f sher ISSUE 13 November 2011
Piper, too tasty for bait Introducing the Kiwi Anglers guide to Fishy words Jetski antics at Coromandel
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CONTENTS Pg 4
10
14
SPORTFISHING 4
What’s the deal with Jet Skis?
SPORTFISHING 10
Kingfish in the Bay of Plenty
BOATFISHING 12
The One That Didn’t Get Away
13
Fishing Video of the Month
LANDBASED FISHING 14
Piper: Forgotten Delicacies
JETSKI FISHING 18
A Quick Ride Over For Some
Coromandel Fishing
20 2o
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The Kiwi Anglers Guide to Fishy Words Regional Reports
Pg 20
editorial
//From the
EDITOR NZFisher is a little delayed
the employ of the ministry or Fishing
in going to the press this month.
Industry) supported and applauded
21 days ago (or a five weeks from
my comments.
publishing date) the container ship Rena ran aground on Astrolabe Reef
As a recreational fisher who enjoys
off Motiti Island in the bay of Plenty.
and loves the beauty, abundance and
We watch in horror as the oil from
security of our fisheries it is too easy
her fuel tanks slowly spread and
to forget that these rights of access
pollute our shores in a seemingly
are ones hard fought for and tightly
unstoppable wave. I spent the
guarded. One thing is clear, despite
Friday previous to Rena grounding
our laissez-faire approach to our
fishing for Kingfish at Mayor Island
favourite pastime; kiwis do not want
– just kilometres from where Rena
the fisheries we hold so dearly gifted
now lies stuck.
away to others for a few coins in the
ABOUT / Short and sharp, NZ Fisher is a free e-magazine delivering thought provoking and enlightening articles, and industry news and information to forward-thinking fisher people.
government’s coffers. Thank you to
EDITOR / Derrick Paull
It seems unlikely that this disaster will
the voluntary groups that fight for
ART DIRECTOR / Jodi Olsson
pass quickly and painlessly. We are
our rights.
GROUP EDITOR / Trudi Caffell
reminded again of not only the fragility
CONTENT ENQUIRIES / Phone Derrick on 021 629 327 or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz
of our ecosystems but the destructive
As a member of the New Zealand
power of our own existence. NZFisher
Angling & Casting Association
staff and contributors send our wishes
, Sport Fishing Council and
to the people of the Bay of Plenty –
Recreational Fishing Council I am
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES / Phone Richard on 09 522 7257 or email richardl@espiremedia.com
some of people are there helping with
acutely aware of the time they invest
ADDRESS / NZ Fisher,
the clean up. We are all hoping for a
and work they do – I ask each of
quick recovery.
you to consider lending a hand by joining one of these organisations and
Number three in our countdown of
putting your energy or funds behind
the best five inshore fishing locations
the great work they do. It’s election
was to include the Bay of Plenty this
year and your support adds weight
month. With respect to the area we
to the cause, especially when gaining
have postponed this feature as we await
political support for our underfunded
a better understanding of the impact of
recreational fishing ‘industry’.
C/- Espire Media, PO Box 137162, Parnell, Auckland 1151, NZ
WEBSITE / www.NZ Fisher.co.nz
This is a GREEN MAG, created and distributed without the use of paper so it's environmentally friendly. Please think before you print. Thank you!
Rena’s spill. The weather is improving and the fish Last month I questioned some of the
are biting – I suggest you get out and
actions and inactions of our Minister
enjoy spring as the fish feed up, the silly
of Fisheries. There was some debate
season will be on us in no time!
amongst readers as to the legitimacy of these claims while others (a
Tight lines,
significant majority – who are not in
Derrick
Cover Image: Tim Spiller with a 30lb Snapper landed from the shore near Kawhia in October this year on an Okuma spin combo. Story to follow next month
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sportFISHING
What’s The Deal With Jet Skis? By Andrew Hill
sportFISHING
e water great day on th The result of a
Dolphins on the way hom e
Many may ask why fish off
range depending on conditions.
