ISSUE 4 December 2010
Lazy Fishy Days of Summer//
Sharpening up – being on target for landing Marlin
//
The Sc-iwi: A Scott in Aotearoa //
www.nzfisher.co.nz 1
THE RUM THAT INVENTED RUM www.mountgayrum.com Enjoy the adventure, drink responsibly
2 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Pg 6
12
23
6
Sharpening Up
Game fishing
11
Fishing Video of the Month
Gurnard capers with Espresso
12
From Haggis to Hell-Yes
A Scotsman on fishing in NZ
18
Getting it right before you
hit the water
Kayak fishing
20
Beating the Christmas Skunking
22
Product Review
Rovex ‘Viros’ Braid
23
New Product
Berkeley Diablo Softbait Rods
24
The Clubhouse
Hibiscus Coast Kayak Fishing Club
26
Regional Reviews
28
Name that Species
18
Pg 30
www.nzfisher.co.nz 3
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4 www.nzfisher.co.nz
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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.
EDITOR / Derrick Paull ART DIRECTOR / Jodi Olsson
EDITOR
GROUP EDITOR / Trudi Caffell CONTENT ENQUIRIES / Phone Derrick on 021 629 327 or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES / Phone Alastair on 021 866 036
ssue four & we’re at the wonderful
and gone and now we’re into summer
or email
month of December. Nine months
for real. The fishing is still firing in most
ago when we really began winding
areas and game fish are bound to be
alastairn@espiremedia.com
up for issue one December wasn’t even
just days away. The Christmas break
a consideration. We had targeted the
is a time to relax and I for one will be
first three issues as our make or break
taking a much slower approach, there’s
and issue four would be a bonus and
no need to get too wound up about
each month after the same.
it – the real fun will kick in in February
With over 2000 readers & a growing online following we feel that the idea has developed into a great little read and
when the Gamefish & moocher snapper come by for a visit. Christmas is a great time to spend
we’re giving our readers what they want.
‘fishing time’ with the family, especially if
Or at least that’s what we think. Please
you can incorporate the likes of shellfish
click here to send us a quick note on
gathering, netting or spearing flounder
anything you think we can do differently
or simply snorkelling around the bays and
or better to improve your reading
inlets of your fishing areas – you never
experience. Thanks to readers of issues
know what you might see and learn.
1 -3 who have given feedback, we really
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!
Enjoy your holidays, good luck with
appreciate your ideas and strive to give
your fishing and please, be safe this
you a better product as a result.
holiday period – we can’t afford to lose
On the fishing front, spring has come
ADDRESS / NZ Fisher,
any readers
Happy Fishing!
Derrick www.nzfisher.co.nz 5
gameFISHING feature
ook h e l b u Do e ups lik on’t d these by happen t acciden
Sharpening Up Credit Graeme Heapy
6 www.nzfisher.co.nz
// Like
a good boy scout, Kurt’s motto is ‘Be Prepared’ By Kurt Bennetto
t’s about now, with the weather warming up, that the keen game fisherman starts thinking about the season ahead. And if you’re anything like me you find yourself asking questions like; what’s the weather going to be like? Are we going to have a lot of fish this season? What competitions are we going fish? When are the best weekends to be away? With all these thoughts running through your mind, it’s time to get the gear out and get stuck in to make sure it’s all in perfect working order for the www.nzfisher.co.nz 7
You n know ever the where end hook will up
Credit Kurt Bennetto
fast approaching season.
and if you’re careful and follow the
it slowly locks up. This could cause you
The first things to get sorted are your
instructions, it will probably be ok. If
some serious heart ache if the general
rods and reels. It’s so important to make
you’re not too sharp with tools, don’t
maintenance is not kept up. Check your
sure the drags have been serviced and
have the time or inclination; get your
rollers before each trip, a drop of oil
reset to the correct settings. Something
gear into a trusted tackle shop. By this
will do wonders, as will a decent rinse
that often gets over looked is the state
time of year they’ll be pretty busy, so
when you get home. We only get limited
of your nylon. I have seen nylon that is
plan early for next year.
chances throughout the game season so
almost 10 years old and has never been
Reels need love and an annual
make every chance count.
replaced. A lot of people also forget
service is the least you can do. Many
that when you catch a fish whether it be
great fish have been lost through
year out are “Single hooks VS Double
a marlin or a tuna, the nylon is wound
rough drag, seized bearings and
hooks,” “Hard drags VS Light drags.”
back on to the spool under immense
corroded teeth on cogs. Be safe and
Open gape hooks VS Closed gape
pressure. Over time this stretches the
get it greased up in advance.
hooks.” This is a completely different
Common debates that pop up year in
nylon, as you could imagine the effect of
A simple but common glitch is when a
story which I could spend hours waffling
this stretching is decreased line integrity
game rod roller (guide) seizes up. It only
on about and even then it’s not science.
