March issue 2016

PLEASE TAKE ONE

MARCH 2016

your FREE monthly newspaper www.fishingoutdoors.org

FISH TODAY FOR TOMORROW Distributed New Zealand wide - PO Box 10580, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3240 - Phone 07 855 1833 - Email mail@fishingoutdoors.co.nz

Do we want the reserves?

– YES WE DO gally fishing, which are really getting some people upset.

The total public contempt and just straight hatred for the commercial scallop fleet has seen hundreds of calls and photos from both islands published on social media.

Most people don’t know the difference between a trawler, long liner or dutch seine boat, so they just refer to them all as trawlers.

This is one reason calls to MPI and in some cases the police have ended in the person, who went through the effort of complaining, being told “it’s okay, he is allowed to fish that close”.

Is this a political reserve? Yes it is.

When Nathen Guy dropped the snapper day limit from 9 to 7 in SNA1 and called it an increase, the recreational fishers rose up like never before.

This has put this and any other government in a position where they may have created their worse nightmare and that is a recreational lobby group as powerful as the gun lobby in USA. To the effect that the NATS have had to do something really startling in an attempt to put the breaks on the snow balling recreational lobby movement.

These reserve’s were announced by the National Party through John Key himself, to the surprise The Trawler line (red line) is where the Recreational Fishing Park should be; whereas the Seiner of both the recreational and commercial fishers, as a straight out Line (yellow line) is where the government propose the park to be. Recreational fishers should political move. Make no bones make submissions to this effect. about it they are very worried.

The two recreational reserves being greatly by getting rid of the commer- The stupidity of their interference in talked about by our beloved politi- cial and make it more worthwhile for the daily bag limits and fish size has cians at the moment are a really good recreational fishers to continue their angered so many recreational fishidea, yet have some people confused. excursions around the Peninsula. ers, that it has put their next elecUp until trawling and seining in- A Fish Fight Aotearoa spokesperson tion campaign in severe jeapody. creased in the 1960’s and 1970’s our said that they would like to see com- The complete exercise backfired on coastline fishing was very good, then mercial local trade only, remain in them as it was an pathetic attempt the QMS system was introduced the Gulf but they can’t be trusted, as to increase the commercial take. to control the commercial take. they are likely to sell indirectly to the We believe that Nathan Guy just But the QMS system has run exporters, or sell directly to restau- didn’t get how much regard recreaits course and is being abused rants while other areas that supply tional fishers put on the catch it- cook by the commercial indusrtry. restaurants would shut down to local it - eat it​culture. His announcement Establishing these two areas as Rec- trade and sell to export only. There are was patronizing like he was addressreational Only Reserves will have huge too many loopholes they would use ing peasants from a high balcony benefits to every fishing community, as the commercial credibility is zero. in France. Reminded me so much and quite frankly need to be replicat- Groups like Legasea, Forest and of a big girl called Marie Antoinette ed in other areas around the country. Bird and the Sport Fishing Coun- whose famous one liner “let them eat The commercial fishing industry have cil seem to be less than en- cake” caused a peasant revolution. had it too good, for too long and they thusiastic about them as well. The pressure has been so great that seriously need to pull their heads This is very confusing and not re- the Director of Fishery Management, in and consider the damage being ally the way to get the support of David Turner was recently hospidone by them to our inshore fishery. recreational fishers who hate see- talized with a stress related illness.

At a recent MPI consultation meeting ing the commercial fishing boats The Hawkes Bay saga is a clasin Thames to commercial fishers were taking large amounts of shallow sic example of more incompecrying their hearts out about ‘going water wild fish stocks for export. tence by Fisheries Management. broke’ and all the other sad stories they To that end this newspaper and Who will benefit most from the could drum up. The consequences to the social media are sent photos MBS and HRG reserves. The fish. the local economies will be enhanced of commercial boats fishing le- When the commercial guys move

out and the recreational fishing effort is the same, it will leave hundreds of tonnes of extra fish, each season.

It would take about 1500 recreational fishers and 500 boats to catch 5 tonne of ​​ snapper if they averaged three 2kg fish each.

If you live in a small seaside town and have a business you catch on really quick that its a happy day for everybody when 500 boats turn up or you could have one trawler that may or may not load up in your town, with one skipper and maybe one or two deck hands. The fish are then sent whole in boxes overseas the same day.

The big stake holders make the big profit here. If you give one person one million dollars they will maybe spend some of it but most likely invest it to their wealth portfolio. If you give 100 people ten thousand dollars they will spend most if not all of it and so a million dollor boost to the local economy.

Remember the recreational fishers are far more seasonal than the constant pressure of the five day a week commercial fishers.

Also the commercial guys are really good at what they do, much better than 90% of the recreational fishers.

They will receive a one off payment from the government and no loss of quota so they are being compensated very fairly.

This brings up the next point if the government is going to

use our tax dollars to buy back this water then we want it all.

We don’t want to simply rent it off the commercial fishers, the compensation must be a full and final purchase price; and no commercial method of fishing that is not aquaculture should be allowed in these areas, including long line, craypot, gill net, seine, or trawl net.

Only methods allowed by recreational fishers that are in law at present should be allowed, e.g.: long line of 25 hooks and so on.

The area of the MBS reserve is good because the shore line area far exceeds the boundary line of the reserve.

The HRG reserve should follow the same example and go straight across the top of the Gulf where the existing trawl line is.

This would partially protect the spawning area around the 50/60 metre mark in the middle of the Gulf and would also create a much smaller boundary line on which the commercial fishers target.

The next thing is that a legalization change by government can be scary.

To create the Kermerdec Reserve from the existing 12nm out to the 200 nm EEZ, will give the government, the power to make no take reserves in NZ. I believe that the extension of the Kermerdec Reserve gives 15.5% of NZ water protection.

Surely this is high enough for any country and we don’t need the

smaller pointless reserves with a boundary line equal to its coast line.

When this occurs you get people like Dr Roger Grace who point out how decimated the area outside the reserve is compared the the abundance of life inside the reserves.

What they forget to mention is that the boundary line of any reserve is a target for recreational and commercial fishers, so you see dead overfished zones which are created by the reserves.

These small reserves have a zero ecological impact. The only benefit they have is a feel good look at the pretty fish type things and some people will pay to look at the pretty fish so there can be a economic benefit.

Do we need 10% on top of the 15.5% , no way.

The funny thing is that in time the commercial fishers could benefit the most from these recreational only reserves because if they are big enough to create a spill over effect, who will be waiting outside the boundary, the exporters.

Then the next step is too force the local District Councils to stop the environmental damage created through town drainage, forestry and fertiliser run-off. Marlborough District Council and Hauraki District Councils are responsible for allowing massive fouling of our fisheries habitats through massive dumps.

Te Awamutu Fish & Game Trout Fishing Competition Bulmers Landing 19th & 20th March, 2016 Lake Arapuni Must have License beforehand to enter.

Big Game Gear also available

2

View the newspaper online at www.fishingoutdoors.org – and advertise online with us

Visit us on www.facebook/Fishingandoutdoorsnewspaper

Coro Cowboy fishing hard out Maple Smoked Snapper

The Oban Cowboy

What makes a man buy a charter fishing boat. In talking with Grant and Tracey Wykes the new owners, it goes back a long way.

Grant has always wanted to own a charter boat since he was a little tacker. He was the youngest person in NZ (at the time) to hold a US Divers ticket.

“I went out on a boat at Whangaparoa Heads to sit my ticket at 13 years old,” he says” and thought this is what I want to do.

Since then Grant has been an engiFishing and Outdoors PO Box 10580, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3240 Ph 07 8551833 Editor Graham Carter mail@fishingoutdoors.co.nz 021 02600437 Graphics: Astro Creative Photography: Sandi Tuan Regular Writers: Graham Carter James Speedy Ben Hope Frank Henry Dick Featherstone Tony Orman Rhys Smith John McNab Fishing and Outdoors is published by Ashwood Grove Ltd. All editorial copy and photographs are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions or comments expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the contributors, editor, staff and management or directors of Ashwood Grove Ltd. ISSN 1179-5034 Unsolicitored editorial, letters, photographs will only be returned if you include a stamped, self addressed envelope. www.fishingoutdoors.org Copyright © 2011 Fishing Outdoors Newspaper, All Rights Reserved.

Visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Fishingoutdoors

neer in Huntly, in the wild waters around Stewart Isdriven trucks land (hence the name “Oban Cowboy”. in Aussie but In 2004 she was extended, re powhis heart has ered and then used for Paua diving always been to and Charter fishing in Cook Strait, own a charter she has a well proven hull design and fishing boat. they have no trouble operating in When they weather up to 40 knots. However they changed the won’t go out in weather with 40 knot rules around winds,possibly up to 30 knots dependfor Charter Boat ing on which way the wind is coming tickets he said to from,safety is always first priority.

Tracey his wife Or if you don’t fancy fishing you can “Lets do this.” just hire the boat and spend the day He went to with the Coro Cowboy sightseeing, Tauranga to sit his skippers ticket in the mostly sheltered waters of and having previously done a lot of the Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel harhis hours with a local Coromandel bour and the Firth of Thames. Take charter operator it was just a case a sightseeing tour around our local of doing the course and the tests. Mussel farms, or enjoy the tranquilHe has been on boat and fishing ity of private beaches and tucked since he was a kid, so its in his blood. away coves. Relaxing, swimming or Tracey used to live here but grant sunbathing with family or friends. has been coming to the area With its multitude of islands and bays since a young fella. They both to explore, and its large aquaculture love the town, and its people. industry, Coromandel Township is a “It’s a great place to live, a magical place.” definite must do on the tourist trail They had heard that the Coro Cowboy operation was for sale, so they moved to Coromandel last October and started work as the skipper for with Chris and Caroline in the busy time during November and December. They loved what Howie Feran from whitianga with his 20.2lb snapper caught by a was happening, fisher on one of Grants recent trips so they decided to go ahead and buy the business. Just a two hour drive from AuckBoth Chris and Caroline had land, you will find paradise tucked done an awesome job running away on the eastern side of the the boat and building the busi- Hauraki Gulf. You can catch the ness over the last seven years, as Auckland ferry to Te Kouma and hop they have a great client base, and straight onto the Oban Cowboy. the transition went pretty good. All it takes is a phone call and what They are happy to take four peo- better place to have a family trip. ple out, but prefer up to ten. Four Their fishing trips cater for both the people means that Mum and Dad novice and the experienced fisherand the kids can have a terrific days men. Most of the year, except for fishing or you can hire the whole the colder months of June through Their fishing trips are promi- August, the Snapper fishing in and nently based on the mussel around the Mussel Farms, both in the farms located around Coroman- Coromandel Harbours, and around del and the Firth of Thames. Wilsons Bay in the Firth of Thames, These farms are a huge food source is the best you will see anywhere in for fish, especially the snapper that the world. (it is not uncommon for come into the Hauraki Gulf and inner fishing trips to return early with bag harbours during the warmer months. limits) Trevally, John Dory, Gurnard, Fishing for both total novices and well Kahawai, and Kingfish can also be seasoned fisherman is just fantastic. caught at varying times. Make sure Experienced fishos will appreciate the you bring your camera, you never local knowledge and techniques em- know when Dolphins, Orca, and ployed to target their fish. Novices will whales may pop up on their way past. benefit from the tuition and patience For your comfort there is seating, available from the skipper if required. a hand basin, a flsh toilet, a covIf you don’t like to touch the smelly ered top for shelter and shade with bait or fish, Grant can bait your complimentary tea and coffee. hooks and remove your fish for you. The Fishing trip times are MornGrant and Tracey operate the ‘Oban ings 7am - 12pm and in the afCowboy’, a 10.6 mtr Hamilton de- ternoon from 1pm - 6pm or signed Marlborough hull, which car- times to suit you by arrangment. ries 600 litres of fuel and 200 litres of For all enquiries contact fresh water and is powered by a 420 Grant or Tracey, Phone 07 866 hp Yanmar marine diesel engine, giv- 7297 Mobile 027 344 7833 ing her a cruise speed of 20 knots, it Email corocowboygets you to the fishing spots quicker. fishing@yahoo.co.nz Originally built in 1989, for Cray fishing

Snapper (Pagrus auratus) are found in the waters around most of New Zealand’s northern coastline where water temperature and quality is favourable and food items like kina, crabs, shellfish, squid and pilchards can be found in abundance. Snapper are revered for their determined fighting abilities that test tackle components to destruction and angler’s fortitudes alike – common techniques of catching snapper include soft plastics, metal jigs, hard bodied lures and the tried and true method of adding a cut bait to a ledger or staryline rig.

Snapper will happily thrive in just a few meters of water around mangrove and kelp forests and are equally as happy in the deep blue nutrient rich waters out to about 200 meters where pinnacles and upwellings can be found – this makes the species highly accessible for both small vessel and launch fishermen.

Snapper also make for great eating as there is plenty of clean white flesh on even an average sized examples and it can be prepared in many ways from simply dusting fillets with a light coating of flour or coated in a quality panko bread crumb (I recommend FogDog Panko) and flash fried in a skillet with butter to more extravagant meals of whole baked snapper in a tandoor oven with all manner of herbs, spices and curries, but my personal favourite way to prepare snap-

per for eating is by smoking it in my Bradley Smoker with a hint of maple.

