to. We’ve been fishing a bit recently too, which is a nice change, but it hasn’t been all that easy. We seemed to hit a bit of a stall on
6 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Have a great spring team, there’s plenty of hot fishing ahead of us now! Tight lines,
Derrick
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7
FRESHWATERFISHING
Czech
Nymphing
The Gateway To More Fish Words & Images by Chris O’Neil
8 www.nzfisher.co.nz
AS AN AVID SALTWATER fisherman,
I believe it is possible for someone who
I have always looked at freshwater
is new to fly fishing to do the same, and
fisherman as just an old boys club:
it can be done using the technique of
tweed vests, tweed hats and little
Czech or Short line nymphing.
trout. Since starting at Rod and Reel in Newmarket, it’s safe to say that my thinking has changed! We are seeing a resurgence of youth giving trout fishing a go and thanks to things like Czech nymphing, affordable quality gear and learning from people your own age. It has seemingly never been easier! The goal for younger fisherman is ultimately to catch fish, and the
Czech nymphing gives you the ability to fish the whole river quickly and effectively, with very little or no previous fly fishing experience. It helps simplify the intricacies of nymph fishing. Not only does it break down the barriers of having to be able to cast effectively before you are going to catch any fish, but it is also hugely effective and most of all, incredibly fun!
more big fish, the better! I have now
For many thinking about taking up
experienced huge numbers of fish Czech
fly fishing, one thing that can scare
Nymphing for our winter run trout, with
them off, and is a real barrier, is
friends catching far fewer on the river
learning to cast. Learning to cast a fly
using traditional indicator techniques.
can take a lot of patience and time to
www.nzfisher.co.nz 9
FRESHWATERFISHING
be effective. Both of which youth are
fluorocarbon leader, where you then tie
generally lacking. With a lot of people
on your nymphs, and that’s it.
predominantly fishing for trout in the winter time and swapping back to the saltwater in summer they can be unwilling to put in the time and practice needed.
There is no need to have copious amounts of line out; we want to keep it as simple as possible. Once you have flicked your line upstream, draw up your slack line, and keep drawing this in as your
This is where Czech nymphing comes
nymphs drift towards you. The aim is to
into its own. You no longer need to
have the join of your bicolour indicator
throw a 20m cast upstream and be able
and fluorocarbon leader, running level
to mend the line perfectly to get it to
with the top of the water. This enables
drift the run just how you want it.
your nymphs to hit the bottom; then
Czech nymphing puts all the line
you can adjust your rod up and down
guidance back into your hands. With
until your nymphs are bouncing on the
a simple flick of the rod tip, or a water
bottom. Don’t stress if it isn’t perfect, it
loaded cast (it doesn’t have to be pretty,
can go under, or be above the water line.
just effective), take up the slack line
Keep in contact with your nymphs by
and you’re fishing.
keeping your line tight. Follow the flow
The idea is to have either a specialist
of the river with your rod while also
Czech Nymphing line or mono running
watching the line and feeling with the
line, attached to this is one foot of
rod for takes or bumps of the nymphs.
bicolour indicator line (multi-coloured
It will take a while to distinguish
hi-visibility mono – I prefer Hanak’s
between the bottom and a fish taking
new range). Then seven to eight feet of
your nymphs. If you don’t get a take
10 www.nzfisher.co.nz
during the drift, pull your nymphs
I use Hanak Fluorocarbon (9lb or higher
out and just flick them straight back
on winter spawning fish). There is a
upstream to start your next drift.
multitude of knots you could use to
I run my nymphs through a run about four times before taking two steps either up river or deeper into the run. The idea is to fish all of the run, both width wise and up the run. If you feel like you know that there are fish in the run, but they are just not taking your nymphs, don’t be afraid to change them up. Size, colour and weight can all be a factor. If it doesn’t look right (weight, size, colour, drift speed, etc.), the trout are not going to eat it. One of the major draw cards for Czech
join the two. I use a back to back uniknot, but you should pick one and learn to tie it quickly and effectively. Then, when you have a bust off on the river, it becomes second nature to you to tie a quick rig and keep fishing. Trim off roughly seven to eight feet of leader. Now you need to tie on your dropper rig. Cut off 20cm of matching weight leader, come up 30cm from the bottom of your eight foot leader and lay the two leaders over the top of each other. To join them I find the three turn
nymphing is how simple it is to set
surgeons knot to be the most effective
yourself up. The idea is to keep it
and strongest for the amount of time
simple while being effective. First we
invested. Trim the top of your dropper
use either a specialist Czech Nymph
and ALWAYS tie your Nymphs to the
line, or a mono running line (attached
bottom piece of fluoro. Tying to the top
over the top of your fly line), to which
strand of fluoro on your dropper will
we attach our bicolour indicator line
cause the line to hinge on the knot and
and then leader.
