NZ Fisher – Issue 68

ISSUE 68

May 2017

Big

Snapper from the

Kayak

www.nzfisher.co.nz

www.nzfisher.co.nz 1

“Honda provides me with reliability, fantastic fuel savings, quietness on set, low emissions and incredible harmonics which pull the fish. We’re now saving around 40% on fuel from one of my previous boats running like for like horsepower engines” Nicky Sinden ADOS Addicted to Fishing

“The choice of Honda engines was simple. Our experience with Honda reliability and support has been outstanding. The power is incredible, because the engines are hardly working, the economy is amazingly good.”

Captain Phil Barchet Blue Water Adventures

“With a heavier hull on the new boat and a large array of pumps and electronics the big powerful 3.6 litre V6 with a 90amp alternator was the logical choice” Tony Orton Offshore Adventures

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL HONDA DEALER TODAY

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CONTENTS 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.

5... Editorial 6... Targeting Big Snapper from a Kayak 12... The NZ Kayak Fishing Group

are nailing it

EDITOR / Derrick Paull GROUP EDITOR / Colin Kennedy ART DIRECTOR / Jodi Olsson CONTENT ENQUIRIES / Phone Derrick on 021 629 327 or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES / Phone Derrick on 021 629 327

18... New Squid on the Block

or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz ADDRESS / NZ Fisher, PO Box

20... Find the Bait & You’ll Find Dinner 26... End of a New Era 32... Borniak: Your Newest Best Friend

47794, Ponsonby 11144 WEBSITE / www.NZFisher.co.nz

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!

36... Workmanship Onboard 38... Reader Pics 44... Fishing Video

Cover Image: Lee Kennedy with one of five snapper over 15lb in one day off the yak

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WIN

Squidwings Click

HERE

4 www.nzfisher.co.nz

EDITORIAL THANK YOU, NAOMI and the ladies of issue 67! What a cracker of an issue we were treated to. It’s the first time I’ve genuinely handed of over the reins for NZFisher, but the result was fantastic. You might have found your calling Naomi!

This issue is a look at the crisp cool season of fishing that is late autumn.

It’s when the sun sets early; the breeze is chilly, the bait fish flock in and the fishing gets hot – in spots.

I love autumn fishing, especially when it’s with bait, berley and livies. The results can be devastatingly good. Our cover shot this month comes from one of the most consistent and clever fishermen I’ve met in the last few years – Lee Kennedy or ‘Saltwater Assassin’ as he goes by on his Facebook page.

I’ve loved kayak fishing since I started in about ‘07 and never get tired of paddling, casting and landing fish so close to the water. There’s a thrill in it I’ll never get over. I cannot get over how big, and frequent Lee’s catches are – and so close to Auckland. We’re graced by Lee’s first article in NZFisher too, a great read for those wanting to seek out big fish in the near-shore waters.

If you’re in the same mood as me, you’ll love the new read from Michael Walkley too. He’s also been hitting the shallow, gnarly reefs with livies in the tanks and big fish on the agenda. We’re

going hard at the big’un’s, and we hope you enjoy the chase!

For those that don’t follow NZFisher on Facebook, we’re selling our beloved Frewza F18. This fantastic boat has served us well, landed many, many good fish including my own PB Snapper, Bluenose and countless more for friends and customers. There’s a write up in this issue covering our time and trips with the Frewza – see the article later in this issue.

To finish this month, I want to shout out to a guy and his girl who are doing things about the future and preservation of our fishery in ways that keyboard warriors like me can only dream of. Carl and Sarah Warr are a pair of kiwis doing it right and finding ways to continuously improve their commercial fishing practices. It’s my plan to one day write a worthy article on the full story of their Better Fishing business, but I’d like to mention and congratulate them on being nominated in the Seafood Champion Awards, Innovation Category. Carl’s kiwi ingenuity is the stuff of legend in the Hawke’s Bay, but the results could be used to save millions of fish in the future and are getting traction with MPI, scientists and worldwide fisheries managers.

Great effort Carl! We’re all grateful for the dedication, thanks.