social runs. Until recently, without
a Personal Water Craft (aka Jet
Many sceptics new to the
active exposure keen mariners hadn’t
Ski) and then I usually need a
JETSKIFISHING option, have queried
envisioned the real potential of these
spare 10 minutes expressing my
the stability, and I can confirm the
great machines. The key is education
passion of how much you feel
late model three seaters are safe
and readily available products to kit
alive with the whole experience of
and comfortable to fish with up to
a ski for fishing! Typically the most
JETSKIFISHING. It starts with how
two adults on one ski. Obviously
practical skis for JETSKIFISHING are
easy JETSKIFISHING is, from the
there is smaller skis also used for
the larger, year 1997 on models,
convenience of having room to store
JETSKIFISHING, yet is not such a
especially the 4 stroke versions, for
your fishing vessel with minimal
practical option when fishing in
obvious performance, reliability and
space required, allowing easy fishing
rougher conditions with two people
economy. As with any product you,
preparation, normally at your home.
on the ski.
get what you pay for and there is
Attaching the ski behind almost any
only a few big players on the PWC
vehicle, with a tow bar, as the skis
With new generation technology, and
market. Water safety is so important
are not overly heavy, making easy
recent PWC reputations of reliability
with reliability and quality being an
launching in most tides. There is no
and performance, these machines are
important issue, my recommendation
problem doing beach launchings
fast becoming a fun and easy way to
is stick with the proven brands such
in appropriate 4wd’s, not having to
enjoy fishing.
as Yamaha, Kawasaki, Sea-Doo and
worry about trailers bogging down with excessive weight.
Honda, call me to discuss model A quick basic fact, the term Jet-Ski is a
specifics...
registered trademark of the Kawasaki With launching and retrieval, it is simple
Motor Company. As now commonly
Technical data
to manage safely by yourself in most
referred to, should correctly in other
PWC’s use an impellor unlike
conditions, even so simple my girl friend
brands be classed as a personal water
most boats having a propeller, the
can manage fishing trips by herself.
craft. The term Jet Ski is typically the
impellor allows accessing spots
original model Kawasaki ski produced
with a lot less restricting low water
This day and age, with fluctuating
in 1973. The name Jet Ski stuck with
limits. Studies have shown PWC
fuel costs and the possible recession
the public since and will still be the
create minimal water turbulence and
a multipurpose smaller water craft,
stereo type for PWC’s for many years
reduce water emissions substantially
being a PWC, is a viable option. PWC
to come.
over conventional outboard motors. Another plus is there is nowhere to
fuel efficiency is extremely economical and obvious practicalities of quick
When considering the proven option
have line tangles under the ski, makes
starts and stops, makes quick trips a
of JETSKIFISHING, many may already
playing fish a lot less risk. As with
frequent occurrence. Typically most
have a ski the fits the purpose, possibly
similarities to a smaller boat, the skis
skis have 50 to 80 litre fuel cells
being used for general wave hopping,
can tire the fish as it is a moveable
allowing up to 4 hours of actual riding
skiing, racing, tow in surfing and
object under fight and being so low
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sportFISHING
Innovation is the key – A Jetski specific Catch bag is born
to the water line gives a real feeling
to source a pre loved or new ski.
quite permanent, costly and restrict
of sport fishing. The hulls are normally
Once at this stage, there is no
you from leisure activities. If the fishing
composite, fibreglass or Nano Xcel
turning back; JETSKIFISHING
rig is a permanent fixture with visible
(Yamaha)which does not create
is a highly addictive sport! New
mounting points it could affect the
much external noise and slap in the
skis can be purchased from local
resale value. Like anything with fishing,
water. With the low noise output the
licensed dealers, supported with
the fishing mess needs to be restricted
opportunity for stealth drifts is a huge
manufacturer warranties. There
to one area, hence why a chilli bin
plus JETSKIFISHING. With the PWC
are also parallel imported new skis
option such as an “Ultimate Rod
physical size and being so low to the
and second hand skis which do
Holder” is the way to go and keeping
water line, the windage is minimal
not come with any manufacturer
your fish chilled and easily removable.
and allows a naturally slower drift
support by way of warranty.
