NZ Fisher Issue 13

f sher ISSUE 13 November 2011

Piper, too tasty for bait Introducing the Kiwi Anglers guide to Fishy words Jetski antics at Coromandel

www.nzfisher.co.nz 1

CONTENTS Pg 4

10

14

SPORTFISHING 4

What’s the deal with Jet Skis?

SPORTFISHING 10

Kingfish in the Bay of Plenty

BOATFISHING 12

The One That Didn’t Get Away

13

Fishing Video of the Month

LANDBASED FISHING 14

Piper: Forgotten Delicacies

JETSKI FISHING 18

A Quick Ride Over For Some

Coromandel Fishing

20 2o

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The Kiwi Anglers Guide to Fishy Words Regional Reports

Pg 20

editorial

//From the

EDITOR NZFisher is a little delayed

the employ of the ministry or Fishing

in going to the press this month.

Industry) supported and applauded

21 days ago (or a five weeks from

my comments.

publishing date) the container ship Rena ran aground on Astrolabe Reef

As a recreational fisher who enjoys

off Motiti Island in the bay of Plenty.

and loves the beauty, abundance and

We watch in horror as the oil from

security of our fisheries it is too easy

her fuel tanks slowly spread and

to forget that these rights of access

pollute our shores in a seemingly

are ones hard fought for and tightly

unstoppable wave. I spent the

guarded. One thing is clear, despite

Friday previous to Rena grounding

our laissez-faire approach to our

fishing for Kingfish at Mayor Island

favourite pastime; kiwis do not want

– just kilometres from where Rena

the fisheries we hold so dearly gifted

now lies stuck.

away to others for a few coins in the

ABOUT / Short and sharp, NZ Fisher is a free e-magazine delivering thought provoking and enlightening articles, and industry news and information to forward-thinking fisher people.

government’s coffers. Thank you to

EDITOR / Derrick Paull

It seems unlikely that this disaster will

the voluntary groups that fight for

ART DIRECTOR / Jodi Olsson

pass quickly and painlessly. We are

our rights.

GROUP EDITOR / Trudi Caffell

reminded again of not only the fragility

CONTENT ENQUIRIES / Phone Derrick on 021 629 327 or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz

of our ecosystems but the destructive

As a member of the New Zealand

power of our own existence. NZFisher

Angling & Casting Association

staff and contributors send our wishes

, Sport Fishing Council and

to the people of the Bay of Plenty –

Recreational Fishing Council I am

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES / Phone Richard on 09 522 7257 or email richardl@espiremedia.com

some of people are there helping with

acutely aware of the time they invest

ADDRESS / NZ Fisher,

the clean up. We are all hoping for a

and work they do – I ask each of

quick recovery.

you to consider lending a hand by joining one of these organisations and

Number three in our countdown of

putting your energy or funds behind

the best five inshore fishing locations

the great work they do. It’s election

was to include the Bay of Plenty this

year and your support adds weight

month. With respect to the area we

to the cause, especially when gaining

have postponed this feature as we await

political support for our underfunded

a better understanding of the impact of

recreational fishing ‘industry’.

C/- Espire Media, PO Box 137162, Parnell, Auckland 1151, NZ

WEBSITE / www.NZ Fisher.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!

Rena’s spill.

The weather is improving and the fish Last month I questioned some of the

are biting – I suggest you get out and

actions and inactions of our Minister

enjoy spring as the fish feed up, the silly

of Fisheries. There was some debate

season will be on us in no time!

amongst readers as to the legitimacy of these claims while others (a

Tight lines,

significant majority – who are not in

Derrick

Cover Image: Tim Spiller with a 30lb Snapper landed from the shore near Kawhia in October this year on an Okuma spin combo. Story to follow next month

www.nzfisher.co.nz 3

sportFISHING

What’s The Deal With Jet Skis?

By Andrew Hill

sportFISHING

e water great day on th The result of a

Dolphins on the way hom e

Many may ask why fish off

range depending on conditions.

social runs. Until recently, without

a Personal Water Craft (aka Jet

Many sceptics new to the

active exposure keen mariners hadn’t

Ski) and then I usually need a

JETSKIFISHING option, have queried

envisioned the real potential of these

spare 10 minutes expressing my

the stability, and I can confirm the

great machines. The key is education

passion of how much you feel

late model three seaters are safe

and readily available products to kit

alive with the whole experience of

and comfortable to fish with up to

a ski for fishing! Typically the most

JETSKIFISHING. It starts with how

two adults on one ski. Obviously

practical skis for JETSKIFISHING are

easy JETSKIFISHING is, from the

there is smaller skis also used for

the larger, year 1997 on models,

convenience of having room to store

JETSKIFISHING, yet is not such a

especially the 4 stroke versions, for

your fishing vessel with minimal

practical option when fishing in

obvious performance, reliability and

space required, allowing easy fishing

rougher conditions with two people

economy. As with any product you,

preparation, normally at your home.

on the ski.

get what you pay for and there is

Attaching the ski behind almost any

only a few big players on the PWC

vehicle, with a tow bar, as the skis

With new generation technology, and

market. Water safety is so important

are not overly heavy, making easy

recent PWC reputations of reliability

with reliability and quality being an

launching in most tides. There is no

and performance, these machines are

important issue, my recommendation

problem doing beach launchings

fast becoming a fun and easy way to

is stick with the proven brands such

in appropriate 4wd’s, not having to

enjoy fishing.

as Yamaha, Kawasaki, Sea-Doo and

worry about trailers bogging down with excessive weight.