can increase the risk of a bust off.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 11
FRESHWATERFISHING
Now you have your dropper rig setup;
natural nymph. The dropper will catch
it’s time to select your nymphs. On the
a large number of your fish, so always
bottom of the leader, I usually run my
think carefully about what you’re going
bomb, the heavier of the two nymphs.
to tie on here. An egg pattern in 4mm
This can vary from extremely heavy
and 6mm is a pretty safe bet on winter
epoxy bombs, double tungsten beaded
spawning fish, especially early and late
nymphs to smaller natural Hare and
in the day. If the water is clear, or it
Copper Nymphs. Depending on the
is bright, you may need to change to
volume of flow in the river, and the
more natural nymph patterns.
depth that you wish to get down to,
The main thing you want to remember
you may need to adjust the weight of your nymphs several times.
is to try and keep your nymph and egg selection as natural as possible and
Don’t be afraid to employ split shot
remember always to try and ‘match the
above your bomb to make sure you are
hatch’. What I mean by this is try and
getting your nymphs down to where the
keep your nymphs as similar as possible
fish are sitting in a run. You want your
to what the trout are eating in that river.
nymphs to be bouncing on the bottom,
It can vary greatly from river to river, but
but not dragging. You need to make sure you have enough weight that you can maintain contact with your nymphs, without ripping them off of the bottom.
white and green caddis are a major food source for trout. One of the easiest ways of doing this to flip over a rock in the river you are fishing, and see what insect
Use your dropper rig to fish an egg
life is living there. Another way is to ask
pattern like the Otter’s Soft Milking
your local tackle shop; I am sure they
Eggs (these have proven themselves to
will be more than happy to help you out
be deadly on winter run fish), or a small
and point you in the right direction. ■
12 www.nzfisher.co.nz
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www.nzfisher.co.nz 13
FISHERIESMANAGEMENT
Legasea
Update
What’s fishing worth? Update by Trish Rae, Legasea
IT’S JUST OVER A month since
million in new local and federal taxes.
LegaSea launched the ‘What’s Fishing
And, the total economic activity
Worth?’, a fundraising campaign on
associated with 345,000 visiting anglers
behalf of the New Zealand Marine
was estimated to be approximately
Research Foundation. Thanks a lot to
USD$1.125 BILLION!
everyone who has contributed to this
Here in New Zealand, after 30 years
important project. So far we’ve raised
of the quota management system we
over $37,000 to discover the value of
still have our precious Kahawai being
recreational fishing to our economy.
exported for $1.45 per kilo, and 25 to
Now we thought it was about time
29cm snapper being sold to Australia
we started talking about what has happened when this kind of research has been done overseas. The researchers, Southwick Associates, have seen their research change the way people view the ocean, creating a more positive attitude towards conservation.
for $9.00 per kilo. It’s time to smarten up. We can do so much better with our current marine resources. Like Mexico, the potential for job growth, wealth generation and tax revenues all depend on having fish available. That’s why the New Zealand Marine Research Foundation has engaged Southwick’s to conduct
For example, management priorities
this important research. Preliminary
changed after a study of one area
research results are expected by
in Mexico, Cabo San Lucas, found
December and a full blown peer-
sportfishing generated over $245
reviewed report by mid-2016.
14 www.nzfisher.co.nz
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15
SURFCASTING
Surfcasting for Taranaki’s Big Boulder
Snapper
Words by Alex Reeves
Craig Wisnewski with a 30lb taranaki snapper, 2014.