I have seen many alternative systems
than most boats. The late model 4
attached to skis to hold rods, yet if you
stroke engines have reduced the noise
One of the most important points
want to do it once and do it right don’t
output substantially and have loosing
to keep in mind when converting or
learn at your expense taking short
the reputation of a menacing sound
utilising your PWC for JETSKIFISHING
cuts. If you don’t make it easy and
on the water.
is to make all hardware removable.
safe you will not enjoy the potential of
This needs to be easy so the ski can
JETSKIFISHING. Realistically the skis
How to get started!
also be used for regular beach and
have many uses, but once set up for
OK , so you either have an
water sport activities. There have
fishing they become one of the most
existing ski you have that can be
been selected options available over
practical fishing options on the market
easily rigged, or you are going
the years to kit your ski, but many are
today.
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sportFISHING Andrew with a fat Waitemata Snapper from Jet Ski
JETSKIFISHING is a huge buzz every trip, whether you are catching fish, or just the riding to and from your spots. Your fishing rig must be secure enough so you can ride as if you had no fishing gear attached at all.
Recommended Guidelines and Safety Accessories Most regions in NZ require mandatory registration of PWC’s compiling a register of hull numbers and ensuring accountability of maritime bylaws. Usual safety options such as handheld VHF, Personal Location Beacon and also local Coast Guard membership is recommended. Cell phone in a dry bag is another handy communication device. Standard safety apparel is a comfortable floatation vest, goggles, full finger gloves, winter light grade wetsuit, sports boots, cap or beanie. Sunscreen, First Aid kit, Flare
Fishing techniques JETSKIFISHING is perfectly matched for soft baiting especially with hassle free mess and results from using plastics. Bait fishing is possible on a PWC, yet the idea of JETSKIFISHING is to be quick and easy. Bait requires more time and more accessories, so I use what works best which is plastics. Using plastics, with a ready prepared rig, I can pull up at a spot, unclip the rod, bait up and drop within a minute. The motion from the PWC drifting, with the minimal hull noise, makes great soft baiting. PWC’s cover ground quickly, also getting into those hard to get wash spots with confidence of quick start
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sportFISHING
per Mako & Snap
ups. Lures are easily
real con is watching your toes around
trolled on PWC’s
the bigger fish at the deeper waters!
especially the new
Fishing Accessories
WAVERUNNERS
When JETSKIFISHING, all equipment
that are equipped
needs to be simple and easily
with cruise control.
accessible to enjoy all the potential
Live baiting is a
fun. All three seater skis have
little bit tricky, as
substantial storage throughout the
a live bait system
ski, either under the seats, below the
needs to be
handle bars or at the front hatch. On
attached to your
my YAMAHA WAVERUNNER, I choose
rig at the rear
to carry my rain jacket, flare, torch,
boarding platform, I use what is easiest for the weather conditions.
first aid kit, fishing tackle bag, Ultimate Catch Bag, Ultimate Reel Covers(for reel protection) additional soft baits
Most practical on the PWC yet, is
and pre rigged spools in this area.
chasing work ups! The range and
Sometimes the tax man wins
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performance of the larger horsepower
With glove box, a small selection
skis makes JETSKIFISHING a whole
of jig heads, soft plastics to suit the
new fishing experience. This has the
conditions, cell phone and VHF and
wow factor from Dolphins swimming
camera. Up front in the hatch are
beside the ski, whales popping up
more permanent accessories such as
beside you, all the sport with nature
tow rope, anchor, sand anchor, sea
while enjoying the elements. The only
anchor, towel in a dry bag, saddle bag
sportFISHING A great day ends with a fine view
for additional fish storage. With my rod holder kit on the rear boarding platform, I carry a Jetskifishing custom net, Jetskifishing gaff, a Daiwa Sol soft bait combo, with a Daiwa Monster Mesh/Saltist 30T for jigging. When transporting rods all gear must be always clipped down on every start up as I don’t want to take any chances loosing gear overboard.