– i.e. it breaks at lower weights.
takes a bit of salt to get stuck in the roller
However, we will save that for another
and as your gear is stored over winter
time. In the mean time it’s time to get
It’s fairly easy to strip down a reel
of g k 9 15 ed n plan in Marl
well Blue Credit Kurt Bennetto
www.nzfisher.co.nz 9
To maximise your chances you need to be consistent. Make sure your rods, reels and tackle is up to standard so that when you do hook up you have absolutely no doubt in your mind.
the lures out of the bag and rigged up.
amount of barb off so it penetrates
you do hook up you have absolutely no
easier. In a sense what you are doing is
doubt in your mind. I don’t mind losing
will increase your chances is having
minimising the cross sectional area of
a marlin that falls off or just didn’t hook
extremely sharp hooks. Its simple, marlin
penetration. You would be surprised to
up. That’s fishing. But when a fish is lost
have hard mouths and therefore the
know how many people buy new hooks
due to gear failure that’s devastating!
sharper the hook the better the hook up
and think they are sharp enough. That’s
And should never happen.
rate. I believe only about 25% of game
definitely not the case!
One thing I can say, that I guarantee
fisherman have sharp hooks. Sharpening
To maximise your chances you need to
So next weekend get the gear out on the deck, pour yourself a Mount Gay rum
a hook in itself is an art and takes time
be consistent. Make sure your rods, reels
and start planning the season ahead.
to perfect. The key to it is filing the right
and tackle is up to standard so that when
Can’t wait!
10 www.nzfisher.co.nz
The right knot f you’re anything like the staff at NZ Fisher you’re learning about or already fishing for kingfish & other gamefish with jigs, poppers or Stickbaits. These new techniques have exposed us to a number of new phenomenon’s like regular use of 150lb mono & 80lb braided lines. There’s a bit of an issue in joining these without a huge profile knot, until now… This video shows a brand new knot, the FG that can be easily tied on the water and most importantly – without the need for a bobbin (as the PR knot does). The PG can be tied on your yak, on the rocks or in your lounge at home. Go here to see this great instructional video. For those of you looking for a slightly lighter hearted vid – check out how these guys catch their fish at this time of year – click here and here. Nice fish, but I’ll stay in NZ for the weather alone!
Ask for the Active Duty sun and bug skin defence range at selected pharmacies and retailers throughout New Zealand or order online at www.skinshield.co.nz
“If it works for the NZ Army, it’ll work for you!”
As used by the NZ Defence Force! www.nzfisher.co.nz 11
boatFISHING
From Haggis to Hell-Yes! //A-Mac comes to the Fisherman’s El Dorado By Aaron McDonald
his is only my second full season on the water since arriving from Scotland 4 years ago with my Kiwi missus and dreams of rekindling my childhood passion for fishing. We used to hike miles into the moors and camp beside the lochs on the Isle of Lewis, fishing for brown trout and the occasional salmon when the gamies weren’t looking! This year I have spent a lot of time on the water and have been lucky enough to get out on several charters and have gone from catching my first kingfish last July to the dizzy heights of catching a marlin at the Three Kings in May this year. My first charter last this was aboard Eagle Magic with Paul Senior in late November and the fishing was mental. There was 8 of
Aaro a so n McD King lid Thr with s Ki ee ng
us onboard and we were putting snapper to 10lb back after only 45mins, all on softbaits!. One of my mates announced “best days snapper fishing ever” and I’m in no doubt you would need to be real lucky to get a better days fishing. Before the trip on Eagle Magic my fellow fishing buddies Derrick, Sea
12 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Ox, Simon and I booked a trip on Epic
nearly to a circle. Luckily he landed the
flying fish, to the full-on day of hooking
Adventures out of Tairua. I had been
fish and finished the day off just as it had
up with nearly every drop. I would say
out with Carl before in July 2009 and
started with a good fish.
the highlight of the trip was the live bait
had a ball catching my first kingfish and
During the run up to Xmas me and
session. The water was full of life and the
experiencing mechanical jigging for the
my mate John started venturing further
backdrop of White Island and the smell of
first time. Its hard to explain the pain of
afield in my Haines with some reasonable
sulphur made the whole setting surreal.