The first part of this recipe involves a planning session with your fishing mates, fishing tackle preflight checks, boat fueling and setting the alarm for a nice crisp getaway to your favorite Snapper-SpotX before the birds are up….now simply catch the required amount of snapper (let the rest go) and make sure any you are taking home to be smoked are iki’d and then put in to a quality chillybin with plenty of salt ice or a saltwater slurry. Six snapper around the 2kg mark are perfect candidates for the 6 rack digital Bradley Smoker but if you are lucky enough to bag a couple of nice ones they work out just fine also, I have smoked plenty of ‘20lbers’ with excellent results to.

So with all that hunting and gathering taken care of lets get smokin’….

PREPARATION: Gut, gill, remove the head and split the snapper as per photo 1 or if you have a few nice ones to smoke simply remove fillets leaving the skin on and cut in to portions approximately the same dimensions as a Bradley rack. I like to smoke the heads and backbones also as there is plenty of tasty meat in around the head and bones and also ensures as little wastage as possible, Sprinkle about two teaspoons of Bradley Maple Cure on to the flesh and gently massage in with fingers to achieve an even covering.

Place snapper in to the fridge for between 12 to 48hours.

METHOD: Remove snapper from fridge and allow it to obtain to room temperature.

Preheat your Bradley Smoker to 88 degrees.

Squeeze some maple syrup on to the fillets and again massage in to flesh.

Place racks in to the smoker.

Start the smoke generator with Bradley Maple bisquettes for 2 hours and with the oven set at 88 degrees for 3 hours.

Go clean the boat, take the kids to the park or kick back and let Bradley take care of the rest.

At the 3 hour mark shuffle the racks around from top to bottom and bump the oven temperature up to 103 degrees for an hour or so until the surface of the snapper takes on a golden glow. …and that is it! simple, no fuss and delicious!

Hot smoked maple snapper straight out of the Bradley wrapped in fresh bread rolls is superb but even when cold on crackers with your favourite cheese when entertaining or as the main ingredient in a traditional fish pie it is a real treat.

If you intend to chill or freeze some of your fine product for another day then investing in an Innovation Vac & Seal is highly recommended – these nifty devices quickly remove all the air from and double seal the bags to preserve and extend the life of your smoked fish and meats.

For more information, howto-videos and recipes visit www.bradleysmoker.co.nz

Massive Purse Seine Fishers Close to Shore Among Endangered Māui Dolphins Leaves Communities Aghast

Reports of Māui dolphins inshore with surfers at Piha this week have coincided with local resident concerns about purse seine fishing too close to shore.

The 61m Talley’s purse seiner, the Eagle, fishing for skipjack tuna, has been seen just beyond iconic Lion Rock at Piha over the past week and has left both conservationists and local coastal communities aghast at current West Coast fisheries management.

At the same time, endangered Māui

dolphins have been swimming inshore among surfers, meaning the dolphins are at direct risk of entrapment.

Reports today and photos on various Piha facebook pages over recent weeks, show commercial purse seine fishing vessels what locals estimate as close as 350m from shore.

Locals from the Piha Deep Sea Fishing Club indicate the indiscriminate purse seine fishing operation was occurring an incredible 150 m from shore.

Māui and Hector’s dolphin advocate, Christine Rose, says “Gill nets are banned in the area out to only 2nm nautical miles offshore, offering inadequate protection for the estimated last 55 Māui dolphins.

But seeing these fishing boats so close to shore has us all alarmed at what’s being done to the ocean”.

Mrs Rose, Chair of Māui and Hector’s Dolphin Defenders says “Both local recreational fishermen and residents are aghast at what they see as flagrant fisheries abuse with these massive commercial fishing vessels so close to shore”. “They say it’s no wonder they find it harder to catch fish with a line and hook”.

“But of significant concern is that Māui dolphins, the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin, are clearly in waters where these indiscriminate nets are scooping up everything in their path.” “Scientific consensus is that gill nets are the greatest threat to Māui and Hector’s dolphins. With three or four Māui killed in nets every year.

That’s clearly an unsustainable rate.

Māui dolphins can’t withstand a single human-induced death in the next 21 years if the species is to avoid extinction. “At Piha right now, it’s feared extinction is happening before our eyes”.

“Large scale, indiscriminate commercial purse seine fishing Boats at Piha are a stone’s throw from shore while surfers swim with Māui dolphins in their wake” says Mrs Rose.

View the newspaper online at www.fishingoutdoors.org – and advertise online with us

Coromandel fishing – better than Aussie - by Graham Carter

like this it just isn’t available, so you guys need to really protect it.

But in our area in Aussie it’s no where near as good as here in the Coromandel. What you guys have here needs protecting and looking after really good.”

“Over in Aussie we need to Jim Millar Cambridge with a typical ‘mussel farms’ snapper.

When you get a phone call from a purchase a fishing licence which is bunch of Aussies and they want to fish about $30 dollars for five years or so, for two days – it says something pretty and the money is used for upgradgood about the operation you run. ing boat ramps and looking after the I had the chance to catch up with fish stocks, breeding fish and policing ‘Neil’ from Newcastle and get but its all relative to population size the low down on Aussie fishing. and you guys don’t want that here.

“Where I come from in Newcastle the Get rid of all the commercial fishing fishing is pretty good, we have a va- and that in itself will look after the riety of fish to catch, jew fish, snap- fishery judging by your population per, bream, bar cod, muullet, perch, size. We have ten times more people whiting and several other species. fishing a similar sized area and with You can’t fish for snapper in areas the commercial gone it fishes well.”

“I fish in Lake Macquarrie where the fishing has improved dramatically over the last few years since they kicked the commercial fishers out” Lake Macquarie Australia’s largest coastal salt water lagoon, covers an area of 110 square Wayne from a small town out of Newcastle NSW hard out into a good kilometres and is connected snapper.

Visit us on www.facebook/Fishingandoutdoorsnewspaper Coromandel Fishing Charters run ‘four hour’ charters through the summer months as they have found that after that the fishers want to go home and sort out the fish already caught. This involves an early morning excursion, one around lunchtime and an evening fish.

Coromandel Fishing Charters work in unison with Salty Towers Bait and Tackle shop who offer a fish filleting service along with bait, berley and tackle supplies and they have fresh mussels available to take home as well.

Coromandel Fishing Charters of-

to the Tasman Sea by a short channel.

In 1983, the State Pollution Control Commission undertook an investigation into the causes of poor water quality in the lake. The report identified the primary causes of concern, highlighting the major problems of sedimentation and nutrient enrichment. In 1998, the government announced the formation of a task force Clean Up Australia.

The action plan, concentrated on treating the cause of the water problems in the lake by tackling stormwater runoff within the catchment.

A series of water quality indicators were used to monitor and quantify the water quality improvements observed by the community. Now the lake body generally has low nutrient concentrations, good water clarity and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. Activities that reduce the amount of sediments and nutrients washing into the Lake via stormwater run-off have assisted in improving water quality in Lake Macquarie.

These activities include the construction of wetlands, the installation of stormwater treatment devices, bush regeneration and an increased awareness by the local community.

Recreational fishing improved as fish stocks responded to the removal of commercial fishing.

Neil said that it costs about $377 for return airfares, then there;s the accommodation, food and $1500 a Kevin with one of his snapper day for boat hire which makes the trip here to NZ well worthwhile.

“It’s cheaper and easier to fly here catch your fish and air freight it home,”said Neil. We just can’t do it for this price at home it’s too expensive.

“When you book a charter on a boat that run an operation as smooth as this it becomes a dream come true.”

I had a ball and we all binned out in easy fashion.

Another great days fishing.

3

fer more than a fishing experience as there is a lot more to the Hauraki Gulf than people imagine.

To Book your Charter or Christmas function call Tom or Lorraine on 0800 267624 or 027 8668001 or the office at 07 8668928. Email: corofishing@gmail.com Neil having his snapper unhocked by Lorraine from Coro Fishing Charters

Three Aussies fishing

Luke with his kingfish caught near the Aldermans.

Luke, Wayne and Neil hosted by Kevin were enjoying our fishing around the Coomandel Peninsula.

A couple of days out targeting Kingfish proved very profitable.

The cost of fishing in Aussie proved that a trip here is way more economical and the fishing is better.

Neil with a good kingfish caught from a Whitianga charter boat.

Wayne with his good sized kingfish

NZ

DESIGNED &

MANUFACTUR ED

NEW! Amazing value for money and built for the Kiwi fishing family.

Offering an incredibly stable platform and dry riding hull with high sides and negative chine.

• • • •

370 Enforcer Boat 18hp 2 Stroke Tohatsu Outboard NZ Built Enforcer Trailer 5 Year Manufacturers Warranty

TOTAL PACKAGE

10,995

$

INC GST

www.enforcerboats.co.nz

4

View the newspaper online at www.fishingoutdoors.org – and advertise online with us

Visit us on www.facebook/Fishingandoutdoorsnewspaper

BRAG PAGE Send your photos into mail@fishingoutdoors.co.nz

Cody with his first fish on the new rod, the smile says it all.

Alex Reynolds, first fish with a Shimano Rock Hopper!

Marlin caught by Fiona Browne 14 years old

Christine with a couple of good ones caught trolling off Waikawau using waxwing lures

Chance Reynolds with his first fish of the Summer!

View the newspaper online at www.fishingoutdoors.org – and advertise online with us

Visit us on www.facebook/Fishingandoutdoorsnewspaper

KDC proposed changes to Kai-iwi Lakes

The 2002 Reserve Management Plan is required to be reviewed every 10 years by Kaipara District Council (KDC) and the Draft Reserve Management Plan has a new Vision and Objectives for Taharoa Domain (Kai Iwi Lakes).

The proposed changes outlined in the draft reserve management plan include: A banning of powered boats at Kai Iwi Lakes by 2018.

- Stopping of trout release by 2018.

Closing of Promenade Point campground and a planned extension of Pine Beach campground.

- Significant development proposal with no consideration of the economic impact to the Kaipara district .

KDC say that they want to reduce the conflicting uses of the lakes, and imply that boats are not compatible with the cultural and ecological values of Taharoa Domain. KDC states safety, shoreline ecology and erosion, preventing weeds and water quality as the reasons. These reasons are NOT included or outlined in the Draft Reserve Management Plan.

Most boats have their petrol and oil

in sealed containers which minimise any risk of spill. Kai Iwi Water Ski club has a rule that boats must be removed when petrol and oil containers are being filled, these containers cannot be filled on the lake.

Many other boat owners already do this too, and this rule could easily also be applied at Lake Taharoa.

While active pursuits always carry some risk, the clear marking of ski lanes, separate swimming areas, boat prohibited areas, minimal speeds near shore and public education reduce the chances of risks to all lake users.

Powered craft have often been first responders when other lake users are in difficulty and have actually saved lives.

Besides tiny Lake Ngatu in the Far North, there are no other lakes in Northland available for power boating. Kai Iwi Lakes are the safest body of water for the public to learn to waterski, wakeboard, swim or other try other water-based activities. Not restricted by tidal movement, ocean swell like the Kaipara Harbour, and having a smaller fetch makes

Kai Iwi Lakes a safe haven for the whole family and lend themselves very favourably to all water sports.

Lake Taharoa requires small craft, including jet skis, sailboards and yachts to travel at less than 5 knots within 200 metres of the shore, except in the five marked access lanes. Powered craft are also restricted to 5 knots in an area north west of Promenade Point and the Bluff including Hauhautoki Bay and the Sin Bin. An area off Pine Beach is reserved for swimming and no small craft including sailboards and kayaks are permitted.

KDC want the lakes to revert back to containing native species only, and will review the release of exotic fish (Trout). If the exotic fish (Trout) are deemed detrimental to the ecology and health of the native fish (Dune Lake Galaxias) and others, the exotic fish (Trout) release will cease in all lakes by 2018.

The impact of Trout on the native Dune Lake Galaxias has previously been studied in Lake Waikare and the conclusion was that the removal of the Trout from these lakes is likely to be more detrimental to native fish (Dune Lake Galaxias) stocks than continuation of release. Trout control the introduced Gambusia (mosquito fish) and give the native fish (Dune Lake Galaxias), a more viable chance of survival. Focus on removal of the introduced Gambusia (mosquito fish) should be a priority.

It is unclear why the Draft Reserve Management Plan proposes the closing of the campground at Promenade Point and moving all campers to Pine Beach. The cost to build the proposed campground extension and facilities at Pine Beach is estimated (by KDC consultants) to be $400-500k. These proposed changes also include the

installation of a campground gate which appears to lock out daytrippers from the Pine Beach area.

The changes proposed in this Draft Plan have not considered the economic impact to the wider Kaipara District.

The only consideration given to any economic benefit was the perceived increase in Council revenue from the proposed campground development i.e. cabins and a shop etc. in the Draft Reserve Management Plan. No data or studies were undertaken to support this perception.

Incompetence or plain stupidity Within the Kai-iwi Lakes there are three specific lakes, Waikare, Taharoa and Kai-iwi Lakes.

Taharoa being the largest along with Waikare which are both pristine lakes both having an abundance of trout and being very popular with boaties, swimmers and the like.

Bordering the lake is a camping ground which people from all around NZ flock to throughout the summer months. Kai-iwi Lakes is a destination many many folk.

The Kai-iwi Lake itself, used to be full of fish and have boat access – for fishermen and for waterskiing, which the Kaipara District Council (KDC) banned a few years ago.