Derrick www.nzfisher.co.nz 5

KAYAKFISHING

Targeting Big

Snapper

from a Kayak In Auckland

BY Lee Kennedy

6 www.nzfisher.co.nz

KAYAK FISHING HAS BEEN a passion

locations, but where I concentrate

of mine for almost 12 years now. It’s

my efforts these days is in Auckland:

pretty safe to say within the first year of

YES those XOS snapper do exist here

purchasing my first proper fishing kayak;

in Auckland, and you’d be amazed

my passion very quickly turned into an

how many of these beasts are being

obsession. Why kayak fishing you might

caught by kayak fisherman! Kawau

ask? For one, it’s inexpensive - you can

Island, Omaha, Tawharanui Peninsula,

basically launch anywhere you want,

Leigh, Tiritiri Matangi are the areas

it’s good exercise, it’s environmentally

I have become very fond of.

friendly, and there’s also a real sense of

I have hunted fish from the shallows

achievement that comes along with it.

(three metres of water), right out

Over the years I’ve enjoyed fishing all

to the 60 to 70-metre mark, 15 to

around the North Island; Whangarei,

20km offshore. There are trophy

Far North, Matai Bay, Coromandel, Bay

fish to be caught all over these

of Plenty, etc. I’ve caught plenty of

areas, given you have the right

big snapper and kingfish around these

area knowledge and techniques.

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KAYAKFISHING

On a recent trip to Auckland with

Anyway, back to the fishing. My first

a few lads from our New Zealand

cast of the soft bait in five metres of

Kayak Fishing Facebook page, I was

water landed me a nice 7kg snapper,

lucky enough to hook into some

next cast another one about the

really nice snapper. Might have been

same size. A few casts later I was in

something to do with the shooting

an absolute dogfight with a massive

star I had seen just before sunrise...

snapper in some really shallow reefy

I’m not sure? I mean, who the hell

waters. After an awesome fight of

wishes for big snapper anyway...?

around 15 minutes, a nice 25lb snapper

Shhh, don’t tell people..! A million

popped up next to my kayak! Stoked!

dollars would have been nice!

This was just the start of a fantastic day.

Funnily enough, some of the other

As the sun began to rise and the noisy

lads had seen the same shooting star,

boaties appeared, the fishing in the

but it turns out that it was actually a

shallows started to slow down. After a

fragment of a meteorite, as we found

quick discussion with the posse, it was

out later. If you ever see one of these

decided that we would start making

things people, make a wish for sure!

our way out to some deeper pastures.

8 www.nzfisher.co.nz

On arrival to the 50-metre mark, the whole area was alive with baitfish, big schools of tuna everywhere, pretty exciting stuff for sure. A couple of the lads were hooking up on some small albacore and skipjack tuna on the soft plastics and kaburas.

I hooked a few on the beta bugs (inchiku style lure) using a fast retrieve, but their soft mouths kept pulling the hooks – best to fish with a light drag setting. However, I did manage to land a couple of small skippies. They are great fun to catch on the light gear and man; they are awesome looking fish.

The hot fishing continued out in the deep water for a couple of hours, some of the lads pulling up some nice snapper. William Kunst had a bit of an unfortunate moment, his personal best snapper of around 12 to 15lb flapped out of his hands while he was trying to secure it.

Don’t worry William, I did see it!

Unfortunately, he didn’t have time to snap a photo; I’m sure the mental image will last forever mate. I managed to hook into another fish around the 7kg mark, this time on the new white Beta Bug from Catch Fishing. This thing was dynamite on snapper over the day; white could be my new favourite colour!

The fishing slowed not long after with the change of the tide. It’s always a good time to rehydrate and have a feed yourself while the fish aren’t biting.

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KAYAKFISHING

Me and my good mate Justin Tunnage

a scrap on the light gear. JT was kind

(JT) decided to head in a bit closer to

enough to lend me his gaff, lucky for

shore to see if we could find some more

me the kingfish had not realised it was

fish. We got to around the 35-metre

hooked yet, which made life a bit easier

mark and we could see birds working

when it was time to grab the gaff.

the surface, more tuna smashing the

This fish woke up straight after I grabbed

bait schools, but also kingfish in the mix.

the gaff. 40 minutes later after a mean

I was a bit under gunned for kingfish,

fight on the 3 to 6kg soft bait gear, a nice

with all the light tackle on board, but

Auckland kingie of around 11kg surfaced.

what the hell – one can only try!