7hrs jigging to your missus when its self
snapper catches. I tried to fit in as much
inflicted but also worth every minute.
time on the water as possible as I was
hounded by the kings which prompted
working over the festive period and
us into a 2 hour session on the softbait
good, with plenty of good fish around
would not get out on the water for
rods. Myself, Kerry and Hannes must
the 15kg mark. Highlight of the trip was
several weeks. The day before Xmas, I
have got a good 10 kingies to the
Sea Ox and Derrick on the call for last
got a call and a completely unexpected
boat before retiring for the night. Next
drop, hooking into 2 beauties around
invite to White Island from one of my
day was full-on and we landed some
the 20kg mark. We had jigged for the
mates who had booked a trip with
awesome kingfish to 25kg, gemfish and
whole day with little rest and Sea Ox was
Enchanter. With heart racing I couldn’t
a couple of nice bluenose. Before the
just about out when he hooked up. The
get the word “yes” out quick enough. I
trip, 2 of us had purchased a low to
determination on the last drop was a joy
had read about White Island and could
mid priced Jigging rod. A reasonable
to watch as was the near 180 deg bend
only dream about what might await me at
investment I thought at the time, but the
on his new Synit acid wrap rod as the
one of New Zealand’s fishing meccas. The
White Island kings demolished both rods
kingie put the throttle down. There were
trip was like a dream; from the evening
in about an hour. The second rod going
several loud “holy sh*ts” as the rod bent
live bait session getting bombed by
on the first drop .
Our trip in December was just as
The flying fish were everywhere,
A very healthy Gemfish caught by Kerry Earl at White Island while deepwater jig fishing’ (Credit Aaron McDonald)
www.nzfisher.co.nz 13
(Credit: Aaron McDonald)
Bluenose are a great by-catch of deepwater jig fishing
Back in November, I had the
only one of us working at the time. I
missus in minutes. To my utter shock and
opportunity to go to the Three Kings
reluctantly declined, but was unaware
delight she said “yeah if really want to
with a group led by my mate Sea Ox. A
of the amazing chance I was letting slip
go then go - but I’m off to Invercargill
regular on the trip had pulled out and
through my fingers. Sometime in March,
for a week to see my sister and your
there was an opportunity for some else
a second member had to pull out of
paying”. Deal done.
to jump aboard. At the time, me and
the trip and Sea Ox asked again if I was
my lovely wife Catherine decided it was
interested. Now, after experiencing
I had little time to get ready. A quick
probably out of our reach as there was
White Island, I was on the blower to my
review of my tackle revealed I was
14 www.nzfisher.co.nz
The trip departed on 29th April so
Oh, feel what firs ing – a t M my arli n
(Credit: Graeme Cox) www.nzfisher.co.nz 15
return when she helped me empty the
Sea-Ox and his fly rod went for his 48th
to start going the other way at great
car. “Who’s is that rod?”. “ What’s in that
world record attempt on a Trevally!!.
pace. Meanwhile the other two lads
bag”… “Where did that reel come from”
Don’t remember seeing him putting any
were dancing round the boat and
“Eh…… it’s Jason’s”
Koheru in the tank though. With livies in
remarkably Reuben had his fish to the
The look said it all.
the tank, we were off to the King Bank
boat and tagged in no time. Sea-Ox was
I visited every shop and internet site
to drift for marlin. It was my first time
in difficulty at the rear of the boat with
possible looking for a deal on a Goldie.
fishing for marlin and my gear had never
no line left and I was out the front with
Finally, after weeks of searching, I found
seen the water until the fist bait was
what must have been only six turns of
a Penn 50 wide 2-speed and harness
dispatched under a balloon. The rest of
line left. Fortunately for me the call was
set up. I also gave in to a year long urge
the team were at various depths of the
made to chase my fish and Sea-Ox made
since my first jigging trip and got myself
water column. The Koheru had only been
the Ultimate Sacrifice! The next 45 mins
a Stella 20000 to grace the “banana”.
in the water for about 2 mins when all
were a blur as I developed a new style
hell broke loose. First up was Sea-Ox, line
of reeling a right handle reel with my left
every night of what the trip would be
screaming from his 70 wide, seconds later
hand. “Scottish style “ was my reply to
like’.....the fishing, scenery, wildlife, boat,
it was Reuben’s new 50 wide screaming
“what the “……. hell’s that?” . Somehow
weather. There had been talk of Marlin,
and then my balloon disappeared, it took
the fish was brought to the boat and
big kingfish, bass and hapuka in the
my brain a few seconds to register with
tagged even with a dramatic feespool
run up, but I could never imagine what
the impending chaos.