Now the lake is so clogged with weeds limiting access and the result a digraceful and shameful mess. All created by brainless Council decisions.

Fish and Game state that there is absolutely no scientific evidence with what the council are saying.

So whats going on is this?

Next May Fish and Game propose to run their annual fishing competition and have to put in a health and safety plan to council which shows how is ridiculous the Coun-

cil is, given that the comp has been held for years which means the cost to anglers and campers will be going through the roof.

With all these brainless decisions towns like Dargaville that rely on the passing tourist dollar will suffer economically – have the Council given this any consideration?

Money of any sort outside the community brought in boosts every household in one way or another.

Lake Kai Iwi was a test case for no powerboats. Fish and Game were stopped from introducing trout there and the whole exercise has been disastrous. It has proven detrimental to both the Dune Lake Galaxias and Dwarf Inanga. To want to extend this to the other two lakes is totally brainless to say the least when one small lake cannot be managed well.

How many years has it been since lake Kai Iwi had boats on it?

And just out of interest how many years do you think it would take of boat usage on that lake to return the lake to its former glory?

Or is the damage done and it would be impossible to get the lakes water quality to be the same as the other two lakes?

Have you noticed how much weed is growing in the smaller kai-iwi lake? No motorboats are allowed on there, and its covered in weed and no-one ever uses it anymore.

This is what happens to the quality of the lake when the boats aren’t there to keep the water moving.

The most pollution in the lake was the year they cut the trees down, and it rained and all the run off went straight into the beautiful clear water leaving the edge brown and you could clearly see Rivers of brown run off weaving it’s way through the pristine blue of the lake.

So what statistics and data have the KDC got to support any of their comments. e.g. safety?

How many incidents/accidents

5

have there been relating to powerboats? Surely this is easy to quantify (per boating hours).

This safety issue (as well as erosion etc) are easy (and emotive) sticks to beat the Power boaters with but they need to be backed up by quantitative data.

The Promenade Point Camping should remain. The Draft Plan proposes the closing of the campground at Promenade Point and moving all campers to Pine Beach.

The cost to build the proposed campground extension and facilities at Pine Beach is an estimated (by KDC consultants) $400-500k. These proposed changes also include the installation of a campground gate which appears to lock-out daytrippers from the Pine Beach area.

The proposed planting at Promenade Point appears to leave no large open spaces for visitors to undertake land based activities.

The proposed Draft Plan shows the majority of Promenade Point as revegetated. We believe this contradicts the Draft Plan’s focus of encouraging passive use.

Reviewing the fishery (Gambusio Mosquito Fish) is what causes the damage according to Fish and Game.

Gambusia are an invasive exotic fish species, widespread in northern New Zealand, and commonly co-occur with a variety of small endemic fish species. They have been implicated in the displacement, decline, or elimination of aquatic species internationally and have been suggested to threaten dwarf inanga and black mudfish.

So to sum up have the KDC done their homework – it doesn’t sound like it. It sounds more likely that the government is sticking their noses in to punish the people from getting rid of bad politicians and ignoring local cries for help regarding roads and jobs.

Fish & Game urges anglers to ‘speak up’ for the Kai Iwi Lakes trout fishery Northland Fish & Game is urging anglers who fish Kai Iwi Lakes to support the trout fishery that’s under threat from Kaipara District Council proposals.

The council proposals to ban trout releases and power boats have already sparked protests and Fish & Game warns that if they are approved, they could spell the end of the popular fishery.

Fish & Game Northland Manager Rudi Hoetjes says it is imperative that anglers put in submissions strongly supporting the lakes’ trout fishery – before a Kaipara District Council deadline on 22 March, 2016.

“As anglers who use the lakes, we ask you to strongly reject the council’s draft proposals to halt Fish & Game’s annual trout releases and ban the use of motorised craft on the lakes.

The ban on motorised craft alone would deal a severe blow to older or disabled anglers, and families who fish together on the lake, he says.

“This needs full research and a great deal more consultation – there needs to be serious consideration

of the potentially harmful impacts, both ecological and economic.”

Mr Hoetjes says the Kai Iwi Lakes are New Zealand’s most northern significant rainbow trout lake fishery and one which has been used for decades by locals, families and visitors. He says the lakes are valued by not only Northland anglers, but also those from Auckland and further south.

Without regular stocking the fishery will collapse in three years with a resulting loss to the tourism sector, as anglers contribute to the local economy through fish-related spending on accommodation, food and fishing equipment, he says.

The fishery has no natural spawning so stocking is needed and without it the fishery would simply disappear, he adds.

“There could also be some very serious environmental consequences.

Fish & Game believes that trout have a crucial role in eating the introduced pest species mosquito fish which would otherwise severely impact on native species like galaxids.”

Mr Hoetjes says that Fish & Game has called experts including fisheries scientists and lawyers as it puts together a strongly worded submission to the KDC. “In the meantime, we need your help as anglers or visitors to the region who have fished the lakes. Please go onto the Kaipara District Council’s website and make a submission, providing an account of your personal fishing experiences there.

“It’s crucial that people speak up so council knows how many people fish there and the value they place on a recreation that’s been part of Northland life for decades.

“Fish and Game will be pointing out that the trout fishery is an extremely important recreational resource for many freshwater anglers, and a major contributor to the economic wellbeing of Dargaville in particular.”

Mr Hoetjes says that Fish & Game would be grateful if submitters can take the time to email a copy of their submission to Fish & Game northland@fishandgame.org.nz

Boat protest in Dargaville More than fifty boats were towed through Dargaville’s main street recently in protest against a proposal by the Kaipara District Council to ban all powercraft from Kai Iwi Lakes.

The lakes are part of the Taharoa Domain, 35 kilometres north-west of Dargaville, very a popular holiday spot renowned for its pristine white sand, and beautiful clear water.

Rob Stevenson the spokesperson for the Friends of the Kai Iwi Lakes says he hoped the parade would draw an awareness to the Story continued next page...

6

View the newspaper online at www.fishingoutdoors.org – and advertise online with us

Story continued...

councils’ plans to ban powerboats from the Taharoa Domain.

The group has gained 3515 Facebook members to date.

The Council’s plan proposes that all powercraft be banned from all three lakes in the domain by 2018, along with the closure of Promenade Point campground, extensive development and expansion of the Pine Beach campground and to cease releasing trout fingerlings.

Friends of the Kai Iwi Lakes are appalled the council has not considered the economic impact on the district.

“We want to make people aware of the current proposal and urge them not to be complacent about the issue,” he says.

“We care about protecting the lakes too, but believe there is a lack of robust information and evidence to support what is planned.”

The group will propose sev-

Visit us on www.facebook/Fishingandoutdoorsnewspaper

eral compromises, such as delegated areas for swimmers and boats which they feel will “protect the domain but still make it inclusive for everyone to enjoy”.

“No one wants to harm the lakes - why would we harm something that means so much to us and is also vital to this district’s economy,” Stevenson says.

SILVER CARP NOT WANTED IN NZ – MINISTER MUST SAY NO

New Zealand First is urging Conservation Minister Maggie Barry not to approve the introduction of silver carp to a fish farm near Taupo.

“Many fishers and others who depend on the trout fishery and related tourism are worried about this large and aggressive fish escaping from breeding ponds into rivers and lakes and becoming dominant,” says Spokesperson for Outdoor Recreation Richard Prosser.

“We share their concerns but the Minister told Parliament today her advice

was that the fish could not breed without hormone injections and there was a low probability they would escape.

“This is by no means guaranteed – breeding efficacy is reduced but not eliminated, and with the best will in the world, escapes are almost a certainty.

“Technology can fail, people make mistakes, sometimes people do things deliberately. Birds can take and then drop small fish. Floods can cause ponds to overflow into rivers.

“These fish could be devastat-

ing for trout numbers and consequently a multi-million dollar fishery – they eat the same diet as smelt and can grow to 40kg.

“Some species can adapt to new conditions and silver carp could do just that.

We don’t know what we are getting, and New Zealand has a long and painful history of introducing new animals.

“Both NIWA and the Department of Conservation have warned about the possibility of the silver carp breeding in the wild in New Zealand and that only experimental use should be approved.

“While it is a shame to go against anyone trying to get a business going, New Zealand does not need a new and potentially disastrous pest species. There are plenty of other things that Auckland’s restaurant customers can eat.”

“The US is spending hundreds of millions of dollars attempting to eradicate this fish.

“Approving silver carp’s introduction would be ill-advised, and we urge the Minister to just say no.”

SAVE OUR WILD TROUT FISHERY ‘Save our Wild Trout Fishery’ from Yes Nelson – we understand that the idiotic decision by Maggie Barry Carp are already being farmed who has given approval for the farm- in Nelson under a similar situaing of silver carp at Taupo when tion to what is proposed in Taupo. billions of dollars are being spent Conversely, it is incredible that here in the USA and Australia trying to in New Zealand we are spending milrid this noxious and dangerous lions on bio-security at airport and fish from rivers, lakes and streams. ports striving to keep noxious pests In fact, according to an NZ Herald out of the country - while the Minisreport (see links below) the US Army ter of Conservation, Department of Engineers is now involved in a proj- Conservation and Fish & Game have ect to try to stop it invading The given approval for the same noxGreat Lakes system and President ious and dangerous Silver Carp to Obama has been asked for help. be bred here – a fish that will pose a What the minister hasn’t disclosed is significant injury risk to boat owners, that the carp are being transported water-skiers, jet skiers, kids on inner from Warkworth to Nelson via truck to tubes being towed by boats etc – and be bred in the ponds. Then once the also threaten New Zealand’s highly fish are of suitable size they are again lucrative trout fishing tourism industransported by truck to the markets to try. (DoC estimates the Taupo trout be sold frsh and alive to restaurants. fishery brings in at least $90 million This poses a significant threat to the annually to local economy alone). environment should any of these You will note that the noxious Siltrucks have an accident and crash ver Carp was introduced to the USA their load. Certainly it creates the from fish farms also – no doubt with potential for a major biosecurity risk. the same “guarantees” to those be-

ing given by the farm operators here.

Similar assurances were given by DoC many years ago that introduced catfish would never spread in the cold waters of Lake Taupo - but they have and are now present throughout the entire Waikato River system.

Please simply spend a little time looking at the website links below – including reports from the BBC – about the potential disaster in the making that is about to be visited on New Zealand via the breeding and transportation of Silver Carp here. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ world/news/article.cfm?c_ id=2&objectid=11580712 https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=pJ6WH28RvQU http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Threats-to-Wildlife/Invasive-Species/Asian-Carp.aspx https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=tLmJjRqXDCo http://fox2now.com/2015/08/31/ pleasant-hill-man-injured-by-flying-asian-carp/ http://stopcarp.org/the-problem/ http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ world/news/article.cfm?c_ id=2&objectid=11569295 Australia is having huge problems getting rid of their ‘European carp pest fish’ to the extent that CSIRO scientists are undertaking rigorous tests to determine the safety and suitability of the candidate biocontrol agent Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) to eradicate them.

European carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a pest that adversely affects the health of Australian rivers and wetlands.

It was first introduced to Australian waterways more than 100 years ago and has since established in every state except the Northern Territory. Able to tolerate a wide range of conditions and habitats, including low-oxygen and brackish water, it is considered one of the country’s major aquatic pests since it massively spread through the Murray-Darling Basin in the late 1980s. Previously held in check by the drought, recent years of flooding rains have brought their river systems back to life, and as a result the carp population has again expanded. This puts increasing pressure on their waterways and native wildlife.

Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) in New Zealand The silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, belongs to the freshwater fish family, Cyprinidae.

It is native to China and eastern Siberia where it is a threatened species in its natural habitat.

The cyprinid family has over 3,000 species but only the larger species are commonly referred to as carp.

However, this name has sometimes become misleading due to the diversity of the biological requirements of individual family members.

Carp species introduced to New Zealand include silver carp which is a phytoplankton filter feeder, grass carp which is a browsing herbivore, and koi carp and gold fish which are both opportunistic omnivores, eating a wide range of food.

Koi carp are classified as a noxious fish in New Zealand as they are able to breed prolifically in our natural waterway conditions, devour native aquatic wildlife and undermine or damage the banks of lakes and rivers. They are often referred to disparagingly, as ‘the opossums of our waterways’.

Silver carp has been cultivated worldwide (in at least 88 countries) and by weight more silver carp are produced than any other carp species.

Its introductions have mainly been for food production in land-based aquaculture farms but it has also been used for water quality control.

In some countries where the natural environment is conducive to breeding, it is now considered to be an invasive nuisance species.

Silver carp were brought to New Zealand specifically for its potential to control phytoplankton blooms

occurring in lakes throughout the country. They have been in New Zealand for over 50 years, having been first imported in the mid 1960s.

Attempts to breed silver carp from these first introductions were unsuccessful and all silver carp stock now in New Zealand have been produced from 94 surviving fish from a second consignment imported from Hong Kong in 1970 by the Acclimatisation Society (Fish and Game Council).

Due to its own biological limitations silver carp is unable to breed naturally in New Zealand and therefore cannot be self-sustainable in our waterways.

Spawning, hatching and the raising of larvae are only possible artificially through fish hatchery simulation techniques.

Some of the early wild releases of silver carp by the Ministry of Fisheries in the 1980s allowed the evaluation of the fish’s potential for controlling nuisance growths of phytoplankton.