Not massive but great fun for sure.

I cast out the soft bait 1oz jig head

The fishing was hot in this area, JT and

to get a good distance on the cast, a

his team mate Ryan from Stealth Kayaks

good fast retrieve action, through the

were slaying it on the tuna, and another

school, and boom, kingfish on! To be

one of our group members Rob managed

honest, I was hoping for a tuna, but

to land himself a nice 12kg kingfish too.

no worries, always keen for a bit of

What an awesome day all around! ď Ź

10 www.nzfisher.co.nz

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KAYAKFISHING

The NZ

Kayaking

Fishing Group Are Nailing It! Great results on the water from the Facebook group

BY Jason Kemp

12 www.nzfisher.co.nz

IN FEBRUARY 2016 the New Zealand

conduct an open invitational kayak

Kayak Fishing Facebook Group was

fishing meetup in the sunny north.

launched by Lee Kennedy, with big

Now, this was not a competition

hopes of uniting all kayak fishos of all

– rather a gathering for new and

ages at any level, regardless of what

experienced paddlers to meet,

kayak they paddled, but also to grow

paddle and catch a few fish.

and promote this amazing sport.

Social media exploded with interest.

Initially, membership was slow;

All messages were positive and

that was until a fellow competitor-

motivating, especially with two of the

turned-partnership was created

country’s best paddlers (Jason and

with Jason Kemp. Both paddlers

Lee) answering every angler’s query.

competed in Kayak Fishing Series

The very first open invite started at

competitions throughout NZ, and

Leigh, with a good number of keen

outside of competitions, both men

fishos in attendance. It was the

wanted to give back. Jason came

beginning of something magical.

on board the NZKFG as an MC/ promoter, resulting in membership growth and more Facebook interest.

After a great day out on the water and good fish caught, the reactions and response at hand and on social media

An instrumental conversation with

were very positive. Consequently,

Lee, Jason and kayak fishing related

not long after that, another event

sponsors took place with a plan to

was created, this time further north.

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KAYAKFISHING

The next open invitational fishing

Facebook page is the entire feed

meetup in Taiharuru, Whangarei, was

is filled with positive comments,

also well attended by both northern

motivating pictures and a great

and southern paddlers. In addition

sense of pride as paddlers. Perhaps

to meeting and greeting fellow

this is because kayak fishing is a

paddlers, there were 10lb and 12lb

sport where fishing with a friend is

snapper being landed, as well as a

encouraged, there’s safety for us on

24lb monster. With family attending

the water in numbers, and we love

during the weigh in, prize giveaways

to share information and stories.

and a free barbeque, the atmosphere was friendly, relaxed and positive.

Additional open invitational meets have been organised in

With great results from the northern

the Coromandel, Auckland and

invitational, membership soared with

the north, with great numbers

anglers from all parts of the country,

and fish being caught. A definite

as well as active members overseas.

The amazing thing about the NZKFG

14 www.nzfisher.co.nz

highlight was the 60 paddlers that attended the Auckland event.

“

The entire feed is filled with positive comments, motivating pictures and a great sense of pride as paddlers.

KAYAKFISHING

16 www.nzfisher.co.nz

theaussiebutcher.com

The NZKFG has been recognised through fishing and kayaking social media sites, advertised on numerous The Adventurer newspaper articles and currently has over 3500 members.

Another invitational meet is taking place on July 1st at Whatuwhiwhi in the Far North. With sea temperatures declining, big snapper fishing in close proximity will be heating up.

Shout out to our sponsors for their fantastic prize giveaways and continued support for this awesome group that we have all created: Viking Kayaks, Catch Fishing, Lowrance, Railblazer. BerleyPro, Saltydog Bait, Buff NZ, Toll Petroleum, and Aussie Butcher. 