16 www.nzfisher.co.nz
“While local knowledge will give you an advantage anywhere, this probably rings true for Taranaki more than most places. Visiting fisherman can struggle without assistance and direction from resident fishermen.�
LOCAL EXPERT FISHERMAN Craig
fishing for Gurnard with small baits and
Wisnewski has taken no less than six
3/0 hooks!
trophy Snapper in the last 18 months from South Taranaki waters ranging in size from 21 to 30 pound. Another accomplished big Snapper fishing mate Shane Dunlop recently took a 10kg Snapper while fishing for Gurnard with small baits and 3/0 hooks! The terrain
While local knowledge will give you an advantage anywhere, this probably rings true for Taranaki more than most places. Visiting fisherman can struggle without assistance and direction from resident fishermen.
encountered, greatly varying tide heights
When I first started fishing the South
and the vagaries of West Coast weather
Taranaki reef, I had little confidence that
make success anything but assured.
that I might be successful. It was initially
But when one considers the limited time local surfcasters can spend on the water versus the large number of trophy Snapper that are taken each
impossible to understand how you could fish this minefield of boulders and not lose every bit of gear you threw at it. As well as why any large Snapper would
year, there is no doubt in my mind that
feed in such shallow water and how
Taranaki is the mecca for big Snapper
any fish could find a small bait in this
surfcasting in the country.
labyrinth of rocks.
Local expert fisherman Craig Wisnewski
In addition to learning by trial and
has taken no less than six trophy Snapper
error, I have had the good fortune over
in the last 18 months from South
the years to be able to pick the brain
Taranaki waters ranging in size from 21
of local big Snapper legend Leon Jury.
to 30 pound. Another accomplished big
He has unselfishly shared a lot of his
Snapper fishing mate Shane Dunlop
knowledge with me, and I credit a lot of
recently took a 10kg Snapper while
my success to him.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 17
SURFCASTING
Author (Alex) & his son Ollie with a 12.05kg Taranaki snapper - proof the techniques work.
Challenging Terrain North of New Plymouth you will find predominantly, flat, black iron sand beaches. The Northern beaches throw up their share of big fish and larger bags of typically smaller fish, but it is the South Taranaki water that most consistently produces trophy class fish of 20lb or better. The South is dominated by more boulder reef, interspersed with a few deeper bays but whichever the direction you head the depth is gradually shelving and relatively shallow. The majority of fish would be hooked in 10ft or less of water. While there are large beds of Stalked Kelp on offshore reefs the inshore reefs are largely devoid of substantial weed beds and limited to bands of brown Flapjack Seaweed at the low tide mark. Otherwise the shoreline can look pretty stark and open and care needs to be taken while traversing the rocks. Fishable water is usually situated on the edge of surf-breaks at the mouths of the numerous small bays or in small holes or ‘pocket water’ in amongst the reef itself. Once you decide where to fish you target a suitable boulder to fish from and start wading to your fishing platform! ■
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www.nzfisher.co.nz 19
Tow, tow, tow
Your Boat Meeting your responsibilities when towing your boat trailer Words by Neil Wagener Images by Hosking Trailers
20 www.nzfisher.co.nz
What’s there to know about towing your boat to the fishing ramp? Just hook the trailer onto your tow bar, drive to the ramp and drop the boat in the water right?
was to look to the experts, so we asked a few questions and pretty quickly found there are as many charlatans as decent trailer builders in Auckland. It seems there are no restrictions on
Actually, there’s a lot more to it than that who can build a trailer, but the result to make sure you stay safe. Sadly, about does need to be compliant. We heard seven people die each year from crashes
from fellow fishers that there’s a real
involving vehicles towing trailers, so it’s
case to be made for paying the extra and
important that if you’re towing, you’re
getting a full Stainless steel system. It
aware of your responsibilities so you
will cost more upfront, but significantly
don’t become another statistic.
less in the long term (especially with the
We spoke to a few sources; both the NZ
removable cast-iron hubs and rotors).
Transport Agency, NZ Police and industry
And since we’re doing this to protect
leaders, Hosking Trailers in Auckland to
our investment and potentially lives; no
get our heads around what’s required
question we’ll go for the best we can.
and how you can mitigate trouble with
We settled on Hosking Trailers, a
the police and your insurer.
family run Albany-based business
The New Zealand Transport Agency has
specialising in trailers for the marine
some good information to help - to find
environment. Mark quickly put me at
out more, go to: https://www.nzta.govt.
ease with his knowledge of the laws
nz/resources/glovebox-guide-safe-
and what is required to achieve a cost
loading-towing/guide-safe-loading-
effective, safe outcome that will last as
towing.html but we’ll look into a few
long as the trailer.
more avenues too.