Honda, call me to discuss model A quick basic fact, the term Jet-Ski is a

specifics...

registered trademark of the Kawasaki With launching and retrieval, it is simple

Motor Company. As now commonly

Technical data

to manage safely by yourself in most

referred to, should correctly in other

PWC’s use an impellor unlike

conditions, even so simple my girl friend

brands be classed as a personal water

most boats having a propeller, the

can manage fishing trips by herself.

craft. The term Jet Ski is typically the

impellor allows accessing spots

original model Kawasaki ski produced

with a lot less restricting low water

This day and age, with fluctuating

in 1973. The name Jet Ski stuck with

limits. Studies have shown PWC

fuel costs and the possible recession

the public since and will still be the

create minimal water turbulence and

a multipurpose smaller water craft,

stereo type for PWC’s for many years

reduce water emissions substantially

being a PWC, is a viable option. PWC

to come.

over conventional outboard motors.

Another plus is there is nowhere to

fuel efficiency is extremely economical and obvious practicalities of quick

When considering the proven option

have line tangles under the ski, makes

starts and stops, makes quick trips a

of JETSKIFISHING, many may already

playing fish a lot less risk. As with

frequent occurrence. Typically most

have a ski the fits the purpose, possibly

similarities to a smaller boat, the skis

skis have 50 to 80 litre fuel cells

being used for general wave hopping,

can tire the fish as it is a moveable

allowing up to 4 hours of actual riding

skiing, racing, tow in surfing and

object under fight and being so low

www.nzfisher.co.nz 5

sportFISHING

Innovation is the key – A Jetski specific Catch bag is born

to the water line gives a real feeling

to source a pre loved or new ski.

quite permanent, costly and restrict

of sport fishing. The hulls are normally

Once at this stage, there is no

you from leisure activities. If the fishing

composite, fibreglass or Nano Xcel

turning back; JETSKIFISHING

rig is a permanent fixture with visible

(Yamaha)which does not create

is a highly addictive sport! New

mounting points it could affect the

much external noise and slap in the

skis can be purchased from local

resale value. Like anything with fishing,

water. With the low noise output the

licensed dealers, supported with

the fishing mess needs to be restricted

opportunity for stealth drifts is a huge

manufacturer warranties. There

to one area, hence why a chilli bin

plus JETSKIFISHING. With the PWC

are also parallel imported new skis

option such as an “Ultimate Rod

physical size and being so low to the

and second hand skis which do

Holder” is the way to go and keeping

water line, the windage is minimal

not come with any manufacturer

your fish chilled and easily removable.

and allows a naturally slower drift

support by way of warranty.

I have seen many alternative systems

than most boats. The late model 4

attached to skis to hold rods, yet if you

stroke engines have reduced the noise

One of the most important points

want to do it once and do it right don’t

output substantially and have loosing

to keep in mind when converting or

learn at your expense taking short

the reputation of a menacing sound

utilising your PWC for JETSKIFISHING

cuts. If you don’t make it easy and

on the water.

is to make all hardware removable.

safe you will not enjoy the potential of

This needs to be easy so the ski can

JETSKIFISHING. Realistically the skis

How to get started!

also be used for regular beach and

have many uses, but once set up for

OK , so you either have an

water sport activities. There have

fishing they become one of the most

existing ski you have that can be

been selected options available over

practical fishing options on the market

easily rigged, or you are going

the years to kit your ski, but many are

today.

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sportFISHING Andrew with a fat Waitemata Snapper from Jet Ski

JETSKIFISHING is a huge buzz every trip, whether you are catching fish, or just the riding to and from your spots. Your fishing rig must be secure enough so you can ride as if you had no fishing gear attached at all.

Recommended Guidelines and Safety Accessories Most regions in NZ require mandatory registration of PWC’s compiling a register of hull numbers and ensuring accountability of maritime bylaws.

Usual safety options such as handheld VHF, Personal Location Beacon and also local Coast Guard membership is recommended. Cell phone in a dry bag is another handy communication device. Standard safety apparel is a comfortable floatation vest, goggles, full finger gloves, winter light grade wetsuit, sports boots, cap or beanie.

Sunscreen, First Aid kit, Flare

Fishing techniques JETSKIFISHING is perfectly matched for soft baiting especially with hassle free mess and results from using plastics. Bait fishing is possible on a PWC, yet the idea of JETSKIFISHING is to be quick and easy. Bait requires more time and more accessories, so I use what works best which is plastics.

Using plastics, with a ready prepared rig, I can pull up at a spot, unclip the rod, bait up and drop within a minute.

The motion from the PWC drifting, with the minimal hull noise, makes great soft baiting.