THE PITMASTERS CHOICE FOR LOW & SLOW CUTS NEW LYNN • MT ROSKILL HENDERSON • BOTANY • KUMEU

www.nzfisher.co.nz 17

SPORTFISHING

New

Squid

Jason Kemp with a serious snap taken on a Squidwings off the yak 18 www.nzfisher.co.nz

On the Block

BY Neil Wagener

I USED TO SPOUT in NZFisher all the time

as a micro-jig but also as a trolling and

about all the new bits and pieces that

topwater lure. I’ve begun buying the larger

came in, and we tried. Some worked well,

models for trolling but they are easy to

some not so well but we covered them all.

cast, look awesome in the water, and most

More recently I’ve gotten a bit tired of all

importantly catch fish both in work-ups

the new tricks. I have bought, tried and

and when fish are mingling.

tried again about 40 different lures in the

I figure there’s something in it having

last two years, and most have been about

a squid pattern. I’ve come to rely on

as good as the last. On hot days, they all

Berley Mate’s Black Stuff spray on

catch fish, and on the tough days some

unscented soft baits. It’s made from

make a difference, but it’s hard to build a

squid innards, which I’m led to believe

file that shows one as a real stand out.

is the duck’s nuts fish attractant, and I

In the topwater arena I’m back to using

figure there are not many predatory fish

my Orions soft baits (so hard to find in

in the sea that can’t or don’t eat squid.

New Zealand, but well worth the effort to

I’m looking forward to September/October

drag them in from overseas!). I’ve gotta admit I’m back to gulps for the tough days, but the new rubbery ones get a hammering when the bite is hot.

Where I’ve been finding myself trying new things more and more is with inchiku type micro and general small jigs. These things are robust, they’re effective, and they’re easy to fish with. But once again, there’s a

when the squid are running hard, and kings are after them. I can see the 200g Squidwings getting a hammering.

Unlike other inchiku and slow-pitch jigs, Squidwings kind of fish the way they’re meant to: you pull them towards you like a squid moves. As simple as that sounds, I think it makes them more attractive.

standout that performs not only when the

As for colours, they’re outrageous, and

fishing’s been hard’n’fast, but also when

I‘m not yet 100% it matters which one

things are slow (they’re not a miracle

you use. Personally, the red ripper is my

bait, but they’re more than reliable). It’s

favourite; that could be from being caught

the Catch Squidwings range. I’ve only

and using it more often because I like it,

been using them for about six months,

but it is the most ‘squid’ looking colour. All

but they’ve performed really well. At the

Squidwings do have incorporated proven

Beach & Boat comp the squidwings were

fish catching features of glow in the dark

the difference between fish for the comp

paint, holographics, and glitter, combined

and table or nothing at all.

with super strong hooks.

I think what makes me go back to them,

Give them a go – I reckon you’ll be

again and again, is the flexibility, not only

pleasantly surprised by the results! 

WINTERFISHING

Find the Bait

& You’ll

Find Dinner

BY Michael Walkley

20 www.nzfisher.co.nz

WINTER IS A TIME when most place

while the larger more dominant fish

their gear in rod racks and allow them

generally become residents of the

to gather dust, dreaming of moochers

shallow reefs that dot our shoreline.

instead of targeting them. At this time

These fish aren’t scavengers; they live

of the year, targeting fish becomes

their life targeting the ever-present

more skill than luck, method over

bait schools that form up and seek

madness, and technique is key.

shelter against the rock and weed.

Targeting these fish effectively is

LIVE BAITING SHALLOW REEFS

key. Sure, a well presented big bait down a burley trail is tried and tested,

With the water cooling, the fish do two

but I prefer live baits. Snapper, John

things: the schooling fish move deep,

Dory and kingfish are always present

often to the middle passages of the

in this foul structure, and running

Hauraki Gulf, following the bait schools

live baits maximises your options in

and grazing on the sandy bottoms;

targeting the winter inshore big three.

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WINTERFISHING

22 www.nzfisher.co.nz

THE RIG For live baiting I prefer using an overhead reel with a lever drag system – in my case a Talica 12 on a mid-level jigging rod, 80lb braid – keeping in mind that kingfish are ever present.

100lb Fluorocarbon with a 6oz ball sinker threaded on and stopped by another swivel. From this, I attach 800mm of 100lb Fluorocarbon and a 9/0 VMC game circle hook. The bait is then hooked sideways through the nose and sent to the bottom,

The 80lb braid is double-up with a

then wound up two or three winds,

spider hitch and a 100lb barrel swivel

so it sits just above the weed line.

tied on. Below this, I run 150mm of

I set the drag light and wait.