The full install cost a little over $2000,
There’s no doubt that these rules are
including a full new axle, (as an add on
hard to follow and worse, hard to prove,
cost when new, it’ll be less of course) so
especially after the fact. If we were
there’s no doubt it’s a decision you don’t
to make a recommendation, it would
make lightly, but the knowledge we’re
be to have your trailer braked, even if
not risking our lives or our $70,000
you think you’re legally compliant or if
investment – that’s priceless.
you’re not sure.
Mark’s a straight-shooter, and his team
You can buy the parts to do this
don’t mess around; you get what you
yourself for less than $1000, but
ask for on time and within your budget,
then you’ll need to be pretty handy
and it’s a tidy job. That’s something I’m
to ensure you’re achieving the right
happy to pay for. Also below are a few
result. We decided that the best option
tips we picked up along the way:
www.nzfisher.co.nz 21
How do I know my tow set- up is compliant?
ball, and draw bar. Have a look for ratings
The first thing that you are likely to
only aspect that is explicitly identified as
want to know is the maximum weight
being recognised by the law is the required
that your vehicle can safely tow. There
stopping distance of your vehicle when
are multiple aspects that you need to
towing, which is the ability to stop within 7
consider. Probably the best guide is the
metres at a speed of 30 km/hour.
manufacturer’s vehicle tow ratings, which
That’s not exactly easy to measure, so the
refers to the recommended safe towing
recommendation is that any un-braked
limit, and usually covers both braked and
trailer weight should not exceed three
un-braked trailers (more on that later).
quarters of the vehicle’s weight.
While these are a guide, they are likely to be taken into account by police and your insurance company in the event of a crash, so it’s wise to follow them.
stamped onto these components. The
So back to the original question of compliance. NZ Fisher spoke to Warrick Andrews, a Vehicle Safety Officer with the New Zealand Police. He recommends
Check out your vehicle’s manual for its
considering each of these recommendations/
tow rating, or have a look here for a list of
requirements before hooking up your boat
common New Zealand vehicles and their
trailer. At the end of the day, if your tow is
manufacturers recommendations.
not safe, this could put you and others at
As well as the vehicle tow rating, also
risk, and would be looked at as part of any
consider the rating of your tow bar, tow
crash investigation.
22 www.nzfisher.co.nz
What about brakes?
What else do I need to know?
Your trailer may require a braking system,
It’s not possible to cover everything,
depending on the total weight of the
but here are a couple of other things
trailer you are towing. If the gross laden
you may want to consider when
weight of your trailer is between 2000 and
hooking up your trailer.
2500kg, then the minimum requirement is indirect brakes (often referred to as override brakes). This type of braking system is activated when braking of the tow vehicle causes the trailer to push against the vehicle. If the gross laden weight of your trailer is between 2500 and 3500kg, then your trailer needs direct brakes, which are activated by the driver. A trailer of this size will also require a handbrake and breakaway brakes (which stop your trailer should it detach from the tow coupling while you are on the move). While there is no requirement for trailer brakes if the gross laden weight
Mr Andrews suggests that when things go wrong with trailers, they can often be attributed to inadequate braking systems (covered above), trailer loading, speed, worn coupling components and safety chains. First, have a look at your tow ball and make sure it matches the coupling. There are two common sizes, 1 7/8 inch and 50mm. While you are there, check for wear and the general fit of the tow ball in the coupling, which should not be excessively loose. You should also have a safety chain on your trailer, so make sure it’s connected before you drive off. Also please check that your trailer lights are working and that your
of your trailer is less than 2000kg, Mr
tyres have adequate tread and pressure.
Andrews suggests that your trailer meets
When packing for your fishing trip, have a
all of the requirements outlined in the
think about how much extra weight you
previous section.
are adding. The combined weight of fuel,
Also consider the un-braked manufacturer’s
bait and ice, fishing and dive gear can add a
recommendation for your vehicle. It is
substantial weight to your load. This could
unlikely to be above 750kg, so in many
potentially mean that your loaded trailer
cases the threshold weight for needing a
exceeds recommendations/requirements
trailer braking system is going to be much
for your vehicle, your tow bar or the trailer’s
less than the 2000kg that is specified.
braking system (or lack thereof).