PWC’s cover ground quickly, also getting into those hard to get wash spots with confidence of quick start

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sportFISHING

per Mako & Snap

ups. Lures are easily

real con is watching your toes around

trolled on PWC’s

the bigger fish at the deeper waters!

especially the new

Fishing Accessories

WAVERUNNERS

When JETSKIFISHING, all equipment

that are equipped

needs to be simple and easily

with cruise control.

accessible to enjoy all the potential

Live baiting is a

fun. All three seater skis have

little bit tricky, as

substantial storage throughout the

a live bait system

ski, either under the seats, below the

needs to be

handle bars or at the front hatch. On

attached to your

my YAMAHA WAVERUNNER, I choose

rig at the rear

to carry my rain jacket, flare, torch,

boarding platform, I use what is easiest for the weather conditions.

first aid kit, fishing tackle bag, Ultimate Catch Bag, Ultimate Reel Covers(for reel protection) additional soft baits

Most practical on the PWC yet, is

and pre rigged spools in this area.

chasing work ups! The range and

Sometimes the tax man wins

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performance of the larger horsepower

With glove box, a small selection

skis makes JETSKIFISHING a whole

of jig heads, soft plastics to suit the

new fishing experience. This has the

conditions, cell phone and VHF and

wow factor from Dolphins swimming

camera. Up front in the hatch are

beside the ski, whales popping up

more permanent accessories such as

beside you, all the sport with nature

tow rope, anchor, sand anchor, sea

while enjoying the elements. The only

anchor, towel in a dry bag, saddle bag

sportFISHING A great day ends with a fine view

for additional fish storage. With my rod holder kit on the rear boarding platform, I carry a Jetskifishing custom net, Jetskifishing gaff, a Daiwa Sol soft bait combo, with a Daiwa Monster Mesh/Saltist 30T for jigging. When transporting rods all gear must be always clipped down on every start up as I don’t want to take any chances loosing gear overboard.

Washing down Here is another real plus with PWC use, the wash down process is so quick and easy. To flush the salt water takes up to a couple of minutes from a fresh water source. With the size of a PWC all washing down is completed in about 10 minutes (all from ground level, no step ladders required). With easy storage using a trailer with a jockey wheel, it does not take long put your PWC in its storage area. All this quick and easy cleaning creates a more enjoyable experience on the water, knowing you are not going back to a whole lot of additional work.

JETSKIFISHING has so much to offer with the easy life of fishing. There is so much more to just riding a PWC off your local beach. If consumers can understand the potential of JETSKIFISHING, having a reason to head out on the water! They too will be enjoying the fishing and nature we are so fortunate to have in NZ. Enjoy the easy life with JETSKIFISHING, Best Regards, Andrew Hill

www.nzfisher.co.nz 9

sportFISHING Etienne & fine BOP King

Kingfish in the Bay of Plenty Old Salts playing with new tricks Story by Mark Armistead www.extremesportfishing.co.nz

Things have started to heat up

metres of water I was not stressed.

here in the Bay of Plenty, fish numbers

The run got faster and faster and

are not massive but what they lack

when I attempted to palm the spool

in quantity they are certainly making

with some serious pressure it simply

up for in size. We have landed some

made the fish go faster, it all ended in

really nice fat fish including one by

tears as the fish smashed into the reef.

Aussie angler Marinos which would

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have been pushing the 30 kg mark.

We hosted Etienne Piquel well known

Along with the big fish there are

New Caledonia guide along with two

stories all throughout the bay of big

legends form Aussie Stan and Marinos

fish destroying unsuspecting anglers

recently. They had some pretty good

with mind blowing runs, these big

fishing mainly on jigs but Marinos did

fish are testing both the gear and

get his big fish on a stickbait. At the

the anglers. I had one fish smash my

end of the trip Etienne stayed on for

jig just under the boat, it ran off at

an extra few days and being flat calm

blistering speed but as we were in 80

it would have been rude not to head

sportFISHING

Graeme ‘Boulder’ McKenzie with his end of day 22kg

out for a fish. The fishing was not easy

Then it was time for Boulder to bring

that is sleep sitting down in a rough

but in the afternoon we had a good

a crew down from Auckland to help

sea; it is a real skill that he seems to

bit and Etienne raised some nice fish

celebrate his birthday, fishing was not

have mastered. On a serious note

on his Orion Crazy lure, both myself

easy but one angler Aaron was a star

Boulder worked hard all day, casting

and Steve quickly threw our lures at

of the day and at one stage he had 5

jigging and right at the end of the

the fish he raised and both hooked up

fish while all other anglers were on Nil,

day we all heard the big fella hoping

leaving Etienne to watch. I felt a bit rude

he got them on jigs, stick baits and

and hollering when a really nice

poaching his fish especially after all the

just could not put a foot wrong. On

fish decided his Carpenter Blue fish

work he done for me in New Caledonia

the other hand poor Brian had a bad

looked pretty tasty.