Fish were released into Lake Orakai and Lake Tutira (Hawke Bay) and into Lake Omapere (a warm water lake in Northland).

Subsequent releases into these lakes ensured that breeding age fish would be available for aquaculture and to sustain the control of plankton blooms over the long-term.

However, there is now concern that these fish are now nearing the end of their natural life expectancy and are among the few remaining breeding aged fish surviving in New Zealand.

Although the silver carp are fertile, they cannot breed in the wild in New Zealand and therefore there are no self-sustaining popu-

lations of this fish in this country.

All field trials have shown that silver carp could control planktonic algal blooms in most situations if enough fish were present in each water body. This is important because algal blooms can cause local water bodies to become toxic, resulting in the death of aquatic animal life, and the sickness or death of livestock that drink the water. It can also cause health problems for humans.

In all countries that silver carp have been introduced to it has been established that they only can breed naturally in those few which have very long rivers (at least as long as the Waikato River without impediments such as dams) with gentle flow rates where the water is warm and nutrient enriched for phytoplankton growth.

Salt water is lethal to this species.

The main reason that silver carp are unable to breed in the wild in New Zealand is that their eggs need to be suspended and tumbled within the movement of flowing water for between 2 and 3 days at a temperature of between 22–24ºC, if they are to hatch and produce viable larvae.

Other secondary reproduction requirements such as the temperature triggers for egg and milt release from adult fish simply do not occur within our water ways. While these conditions do not occur in the wild anywhere in New Zealand they can be created in carefully controlled, artificial simulators in a specialist fish hatchery, hence all silver carp in this country have been reproduced in a hatchery for the last 50 plus years.

Duck Shooters Eyeopener Shoot - Sun 3rd April Ohinemuri Fish and Game are holding their annual Duck Shooter’s Eyeopener sporting clays shoot on Sunday 3rd April for anyone who’s wishing to roll up on the day and have a blast.

The shoot will be held at the TVDA grounds, its $35.00 for 50 targets and this fee also includes lunch. If you want to do another 50 targets after lunch, it’s $20.00 for the second round.

Start time is 9.00am so come on along and enjoy a fun days shooting and get those mason bees out of the barrel before the shooting season starts.

Parsun have a range of Four Stroke Specials

F6 from $1799 F9.8 from $2899 F20 from $3695

now $1599 now $2699 now $3495

New shipment 2016 90HP motors arrived $7,995

www.outboard-motors.co.nz www.outboard-motors.co.nzfor foraadealer dealerininyour yourarea area ororcall us on 06 7591990 to nd your local dealer call us on 06 7591990 to nd your local dealer

View the newspaper online at www.fishingoutdoors.org – and advertise online with us

Visit us on www.facebook/Fishingandoutdoorsnewspaper

7

Why the QMS was chosen Recreational fishing is the problem!

What a load of bollocks. Commercial fishers are bleating loudly as a British Columbia University report reveals that the commercial catch is likely to be double what is actually recorded.

According to the study New Zealand’s fisheries management system may not be the world leader it’s claimed to be, according to a draft international study which says the amount of fish being caught is significantly underestimated, while Fishing industry representatives and other officials say the numbers are wrong.

However University studies generally get it right as they are not biased.

The study author Daniel Pauly, who worked with researchers from Auckland University, says the catch may be double than what is officially reported.

Only the catch that is landed is reported while a good percentage is dumped before before being recorded.

The NZ public has been had, and a huge mirage has been produced which was maintained by a code of silence, commercial fishers are forced to say nothing under the confidentiality agreements and when disgusted with the practices leave the industry.

Dick of the Tourna- and Daniel Spencer. Researchers in the British Columbia ment: The team from The other 4 Marlin were University study say underestimatthe boat Jigga. Forgot caught and weighed in: Char- ing the catch leads to overfishto put their bung in. lie Smart, 105.5kg, Matt Pat- ing, and they estimate more than Anglers draw for Trip more, 100kg, Daniel Jones, 93kg; a million tonnes of fish are being for Two to Raroton- and Shane Tregoweth, 90.5kg. taken but not reported each year. ga: 12 Anglers were Congratulations to “If that were the case we’d have a drawn out as Final- all of our winners. million dead fish floating around the ists for a Trip for Two A huge thank you to all of the seas, how would that get past internato Rarotonga. They anglers that entered our Tour- tional observers?” spokesperson and were Davin Mudford, nament and the sponsors. CEO Seafood NZ Tim Pankhurst says.

Dave Walsh, Frazer The seafood industry, however, says Darke, Peter Fitzpatthe numbers are wrong. Yet the only rick, Max thing they are interested in is the Gilbert, profits they can extract from the fishBrett Thom, ery. When the fish are gone they will Lloyd Stol, say whoops sorry we got it wrong.

Rob FlanTim Pankhurst statement is laughable nery, Kirk and ridiculous as he tries to justify ComSimpson, mercial bleating. Every ex commercial Michelle fisher knows what takes place below Edkins, decks where the cameras can’t record.

Euan Every single fishing boat should have McLachlan a camera below decks and on deck. and Jeremy What Pankhurst also doesn’t say is 1st placegetter Ivan Watson, with his 145.5 kg Marlin Thomas. that most of the commercial fishing The winner boats steam out to sea where the The 19th Kawhia One Base of the Trip for Two to Rarofish is dumped and not likely to be Tournament was held re- tonga was Kirk Simpson. seen. Occasionally they get caught cently, and what a great tour- The anglers that tagged out and the dead fish floating in the nament it turned out to be. and released Marlin, all sea make the news. Observers have With 60 boats and 212 anglers received $225 each been known to take backhanders entered, 3 days of good weath- from a total cash prize to keep them quiet. Ex comm fisher and plenty of fish around, pool of $1800. They ers report that they regularly catch what more could they ask for. were Campbell Clarke, dolphin, whilst the industry deny it.

They had 87 sponsors, with Jo Patmore, Paddy LowThe cry babies in the indusmany of them having sponsored ry, Mark Ouston, Dayl try agree that recreational catch the One Base over many years. Spencer, Guy Whit3rd placegetter Mike Flynn, with his 110kg Marlin should be included in official Without all of the spon- taker, Regan Kyle stats, as they estimate it could be

When it comes to how many fish in the ocean, who do you believe, the people who make profit from the fish and call it product or the independent professors who are simply looking at fish stock numbers and size.

Should you believe a man who owns a trawler and needs to go to work the next day because he has a mortgage on that trawler over a man standing on a beach with a surf casting rod?

Should you trust the MPI who quite openly have a ‘double the value of the export’ goal by 2025?

History does not lie, it is perfect hind sight. The quota management (QMS) system was introduced because of drastic overfishing by commercial fishers who were without constraint.

The government allocate the amount of fish per user group, recreational, commercial, and customary.

Everytime the government is forced to reduce the allocated tonnage amount of a fish stock means that they have failed to allocate fish catch to a sustainable level.

Where extra-ordinary measures are needed like the HB/MS/ the deep sea hoki and dory are needed to rebuild a depleted fish stock this is proof of mismanagement by the government.

Simply put this is overfishing. If the overfishing is due to under reporting of discard by commercial fishers and it is in their best interests to do so, the government has the ability to allow for illegal or natural events that cause fish mortality in their allocation.

So when the commercial or goverment PR machine start to tell us how wonderful the QMS is I would rather let the MPI’s own facts of more emergency measures in

their press releases tell the story.

Tim Panchust from Sea Food NZ promoted the QMS system as a world leader.

Mr Panchurst must be living in a different world to me because everywhere else in the world where the QMS is being managed by politicians for political or economic reasons it has had disastrous consequences for the fish stock of that country.

The QMS has in every case been to the detriment of the local fishers of these countries, the same as NZ. In some cases where lack of policing and QMS, local villagers have been forced into starvation while they watch the big boats take their fish .

The QMS has all the good bones of a good fishery tool, but has been totally exploited for a few export dollars and that is why this system was chosen in the first place.

19th Kawhia One Base Tournament Results

sors, they would not have been able to hold this tournament.

7 Marlin were weighed in that went weight. 8 Marlin were tagged and released.

3 Shark were weighed in, and 107 sharks were tagged & released.

3 Kingfish were weighed. 4 Mahimahi weighed in. 49 Albacore weighed in.

27 Snapper weighed in. 32 Kahawai and 23 Gurnard were weighed in.

The results were as follows: Marlin 1st Ivan Watson, 145.5 kg; 2nd Hadley Falconer, 128kg; 3rd Mike Flynn, 110kg.

Marlin Tagged & Released: 1st Mark Ouston; 2nd Daniel Spencer; 3rd Jo Patmore.

Shark: 1st Peter Fitzpatrick, 92.5kg; 2nd Wayne Cooper, 68kg; 3rd Jamie Kerins, 58kg.

Albacore: 1st Shane Reed, 8.980kg; 2nd Logan Jones, 8.480kg; 3rd Paddy Lowry, 8.450kg.

Kingfish: 1st Matt Saley, 17kg; 2nd Dain Rothery, 11.5kg; 3rd Dwayne Brunton, 10.5kg.

Mahimahi, Prize for Heaviest: Kirk Simpson, 5.630kg.

Snapper: 1st Royce Dowling, 9.990kg; 2nd Damian Morrison, 6.485kg; 3rd Royce Dowling, 5.700kg.

Kahawai: 1st Benjamin Carr, 2.910kg; 2nd Wayne Cooper, 2.835kg; 3rd Shane Smith, 2.605kg.

Gurnard: 1st Sam Needham, 1.050kg; 2nd Lorraine Murray, 0.910kg; 3rd Paul Butcher, 0.905kg.

Juniors: 1st Aaron Devenport; 2nd Emma Flintoff; 3rd Lockie McCabe; 4th Kayla McCabe.

Top Boat: Suck My Wake.

as high as the commercial take.

The government is reviewing fisheries management, but it won’t include recreational catch as they know it will cost them dearly in the next elections.

When you take into account the extremely bad science the MPI rely on to make decisions and the lack of records you have to wonder as to the credibility of the industry.

The sheer fact that Fisheries Management is under review shows the poor fisheries management practices they use and how outdated Quota Management system is.

Recreational fishers have been badly treated for years as the MPI refuse to listen to them and ignore practicable and workable solutions to the mess they have created. A perfect example is how the Fisheries Management team stated that the depleted Hawkes Bay fishery was in good health and that Hawkes Bay Rec fishers didn’t know what they were talking about.

Yet a few weeks later resolved to make the no commercial fishing areas.

The truth is the Fisheries Management are so badly managed they should be disbanded and start again.

Recreational fishers at camping grounds in most areas around NZ struggle to catch the daily limit of snapper in areas other than the Hauraki Gulf, while other species are also in decline. Yet because the SNA1 area is so huge and takes in areas that are depleted when lumped together with the Hauraki Gulf, the MPI state the area is in abundance.

The Hauraki Gulf is a huge snapper breeding ground and should be a separate area and simply should not be counted together with other depleted areas as this gives incorrect information and the MPI know this.

Only once all the fish are gone will these politicians wake up and realise you cannot eat money.

There is no way recreational fishers

catch the same tonnage as commercial fishers who are out there most days.

And let’s not forget how much the commercial fishers paid for their quota... absolutely nothing. The current system is a disgrace – the QMS should be about the fish, quota should all be surrendered and auctioned once a year to make money for the taxpayer. Then the commercial guys might actually value their quota instead of abusing it.

Foreign fishing vessels fishing in NZ and all fishing for export should be banned.

While there was no direct blame put on recreational fishing in that story the inference was there! It simply stated that the total catch of recreational fishers is unknown and unlimited and this is the way it should remain.

The commercial fishing system is definitely far from perfect and unfortunately driven by profit. And when the major political parties are given large donations there’s always going to be people in givernment backing it.

The reality is if there is not enough fish for the commercial and the recreational fishers, then they must be banned from the inshore fishery.

It is not the right of the government to let a selected few remove our fishery for personal gain.

Ban all commercial fishing for export inside 12 nautical miles and restore the inshore fishery to how it was. And then commercial would benefit without the need for greed.

The quota system is a corrupt system and commercial fishers have exploited the resources of our waters for too long.

Ask Hawkes Bay Seafoods about under reporting. They know more about catch reporting than most and the resulting MPI investigation gets drawn out.

Recreational fishers have only got themselves to blame and deserve everything they get as they ignore supprtice politicians like NZ Firsts Richard Prosser who will ban commercial fishing inside 12nm.

OUTBOARDS AFFORDABLE BOATING FOR ALL TO ENJOY

Now Available in NZ and Pacific Islands 4 Stroke: 2.5 | 5 | 9.9 | 15hp 2 Stroke: 3.5 | 5 | 8 | 9.8 | 15 | 30 | 40hp

For Your Nearest Dealer

Phone 0508 H I D E A N Z 0508 4433269 bytemarx BNZ 0613

WWW. HIDEANZ.CO.NZ Distributed by Volpower NZ Ltd

8

View the newspaper online at www.fishingoutdoors.org – and advertise online with us

Visit us on www.facebook/Fishingandoutdoorsnewspaper

Marlborough Sounds Fish Farm For Dutch Corporate Angers Locals

- by Dick Featherstone

Jenny

Hello and welcome back my fellow fishermen, fisherwomen, and don’t forget the kiddies.