www.nzfisher.co.nz 23
Also think about how you pack your
with the highest possible braked tow
load. Try to put weight over the trailer’s
rating, its un-braked rating is likely to
axle(s), avoiding excessive loading at
be much less, around 750kg. As a result,
the front or back of the trailer. As a
the largest aluminium boat you can tow
general rule, your trailer should have
un-braked is about 5m.
downward force at the coupling of about 10% of the overall weight of the loaded trailer. If there is upward pressure or excessive downward weight at the coupling, the trailer may handle poorly and be unsafe. Also consider how your load is secured (lashings/ ratchet tie downs etc…). This goes for the boat too and any items inside it. If your load extends beyond certain dimensions (either in width or at the
Any boat larger than this will at least require over-ride brakes, and direct brakes would probably be needed for an aluminium boat of between 7 to 7.5m (>2500kg). Very large trailer boats (ie >3500kg or > 6000kg combined vehicle and trailer weight) exceed light vehicle towing requirements. An 8.5m aluminium boat would likely exceed these limits, and as a result, you
rear of your trailer or front of your
will need a different class of driver’s
car) then you must display certain
licence and a non-standard vehicle such
warning devices. Most relevant to
as a commercial truck (even the largest
boats, if your load extends more than
recreational vehicles have a maximum
one metre behind the trailer, then
tow rating of 3500kg).
you need a flag that is at least 400mm
If you are unsure about the weight
long and 300mm wide (white or
of your boat and trailer, it’s probably
fluorescent red, orange or green). At night you need to display a red rear facing light. If you have twin engines then you are likely to need a flag/light on each engine.
A final rough rule of thumb
easiest to give your nearest tip/transfer station a call and arrange to weigh your trailer on a day when they are likely to be quiet. Again, before you take to the water, we recommend you think about all of the aspects of your trailer and vehicle - and
Finally, if you are driving a sedan or
of course pack your lifejackets and other
station wagon, your un-braked tow
safety gear. It’s in your own interest to
rating is likely to be relatively low,
tow and drive safely as you’re not going
probably around 500kg. The largest
to catch any fish if your trailer can’t get
aluminium boat you can tow is likely to
your boat to the ramp without landing
be 4 to 4.5m. Even if you have a vehicle
you in hot water. ■
24 www.nzfisher.co.nz
VIDEOOFTHEMONTH
Fishing Paradise
I
love fishing, but there’s no doubt fly fishing In for any species increases the enjoyment. the way surfers talk about a connection to anglers beaches, waves and the ocean itself, these show a similar connection, not only to New whole Zealand’s glorious rivers and fishery, but the . environment in which it sits. Watch it here
www.nzfisher.co.nz 25
GAMEFISHING-READERSSTORY
Kuala Rompin Sailfish on My Mind
Words & images by Russell Jones
Russells daughter Tammi on the end of a screamer!
Russell with his catch what a feeling!
26 www.nzfisher.co.nz
“White water everywhere, everyone was buzzing and screaming! This thing was going absolutely nuts. The line was in a big loop out from the rod tip and this fish was coming straight for the boat, smashing on the surface as it stormed towards us.”
FRESH OFF THE PLANE from New
similar problem, lots of fish, wrong size.
Zealand, we bundled the kids into
This happened at the next two places.
the car in Malaysia and made off
The travelling time between the FADs
for Lanjut Beach and Golf Resort,
is only about five to 10 minutes but we
Kuala Rompin. We were at the Jetty
were chomping at the bit. We roared up
at 8am and we were whisked off to
on the next FAD and sent Mahi-mahi
the fishing grounds aboard a typical
airborne. My eyes lit up!
Malaysian longboat.
The skipper thought if we don’t get
While I knew we were chasing sailfish,
big enough livies for Sailfish, we could
we turned up not really knowing what
keep some of the smaller livies and
to expect. In half an hour we were at
have a crack at these. But this new
the first FAD (fish attracting device)
FAD produced and at least three livies
about 10 miles offshore in deep, blue
of marginal size came in.
tropical waters.
The skipper, with thoughts not
Bait catching was the first task but
dissimilar to mine, threw a free
this was mostly us watching the
swimming livie over the back while he
skipper throwing Sabiki flies around
set about catching more for the tank.
as we picked up as much as we could
It didn’t take long and our livie was
from him. The kids were dying to give
swallowed and spat out on the strike.
this a crack as there were so many
Mmmm, I should have done a bit
different types of fish to investigate
more reading on how Sailfish take
but I had left their rods in the shower
baits. The skipper just wound in and
at the resort. Big mistake!
made off for the next area – Doh!