GT fishing. So from then on I took the

run of luck, he hooked a good fish on

hooks off my lures and stumbled upon

the first drift that launched right out of

The fish charged around the front

a pretty cool technique to help anglers

the water and smashed Gamma stick

of the boat and once the gear was

catch more fish.

bait in one of the most spectacular

cleared it took a bit of tricky boat

strikes you are likely to ever see.

manoeuvring to get some better line

I spoke in length with Ettienne about

angles for the guy. Once we got in a

teaser tactics for GTs and I have a few

I don’t know what went wrong form

better position we dragged the fish

things I have been working on myself

here but as weight come on the line

out into deep water but it consistently

in regards to kingfish teasing. I think

simply parted, we suspect a wind knot

charged off on some solid runs that

we will soon be developing some very

may have been the cause here. Later

must have had it close to the craggy

exciting teasing strategies that will

in the day Brian hooked another solid

reef below. Boulder did a fantastic

help us catch more fish and the visual

fish only to have the line jam up near

job of playing the fish out and after

strikes will be spectacular. In the end

the roller and the line parted again,

a lengthy battle we soon had a nice

our teasing tactics world and Etienne

hard luck Brian but next time I am sure

solid 22 KG fish boat side.

quickly landed two nice fish one

luck will be on your side.

around 20KG that punched well above

Check out our face book page for

its weight class and we really thought

Boulder on the other hand did what

it was going to be a much larger fish

boulder does better than anyone

during the brutal battle.

else could ever possibly do and

more pictures.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 11

Paul with Trumpeter on the scales

BOATfishing

The One That Didn’t Get Away

Paul Catt’s 20kg Trumpeter

Paul Catt lands Ngawi’s golden monster Story by Paul Catt I said to the guys, “this is the

Tarakihi were biting well, with a lot of

off my reel until finally I started to

last drop of the day!” down went

the smaller ones going back, but blue

gradually get some line back. It took

my line. No sooner had it hit the

cod were few and far between.

a while - I have no idea how long - but

bottom when WHAM! Something

the fish slowly came to the surface,

big grabbed my bait ……. I thought

We had a dozen nice tarakihi and 6

making some good runs on the way

‘Well this sure beats a day at work’.

average blue cod when it was nearly

up. There was some speculation as

time to head off. We had been using

to what it might be and I think Mark

Sitting down having my lunch on

squid and a bit of scarpi for bait, so

got tired of hanging onto the gaff.

Tuesday, it was a beaut’ clear winters

I grabbed one of the smaller blue

When it surfaced I saw the white belly

day, I was sitting outside soaking up

cod and took a fillet off one side

and yellow pectoral fins, I thought it

the sun, when I got a text from Mark,

hoping to try and snag a good size

looked like a Trumpeter, but nah they

‘Sign writer extra ordinary’, to say

cod before we headed off, and when

don’t get that big do they?

‘the sea’s flat mate’ - ‘Yeah I bet it is’

my bait hit the bottom, it got hit

I thought. I checked the forecast that

by a freight train. As I watched my

Mark carefully gaffed it and dragged it

night and the weather was settled for

Shimano charter special reel, slowly

over the side of the boat, he said “It’s

another 2 days, so I thought ‘bugger it,

empty of braid and my 15kg jelly

a Trumpeter alright, what an f*#@ing

I’m going fishing tomorrow’. I phoned

tip rod bend in half, I was glad I had

monster!” The VMC 6/0 sports circle

Mark and he was keen. We arrived at

made up a new trace. After losing a

hook was firmly planted in the corner

Ngawi at 7am Wednesday morning to

really good fish not far from this spot

of its mouth and the sinker had broken

a flat calm sea, picked up my father

about 3 months earlier, when I was

off the bottom of the 80lb trace, in

Graeme (one of Ngawi’s newest

using an old trace that had been used

future; I will have a lighter break away

retirees) and the boat from the family

several times previously, I had learned

line attaching the sinker.

beach house and we were off with a

my lesson.

feed of blue cod on the agenda.

Back at the bach, the Trumpeter (after Luck must have been on my side this

it had been bled) weighed in at a

We had a good start to the morning

day. After pulling off 100m of line,

gnats whisker under 20kg/44lb, my

with 6 nice Tarakihi and a couple of

the destroyer on the end of my line

heaviest fish yet and possibly the fish

average cod, we were fishing in about

snagged on the bottom, and after a

of a lifetime for that particular species.

65m of water, so we moved in closer

stressful 30 seconds (that felt more

to a patch of fowl ground in 45m to try

like 5 minutes) of gentle tugging

What a great day, good company

and pick up some cod. There was some

and some swearing, the fish tugged

and an excellent way to relieve the

good fish sign on the sounder and the

back and continued to slowly unload

winter blues.

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VIDEO

Fishing Video of the Month ‘Giant Trevally – Kings of Bust offs’

Giant Trevally or GT’s are considered by most serious anglers as the ultimate fish to land on a line.

Their size, incredible strength and ability to utilise their surroundings makes them the ultimate quarry.

Check out how the Nomad Sport Fishing guys handle them. Some of the strikes in this video are incredible – these fish hit like freight trains.