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WINTERFISHING

LOCATION Scout the shallow reefs, look for structure, be it drop offs or pins 15 to 20m deep – kelp weed lines are great points to start at, as they often hold bait. Use your sounder to locate these schools. Not only do you get to replenish your bait as you’re fishing, but where you find the bait, you find the predators.

schools, quickly loaded up the bait tank, and proceeded to deploy live baits to the bottom. It didn’t take long until the first few enquiries happened, and Alana got her first John Dory, followed by a beautifully conditioned resident snapper. We proceeded to add a few more snapper and Dory to the bin and called it a day using all but five litres of fuel.

Days like these are ones to

On a recent trip out with my partner,

remember, and proof that the cooler

we did just this. We headed to a

months shouldn’t be excluded

reef I often fish, found the bait

from a fisho’s calendar. 

24 www.nzfisher.co.nz

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25

FREWZA18

End of a

New Era

The best bits of our Frewza F18 shared

BY Derrick Paull

26 www.nzfisher.co.nz

WE’RE A PRETTY LUCKY bunch, us writers and editors of fishing magazines. We get to spend time on the water with good fishy folks; we’re let loose on great tackle with the instruction to try to defeat it on big fish, we’re graced with tips, tricks and intel usually reserved for your best friend or blindfolded companions. And best of all, we get to spend time on the water in many different boats with lots of owners who love them.

I’ve spent weeks or months on many, many small boats – mostly tinnies, a few glass and even fewer wood plank tubs.

I’m unashamedly a tin boat follower; their practicality as a fishing boat, hardy, lightweight and incredibly practical as a fish hunter. In the last decade, I’ve softened on pontoon boats, but I still remember the first time I ever saw one on the water off Rangitoto. From memory, it was a Stabi (the old round tube ones), and I remember swearing

that I’d never own a pontoon boat, goddamn they were ugly! Fast forward 25 years, and I wouldn’t give up my pontoon tinny for any money.

My hull of choice these days is a Frewza; not a name most have heard of but one with an excellent and fast growing reputation for exceptional build quality, customisation and at prices that make other manufacturers cringe.

Regular NZFisher readers will know we first encountered Frewzas in 2012 when I threw caution to the wind and ordered a Frewza F16 side console sight-unseen, direct from the Frewza factory.

I was astounded by the great, considerate service given by Brendan and Kirsten Frew as they talked me through the buying process and helped me create an incredibly well-balanced fishing boat.

In 2014 we decided to upgrade, mostly to gain a hardtop which would allow freedom to cross gnarly bars, head

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FREWZA18

made was to Hauturu in the Hauraki Gulf, in search of kings and big snaps.

Both were found in good numbers, but one was a stand-out fish. Daz has been a fishing buddy of mine for nearly thirty years, and I’ve been with him for four of his five 20lb plus snaps – one of them was on our maiden fishing voyage, and it was an exceptional fish, in wonderful condition. Daz has landed his fair share of big snaps, and I think all of his 20-plus fish have been 25-plus lbs, with his best around 27. This fish took a live maccie and was released after a few quick pics.

Our second trip was to the Far North, offshore in greater comfort and get out in

and puka/bass were the target. This trip

weather that normally would encourage

was with Daz too, but this time it was

me to curl up in bed, not fish! So now,

my turn – my first drop was rewarded by

two and a half years later we’re looking to

what I first thought was a badly timed

upgrade once again, and I want to share

sang, but after a few minutes of grunting

my reflections on the Frewza F18 HT.

and straining a 40-odd kg bluenose came

What will probably stick with me the longest is the three fish caught in

begrudgingly to the surface and was quickly dispatched to the bin.

the first three fishing trips we made

It began as a successful day, but being

upon her. The very first fishing trip we

30 miles offshore with the fishing hot

28 www.nzfisher.co.nz

we ignored the weather for a little too long before realising we were looking at a meter fetch being pushed by a 20 knot south-westerly, and we needed to head back in.

As it was our first offshore trip, we really didn’t know what to expect from the F18, but about 10 minutes into the ride all fears were put to rest. Our Honda BF100–100hp fourstroke got her up and riding the chop while the hull did the hard work, cutting through the mess and keeping us dry and in one piece.