Fishing with the correct trace can

make a big difference to your success rate. Let’s start with the basic trace, weights and hooks: 1. Basic bottom trace. This is probably the most common trace out there and still used all over the world for all kinds of fishing, easy and simple.

Weight at the bottom connected to a snap swivel, simple loop knots for the hooks and a barrel swivel to end off the trace. Connect your main line and some bait to your hooks. Total trace length 400mm, hook loop length 120mm, length from weight to first loop 120mm, length to second loop 220mm and the remainder should be 160mm to the end on your barrel swivel.

See fig below.

2. Hook and weight size will be important. Your hook should not be too big, as you can catch a big fish with a small hook, but not a small fish with a big hook. My recommendations will be the Black Magic hook

Luke

www.baitboards.co.nz

selection G10 to G16 size hook.

3. Weights - when fishing any bottom trace it’s important to remember the lighter the weight, the less resistance will be felt by the fish, with better results. My recommendation will be a tear drop weight or reef sinker ½oz to 3oz.

With the bottom trace now ready, let’s bait it up.

Fit the ground bait around the weight. Bottom hook, fit with a corn pip on the point of the hook and small dough behind the pip stopping at the end of the hook Top hook, fit with small dough and follow the hook shape from the point to the end of the hook, like a worm.

Let’s go fishing.

February we fished at Lake Ngaroto again.

An application by an international fish food company has Marlborough and Nelson people gearing up for a fight. Skretting, the Australian division of a Dutch company has lodged a 53 page resource consent application with the Marlborough District Council.

Skrettings wants to build to build its fish farm near the bay’s boat ramp to grow finfish, initially chinook king salmon but also “possibly” rainbow trout, hapuku and snapper.

But locals are preparing for a battle. Ratepayers association president Tim Greenhough said that Okiwi Bay was a quiet little bay.

“Suddenly you’ve got a commercial enterprise operating out of it.”

Local Okiwi Bay resident Lionel Roughton said there was “something smelly about the whole thing.”

“There’s no human sewage going into the bay and yet these clowns are asking for a discharge of contaminants. Extrapolated out, it’s hundreds of thousands of little fish sh--

-ing into our bay. It’s unbelievable.”

Other local comments were:“Skrettings is a multi-million dollar company operating worldwide.

NZ sales represent less than 1% of their sales. We are nothing to them! We mean nothing to them.”

“The only reason they want this, is it’s cheap! They are only interested in making money and don’t care about the environment they leave behind.”

“They are going to operate a plant 24/7 for 19 years and then leave.”

“They are going to discharge into Okiwi Bay - nitrogen and suspended solids” Marlborough fisherman and conservationist Tony Orman when phoned for a comment, said aquaculture in the Marlborough Sounds needed reining in. The controversial King salmon farm Sounds expansion a couple of years ago, was ill-judged and should not have been allowed.

“It’s a visual detraction from a high value tourist and recreational area as well as polluting the environ-

ment with excreta-loaded effluent.”

He was concerned that invariably the corporates were foreigners, in King Salmon’s case the Malaysian Tiong empire and now in Okiwi Bay, a Dutch company.

“As for fish farming, it’s no substitute for proper and sensible management of the natural fishery. But sensible management seems unknown to governments who mismanage with the wheeling-and-dealing of the free market tradeable quota system. It’s all to benefit governments’ corporate buddies who often donate big time to main political parties,” he said.

The Marlborough Sounds ecosystem was under threat from excessive aquaculture with reports of farmed mussel growth rates dropping as the ecosystem’s carrying capacity was stretched. Existing aquaculture should be opposing new fish farms for the future good of their industry and especially on environmental grounds.

Marlborough-Nelson Police Targeting Poachers - by Tony Orman

It was a very hot summer day and I think even the fish were hot, as the fishing was a bit slower.

However, we did manage to get some nice fish. We fished from 7am to 11pm, as the night was The “roar” sees a spate of poaching

Waiting for the big

just too great to go home. A total of 27 fish were caught, with the biggest weighing in at around 3.5kg. The only lady in the group caught the biggest fish for the day, showing the men how it’s done!

Best bait combination for the day: Plain dough and reel run pips as hook baits Ball dips FX, 007, Reel Run, Wasp and Banjo Join us next month for some more fishing action with NZ Bank Angling We fish together on the second Saturday of each month. Any body that is interested in joining us, are more than welcome For more information call: Luke Smit, NZ Bank Angling nzbankangling@gmail.com 0272677557

Deer and pig poachers in the “Top of the South” are being targeted by local police.

Poaching was still a big issue for Marlborough police with cases due in court said Blenheim Police Sergeant Michael Porter, to the monthly meeting of Marlborough Federated Farmers.

He outlined major concerns as poaching, the background of newcomers, burglary and safety. Fuel and motorbike theft was bad and a lot of work had gone into using cameras to track offenders.

“Cameras are so invaluable,” he said.

“Getting a top camera was top value as detail captured enabled culprits to be caught. Infra-red cameras are now available. The police newsletter to rural residents gives details as well as news of rural Marlborough.”

In one recent case in south Marlborough a farmer sent in detail that gave instant identification of the trespasser that gave instant identification and enabled police to immediately identify the person to the extent that the poacher was apprehended as he unloaded his poached deer at home.

Police were installing weather-resistant notices warning all hunters and particularly unlawful ones, that the maximum penalty for poaching was two years imprisonment and $100,000 fine plus vehicles and firearms could be seized. It was proposed to attach a small version of the notice to all firearms sold by local firearm dealers.

The use of cameras enabled several properties to be covered with 24 hour surveillance.

Four rural staff were employed in Marlborough but were often called into town at night to assist.

He urged farmers to let police know immediately of theft or poaching as quickly as possible so that loca-

tion of suspects could be pin-pointed.

“Contact myself or Beau Webster direct,” he advised.

Sharing information with neighbours on suspicious activities was invaluable.

Mike Porter said poaching was widespread.

“We’re looking at ways of targeting poachers in combined strategies of staff in Tasman, Marlborough and eat Coast regions. The rural community has had enough,” he said.

Poachers operated the Marlborough Sounds using boats and spotlighting at night. In addition poaching was often linked to cannabis growing and burglaries. In the past two years more than 50 offenders have been convicted in marlborough of trespass or illegal use of firearms. Recently one poacher was fined $5000 and forfeited hunting gear for being caught on a private forestry block.

Fines were recently revised with a maximum of $100,000 and a

two year prison sentence. Firearm licences can be revoked and firearms and vehicles seized.

Sporting Hunters Outdoor Trust spokesman Laurie Collins said poachers were a blight on the hunting community.

“They’re not a hunter’s bum,” he said.

“They’re hooligans and just shooters, not hunters.”

He applauded the police for targeting poaching.

“It’s been going on for decades.

Spotlighting even happens on state highways in the Murchison and Buller Gorge areas.”

Poachers shoot indiscriminately shooting any thing that moves.

“Look at road signs. They’ll even shoot things that don’t move,” he added.

The new fines of $100,000 and loss of gear should be used by judges.

“I personally favour poachers caught losing their firearm licence for life,” he said.

THAMES ANGLING CLUB INC

FISHING COMPETITION GRAB A BOAT AND ROD – JOIN IN THE FUN Fishing to be in the FIRTH only up to Orere Point – Coromandel.

DATE: 19 March 2016 START 6:00AM - WEIGH IN 2:00PM at KERETA BOAT RAMP. 1ST PRIZE: $1000 FOR HEAVIEST SNAPPER SUBSEQUENT PRIZES ARE DEPENDENT ON ENTRY NUMBERS ENTRY FEE: $25.00 PER ANGLER. ENTRIES CLOSE: 16TH March 2016 Enter by internet banking and emailing details including phone number in case of cancellation.

Thames Angling Club Westpac: 03-0371-0128134-00 Or by sending you entry fee and details to: Bev Mackay 723A Tararu Road THAMES 3500 Ph: 0274860047 NEW MEMBERS WELCOME $30 PER YEAR

Welcome

To the 2016 Aakron Waikato Boat Expo Located at The Base, Te Rapa Hamilton

27 - 28th Feb - www.waiktoboatexpo.com

The Expo will be held at The Base at Te Rapa in Hamilton on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of February 2016.

There are spaces for to SELL your secondhand boat, This event is the Waikato’s only marine and fishing exhibition, which is geared to be a remarkable showcase for the industry and is sure to satisfy the region’s boat and fishing enthusiasts.

A broad range of products, equipment and supporting services on display will provide the ideal opportunity to compare brands and the deals on offer.

Sites open to the public from 9am to 4pm.

Recognized as more than just a boat show, the Waikato Boat Expo is designed as a fun, casual family day out, with leisure, camping and small boat displays.

The Expo is also helping the Raglan Coastguard to raise funds for badly needed equipment and they will have a stand on site for visitors.

Other attractions at the Expo will include Waikato Regional Council Boat Safety site and many others like the Decoro fishing demonstrator, a device that allows you to experience catching a large fish, like tuna and marlin; also the on site Food Court will be providing attendees with a range of options from fresh roasted coffee by Espresso Effect to a fish smoking demonstration all weekend by Bradley Smokers who will be providing freshly smoked samples and the ‘how to’s of smoking your own fish.

There will also be the popular Mussel Madness kitchen selling their beautiful mussel fritters.

In keeping with the idea of family fun, the Waikato Boat Expo is used by exhibitors to encourage families to get out and about – and get into boating and fishing. “This Expo will introducing the theme of family fun and family recreation activities.”

For more info email info@waikatoboatexpo.com or call 022 3188926.

Share with your friends. and Like us on Facebook to keep up to date or check out the website www.waikatoboatexpo.com

Ticket Prices:

Adults $10 Children under 14 FREE

Harbourmaster stand D9 - 10 All day Saturday and Sunday our Harbourmasters will be doing demonstrations showing skippers how to check their inflatable lifejacket.

local boating information.

To download, search MarineMate in your app store

Inflatable lifejackets are a popular choice amongst boaties. Remember, this style lifejacket needs to be serviced at least every two years, and regularly self-checked, to make sure it is in good working order.

Harbourmasters will be demonstrating how to self check your inflatable lifejacket. Feel free to bring along your own lifejacket and run though a self-check with us! The Harbourmaster stand is located inside the marquee at site D15-16.

For more information about servicing and checking lifejackets visit http://www.wai-

PROUD TO BE ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER FOR THE WAIKATO BOAT EXPO 2016

katoregion.govt.nz/lifejacket

MarineMate

Show us MarineMate on your smartphone and be in to win a Hutchwilco inflatable lifejacket!

Enter at the Harbourmaster stand inside the marquee at site D15-16.

Book your accommodation now by contacting us direct and Enjoy the benefits.

1 Richmond Street, Hamilton - Phone: 07 8381234 Email: stay@bellavistahamilton.co.nz

MarineMate is our free smartphone app for the whole country.

It has tide times, VHF channels, boat ramp locations, and

Where are we located?

Public Parking

The Surf casting Bait Cannons It’s a fishing revolution with the new bait cannons - the air powered surf caster.

There are two types available, first there is the ‘Big Berther”.

This is a self contained unit that you simply place on the beach, unfold the legs, put your rod into the holder

supplied, drop the supplied sinker and trace with bait attached down the barrel. Pump up to the desired pressure, walk down to where you want to launch the sinker and bait near the surf line, knock back the lever to shoot the line out approximately 200 to 250 metres and that’s

it, then sit back while you catch a fish.

It takes about 10 seconds to set it up.

The unit is only 6kgs and 1750mm long and comes in a base unit or a full kit depending on what you desire.

The second option is the Surf Smasher.

This is a smaller hand held unit in which you simply put your rod in a rod

The Air Powered Surf Caster Big Berther

Fully self contained unit Weights only 6kgs and is 1750mm long Come as a base unit or a full kit

Surf Smasher

holder previously dug into the beach, load the cannon with the sinker and bait, pump up to the pressure your require, then walk down the waters edge and shoot it out 150 to 200 metres, go back flip over your bail arm and take up the slack. That’s it.

The Surf Smasher is only 1140mm long and 3 kg so fits nicely into the storage boxes on most motor homes or easily into the boot of your vehicle.

It comes in two different kits, the base kit or a full kit inc pump etc.

The device can also be made lefthanded.

The Bait Cannons are sold as an R20 device as it is not a toy.

It has been manufactured in NZ, using Marley high pressure fittings rated at 167psi, and quality PVC/Stainless and Brass fittings (no rust). It uses a brass pressure release valve for added safety.

Testimonies always help with a new invention and here is some feedback from very satuisfied customers. # Excellent trade, very helpful on pickup. Have tried the baitcaster, performs just as he said. Would not hesitate to recommend. Thanks Ken. # Awesome can’t wait to use it. Great quality. Recommend thanks Galdof # Top grade product and excellent trader. # AAA+ thanks Batabaz Fast easy Hubby very happy! Candy floss # Awesome gadget.

Works

well.

Cheers Stevepree # Good trade look like a lot of fun will do what it suprosed to Hitnmiss # Hi Keith, Great buy, thrilled with your service, works a treat.

Many thanks nzrover2works # great ++goatman awesome trade! absolutely stoked with bait launcher!

D-maz # Very happy, it does what it says and more. # a reputable trader. paaco bait canon baitcaster Contact Keith on baitcannons@gmail.com or web site www.baitcannons.com or call 021 0733374

10,000 more distress beacons The number of registered distress beacons in New Zealand increased sharply by 20 per cent in 2015 (up 10,027 from 49,785 in December 2014 to 59,812 in December 2015).