And while the video quality isn’t the best, the fishing on this video at Shoalwater Bay is incredible.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 13

landBASED

Piper: Forgotten Delicacies

Gently does it - Piper netting is a team effort

By Derrick Paull Images by Scott MacIndoe

Great left-over’s for ground bait

Prepared for smoking

Preparation is simple

14 www.nzfisher.co.nz

landBASED

Done well, the rewards can be substantial

As a kid I spent far too many

by one aficionado they are a very tasty

hours on Devonport & Murrays Bay

treat. Recipes are abundant online

wharves flicking small bread balls

(and here) and offer much variations to

or fresh maggots at fish so elusive

what is a delicious fish in its own right.

we considered them snobs of the fish world. Back then it was the

Piper are a particularly fussy eater.

challenge of the capture rather than

Their diet usually consists of marine

overkill to me, but with species

the delicate treat they provided

plant life they sup off the surface of the

like piper it is the best method for

once prepared & served.

water with their upward facing mouth.

collecting a good haul, particularly if

Piper as they are known here or

They will fall for small tightly rolled

Gar(fish) at the rest of the world

balls of white bread or floury dough

describe them are definitely one of the

on small, long shanked hooks but

Piper will generally populate clean,

finest baits a fisher could present most

we found that, contrary to their

shallow bays and harbours during the

northern saltwater target species in

herbivorous tendencies live maggots

day and this is where they’re easiest

new Zealand. They have been largely

were the real bait of champions. A

to net (or catch on a line if you’re

forgotten as a table fish but for a few.

good days piper fishing might see you

stubborn enough).

you have the means and intention of preserving them.

head home with a dozen in the bin – When caught & prepared fresh, Piper

enough for an appetiser for two, but

Here’s a short video of the landing

is a fish with a taste quite unlike any

no dinner party!

process. There are a few rules to follow

other in our fishery. Described as a cross between John Dory & flounder

if you’re netting, so be sure to check Netting for fish has always seemed

the Ministry of Fisheries website.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 15

jetskiFISHING

Quick Ride Over For Some Coromandel Fishing‌ This trip was a spur of the

then decided to have some breakfast

Chicken. In my experience, with

moment social ride leaving from

while enjoying the surroundings

these heavy soft bait rigs, there is

Bucklands Beach to the top of the

and catching up with the guys on

no need to cast, just drop below the

Coromandel. We left the ramp

the water. This was a good time to

ski while keeping in touch with the

just after first light with four skis.

post some live Facebook updates

line. You should constantly be ready

All the riders had done plenty of

on the Jetskifishing Page, fans of

to strike the line, as the better sized

Jetskifishing hours and were familiar

Jetskifishing can do the same by

fish could hit the bait at anytime. As

with such a long range trip. The

sharing their live experiences at our

with my theory, the bait was hit and

conditions were forecasted to drop,

Facebook Page.

after a few minutes of string pulling

yet the marine forecast was still

action, I had my first Snapper of the

saying it was blowing seventeen

For my Softbaiting on this trip, I

knots at Channel Island as we were

used the Berkley Lumo 4oz Elevator

leaving... Our fingers were crossed

Head, as I was fishing at fifty plus

I was wrapped with the quick start

that it would decrease, to make for

metres of water. To setup for my drift

and next spotted some activity with

an easier ride over. The ride across

I scouted around the area using the

some Dolphins and Gannets working

took fifty minutes to the top of

Raymarine charts to fish on the edge

the area. This is always a good sign

Coromandel and started with Neil,

of the contour lines, finding the fish

for the possibilities of a feeding

Dave and Buzz enjoying some soft

sign which was not far off from the

frenzy! I moved a bit closer to the

baiting in the deeper water.

surrounding bird life. With not much

active area and made a quick change

current and plenty of weight, first

of baits to the larger Grub, in hope

I tried a nearby spot for some

soft bait of the day to be used was

of enticing a mooching Snapper

Kingfish activity with no success...

the Gulp Squid Vicious – Nuclear

beneath. Today was another one of

16 www.nzfisher.co.nz

day to add in the chilly bin.

jetskiFISHING

those dream days of Jetskifishing, magic conditions and fish to go with it! As I dropped the next bait I could feel the occasional hit to the bait, this time the rig made it to the lower depths. While manipulating the bait with the flick of my rod tip, I soon had another taker, this fish giving me a better run for my money. The fish had more weight to it and fortunately with fishing over the sand, I had no worries with the line it was taking. I was patient and have learnt not to get too eager by tightening the drag with too much pressure, that when the fish makes a run it can bust your line. After a few minutes of the long retrieve from fifty metres depth, I soon had another nice Snapper to add to the chilly bin.

We all had some fish in our chilly bins, so we left in pairs with a

www.nzfisher.co.nz 17

jetskiFISHING

heading of the middle ground in

five metres my bait was hit by a

search of a larger work-up. We didn’t

screamer. I was totally caught off

seem to find the bird activity that we

guard and it was all on, with the

were after, but sure was the perfect

fish pulling me straight to the

conditions to be out there covering

bottom. There was plenty of solid

the miles.

head shakes and it was too early to call whether a heavy Snapper

We also tried a bit of jigging at this

or a Kingfish. With at least fifteen

area after seeing some nice bait

minutes of playing it and plenty of

sign on the Raymaine. With the

encouragement from Buzz, we finally

mechanical jigging it can get quite

could see the fish’s colour coming

exhausting if you are out of practice,

through the water. The visibility was

so wasn’t long and I was back to my

brilliant and I could soon spot a

soft bait fishing.

Kingfish before it completed another couple of short runs after seeing the

18 www.nzfisher.co.nz

It seems to be Murphy’s law, the

ski! I wanted to be sure the fish was

larger fish hit your baits when

well legal so we had a challenge of

least expecting! As I was retrieving

netting it, seeing it was caught on

my bait from the depth of fourty

the lighter gear... The Kingfish was

jetskiFISHING definitely a keeper and after adding it to the Ultimate Catch Bag it was heading home for the smoker.