I’d been on a friend’s similar-sized pontoon boat from another manufacturer and the ride was good, but nothing like what we discovered the Frewza would deliver. I said in this video that It’s the the sharp entry that does this – the fine entry just cuts through the chop – but that’s not enough. It’s the way the waves are further spread once they hit the pontoons. In a single skin boat, there’s no step, chines are introduced to artificially

spread the waves (or not in some cases).

This video has some great visuals of the Frewza hull doing exactly what I describe – forcing waves sideways and maintaining a dry, comfortable ride.

Trip number three saw us head to Hauturu once again on a real moocher hunt. This time it was me with the trophy to write about. It wasn’t an outstanding day, but we landed a few fish around 10lb before I used the biggest livie in the tank (after Forbes had wasted his one by releasing it before putting a hook in its back!) and it was taken by the biggest snapper I’ve ever landed – north of 25lb for the first time.

We use a lot of livies, so there’s no surprise the livebait tank was the first extra we added – or maybe second behind the rocket launcher.

I’m 110kg, Daz around 90 and Forbes, well, he’d prefer I didn’t say. Even with all three onboard, a full day’s gear including 100L of gas, tanks, bait and ice, we’re

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FREWZA18

easily pushed along at 30 knots by the

There’s plenty of extras, from the Railblaza

BF100 and get where we’re going for only

bait board, Fusion stereo and Lowrance

16L per hour sitting on 21 knots. These

sounder, but it’s the boat, the hull and

figures aren’t bad for a 16-footer, but

the outboard that I’m sold on entirely.

exceptional for an 18ft hardtop. Again, it’s

Honda has supported us at NZFisher in

part hull but much to do with the Honda

a huge way, we’re endlessly grateful for

– it’s light, powerful and runs on the

the support, but beyond that, there is no

smell of an oily rag.

better outboard available. Honda provides

We opted for no seats to increase fishing

us safe, reliable and low-cost boating in

space, something that surprises many

all conditions.

but has been an excellent choice, as we’re

We’re in a unique and privileged position

much freer to move around the cabin,

to upgrade our gear fairly regularly, and

especially when we’re diving – the extra

as the time to search again is here, I’m

kit-up space is gold. When there’s big fish

committed to Frewza. They offer more

on the cards, and we need two bins, again

value for a very high-quality build that no

the space is immeasurably welcome.

manufacturer, New Zealand or otherwise,

We fitted a Stressfree winch and will

can match for any dollar in my opinion.

never own a boat with a manual winch

Frewza are redefining alloy pontoon boats

again. These things are brilliant; compact,

in New Zealand, and I’m stoked to be

simple and damn near indestructible.

along for the ride. 

30 www.nzfisher.co.nz

COOKINGFISH

Borniak:

Your Newest Best Friend

New smokers: simple, rugged and perfect for fishos BY Neil Wagener

32 www.nzfisher.co.nz

TO START WITH, the name is cool.

uncool to look at; thankfully those

Borniak. Sounds kinda like something

guarded, steely grey looks conceal one

from an ultra-cool 60s movie that had

of the most efficient and taste bud

someone very cool in it that your mum

blowing electric smokers on the market.

pined over until she was a little too old to think like that.

There’s another brand of smoker starting with B, but the alphabetical

In this case, Borniaks are not some

similarities are where any association

movie idol with hard but dreamy eyes,

ends. Borniaks are packed with

they’re the new age of smoking, and I

powerful tools to deliver the best-

wanted one from the first time we met.

smoked fish – or anything really –

Despite the cool name, they’re a little

you’ve ever had.

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COOKINGFISH

The element

Where the magic happens

34 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Smoked kingfish

I was lucky enough to be introduced

The Borniak has a thermostatically

to their work at Meatstock – I was

controlled cooking system that uses

wandering past the BBQs & More

fresh, real wood to create a smokiness

stand when I was offered a piece of

that’s like what you’d expect from the

chicken wrapped in bacon. Like any

smokehouse at Uncle Charlie’s house

red-blooded, meat-eating metrosexual,

down at Whakapirau beach where you

I grabbed it quick and enjoyed it

spent your summers as a kid. I’ve had

immensely – so much so that I stood

an electric smoker before, and it was

and chewed Mark’s ear off for almost

ok (it did all the work for me too),

an hour about how the Borniaks work,

but the smoke was from biscuits and

why they’re good and, well, how much

just not as authentic in the end. The

they cost.