After 10 minutes we had no bait;
We deployed two free swimmers at
everything was too small. Next FAD:
the next FAD and in seconds my livie
www.nzfisher.co.nz 27
GAMEFISHING-READERSSTORY Tammi’s fish Well done Tammi!
was whacked. It was a strange take.
counting. Aerial, down deep, skipping
For a minute, there was nothing,
on the surface: you name it, it did it.
but then it was whacked again! I
Towards the boat, away from the boat,
had the bail arm open on the Stella
under the boat. The fight was perfect.
and holding the line with just the
I had it close and then three seconds
slightest resistance in my fingers. Still
later, I had 50 metres to gain back. This
too much pressure apparently so then
is what we’re here for people!
a sailfish cruised to the surface with
The drag on the Penn needed to be a
its sail out of the water and cruised
lot smoother as the stop-start affair
off again. Then, like music to my ears,
was a little unnerving, but soon the
the other reel started to sing!
beast of the bay succumbed and
White water everywhere, everyone was
photos ensued, before the beast was
buzzing and screaming! This thing was
hastily returned to the ocean to fight
going absolutely nuts. The line was in
another day.
a big loop out from the rod tip and this
Then we were off to find another
fish was coming straight for the boat,
patch of fishy ground.
smashing on the surface as it stormed towards us. Twice it did this and then off it went – its speed is incomprehensible it wasn’t hanging around.
We stopped off again in a new area, this time in 60 foot of water but every time we stopped and deployed baits we were bitten off. It was either
By the time I got to the rod, it was 10
Spanish mackerel or barracoota or
metres off the boat. By the time I got
even a squid attack, but nothing
my shi*t together, it was 70 metres and
stuck. Then, out of the blue we lost a
28 www.nzfisher.co.nz
on the surface , they’re little speedsters Stunning when air bourne
short bill swordfish – this time after
blistered from the ordeal; her smile said something else. Our selfproclaimed New Zealand ‘Mackerel Queen’ doesn’t want to catch mackerel anymore. She wants things that pull string - and these sailfish certainly deliver. Note to self, these fish don’t like pressure!
its second run. Sailfish are notoriously difficult to hook; it’s a patience game, and they’re just downright fickle. We had more takes but then lost them with bad strikes and not paying attention. My bad. It was time for the kids to have a go and on cue the balloon jiggled and then off we went again! This time, there was a lot of surface skipping, and then down deep and back to aerial again. This time, it was my 12-year-old daughter Tammi holding tight to the five-foot jig rod. She was learning quite quickly how to use the
The skippers balloon rig. Loop of line, blow up the balloon and tie the balloon AROUND the loop, making sure the loop can be pulled through the knot. Little or no resistance. Will I go back? HELL YES! Next time I will try the fisherman’s accommodation at the ‘Sea Dragon Inn’ right beside the ‘Jetty.’ Families should try the resorts. ■ The balloo n rig
rod as a lever and to wind down on the line as not to leave it too slack. Quite tough when close to being spooled and the skipper reversing hard to regain some line. Her hands
www.nzfisher.co.nz 29
READERPICS
>
Erin Murphy 6, by the Rangitiki River at the lovely campground at Mangaweka. Caught all by herself!
>
Tommy Johnson with a 12lber almost too big to lift. Nice fish!!!!
30 www.nzfisher.co.nz
>
Mike Clews first time live baiting and also targeting kingfish, caught this 24kg beauty at Spirits Bay
>
Oscar with one of his Dads Taupo trout
>
Oscar with an almost legal Sunshine coast Brim
www.nzfisher.co.nz 31
COMPETITION
Competition!
Share an Awesome Photo and Be in to Win!
Share a fishy photo this month and be in to WIN one of two $100 Go Fish Vouchers! SHARE AN AWESOME photo of you with
anything you like from their website
a fish to our Facebook page, or email it
or in store.
to derrickp@fisher.co.nz by October 23rd
This month's winner is Tommy Johnson.
2015 and you’ll be in to win one of two
Tommy has won a $100 Go Fish voucher,
$100 vouchers from Go Fish to spend on
happy spending Tommy! ●
32 www.nzfisher.co.nz
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Simply visit www.nzfisher.co.nz to get a copy of NZ Fisher delivered straight to your inbox every month!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 33