With the day still ahead of us and most needing to go to work, we called it quits and headed back for home. Along the way we were joined by the Dolphins.

The Dolphins are a tranquil sight and just another exciting experience you see when going further a field on Jetskifishing adventures.

With making it back to ramp in good time, it was a quick wash down of my WaveRunner and off to an afternoon’s work.

More reports to come soon!

www.nzfisher.co.nz 19

FISHwords

The Kiwi Anglers Guide to Fishy Words

One of the reccurring themes in

FISHING TACKLE:

email we receive is that too many of our readers don’t know the lingo

Terminal Tackle:

we bandy round like it’s mainstream

Starting at the business end.

English. It wasn’t until my fishing

Terminal tackle refers to the bits &

buddy Mark up at Mangawhai sent

pieces you tie on to the end of your

me a message asking for me to

main line. Terminal tackle includes

decipher one of our last stick baiting

(but is for from limited to);

articles, that I realised we needed to

•

Hooks

do something about it. So here’s the

•

Lures

NZFisher guide to fishy words.

•

Swivels

•

Trace

We’re starting this month with

•

Line

Terminal Tackle (don’t worry, there’s a

definition below!) and we’ll continue on over the next few months.

HOOKS: While it’s likely that every single

The term tackle, with the meaning

NZFisher reader already knows what

“apparatus for fishing”, has been in

hooks are, it seems like the right

use from 1398 CE.[1] Fishing tackle

idea to expand a little & give a bit

is also called fishing gear. However

more info on the various hooks out

the term fishing gear is more usually

there (especially the ones we use

used in the context of commercial

here in Aotearoa).

fishing, whereas fishing tackle is more often used in the context of

From Wikipedia: : wA fish hook is

recreational fishing. For this reason,

a device for catching fish either by

this article covers equipment used

impaling them in the mouth or, more

by recreational fishermen.

rarely, by snagging the body of the fish. Fish hooks have been employed

20 www.nzfisher.co.nz

for centuries by fishermen to catch fresh and saltwater fish. In 2005, the fish hook was chosen by Forbes as one of the top twenty tools in the history of man Hooks are designed as either single hooks—a single eye, shank and point; double hooks—a single eye merged with two shanks and points; or treble--a single eye merged with three shanks and three evenly spaced points. Double hooks are formed from a single piece of wire and may or may not have their shanks brazed together for strength.

Treble hooks are formed by adding a single eyeless hook to a double hook and brazing all three shanks together. Double hooks are used on some artificial lures and are a traditional fly hook for Atlantic Salmon flies, but are otherwise fairly uncommon. Treble hooks are used on all sorts of artificial lures as well as for a wide variety of bait applications.

FISHwords

Hook names

of 10 lures with work. All the colours

Bait hook shapes and names

& beautiful ain’t jobs seem to achieve

include the Salmon Egg, Beak,

is a lighter wallet for the angler when

Surface lures are also known as top

O’Shaughnessy, Bait holder, Shark

he leaves his tackle store!

water lures, poppers and stickbaits.

Hook, Aberdeen, Carlisle, Carp Hook,

There are many types of fishing

They float and resemble prey that is

Tuna Circle, Offset Worm, Circle Hook,

lures. They are all manufactured

on top of the water. They can make

suicide hook, Long Shank, Short

in different ways to resemble prey

a popping sound from a concave-

Shank, J Hook, Octopus Hook and Big

for the fish in most cases, but are

cut head, a burbling sound from

Game Jobu hooks.

sometimes engineered to appeal to

“side fins” or scoops or a buzzing

a fish’s sense of territory, curiosity

commotion from one or several

LURES

or aggression. Most lures are made

propellers. A few have only whatever

A fishing lure is an object attached

to look like dying, injured, or fast

motion the fisherman applies through

to the end of a fishing line which is

moving fish. They include the

the rod itself, though if skillfully used,

designed to resemble and move like

following types:

they can be very effective.

times Maori made kahawai lures of

Jigs

Spoon lures are made to resemble

Paua & wood with strong, bound

Deep water jigs used in saltwater

the inside of a table spoon. They

bone hooks. These were towed

fishing consist of a large metallic

flash in the light while wobbling

behind waka (canoes) while transiting.

weight, which gives the impression

or darting due to their shape,

of the body of the baitfish, which has

and attract fish. Artificial flies are

Many will tell you that the right

a hook attached via a short length of

designed to resemble all manner of

colour most important. What I’ve

Kevlar usually to the top of the jig.

fish prey and are used with a fly rod

learned is that on any given day 9 out

These types of jigs can be fished in

and reel in fly fishing.

water depths down to 300 metres.

the prey of a fish. In pre-European

www.nzfisher.co.nz 21

FISHwords

Soft plastic baits/lures is a general

Modern fishing lines intended for

user’s hands when given a sudden

category of lures that are made of

spinning, spin cast, or bait casting

pull. Recently, other alternatives

plastic or rubber, and are designed

reels are almost entirely made

to standard nylon monofilament

to resemble fish, crabs, squid,

from artificial substances, including

lines have been introduced made

worms, lizards, frogs, leeches and

nylon, polyvinylidene fluoride

of copolymers or fluorocarbon, or a

other creatures.