Borniaks don’t have that bitter, packet

I catch a bit of fish, and it’s useful to

smoke kind of taste to them.

smoke it not only for the enhanced

Since the recent demise of W.S. Laurie’s

flavours but also to help preserve it,

where I got mine from, the best place

especially if I’m freezing it.

to find one is BBQs & More. At under a

Ok, so the flavours are outstanding,

grand, the Borniak 70 is ideal for good-

but it’s more about 1. How easy they

sized kings and also spits out a couple

are to use; and 2. The sheer volume I

of kgs of smoked chicken wings in no

can smoke that make the Borniaks my

time – you’ll probably give up eating

new smoker of choice.

out once you’ve tried them! 

www.nzfisher.co.nz 35

SUPPORTINGFISHING

Workmanship

Onboard

The making of a priest

BY Derrick Paull

I’VE USED A WHOLE bunch of things to kill fish, from beer bottles to baseball bats, but until very recently these implements have been transient, never being right for the job.

It’s pretty well known that a quick, meaningful bang to the head of a fish will end its life respectfully and quickly, leaving you and the fish in a better state to begin its next journey in life (or death), to the plate. There’s nothing worse for the eating qualities or your conscience

36 www.nzfisher.co.nz

than a fish flapping itself to death in the bin. Do the right thing and end its days with conviction.

I’ve pondered committing to a nice wooden priest before. Trout fishermen carry them without fail, and the modern ones seem to be tending more towards a kid’s alloy bat than the time honoured hardwood versions of yesteryear, so I was really impressed when I came across Ruben Woodley-Rideout’s post on the lure only auction pages of Facebook.

Ruben’s Facebook page Ruben’s

of this. Ruben is a true craftsman

Turnings has a great display of

catering to the needs of fisherfolk,

Ruben’s work, but until I received

both fresh and saltwater focussed.

my NZFisher embossed one, I couldn’t have understood the skills this man possesses.

With my new priest in hand, I feel

If you’re after a priest for yourself or a mate with a boat, drop Ruben a line on 027 374 7361.

I can dole out mercy on fish with

Ruben is based on the supremely

pride and a level of excellence

beautiful Kapiti Coast but can dispatch

an iki-jime can never match.

his finely turned priests nationwide

Please don’t think I’m making light

for a very reasonable cost.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 37

READERPICS Chontelle Ah-Ping and her new (and first!) PB King out from Whitianga

Reader

Pics

A very stoked Brayden Boyle with his first king - Nice fish Brayden!

38 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Ants Barrett with his first legal king

Bryce helms doing what he does so well slaying massive trout!

Bevan Honeycombe and I agree, some days are worth it just for the walk

Cameron Dee with a JD taken with his bro Jason off Orewa on a quick mish

READERPICS

Easily the biggest Gemfish i’ve ever seen - once again Bryce Helms claims a seriously big fish!

Jess Walkers recent tauranga haul - Yum!

Kelly Boyle with her PB snapper Great pic!

40 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Kori Uka with one of the coolest shot’s I’ve seen for ages - small but mighty snap!

Less than an hours ‘work’ spearing for Jess

Mark with a solid pair from the Mokes

Mark Harvey with his PB - a very solid 19lb taken on 12lb in 80 metres!

Preston Nehemia with his first squid caught with dad Thomas

www.nzfisher.co.nz 41

READERPICS

Reuben Palmer & a tasty snap - but I think he’s eating the wrong bit!

Simon Anderson’s ‘perfect’ snapper on softbait from the yak

42 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Steven Hurley with his PB from the Yak - I think I’d be happier!

www.nzfisher.co.nz 43

FISHINGVIDEO

Catch Like the Pros OUR STAND-IN ED last month Naomi is a multi-skilled fisho!

Not only can she edit NZFisher

44 www.nzfisher.co.nz

in my absence, but she makes one hell of a fisher-for-hire on this Catch video. Shot Nomz!

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