moment thrown in for luck!! Late in the
In the run up to the trip, I was dreaming
it would be like to catch one - nor the effort and concentration required. On the first day we spent an hour filling the live bait tank with Koheru and 16 www.nzfisher.co.nz
I grabbed the rod from the holder
afternoon John hooked up on another
and with the word “ REEL” ringing in
marlin which was tagged and released.
my ears, I reeled like never before, until
I don’t know how he stayed clothed
the line went tight and then decided
through out the fight with a bloody
I still can’t believe this type of fishing is available and that I have been lucky enough to experience it. woolie hat on, as my face was like Saturn after 5 minutes earlier in the day. Next day we were all fired up after
of these magnificent beasts. On day four Trevor was subjected to
same size as him!. Next up was a 30.5 kg kingfish which ignited the “holy shit”
record attempt number 50 and with
factor in me again as it pinned me to the
the previous days exploits, we filled the
beautiful weather we cruised out to
rails a few times. This was another first
tank with livies, Sea-Ox had is 49th world
the Middlesex bank via the Princes
for me a kingfish in the 30kg range.
record attempt on Trevor and I nearly let
Group which have some awesome rock
go my bowels when I hooked up on the
formations and cliffs. This was going to
number 51 Trevor lived to fight another
first drop, again after only 5 mins on the
be our first session of bottom bouncing
day, our trip was coming to an end
drift. This time we decided to keep the
and serious jigging. I was working
and we headed for home on day six.
fish if we could get it to the boat, as we
the jigs at the front of the boat with
We decided to stop off on the way
were all keen to secure one between us.
moderate success and decided to go
home for a 1 hour jigging session and
down to the rear to have a blast on the
at one point, all six of us were hooked
the day before, I only reeled “Scottish
bottom rigs. As I came down the boat,
up on real good kings, during which
style” for about 1 minute and forced
Zane handed me a rod that he had just
we witnessed a pack of kings surface
myself to concentrate and try to follow
put to the bottom. I picked it up and
mauling saurie, at first I thought they
all the advice I had got from the pursuit
immediately went into “holy shit” mode
were dolphins! What a way to end a
team the day before. I went on the trip
as a 58kg bass decided it was going to
fantastic trip.
thinking myself to be reasonably fit –
take me for a swim.
After my crash course in marlin fishing
wrong! . These fish rip you up big style.
The ensuing fight seemed to last
Unfortunately after record attempt
I still can’t believe this type of fishing is available and that I have been lucky
On one of the hook-ups I had been taken
forever and was hampered by a faulty
enough to experience it. I caught a
down to the point of seeing the knot on
roller on the tip of the rod. The line kept
marlin, a huge bass, (both first timers for
the spool - some 600m of line being out.
tracking over the roller and was getting
me) and my biggest kingfish all on one
shredded between the tip and the roller
trip in Northland. Bloody awesome!
The Pursuit team’s assistance and encouragement throughout was
holder. Luckily Zane noticed this and
awesome, and an education. It’s amazing
kept diverting it back on as the fish came
skippers and crew Rick, Karl, Tobes, Paul,
how different the process of catching a
up. What a tasty beast.
Zane and Sam, who made my year of
marlin varied from my original thoughts.
That day was unbelievable as we had
A big thank-you to the charter boat
fishing and of course my long suffering
It’s a mental and physical battle that
some real quality hook ups and a great
fishing widow Catherine who lets me enjoy
does not compare to anything. The
mix of fish highlight’s being Jason’s
my fishing (at a fair price of course..)
nerves of not wanting to drop it are hard
double Hapuka hook up, the fish being
Roll on next year!! The sleeps
to contain but it pairs into insignificance
25kg and 28kg, Richard and John’s huge
countdown has begun and I look
with the elation of actually catching one
Hapukas and Rueben catching fish the
forward to the pain!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 17
kayakFISHING
A w trip ellpla smo lead nned & g oth s s to reat aili resu ng lts
Getting it right, before you hit the water 18 www.nzfisher.co.nz
// The benefits of good planning on a trip Words and Pics by Peter & Aileen Michael hether you are going
planned trip) to give you time to get it
fishing just for the day or
serviced if necessary. At the beginning
away for a weekend or
of each year you should consider re-
longer, it definitely pays to be well pre-
spooling your reels. You can reverse
pared. You don’t want to be watching
the line every other year (by taking line
your buddies head off into the sunrise
off the reel onto a spare reel or spool,
while you are still getting your gear
running the line on to a third spool and
ready and trying to remember where
then winding back onto your reel, laying
you put things, losing valuable fishing
the oldest line on first...got it?)