(PVDF, and called fluorocarbon),

combination of the two materials.

polyethylene, Dacron and Dyneema

There are also braided fishing lines,

Swimbait is a form of soft plastic

(UHMWPE). The most common

cofilament and thermally fused

bait/lure that resembles an actual

type is monofilament, made of a

lines, also known as ‘superlines’ for

baitfish. It can be retrieved like a

single strand. Fishermen often use

their small diameter, lack of stretch,

plug/minnow lure. Some of these

monofilament because of its buoyant

and great strength relative to

have a swimming, paddle, tail. The

characteristics and its ability to

standard nylon monofilament lines.

development in the finishes in these

stretch under load.

Both braided and thermally fused

types of plastic lures have meant

‘superlines’ are now readily available.

that the finishes achieved now look

Its ability to stretch has a

Monofilament

more like a baitfish than ever before.

huge advantage over the early

Monofilament fishing line (shortened

developments as it prevents the

to just mono) is fishing line made from

rod from being ripped out of the

a single fiber of plastic. Most fishing

LINES

22 www.nzfisher.co.nz

FISHwords

lines are now monofilament because monofilament is available in a variety of diameters, each of which provides a different tensile strength (called “test� after the process of tensile testing), and because monofilament fibers cost little to produce.

Braid Multifilament line, also referred to as The Super Lines, is a type of fishing line.[1] It is a braided line which is made up of a type of polyethylene, an extremely thin line for its strength. By weight, polyethylene strands are five to ten times sturdier than steel. Multifilament line is almost similar to braided Dacron (Old school braided lines) in terms of sensitivity but a diameter about onethird that of monofilament.

Fluorocarbon Fluorocarbon fishing line is made of the fluoropolymer PVDF and it is valued for its refractive index, which is similar to that of water, making it less visible to fish. Fluorocarbon is also a more dense material, and therefore, is not nearly as buoyant as monofilament. Anglers often utilize fluorocarbon when they need their baits to stay closer to the bottom without the use of heavy sinkers.

Swivels A fishing swivel is a small device consisting of two rings connected to a pivoting joint. The device is usually made of metal, and the pivoting joint is usually ball- or barrel-shaped. The line from a rod and reel is tied to one end, and a length of fishing line, often terminated by a hook, lure or sinker, is tied to the other. The main purpose of the swivel is to allow the line to untwist during line retrieval, preventing undesirable tangling.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 23

regionalREVIEWS

Bay of Plenty Source: Mark Extreme Fishing Adventures

As like anywhere in New Zealand

where they are and it doesn’t take too

the scenery will be stunning, and the

long to limit out with double headers

food and people fantastic.

commonplace. The vast majority are

I have been receiving many emails

hapuka with just a few trumpeter

and messages from you all with

(some over 12kgs) and terakihi to

There is a sad situation here in our

well wishes (thank you) and some

spice up the catch. While few places

home port of Tauranga, the container

messages in regards to what is

were looked at, bass seemed to be

ship Rena ran aground last week onto

happening on upcoming trips.

nonexistent. Hapuka were mainly in

one of our favourite kingfish spots.

As always we will be doing our

the 8 -15 kilo category with just the

Since then the ship has started to leak

upmost to ensure you the angler

odd one over 20. Angler Raj Prakash

oil, containers are falling off, and now

get the best from your New Zealand

did well to subdue a 21 kilo specimen

the ship is at risk of breaking up which

adventure.

on only 10 kilo tackle while trying

Since the Rena disaster we’ve received these words from Mark at Extreme:

is just devastating.

for lesser species. They are in quite Now with a fishing update, since

poor condition overall due to having

There are many of you who are

Rena landed on Astrolabe reef

just completed their spawning cycle

booked on upcoming trips, some

the fishing has become extremely

recently. As per normal, they will put

are individuals and some are multi

difficult, some days only one or two

on condition by the week with some

day trips. Rest assured we are

fish. So it may be a timely thing to

good feeding going on. Water looks

currently working on finding suitable

head off and try some new ground

nice here as well with a handful of

workarounds to fulfil all of our

and let things settle down a bit here.

smallish (7-9k’s) but plump albacore

booked trips.

rewarded or wondering what you are

full of juvenile squid landed in 4-500

doing there! Above all, the kingis have

metres just off the shelf. Expect plenty

For the short term we are looking at

been a real dichotomy with smaller

out of this place over the following

taking our operation on an adventure, I

fish one day followed by uncatchable

weeks and months.

am currently looking at various options

monsters the next – at the same

along the coast in areas not affected

location no less! While the largest

Summary

by the Rena problem. Rest assured

landed was a modest 22 kilo specimen

Interesting and, in retrospect, a typical

there will be no compromise on the

landed by Aucklander Bruce Cox,

spring start. While we shouldn’t

fishing here for you guys, in fact some

many other larger fish were lost. Here

expect anything earth shattering

of the places we are looking at heading

the fish are readily taking jigs and bait

or huge changes, more consistency

to are where I go fishing when I have

with little differentiation. Some lost

should follow. Nice to not have the

a holiday. One of these locations a

fish were on long enough to tell they

predicted westerly winds thus far but

few years ago saw 3 of us land an

were 30 kilos plus while most were

don’t breathe too easily. Will report

extraordinary 200 kingfish in one day!!!

momentary “wiz bangs”! The bottom

again in another week, till then …

fishing was all or nothing. Find a place

Taranaki – West Coast The AMF Team Once again the weather is playing

presence felt. A couple of remarkable

havoc with the fishing, but thankfully

fish have been taken from the shore

this month the big Snapper have

including 30lb Snap landed from the

begun their migration & made their

beach down Foxton way.