Washing down Here is another real plus with PWC use, the wash down process is so quick and easy. To flush the salt water takes up to a couple of minutes from a fresh water source. With the size of a PWC all washing down is completed in about 10 minutes (all from ground level, no step ladders required). With easy storage using a trailer with a jockey wheel, it does not take long put your PWC in its storage area. All this quick and easy cleaning creates a more enjoyable experience on the water, knowing you are not going back to a whole lot of additional work. JETSKIFISHING has so much to offer with the easy life of fishing. There is so much more to just riding a PWC off your local beach. If consumers can understand the potential of JETSKIFISHING, having a reason to head out on the water! They too will be enjoying the fishing and nature we are so fortunate to have in NZ. Enjoy the easy life with JETSKIFISHING, Best Regards, Andrew Hill
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sportFISHING Etienne & fine BOP King
Kingfish in the Bay of Plenty Old Salts playing with new tricks Story by Mark Armistead www.extremesportfishing.co.nz
Things have started to heat up
metres of water I was not stressed.
here in the Bay of Plenty, fish numbers
The run got faster and faster and
are not massive but what they lack
when I attempted to palm the spool
in quantity they are certainly making
with some serious pressure it simply
up for in size. We have landed some
made the fish go faster, it all ended in
really nice fat fish including one by
tears as the fish smashed into the reef.
Aussie angler Marinos which would
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have been pushing the 30 kg mark.
We hosted Etienne Piquel well known
Along with the big fish there are
New Caledonia guide along with two
stories all throughout the bay of big
legends form Aussie Stan and Marinos
fish destroying unsuspecting anglers
recently. They had some pretty good
with mind blowing runs, these big
fishing mainly on jigs but Marinos did
fish are testing both the gear and
get his big fish on a stickbait. At the
the anglers. I had one fish smash my
end of the trip Etienne stayed on for
jig just under the boat, it ran off at
an extra few days and being flat calm
blistering speed but as we were in 80
it would have been rude not to head
sportFISHING
Graeme ‘Boulder’ McKenzie with his end of day 22kg
out for a fish. The fishing was not easy
Then it was time for Boulder to bring
that is sleep sitting down in a rough
but in the afternoon we had a good
a crew down from Auckland to help
sea; it is a real skill that he seems to
bit and Etienne raised some nice fish
celebrate his birthday, fishing was not
have mastered. On a serious note
on his Orion Crazy lure, both myself
easy but one angler Aaron was a star
Boulder worked hard all day, casting
and Steve quickly threw our lures at
of the day and at one stage he had 5
jigging and right at the end of the
the fish he raised and both hooked up
fish while all other anglers were on Nil,
day we all heard the big fella hoping
leaving Etienne to watch. I felt a bit rude
he got them on jigs, stick baits and
and hollering when a really nice
poaching his fish especially after all the
just could not put a foot wrong. On
fish decided his Carpenter Blue fish
work he done for me in New Caledonia
the other hand poor Brian had a bad
looked pretty tasty.
GT fishing. So from then on I took the
run of luck, he hooked a good fish on
hooks off my lures and stumbled upon
the first drift that launched right out of
The fish charged around the front
a pretty cool technique to help anglers
the water and smashed Gamma stick
of the boat and once the gear was
catch more fish.
bait in one of the most spectacular
cleared it took a bit of tricky boat
strikes you are likely to ever see.