time every second. Knowing what to take with you and
Don’t forget your chilly bin and salt ice – essential for keeping your catch in
what to leave at home is the first step in
good condition and great for keeping
a successfully planned trip. Think about
your beers cold until needed for your
your last few excursions – what do you
fish. Unless you have a very good chilly
keep carrying that you really do not need,
bin, (Icey-tek is one such brand) ice
and is there anything else that you should
doesn’t last very long. Salt ice is closer
take with you? Have you got some way
to the chemical mix of sea water, and
of keeping your catch fresh once caught?
keeps your fresh fish in better nick but it
There are certain items that you will
does melt a slightly lower temperature.
need all the time, and other things that
So, opening and closing the chilly bin all
you may or may not need depending
the time won’t help longevity.
on various factors such as location/
By planning and preparing ahead, you
weather/target species/duration of trip
should be able to maximize your fishing
etc. If possible, it is helpful to keep your
time whilst being confident that all your
‘all trips’ equipment together to make
gear is in good working order and not
for easier packing. Make checklists if
having to worry that you have left anything
necessary to ensure you do not forget
important behind. At the end of the day’s
anything (see example of Kayak fishing
fishing you will be happy to know that
checklist for ideas). See here for our
your fish is chilling on ice and you have
example Kayak weekender list.
some warm dry clothes to change into
Checking all your fishing gear a few
whilst enjoying that cold beer. Remember
days before a trip is a good idea, as
to clean all your gear after each outing
is tying traces if you use them and
and store it correctly. Give your reels a
any other rigs that can be pre-tied to
light spray of Inox or similar, back your
save time when you get to your fishing
drags right off and if possible keep your
location. If for some reason you have
reels in the hot-water cupboard until next
not used your rod or reel for a long time,
weekend (hopefully you will be fishing
you may want to check it even earlier
next weekend, we will be!)
(perhaps a couple of weeks before a
Pete & Ails www.nzfisher.co.nz 19
landBASED feature
Beating the Christmas skunking By Derrick Paull
hristmas and the ensuing break is the time of year most
your luck, ut if you come up short,
of us enjoy the best opportu-
remember – any time spent fishing
nity to get time on the water. Sadly,
is about a hundred times more
Christmas also seems to be just about
rewarding than a day in the office –
the worst time catch fish in New Zea-
even if you’re not catching them!
land – especially close to shore.
20 www.nzfisher.co.nz
A few tips here may help change
Tips for increasing your summer fishing returns: 1. Don’t be a snapper snob. Kahawai
3. Find deeper water. Most fish like to
are our most readily available table
feed in the shallows, but will return
fish and are great fun on a line.
to deeper patches when the sun is
They will usually turn up when
up or the tide is low. There’s a full
you put some burley in the water.
array of tides over the Christmas
use that for bait. If you’re on
Kahawai can be caught in harbours,
– New Years break. Experiment a
or near a surf beach or estuary,
on the beach and from rocky
little with when spots fish best over
try digging for shellfish (But not
out crops. The best returns will
the tide and try to find deeper
Toheroa’s!) and use them as bait. If
come from half pilchards or cats /
spots near dusk
it’s natural and abundant, chances
retrieved soft baits or spinners
when fish are shy. 5. Find what the fish are eating &
are it’s exactly what your quarry are 4. Use smaller (re-curve) hooks,
2. The early bird catches the worm.
fish but increase hook up rates
looking for!
smaller baits & enticers. When
There is no doubt that during the
the going gets tough, the smart
Christmas break the best time to
people catch the fish. Use all the
conditions, bite times and results,
catch a feed is before dawn (or
smarts you can including glowing
fishing is a fun activity to spend
up until an hour after) and near
beads, flasher hooks and smelly
your time on. Don’t get grumpy if
dusk in the evening. This is great
baits. The more you do to entice
you come home empty handed –
because it gives you the balance
them the better your chances. If
you won’t be alone. Our evidence
of the day to spend with family &
you choose to use smaller hooks,
says fish know when you’re happy
friends during the sociable times!
try re-curve or suicide hooks as
and tend to bite more – so smile –
they will aid releasing undersized
you’re having a great time!