“For people in trouble more beacons means faster response, more lives saved, and fewer serious injuries,” the Manager of the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ), Mike Hill said.

“If you can’t make contact when you are in trouble, then no one

will know you need to be rescued.

“Carrying the right communications equipment is at the core of being well prepared for an emergency – whether at sea, on land or in the air.

“We have been promoting distress beacons as one of the most reliable ways of signaling that you need help in an emergency, and I think the message is getting through.

“Beacons are also becoming simpler, smaller, and cheaper, and you do not even have to buy your own

beacon. They can be hired from organisations like the Mountain Safety Council and outdoor activity clubs throughout New Zealand.”

A key part of the system is registering your distress beacon and keeping your details up to date.

This is free and simple, and can be done at www.beacons.org.nz Registering a beacon provides important information that makes a response faster and more effective.

View the newspaper online at www.fishingoutdoors.org and advertise online with us.

Visit us on www.facebook/Fishing And Outdoors Newspaper

Hand held unit

Weights only 3kgs and is 1140mm long NEW ZEALAND FIRST LIST MP

Comes in two different kits the base kit or a full kit inc pump

RICHARD PROSSER S p o k e s p e rs o n f o r F i s h e ri e s & O u t d o o r R e c re a t i o n

Call 021 0733374

baitcannons@gmail.com web site www.baitcannons.com

Contact

Parliament Office

Freepost, Private Bag 18 888, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011 Ph: +64 4 817 8367 Richard.Prosser@parliament.govt.nz

Authorised by Richard Prosser, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Enlarged area map of exhibitors P

R - Rubbish bins P/G - Power Generator A Sites - 20m x 20m

P

B Sites - 10m x 10m C Sites - 3m x 3m G Sites - Food Sites Public Parking

Waikato Boat Expo Specials Kiwi Camping Moa 10 - was $3799, now $1999

Kiwi Camping Kakapo 5 – was $1699, now $999

5 – was Kiwi Camping Kea

EPE Speedy Pop Up Tent

$399, now $299

s from $129

Kiwi Camping Falcon 12 3 x only - was $$3999, now $1499

$1999 Kiwi Camping Takahe 15 - was now $11999

Kiwi Camping Takahe 10 – was $1499, now $999

Kiwi Camping Kea 4 – was $249

Kiwi Camping Savanna 3 –

Kiwi Camping Pukeko - was

now $149

$199, now $159

Kiwi Camping We

was $379, now $299

ka 2 – was $249,

now $199

Kiwi Camping Falcon 9 with Sunroom 6 x only - was $3648, now $1699

Kiwi Camping Takahe 6 – was $899, now $499

Kiwi Camping Savanna 4 – was $479, now $349

Kiwi Camping Weka 3

9 – was $299, now $23

Kiwi Camping Kakapo 8 - was

$2499, now $1399

Kiwi Camping Kea 6 – was $699, now $499

Deluxe Kiwi Camping Savanna 4 was $649, now $479

Kiwi Camping Kereru Hiker flys

See Us at the Waikato Boat Expo – Ex Demo Deals & Exclusive End Of Season Offers

from $59

Exhibitor Comps & Demos Landbase Rockfishing Rod Holder

Harbourmaster stand D9 - 10 Show us MarineMate on your smartphone and be in to win a Hutchwilco inflatable lifejacket!

Wish4fish are a charity coming to the Expo that plan to fund raise through selling their branded merchandise, fishing tackle and a fundraising barbecue food store.

They are offering the first 100 people to bring their coupon in the Boat Expo Feature Guide to their stand will receive a free flasher rig.

Inflatable lifejacket selfcheck demonstrations all day Saturday and Sunday.

Fishingconcepts Ltd. www.rockfishingbuddy.co.nz 0274477372 Buy 1 Rockfishing rod holder and go in the DRAW to get 1 FREE!

Place your entry ticket into the DRAW for two one-year Coastguard membership subscriptions

“Fishin Good Deals”

Daiwa Saltist ST58 5’8” 10-15kg Boat Rod

Abu Garcia Low Rider Surf Rod was $299

was $279 now $189.90 Cressi Sky Mask and Snorkel Set

was $399

now $189

now $199.90

was $99

Daiwa Opus 4500 BRI Reel was $229

now $52.90

Penn Fathom 25 Level Wind

Cressi Gorilla Dive Gear Bag was $139

now $99

now $59.90

Cressi Borg Dive Knife was $74.90

Penn Torque Jig Rod

was $349

**NEW** Accurate Valiant BV300

now $199

only $649

Sea dog Vertical Rod Rack

50 Litre K2 Chilly Bin **Factory Seconds**

Plano Liquid Bait Locker was $64.90

was $79.90 now $159.90

only $139.90

Rod and Reels not included

now $59.90

**baits not included**

now $49.90

Handheld Floating VHF Marine Radio Uniden ATLANTIS 270 - RRP: $249.99

Ebop Kayak Tournament Results 2016

• 6 Watt Maximum Power 1W/2.5W/6W Selectable • Floating / Waterproof (JIS7) • Large Backlit LCD

Ideal for boating, fishing & sailing!

Submersible Floating VHF Marine Radio Uniden MHS235 - RRP: $399.99

Hepa Gillies (left) winner of the Viking 400 Lite” package, with Stephen Tapp Viking Kayaks.

74 kayakers entered this years competition and 256kg of fish were weighed in made up of 72 Snapper, 59 Kahawai, 5 Kingfish, 8 Trevally and 1Gurnard.

The results were; ESP Technologies Snapper section: 1st Gary Schwass 4.96 kg; 2nd Stephen Tapp 3.23 kg; 3rd Mark Tredaway 3.21kg; 4th Jeremy Clark 2.76kg; 5th Health Prescott 2.575kg.

Thornton Holiday Park average Snapper: Werner Toney 1.505kg.

Pee Jay White Island Tours mem-

bers snapper: Phil Brierley 2.32kg.

Whakatane Hunting and Fishing Kahawai section, Gutted: 1st George Maunder 2.89 kg; 2nd Tim Rackam 2.64 kg; 3rd James Magee 2.32 kg.

Viking Kayaks Kingfish section: 1st Nick Mac Donald 10.025 kg; 2nd Thomas Murphy 7.03 kg.

Opotiki Bait and Tackle Trevally section: 1st Jamie Russell 1.855 kg; 2nd Jorden Hall 1.325 kg.

Sports World Whakatane Gurnard section: 1st Beatrice Foster 0.325 kg; 2nd draw from bucket.

Oariki Coastal Cottage Grand slam: 4 Species @ 13.505 kg,Thomas Murphy.

Eastbay Builders Teams Snapper section: Team “Hard Yakka” Gary, Morgan and Danial.

GME Electronics Tournament Average: Danial Finau 1.76 kg (snapper).

VIKING KAYAKS MAJOR DRAW “Viking 400 Lite” package. Hepa Gillies.

A BIG THANKS TO ALL THE SPONSORS who without we can’t put this event on.

• 6 Watt Maximum Power 1W/2.5W/6W Selectable • Floating / Submersible (JIS8) • Large Backlit LCD • Emergency Strobe Light & Torch • Built in GPS Class D DSC Features GPS Compass Man Overboard Favourite Locations

Ideal for boating, fishing & sailing!

For complete range and full specifications visit: blulink.co.nz or call 09 273 8383 or email: sales@blulink.co.nz

16

View the newspaper online at www.fishingoutdoors.org – and advertise online with us

Visit us on www.facebook/Fishingandoutdoorsnewspaper

Letters to editor Carp Farm Proposal

When I first heard of this I thought that won’t go ahead. No way. I don’t need to get involved, I can leave that fight to others, common sense will prevail, all that stuff.

But it’s got a lot further than I thought, far too far.

For starters I was surprised by the stance Maggie Barry as Minister of DOC took.

Ditto Fish n Game. Neither have I heard a squeak, though I may have missed it from our local MP. Now I’m unsure of the role Taupo District Council have in all this but each of the councillors and the Mayor were asked if they were for or against, and the results posted in an article in the Taupo Times.

After reading that I thought oh sugar, I’m not sure signing a petition is enough.

All these people are missing the point.

We are going to have to fight this battle ourselves by educating them to what is obvious to us but not currently to them.

So have spent the evening talking to a few wise folk around NZ and I now have a new battle plan!

When the sun comes up tomorrow, my battle to protect what we treasure begins..............

Dave, Taupo

Commercial Whinging Dear Sir

Everyone around here is sick of the way the commercial fishers have stuffed the area.

The government says, “Well we will ban them and pay out there quota value.”

The commercial say, “What will we do, it will bankrupt us.”

Hello, they get paid out their quota without having to pay for fuel etc.

They are whingers to the max, now Sharky Bradley was on

the ‘Idiot Box’ a few months ago saying this and that re helping to bred flounder and snapper.

All this is required after all the commercial raping and pillaging of the Mahau and Kenepuru Sounds.

The truth is they’ve bought it all on themselves, they have never fished the Sounds sustainably and have put nothing back. Most of the commercial fishers have now gone, and its good riddance from me.

I wrote a letter to the local rag stating this.

Hello not printed.

Bruce Bayliss Blenheim

Heartening But---

There are some organisations who seem really on the ball as regards the threats top our outdoor heritage that keep popping up. I have been impressed by the Sporting Hunters Outdoor Trust (SHOT) and the Council of Outdoor Recreation Associations (CORANZ) is another alert group. But some are conspicuous by their absence. Fish and Game NZ for example.

In your last issue on Page 17 Fish and Game were reported to have approved a plan for a carp fish farm near Taupo.

Surely a mis-reporting or a misprint?.

I recall koi carp many years ago when the Hawkes Bay Acclimatisation Society council urged government to classify the fish as “noxious”. Government refused and said there was no danger of escapees. Soon after, government were proved wrong and irresponsible.

Where is NZ Deerstalkers Assn., on 1080 and DOC’s attitude to deer?

Well if organisations are going to be apathetic, Mr Cockcroft’s advice to “get involved” is very timely.

Everyone should stand up and protest about the erosion of our

And that’s not even started on his pathetic, pious talk of cleaning up rivers.

Recently he said with a Horowhenua sewer discharge we need to respect rivers. But hold on! Nick Smith with the RMA wants to lower quality standards from fit for swimming to fit for wading rights and our fishing and hunting. and boating. His leader, but let’s not Your paper does a very good job of keep- forget NZ’s most highly paid public sering the outdoor public up with the play. vant, John Key wants a big increase in Herb Francis dairying in dry regions using water from the public’s rivers to irrigate pasture.

Hawkes Bay Is that respect for rivers Nick Smith?

Nick Smith is A Chameleon!

Dear Sir

They say a leopard never changes his spots. Well Environment Minister is no leopard, not even a pussy cat, but he is a chameleon changing colours to suit his political grandstanding over the years. I came to this conclusion after reading that in 1996 at the NZDA conference Smith said “Extermination of wild deer was not achievable nor necessarily desirable.. He went on to say NZ had benefited from introduced species such as farmed animals like sheep, dairy cows, cattle and deer. So he argued-wisely in my opinion - trout and wild deer were assets.

But now 20 years later and in government he has supported DOC’s dogma that promotes the killing of all wild deer. Apart from that U turn, the “kill every deer” culture has resulted in human deaths through a certain number of hunters hunters whacking any and every deer over.

Overseas, game management not wholesale killing, is practised. To take an animal, a full i.d. of animal sex (i.e. stag) and even age is required. But here DOC’;’s culture seemingly supported by Smith is the only good deer is a dead one.

Then we have Nick Smith’s rabid “Battle for the Birds” with large scale 1080 programmes. Reports indicate the 1080 programme is all set to swing into even higher gear. It is environmental lunacy and a massive waste of taxpayer money. He has demeaned the portfolio of environment minister.

Powered by Yamaha 4-stroke 80hp

Stabicraft 1600 Fisher 2016 : Carbon Series : Helm Operated electric anchor winch as standard : Paint : Rocket Launcher : Yamaha 4-stroke 80hp : Voyager multi-roller trailer : Fold down rear seats

Package as specified $53968

Lloyd Hanson Blenheim

RAHUI ON SHELLFISH

The Ngunguru Marae would like to inform the community that On 22 November 2015, Paratene Te Manu Wellington has declared a rahui on the Ngunguru River.

To ensure the rejuvenation of shellfish, there is to be no collection of pipi, cockles, tuatua or mussels in the Ngunguru River until further notice.

Please inform all those visitors to the coast that this rahui is in place and explain that due to the gradual decline of shellfish, and contaminants in the river water, there is a total ban on collecting shellfish anywhere in the Ngunguru River. It has become evident that shellfish have been dying over the past two years, leading us to have concerns about possible detrimental health effects that could result from consumption of the shellfish.

It is intended this rahui will be for at least two years, and will be revisited after the summer of 2017/2018.

Northland Regional Council have formed a catchment group to at-

tempt to determine the causes of the contaminants, after which it is hoped the causes will be addressed, and our river will be once again safe.

Thankyou for you co-operation.

Ngunguru Marae Paulette Wellington Secretary, Ngunguru Marae Committee

efits arising from the carp farm will pale into insignificance compared to the damage to the CHECK CLEAN DRY programme and therefore the damage to the waterways of the central North Island. CHECK CLEAN DRY, it’s the ONLY way to go!!!