24 www.nzfisher.co.nz

regionalREVIEWS

Hauraki Global Warming

Binfulls like this are getting more and

aquatic playground out in our very

Just when you think it’s safe to go

more regular although it has been

own Hauraki Gulf. It’s a delight to be

outside, it snows…in Auckland! Then

more of a 50:50 call over the past

aboard such a clean fast boat hunting

faster than a couta’ bite-off it’s shorts

couple of months. The odds of having

down the fish, and with Wavedancer

and T-shirts (at least for a little while)

a 115L fish bin overflowing with big fat

II launched this week, well you can

even slap on the sunscreen. Spring

snapper like this within an hour or two

imagine the blast it is catching

epitomized. Lots of lambs and more

are getting better by the day.

snapper right throughout the gulf

aquatic examples like this new brood

Inner Waitemata harbour channels can

(www.wavedancer.co.nz).

in tow paddling off towards Rangitoto

still produce the goods particularly

means it’s all on, coming ready or not!

with very lightly weighted soft baits

Other Species

Oh yeah and I kid you not, snapper

(1/4 to 1/2oz) from tiny tinnies just

Lots of gurnard are around, most not

have roe already!

driftin’ on through the sides when the

particularly big but always colourful

tide is running well, judging by the

and always a tasty treat…great to

inner city fishermen in the Fishing

target when the snapper aren’t

With water temps just starting to rise a

playing the game, worth a try while

degree or so and some very good bait schools all around the gulf prospects

Website forums.

slowly drifting anywhere in the gulf

for this spring & summer fishing are

Smaller grub-tailed and wriggly

really, open sandy areas, either drag

shaping up big-time.The best thing

legged SBs are doing the trick, some

a heavy deep water rig well out back

about now is that its spring, enjoying

areas can be fished successfully even

of the boat with a little Gulp grubtail

those perfectly calm days with big

while the wind is howling, tucked in

or small Catch anchovy or small brown

healthy fish on the bite. The worst

to the sheltered lee, places like the

Z-man lure. And if you put down the

thing about now is that its spring,

Motuihe channel for instance.

sabiki rigs whether fishing inner or

exasperating days of wind with fish

I’m sure the famed snapper

outer areas, put a live mackerel back

mouths shut tight. We’re certainly in for

migration is nicely coinciding with the

down – they’re working well and

the roller coaster ride of spring weather.

proceedings of the Rugby World Cup,

like Forrest Gump ‘life is like a box

Bring it on, there’s always a silver lining.

here’s a Waiheke snapper lofted by

of chocolates, you never know what

Julien Bonnair of the French Rugby

you’re going to get’. Delicious John

Workups

Team aboard Wavedancer, a great way

Dory also caught on the little soft

The first of the spring workups are all

to recover from the rigors of rugby on

plastic Catch Anchovy looking like

on with many whales, lots of dolphins

a blustery morning.

a live-bait “matching the hatch” in perfect spring weather just last week.

and gannets in scary numbers at times smashing the bait to smithereens,

Speaking of Wavedancer I’m

In short the snapper have just turned

pummelling the sea surface from a deep

fortunately now one of the 4 Captains

their heads towards the local volcano,

dark blue to an aerated light green.

taking out the fast and luxurious

the outer gulf is on fire most days and

Truly inspiring sights and sounds -

fish hunting charters of Wavedancer

the snapper are swimming ever closer

from the huge spouts of air from the

one (Taranui) and Wavedancer two

to the inner harbour areas.

whales to the fluttering of the air from

(Tara-iti), both are identical Rayglass

the gannets wing-tip feathers as they

2800’s. Fantastic boats for quickly

The winter residents (snapper) are

dive, again right beside the boat.

hunting down workups and much

already sparking up on occasion first

The snapper underneath (not so

more, using soft plastics only,

thing in the morning lately. As yet the

during the Claytons workups, more

dedicated to high performance action

inner channels are O.K. in terms of

about these later) are generally good

fishing. Close encounters with Orca,

success but the best is yet to come.

solid fish around the 10-12lb mark,

dozens of Brydes whales, Dolphins

Patience grasshopper, not long now…

some excellent juvenile kingfish right

both common and bottle nose on

Espresso

in amongst the action too.

a calm day it can be a right natural

www.nzfisher.co.nz 25

NEXTmonth

f sher In the next issue of NZ Fisher…

• Cape Karikari & surrounds – Number two on the top five inshore countdown • The NZFisher / Digital Hothouse R’Ocktober Fish Competition results • Gearing up for Game fishing – what does the boat need?

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www.nzfisher.co.nz 26