6. Have fun doing it. Whatever the
www.nzfisher.co.nz 21
productREVIEW
Rovex ‘Viros’ Braid By Derrick Paull
have been taking a closer look at
through testing & experience that the
no indication why the braid broke where
super braids or braided multi-fila-
Uni-to-uni knot for joining braid to mono/
it did. This was the only breakage and no
ment lines recently and managed
flouro is the best ‘quick option’. With the
obvious weaknesses were found.
to get my hands on some Rovex Viros
low diameter of the Viros braid I found
braid form Thompson Walker. The new
myself doubling the normal wraps of braid
working over with weights form 1/8th
Rovex range of braided lines has been
over the mono to build enough bulk to
oz right trough to 4oz and found no
released to compliment the range of
feel comfortable. The knot diameter is
noticeable weaknesses or tendencies to
Rovex rods, monofilament lines, leader
sop small that these additional wraps have
loop, knot or fail. The ultra light casts
& reels now available. Viros braid is
no visible or operation effect on the end
were easier than with conventional
made of “new generation Digital Y6
result but give a bit more faith in the knot’s
braids I have used.
Braiding for the smallest diameter,
holding ability.
longest casting, and quietest braided
Once on the water it was a unique
I gave the casting ability a good
Our break tests showed that the 10lb spools we had broke at very close to
fishing line ever produced” – or so the
experience to cast with Viros. Once
their stated break strain – much to our
sales literature said!
again the diameter takes a little getting
surprise for such a fine braid. We are very
used to. The braid is so limp it feels
impressed with this as most other brands
almost like hair to the touch.
we have tested break well over their
The first thing you notice is how incredibly thin this braid actually is. We’re becoming accustomed to very
On the trip we tested this line we were
stated weight, even for their diameter.
thin braided lines, but Viros is in a new
subjected to some incredible snapper
Over all I am very impressed with Viros
category. The 10lb flouro-yellow line I
fishing, including half a dozen fish over
braid. Viros is well priced & out-performs
spooled my T-Alloy with felt more like
15lbs and one that made 20lb. I did
similarly priced braids I have tested
1lb than 10.
have one braid breakage about halfway
Being so thin you have to be much more vigilant in your knot tying. I have found 22 www.nzfisher.co.nz
through day one (of two). There was no sign of wear or near-by line damage and
RATING:
/5
NEWproduct
Berkley Diablo Softbait Rods By Derrick Paull
was in Bait Station (On Auckland’s
been a bit soft in the tip – reducing the
North Shore) last week and was
action and lessening the benefit of the
introduced to the new range of
extra length. Seven foot is not a terribly
Berkley Diablo rods. I’m often taken by
long rod, but being two piece these
‘off the shelf’ rods but found their new
are a practical boat rod that will aid in
7 foot offerings particularly interesting.
enticing the bigger fish.
One of the keys we have found to
The Diablo range extends form 37kg
finding bigger fish on Softbait missions is
6ft rods right through to 7’2” 2-4kg
a longer rod that imparts more action to
rods and the DD702SWM 7ft spin should
the baits. By using a longer rod you can
be considered as a very capable 10lb
gain that increased movement. Most of
softbait rod for those looking to hunt
the longer SB rods I’ve come across have
bigger snapper this summer.
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theCLUBHOUSE
Hibiscus Kayak Fishing Club //North Auckland’s Paddling powerhouse
he Hibiscus Kayak Fishing Club
in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
(HKFC) was formed in March
To accomplish this goal the HKFC:
2006 and the fish have been
•
afraid of us ever-since. It seems they must move away when we go fishing as we can’t catch many! The Hibiscus Kayak Fishing Club (HKFC)
•
Encourages the exchange of ideas, information and experiences on
Holds monthly meetings with various
kayak safety, paddling and other
programs and guest speakers
kayak fishing related subjects
Schedules club outings, both
•
Strongly encourages conservation
day and away trips, where
of all species and encourages
club members can Kayak, Fish
members to take only
exists to share and promote a common
and socialise with like minded
love for kayak fishing and the outdoors
individuals
24 www.nzfisher.co.nz
•
•
sufficient fish for their own requirements
HKFC have taken up a membership
pretty well balanced so far, but the
with the NZACA & showed real ability
yakker’s are starting to build a bit of a
to catch fish by taking out the National
lead. Once again, this is a very fun day
Boat fishing title at the 2010 NZACA
on the water and is well supported by
National Championships. To add to this
both clubs.
they also won a number of age group
The HKFC website -
categories & team events, finishing
www.hibiscuskayakfishingclub.org
The Nationals Team 2010
with a very full table of trophies & certificates. In 2011 the HKFC in association with the North Shore
is regularly updated & includes a lot of very helpful information. The site advises members of the upcoming
Surfcasting Club & NZACA are to host
& competition for everyone interested
fishes, recent results, club championship
the Nationals in Orewa on Auckland’s
in Kayak fishing to come along & have a
points & has a very colourful (and
Northern shores. This is an opportunity
go. The open-day attracts dozens of new
well stocked) photo gallery.
for fishers nationwide to come &
& prospective members and is a very fun
compete against these crafty fishers.
day out. Johnson Outdoors have very
Watercraft in Silverdale every second
generously donated a kayak to a lucky
Wednesday of the month at 7 pm
draw winner to spice things up.