Didymo Dave

Dear Sir

READ THE WORDS............The CHECK CLEAN DRY programme is about stopping the spread of freshwater pests. Full stop.

That means not shifting, spreading or transferring any freshwater pest to another lake, river, region, country whatever.

The application for the carp farm is for permission to transfer carp to the Taupo area and back to Auckland. I submit that in the context of the carp farm proposal the words spread, shift and transfer have the same meaning.

So here’s the question. Are carp in the Taupo area now? The answer to that is no. Therefore I believe that if they are brought to this region that is a breach of what is at the heart of the CHECK CLEAN DRY programme. It’s not about the risk, whether they will breed or anything else. It’s about the shifting of them and STOPPING the shifting of freshwater pests is what so many people have tried so hard to do. Look around, see all the collateral in fishing stores, the banners all over the region, the bumper stickers on vehicles let alone the thousands and thousands of hours that have been spent educating people on the CHECK CLEAN DRY programme.

Now here’s the real problem. If the application succeeds that will be an inconsistency in the CHECK CLEAN DRY programme.

We all know what happens when inconsistencies arise, they create confusion. People become unsure where the boundaries are and if we allow that to happen I believe we will lose the momentum of the CHECK CLEAN DRY programme. If that happens, any ben-

“Responsible” Sir

Deep sea anglers fishing out of Tutukaka do this.

This marlin head, backbone and guts was dumped on the road side at the Waiotoi River bridge between Tongatu Rd and Old Mill Lane.

We live here. Please don’t dump your fishing waste in our back yard.

You left your plastic fish bin also.

Fish waste belongs out at sea. Actually this message also applies to the folk who dump their scallop, oyster and paua shells there too.

All the paua shells are undersized as are most of the scallops. Responsible? Yeah right!!

Name withheld Far North

View the newspaper online at www.fishingoutdoors.org – and advertise online with us

Maggie Barry ‘Carp Farming Safe’ – Yeah Right Sir

That’s good to know. Just watched Maggie Barry answering questions in the House about the carp farm and specifically about silver carp tabled by Richard Prosser of NZ First.

Maggie Barry’s replies (below)include terms like: “… an agreement on risk mitigation …” “this company has gone a long way down the track to mitigating silver carp staying within the ponds”. “ …this is one of the safer applications “the risk to our fisheries and our waterways is highly unlikely, and that there is a low probability of fish escaping.”

Those qualifying terms like “risk mitigation,” “gone a long way down the track to mitigating,” one of the “safer applications” and that the risk is “highly unlikely” and there is a “low probability” of fish escaping – does not inspire a great deal of confidence that this project is absolutely iron-clad and fool-proof.

The fact is that if there’s one chance in a million of the Silver Carp escaping into the Waikato River system or Lake Taupo and breeding there, this silver carp project should be canned.

Freshwater Management—Release of Silver Carp [Sitting date: 10 February 2016.

Volume:711;Page:13.

Text is subject to correction.]

RICHARD PROSSER (NZ First) to the Minister of Conservation: What was her reasoning behind approving the transfer and release of silver carp near Lake Taupō?

Hon MAGGIE BARRY (Minister of Conservation): Let me make it very clear that I have not signed an approval to transfer, and that I have only signalled to the company an approval if the applicant and the Department of Conservation reach an agreement on risk mitigation and on potential penalties.

Richard Prosser: Is she completely confident that silver carp pose no risk to our trout fishery; if so, why?

Hon MAGGIE BARRY: In terms of the applicant and this particular farm, and I will keep it specific to this, the Department of Conservation’s technical and science advisory team has advised that this company has gone a long way down the track to mitigating silver carp staying within the ponds. Silver carp and grass carp, as the member may know, are breeds of fish that will not breed in New Zealand waters unless they have hormonal injections. So there are very many reasons through nature and through this applicant that would cause our Department of Conservation staff to say that this is one of the safer applications, but it has not yet been approved.

Richard Prosser: I seek leave to table a National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research document from 2013 highlighting the risk of silver carp breeding in the Waikato River.

Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought to table that particular document. Is there any objection? There is none.

It can be tabled. Document, by leave, laid on the Table of the House.

Richard Prosser: What evaluations have been done on the po-

tential impacts of silver carp on New Zealand’s freshwater aquatic environment, including their potential impact on our trout fisheries?

Hon MAGGIE BARRY: I am confining my comments to the application that has come before me as the Minister of Conservation. As I said earlier, these fish do not readily breed in the waterways around the Waikato, let alone into Lake Taupō, without injections. So in terms of mitigation of risks around our fisheries, the wording that our team has used is that the risk to our fisheries and our waterways is highly unlikely, and that there is a low probability of fish escaping. As I said, I am confining my comments to the application that is before me as the Minister.

Richard Prosser: Is she aware that silver carp compete for the same diet as trout smelt, and they can grow to 40 kilograms in size?

Hon MAGGIE BARRY: That may well be the case. That is not what you were asking in the primary question in terms of the notification question that you gave me, and in terms of this particular application.

Richard Prosser: I seek leave to table a paper published by the Department of Conservation in 1999, which, among other things, says that proposals for the use of silver carp should be approved for experimental— Mr SPEAKER: Order! It is a document published by the Department of Conservation in 1999. If members want it, I am sure they can find it.

Surely this says it all.

Name withheld Auckland

Taupo area Major Biosecurity Threat!

Sir

According to local media DOC and the Taupo council have just approved the start up of a fish farm close to Lake Taupo and the Waikato River. This business intends to breed the silver or Asian carp for Auckland restaurants.

This is the very same species that had become a disastrous plague in large areas of the USA , and has invaded many rivers and even got as far as icy cold Lake Superior.

How this was approved on whatever level is alarming to say the least.

Apparently this farm will benefit only one wealthy farmer and employ 2-3 people, but may threaten our lakes, rivers and the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders.

I would be embarrassed to be associated in any way with our Dept of Conservation, and cannot understand how they would entertain such madness!

I care about our pristine clean Great Lake, and are deeply concerned with the negative effects and consequences of Carp escaping or breaching systems and entering the waterways around Taupo.

I want to stop this before it starts in order to preserve our Great Lake and Environment for our future generations!

I am also concerned with Golden Harvest Holdings Ltd Director, Richard Clark saying that there is zero risk of the Carp entering the waterways around Taupō from a breach

in the system, as we believe this is ceptable harm to the environment?” just laughable! Sure they can’t breed The dairy industry, would have to lift but I don’t even want non breeders. its exports by $14 billion to meet the Just as Catfish ended up in Lake Taupo Government’s 2025 growth target, and multiplied, so will the Carp. I have but it will be with irrigation in dry found that in the past there have been regions like Canterbury and sucking all the assurances in the world and water from underground supplies they’ve still escaped, “Technology can and rivers (same one water resource). fail, people make mistakes, sometimes Oh c’mon Nick, Amy and Louise and people do things deliberately. Birds your leader-um what’s his name, old can take and then drop small fish. Thing-me-bob - give me a break!While Floods can cause ponds to overflow you carry on double-speak, water is into rivers” it’s simply too much to risk. being used for your corporate dairy I believe the ‘intensely invasive’ fish farm mates. Did you know Kiwi famis a threat to New Zealand’s water- ily dairy farmers dislike the corporate ways and bio security. This concern dairy companies you do anything for. comes after viewing the devastation So do and lots of Kiwis whose rivers of Silver Carp caused in the United are running dry and being ruined.

States. Our Great Lake is what holds Neil Wilson Taupo together, and this could be Blenheim detrimental to the health of our Lake.

Maggie Barry it all starts with you, I object to the proposed Grass & Silver Carp farm near Taupo, the risk is far too great, Two good reasons not to vote that no recovery cost could ever cover. National at the next elections.

LETS STOP THIS BEFORE IT STARTS. This TPPA thing is something of a Name withheld stink bomb, why haven’t they told the NZ public everything about it?

Taupo They have kept a lot of things very secret from us and why, it will I

Do not vote National

What level of brainlessness is needed?

Sir

You have to wonder at the credibility of Maggie Barry and her decision to go ahead with the Carp Farming in Taupo.

What is her motive? What is behind this?

The simple fact that DoC’s track record for serious error is sufficient to put a stop to this brainlessness sort of experiment. What about the Biosecurity threat? Where is Biosecurity in this? Has Key told them to back off?

Sure the scientists and the farmer say the risk is minimal. But is minimal sufficient to say NO. Nobody wants another ecological disaster in one our most prestigeous lakes and waterway systems. Yet Maggie Barry and her mates in DoC seem to want to go ahead despite the minimal risk.

There has been little promotion of the potential threat and risk analysis, DoC are reluctant to give any press releases on the matter. She refused to answer questions put to her in Parliament.

So what are the public expected to think? Or is this another point winning scheme by the National Party?

DoC has made so many serious errors over the last few years that they need to gain public support again and this could be one of those I told you so exercises where they are point scoring just for the hell of it.

BUT what comes next. This is the question we should be asking ourselves?

What other brainless scheme has this woman got planned?

Where is the next fish farm going to be?

Who else around the country is planning this sort of exercise?

The government are only interested in how to make more money. They don’t seem to care a hoot about any potential risk to out tourism and economical loss should this go bellyup..

The tourism factor is ignored and the potential danger in lost dollars should this fail is pushed under the carpet.

We don’t want this type of brainless scheme at all, the risk is there – drop it.

Brian Jones Turangi

River Quality Dear Editor

18-20th March 2016 Adults $45 Juniors $15 Early Bird entries close 6th March

Visit us on www.facebook/Fishingandoutdoorsnewspaper

I’m amazed at the hypocrisy of government ministers. I saw Environment Minister Nick Smith on television saying about sewage going into a Horowhenua Stream that we must respect our rivers more and clean them up.

Hello? Anyone home Nick? Aren’t you the minister along with your colleague Amy Adams who in the Resource Management Act want to downgrade river water standards from “fit for swimming” to “fit for wading and boating”?

In your last issue of “Fishing and Outdoors” Mr Editor, you had a letter by National MP and cabinet minister Louise Upston of Taupo on “who owns the Freshwater.” saying government wants “to strengthen and clarify standards.”

Well Louise go and talk to your fellow ministers Smith and Adams and straighten out their addled thinking.

While you are about it, talk to your leader John Key if he is not absent admiring pony tails and wearing pink shirts at a gay parade. He when once present in Parliament talked of doubling New Zealand’s primary exports in the next decade without causing unac-

think only be good for the likes of JK and his slippery mates for sure, if it was so good for all of us there wouldn’t be so many demonstrations going on around NZ. These people in the present government have more slime around them than aneel trap full of eels.

Obviously they have no intention of listening to the protestors etc in any shape or form whatsoever, so the easiest way to fix these mongrels is very simple, we all let them know they will not be voted for next elections. You can then watch them pull back on this TPPA rubbish, they will crap themselves, this is the easiest way to kill this government.

DO NOT VOTE NATIONAL! But have the public got the gumption to cary this out.

Dick Featherstone Turua

No vote for National

on my “Buddy” service and bingo we nailed it, an awesome afternoon bagging 2 and 3 lb bullets.

The Waitahanui has produced some very nice Browns recently, Tauranga - Taupo will benefit from this period of Rain and flushing of the system, Lake “O” has seen some heavy pressure, cooling of the water will improve things up there, Rotoaira

DIDYMO DAVE REPORT POACHING TROUT....

It’s a subject that is discussed frequently and at length, particularly in the Taupo region and let’s just be honest most of the discussion is centred round the apparent nefarious activities of one in particular group.

If one was to write down all the stories about illegal poaching that has apparently gone on in the Bridge Pool on the Tongariro River over the last few years the volumes of written material would be enough to fill up the Library of Congress.

I’ll deal with this subject and why most stories are loads of rubbish in another column but for now let’s just assume the widespread poaching stories are true.

So here’s a challenge for you; show me the business that has suffered a downturn because of poaching, the accommodation complex that is struggling or the negative effects on the New Zealand economy that poaching has had? Bet you can’t.

Now let’s look at biosecurity which is the invasion into our country or a change to a region that is unwanted such as change to animal pests, plants, disease etc. For example what has been the effect on the New Zealand economy of clover weevil in pasture causing loss of dairy production, varrhoea mite hammering the honey industry and PSA causing all sorts of problems in kiwifruit? We are talking tens of millions of dollars lost to the economy. Add to that the huge cost to MPI to eradicate Queensland fruirfly from the Auckland area plus the recent cost of eradicating the Tau fly and other in-

not much bigger than a sheep and cattle farm, totally ridiculous.

I am also getting reports of seiners and trawlers sneaking in all over the inner gulf in the hours of darkness, so something is going on that shouldn’t be.

I’ve always wanted the trawler line to be set at the 100 metre depth line and no closer. This would put them outside Motiti Island, Mayor through to the Aldermans, Mercury’s Cuvier, Great Barrier, Mokohinau’s and then bring it in to the Whangarei Heads or continue it up North Cape.

Even if it went from the tip of Coromandel Peninsula outside Great Barrier Island, Little Barrier Island then back into Cape Rodney at Leigh it would be something special for our spawning snapper.

But what MPI have come up with at present is nothing short of a brainless useless idea, so we have to find a party and vote for them that has a member with actual proper knowledge on how to run a fishery management plan and not a circus like our present MPI monkeys.

