NZ Fisher - Issue 51

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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Phil Barchet Reel Life Sportfishing Northland, NZ

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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www.nzfisher.co.nz 33