(February – December). (Ocean Kayak
While the club is hosted by Johnson Outdoors, makers of Ocean Kayaks, there is a wide range of craft fished by
The club meets at Johnson’s Outdoor
factory showroom at 2 Furnace Place,
On a six monthly basis the Blignaut-
HKFC members and the 2010 Mens
Paull Rock-Yak trophy is fished for
division winner at the Nationals paddled
between the North Shore & Hibiscus
a Viking Profish Kayak.
clubs from the rocks and yak’s
and live in the Auckland area, drop Barry
respectively. The competitor has been
a line on bsmith@orewaprimary.school.nz
Every year the HKFC hosts an open day
Silverdale). If you are keen on Landbased fishing
Kayak Fishing Range Because one kayak won’t suit everyone
PROWLER ULTRA 4.7 Image courtesy of Rob Fort – Coromandel Kayak Adventures
Some fishing kayaks may excel in one or two areas, the Prowler Ultra 4.7 excels across the board, with an inpressive range of features making it the benchmark when it comes to design and performance. “This boat is the benchmark in kayak fishing design” Rob Fort - Coromandel Kayaks
K AYA K F I S H I N G R A N G E
Scrambler 11
For more information and to find your local dealer visit:
Prowler Elite 4.1
Prowler Elite 4.5
Prowler Ultra 4.7
www.oceankayak.co.nz
Torque
Designed in NZ, made in NZ & exported around the world www.nzfisher.co.nz 25
regionalREVIEWS
Hauraki Gulf Source: Grant Bittle ‘Espresso’
redictions and wishes for an
being breeding season ‘n all, and their
social groups, and lots of singles – still
early and bumper snapper
appetite varies widely. Some days you’ll
worthwhile targeting especially on the
season have been granted,
be the hunter gatherer extraordinaire as
flat calm sunny days just drifting along
20c+ water temps with the snapper
they smash anything you throw at them,
picking up a snapper every ½ hour or
obliging in their ferocious appetite
others you’ll be wondering why you’re
so. But really a lot of the better fish are
for food making most of us expert fish
suddenly Nigel-no-mates and can’t get a
in 10m to 20m water, nice for holiday
catchers overnight, but along with that
fish to act interested let alone bite!
makers to target in all manner of boats
Slow retrieval can induce hookups
or from shore. Just be aware that there
ego-boost comes a caveat. It is (fish) breeding season first and foremost
from fish that aren’t even hungry. This
are now long periods of no bitey-
so guarantees have many Christmas
technique has saved me from near
bitey (apart from the sharks), and take
escape clauses.
fishless days. I tend to use soft plastics
refreshments, time and attitude to deal
and a deep water rig with heavier weight
with such calm pleasures on the open
the 10m to 20m depths all around the
than normal or a big slow jig dragged
sea, after all it is holiday time!
coastline and to the edges of channels
along the sea floor, both stirring up mud
like right under the harbor bridge and
and slowly wound up several metres
the arena (including the new ones at
western Coromandel for instance. There
then dropped back down i.e. having
Kelly Tarltons all the way from the USA),
are also lot of fish all around the place just
something swimming up and away from
and they do what they do best, eat. So
hanging out, getting all social with it so
the snapper gets a few sparked up and
they eat the fish, your terminal tackle,
again this means stimulation to spark a
predatory instinct kicks in - they can’t
burley bags…pretty much everything
bite since their preoccupation is not food
resist lashing out, hookup!
they can bite at (no thumbs you see).
A lot of bigger snapper have moved into
Speaking of sharks, many have entered
but procreation. The physical condition
If anchored using bait ‘n burley you
of many snapper is markedly down from
may need to wait through a change of
during the feeding frenzy on bait-balls
the earlier lead up to Christmas. Breeding
tide (and lots of tiddlers to take care of
– it’s just not the right place to be in
and intermittent feeding takes its toll
returning unharmed) to get the bigger
my books. I’ve managed bit of workup
on conditioning and so your fillets may
fish to you, but wait for that magic &
footage and some underwater filming in
well be lack-lustre, thinner and just not
invisible feeding switch to get flicked
the gulf – here’s a quick 3 minutes of the
quite as tasty. But them’s the breaks!
on, and it’s all on – late afternoon and
mad snapper workup action going on
So be prepared for prolific fishing days
evening seems to be the go at the mo’.
out there right now, enjoy!
and some not so, both will be on the
Like too many days eating leftover ham
(Christmas) cards.