This business of sending the commercial fishing fleets out of our Hauraki Gulf is a joke, its only a little piece of the inner Hauraki Gulf where trawlers etc can’t fish. Dick Featherstone On a map I’ve seen the area is Turua

The National Trout Centre, Turangi

By the time this goes to print I would expect that the large number of large Browns which have been in the lower river for some time will have ventured up River, we have just experienced very heavy overnight rain the river level in the region of 200 cumecs.

Prior to this wet, the barometer dropped a bit, I was taking a very experienced angler from Scotland

17

terceptions and things are getting expensive. Top it off with the costs of the CHECK CLEAN DRY programme to change people’s behaviour to ensure they stop transferring freshwater pests around and we are talking hundreds of millions of dollars spent on what? BIOSECURITY, that’s what!

Now here is one big problem we have in New Zealand, the vast majority of people can’t link in their minds the fact that it is their taxes that are paying for these biosecurity costs and breaches, they think the Government has a money tree that’s paying for it.

That’s why I can be a little intolerant at times when I’m standing on a riverbank with unwanted pests and weeds all over it, rodents killing the native birds, trying to keep didymo and other freshwater pests out and some fishermen wants to have a half hour discussion about some fella who apparently took 2 more fish than he was supposed to.

Now I acknowledge and accept that

this year producing some very nice fish up to 5 and 6 lb, I would think the Cicada season is all but over for the year, try a green beetle ?.

I cannot stress how good the Airflo SLN Master 9ft 6 ext to 10ft, 5 wt rod is for both nymphing and Czech nymphing for the money is fantastic we have a demo rod in the shop give it a go.

Had another excursion to shall I say the Hawkes Bay recently a gorgeous river, caught Brown and Rainbows on Cicada but mostly Czech nymphing into very fast water, had I only caught one fish I would have been very happy, but as I had travelled some distance fished all day and lost count at 10 fat fish, I departed very early the following day as I had had enough, what a magnificent country we are blessed to live in.

Thats it for now get yourselves into some great summer fishing, bullet Rainbows, Big Browns come into the shop we will endeavour to point you in the right direction.

Tightlines poaching is illegal and if you talk to a Taupo fishery ranger they will tell you I ring them often, usually to tell them I have already sorted out a problem.

So in no way do I suggest we should lessen the seriousness of poaching, more that we should greatly and immediately elevate the seriousness of pest introduction in our conversation and thinking.

In my next column I plan to list some of the incursions and events I’m aware of that have threatened our country that you may not be aware of.

In the meantime think of biosecurity like I’ve said. When doing first aid training the instructors teach what to do if you find someone who is unwell. If on discovering an accident victim who told you they had pain in their toe and tightness in their chest.

I hope to the heavens you would deal with the chest problem and not the toe! That’s what biosecurity is to New Zealand, it’s a major problem and in the Oxford Dictionary the word biosecurity comes before fishing and poaching and so it should. We are an island nation, let’s care more!

Didymo Dave

18

View the newspaper online at www.fishingoutdoors.org – and advertise online with us

Visit us on www.facebook/Fishingandoutdoorsnewspaper

FISHING CHARTERS AND CLASSIFIEDS Bait & Tackle

Boat Servicing

Bait & Tackle

Fishing Charters

All Things Fishing NZ 1 Ra Ora Drive East Tamaki

021 08812860

Hunting

BAIT & TACKLE

BAIT & TACKLE

HUNTING

Logos, Packaging, Advertising, Branding, Publications

Jasmine Saussey 0221755254 j.t.saussey@gmail.com

ww.fishingoutdoors.org – and advertise online with us

Cover Page Feature If you want your Fishing Charter or Hunting venture featured on our front cover give Graham a call on 021 02600437

BOATS AND MOTORS FOR SALE STARCRAFT BOAT 12ft Alloy with oars ideal for ducks, $750.00 ono. Phone 07 2802106.

YAMAHA 2000 15hp 2-stroke Outboard, little use, mint condition. $1800.00 ono. Phone 07 2802106.

visit us on facebook A woman walked into the kitchen to find her husband stalking around with a fly swat.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Hunting flies,” he replied.

“Oh, killed any?” she enquired.

“Yep, 3 males and two females,” came the answer.

Intrigued, the wife asked, “How can you tell them apart?”

Husband: “Three were on a beer can and the other two were on the phone.”

Book review “Moa Sightings” by Bruce Spittle.

Self published. Available from Bruce Spittle, email spittle@es.co.nz reviewed by Tony Orman “Moa Sightings” is a triology of books (i.e. 3 volumes) by Bruce Spittle of Dunedin. The volumes detail numerous reports of moa sighted in the 19th century and even as recent as 1993 when the much publicised case of Bealey Hotel owner the late Paddy Freaney and

two companions said saw a strange moa-like bird in the Arthur’s Pass area.

Moa sightings does not suggest a moa may still exist today but asks did moas become extinct about 1400 AD or did a few linger on?

The author has done an amazing job in researching the numerous cases.

What emerges is the fear by many “moa sighters” of being ridiculed.

Bruce Spittle does strongly suggest

Apple announced recently that is has developed a breast implant that can store and play music.

The iTit will cost around $699, depending on cup and speaker size.

This is considered a major breakthrough in audio technology because women are always complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them.

moas did not suddenly become extinct about 1400 but a few may have survived here and there perhaps to the 19th or even 20th century.

NZDA’s founder and discoverer of the “extinct” takahe, Doc Orbell reckoned moa probably still existed in 1900. Bruce Spittle says “the blitzkrieg theory of extinction of all moas were extinct, 300 years before Captain Cook in 1769” was flawed with a “weakness in the model.” He considers instead of extinction by 1400 there was a “staggered survival” in which some moas survived until a much later date.

These three volumes are fascinating reading and are available at a very

reasonable cost. E mail the author.

View the newspaper online at www.fishingoutdoors.org – and advertise online with us

Early Bird Bait & Tackle Report

Easterlies and more Easterlies!. We love it at this time of year here in the Firth. With the wind coming over the Coromandel Ranges as it does, the Firth flattens out and makes fishing so easy. Getting the boat in and out couldn’t be much easier and yet the amount of people actually fishing throughout the week is very minimal. I know you have to work but talking to the boss nicely might get you away for a fish with the lads. I know I say this every time but the fishing isn’t all that bad. At this time of year, with

the fish are still spawning and there are a lot of small peckers about.

These little buggers can be very annoying but using big bait can pay dividends as the older ‘Moochers as we call them are hanging back, waiting for their time to strike.

Using Flasher Rigs is always beneficial, especially around the Mussel Farms and after a bit of enquiring it seems the darker colours are fishing best at the moment. “Put a bit of Squid on the hook leaving the point and barb showing and you have the perfect meal for a snapper”.

the water still reading 23 degrees,

On the subject of Flasher Rigs, I had

USED OUTBOARDS FOR SALE

1999 200hp Yamaha 2003 115hp Yamaha 4-stroke 2001 Mercury 90hp 2003 Mercury 115hp 279 hours 1993 50hp Yamaha, power tilt 2004 Yamaha 130hp 2007 115hp Etec 25in

$6995.00 $12995.00 $5000.00 $5500.00 $2295.00 $6500.00 $3500.00

a gentleman come to see me yesterday looking for ones that work.

Delving deeply into the conversation it seems that his mate who was out on a boat with him was using the same flasher rigs and bait but he was catching all of the fish.

Confused, but not beaten I touched on how he was rigging it up.

We came to the conclusion that although they may have looked the same, his was actually upside down. The correct way to attach these to your main line is to make sure that the curve (ie. the pointed end of the hook) is turned downwards towards the sinker. On most rigs that you pull from the packet, one end of the main line will have a loop on it: this end goes onto your main line on the rod. The other end does not have anything on it and is tied directly onto your sinker. Another cause may be the type of hook that is on the Flasher.

There are two types used by the manufacturers, Mutsu and Beak.

Mutsu is a type of circle hook and when the fish takes the bait will hook itself. DO NOT STRIKE. If you do strike the chances are you will pull it straight out of the mouth.

Beak hooks are commonly called Octopus hooks and are fished as normal, when you get a bite STRIKE. Now that we have put you right on that, I can tell you that the fishing is not bad at all. I have had mixed reports, but most people are catching good fish with many of them reaching their limits. Kahawai are everywhere and most of them are huge. Trolling for them on the way out to your favourite mark will definitely get you some nice smokers and live bait. While they can also be a pest, the work ups out there will also have the bigger Snapper below them and some good Kingfish.

Most of the feeding frenzies are caused by Anchovies and other bait fish. Because they have silver bodies, the Kahawai get excited and will hit anything that shines. If you want to get down below the frenzy use darker coloured stick or slow jigs. You should be able to reach the Snapper and Kingies.

Getting the kids out fishing is one of the best things to do. Not only do you have the pleasure of their company, as most of them have been at school all week but letting mum have a few hours peace (doing the cleaning, the washing, the shopping, cutting the grass) can be in your favour as well, especially if you take home a few fish for her to fillet ’Yeah Right’.

One of my customers here on holiday from Palmerston North was a little lad called ‘Deejay’ who went out on the Mussel Farms with mum and dad and caught the biggest fish (see photo).

There are plenty of fish this size so get out there. A few days ago it was reported that there where some Orca in the Firth and yesterday, they where seen on the outside of the Mussel Farms. It seems to be a mum and calf so keep your eyes open if you do go out there but keep your distance.

Best bait seems to be Squid, Pillies and Bonito but anything will work if you try it. I have a good range of Squid at the moment and topping the list would be Red Illex Squid. I have, 1kg @ $8.00, 2kg @ $15.00 and 12kg @ $48.00. Also available is Salted and Free Flow.

All of my bait is top ‘A’ Grade quality and should not be compared with some other brands of bait that are available and cheaper. I am gradually building up a stock of Air Rifles and Pistols and have a massive range of pellets etc.

My stock of ammunition is also increasing, but space is limited.

Call in and check it out! If you are passing through Thames call in and have a look around.

I’m always happy to have a yarn about life in general. Until next time, ‘take care and tight lines’.

‘Deejay’

Visit us on www.facebook/Fishingandoutdoorsnewspaper

Reel Recovery Retreat

Reel Recovery NZ Retreat Feb 2016 participants and some of the support crew.

Photo David Benfell.

Recently Reel Recovery NZ have been privileged to hold the first Reel

Recovery NZ retreat for 2016 - held at Castle Rock in the South Waikato.

19

Over a period of 3 days – their 10 participants (and support team of 26) fished, ate (probably too much), shared experiences and perspectives and developed some great new friendships.

What an amazing weekend and a fantastic diverse group of people.

We want to thank everyone for helping to make such an incredibly successful weekend.

Thank you to our participants for being open to this experience and for making the most of the challenges and activities.

Thank you to our amazing team of river guides and support crew who gave up their precious time and energy (especially the team who created the awesome meals) and the venues for helping us to make these retreats happen.

We hope you enjoyed your weekend with us.

Obituary

Champion of Public’s Access to Outdoors - by Tony Orman

A strong and respected national advocate for public access to the outdoors was Alan McMillan, of Mosgiel, Dunedin, who recently passed away after a period of illness.

Alan McMillan’s love was for the outdoors, particularly trout fishing. He fervently believed in the traditional egalitarian Kiwi spirit and tradition of free, untrammeled access for all New Zealanders to the public domain of rivers, streams, beaches and public lands. His strong principled belief motivated him to become a forthright yet diplomatic champion for public access to the outdoors.

He was chairman of advocacy group Public Access New Zealand (PANZ),

was a member of the Walking Access Advisory Board and a life member and former president of a national trout fishing advocacy the NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers.

His departure leaves an enormous gap. That is made more so by the apathy that exists by most anglers and hunters. Alan I’m sure would urge all outdoor Kiwis to get off their backsides and fight for their heritage of public rivers, coasts and fishing and hunting. His passing should cause all to look in the mirror and ask if they are doing their utmost not only for themselves but children and grandchildren.

Alan McMillan - crusader.

1988 Haines Signature 1550 $11,990.00 Yamaha 90hp 2 Stroke, Homebuilt Trailer.

Incl: Eagle fish Finder, Uniden VHF radio, and more!

1997 McLay 560 Fisherman $23,990.00 Johnson 90hp 2 Stroke, Local Trailer. Incl: Eagle Fish Finder, VHF Radio, WOF & REGO

2012 Stabicraft 1530 Fisher $31,990.00 Evinrude 50hp E-Tec (2006), DMW Trailer. Incl: Lowrance Fish Finder, Fusion Stereo, WOF & REGO

1999 Haines Hunter SF600 $49,990.00 Yamaha 150hp 4 Stroke, DMW Tandem Trailer.

Incl: Humminbird Fish Finder, VHF Radio, Lowrance GPS Unit, and more

2014 Tristram 691 Millenium $111,990.00 Yamaha F225hp 4 Stroke (11hrs), Yamaha F8hp 4 Stroke, Only done 11hrs! Good as new. Incl: Raymarine Fishfinder/GPS, GME VHF Radio

2010 Haines Hunter SS660 $115,990.00 Yamaha 225hp 4 Stroke (61hrs), Yamaha F9.9hp 4 Stroke Aux, DMW Tandem Braked Trailer. Incl: Lowrance HDS10 Fishfinder/GPS, Auto Capstan