This has put me off in-water filming
Oh and the Kingfish are in, lots of drag
for us, sad old sun baked bait sitting
melting smaller versions with some big
Long hot summer days, not all bad…
lifeless on the sea floor is not appetizing
guns blazing out there as well. Live-
summer fun, family time and fishing, all
to fish, unappealing to look at and hardly
baiting and a throwing a few poppers
good – so here’s a few things that work
enough to spark a bite from anything
around is high up on the list now
well during the occasionally stressful
other than a miniature fish in sheer
anywhere around marker buoys and the
time of relaxing. Slow everything down.
growth desperation, fresh is best.
gulfs islands!
Summer is for recharging the batteries,
Big snapper filling bins quickly are
Have a wonderful holiday, enjoy the
for fun in the sun and generally having
being reported more around the edges
fast paced action as well as the forced
a good time and eating too much at
of the gulf rather than the middle
relaxation times too, family, kids, friends,
one sitting, snapper are similar – they’re
ground where the snapper are tending
BBQs and beers with fresh fish…cheers!
certainly out there for a good time
to spread out or gather in smaller
www.catch.org.nz
26 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Coromandel Source: Carl Muir/Epic Adventures
ts been a fun couple of weeks of
bait from the Aldermen Islands, and also
fishing with the fish very spread
a nice king on Salt wayer fly from Cuvier
out and everything from salt water
– see here for a full report
fly, to Stickbaits, poppers, surface
West Coast/ Taranaki
Tobes has been busy on Sanity with a
he west coast has been experi-
trolled livebaits, jigs and softbaits pro-
big run of day trips, the last two weeks
encing a bumper pre-Christmas
ducing some great kingi fishing.
started with some great mid water
spell with the weather condi-
The water is warm and blue, and with
live-baiting action for kingfish, chasing
tions allowing more boats out than
saurie, skippes and plenty of bait and
kingfish on jigs on the myriad of closer
most can remember. The fish are also
birds around it will not be long before
pins around the Mercs and Cuvier and
playing along with good numbers and
the first marlin and game fish of the
finished with some fun on poppers at the
sizes being reported up and down the
season are caught.
Aldermen Islands.
coast. There are a few more sharks
The top 20m of the water column has
The fishing has off and on over the
showing up, which can only mean the
been loaded with bait and most of our
last 2 weeks but still managed to get
‘real’ game fish are not far behind. It’s
kingfish have been caught on or near
new pb’s and get new fishermen to the
exciting times and most are anticipat-
the surface.
game of chasing hoodlums and there
ing a bumper gamefish season on the
have been some cracker days when the
western waters.
Mark Joseph landed a very solid king on light casting gear and a Smiths stick
kingfish have bit hard.
Tauranga / Bay of Plenty here are still very good num-
good numbers of ‘coke-bottle’ Albies
sign that real gamefish are just around
bers of Kingfish coming in, but
and Skippies to be had out wide and
the corner. It’s just waiting time now
they’re having a good time
near the likes of Astrolabe & out back
until the first marlin is caught and the
of Schooner.
season is kicked off for real. With water
of baffling anglers just about every second day. Thankfully though, while the kings play hard to get here are
A few boats have landed some reasonable Mako sharks – a good
temperatures regularly above 20 degrees a pre-Christmas capture is imminent.
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competition
Name the species his month we’re introducing a
go in the draw for a days fishing
double-whammy prize for the
with Carl Muir on board ‘Epic’ –
‘Name the species’.
Voted the charter provider of the
You can email Captain Snappy here [derrickp@nzfisher.co.nz] to go in the
year by users on Fishing.net.nz This is a huge prize but can
draw for an ‘Active Duty’ priz epack, but
only be won by clicking ‘like’
for real bangs for your bucks, go here to
& entering your answer on
our FaceBook page, enter your guess and
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// In the next issue of NZ Fisher… • • • •
Stick baits for Newbies Big snapper from the shallows Jigs vs LiveBaits – Ed’s review Rarotonga uncovered
Next edition out 2011
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www.nzfisher.co.nz 29