manoeuvring to get some better line
I spoke in length with Ettienne about
angles for the guy. Once we got in a
teaser tactics for GTs and I have a few
I don’t know what went wrong form
better position we dragged the fish
things I have been working on myself
here but as weight come on the line
out into deep water but it consistently
in regards to kingfish teasing. I think
simply parted, we suspect a wind knot
charged off on some solid runs that
we will soon be developing some very
may have been the cause here. Later
must have had it close to the craggy
exciting teasing strategies that will
in the day Brian hooked another solid
reef below. Boulder did a fantastic
help us catch more fish and the visual
fish only to have the line jam up near
job of playing the fish out and after
strikes will be spectacular. In the end
the roller and the line parted again,
a lengthy battle we soon had a nice
our teasing tactics world and Etienne
hard luck Brian but next time I am sure
solid 22 KG fish boat side.
quickly landed two nice fish one
luck will be on your side.
around 20KG that punched well above
Check out our face book page for
its weight class and we really thought
Boulder on the other hand did what
it was going to be a much larger fish
boulder does better than anyone
during the brutal battle.
else could ever possibly do and
more pictures.
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Paul with Trumpeter on the scales
BOATfishing
The One That Didn’t Get Away
Paul Catt’s 20kg Trumpeter
Paul Catt lands Ngawi’s golden monster Story by Paul Catt I said to the guys, “this is the
Tarakihi were biting well, with a lot of
off my reel until finally I started to
last drop of the day!” down went
the smaller ones going back, but blue
gradually get some line back. It took
my line. No sooner had it hit the
cod were few and far between.
a while - I have no idea how long - but
bottom when WHAM! Something
the fish slowly came to the surface,
big grabbed my bait ……. I thought
We had a dozen nice tarakihi and 6
making some good runs on the way
‘Well this sure beats a day at work’.
average blue cod when it was nearly
up. There was some speculation as
time to head off. We had been using
to what it might be and I think Mark
Sitting down having my lunch on
squid and a bit of scarpi for bait, so
got tired of hanging onto the gaff.
Tuesday, it was a beaut’ clear winters
I grabbed one of the smaller blue
When it surfaced I saw the white belly
day, I was sitting outside soaking up
cod and took a fillet off one side
and yellow pectoral fins, I thought it
the sun, when I got a text from Mark,
hoping to try and snag a good size
looked like a Trumpeter, but nah they
‘Sign writer extra ordinary’, to say
cod before we headed off, and when
don’t get that big do they?
‘the sea’s flat mate’ - ‘Yeah I bet it is’
my bait hit the bottom, it got hit
I thought. I checked the forecast that
by a freight train. As I watched my
Mark carefully gaffed it and dragged it
night and the weather was settled for
Shimano charter special reel, slowly
over the side of the boat, he said “It’s
another 2 days, so I thought ‘bugger it,
empty of braid and my 15kg jelly
a Trumpeter alright, what an f*#@ing
I’m going fishing tomorrow’. I phoned
tip rod bend in half, I was glad I had
monster!” The VMC 6/0 sports circle
Mark and he was keen. We arrived at
made up a new trace. After losing a
hook was firmly planted in the corner
Ngawi at 7am Wednesday morning to
really good fish not far from this spot
of its mouth and the sinker had broken
a flat calm sea, picked up my father
about 3 months earlier, when I was
off the bottom of the 80lb trace, in
Graeme (one of Ngawi’s newest
using an old trace that had been used
future; I will have a lighter break away
retirees) and the boat from the family
several times previously, I had learned
line attaching the sinker.
beach house and we were off with a
my lesson.
feed of blue cod on the agenda.
Back at the bach, the Trumpeter (after Luck must have been on my side this
it had been bled) weighed in at a
We had a good start to the morning
day. After pulling off 100m of line,
gnats whisker under 20kg/44lb, my
with 6 nice Tarakihi and a couple of
the destroyer on the end of my line
heaviest fish yet and possibly the fish
average cod, we were fishing in about
snagged on the bottom, and after a
of a lifetime for that particular species.
65m of water, so we moved in closer
stressful 30 seconds (that felt more
to a patch of fowl ground in 45m to try
like 5 minutes) of gentle tugging
What a great day, good company
and pick up some cod. There was some
and some swearing, the fish tugged
and an excellent way to relieve the
good fish sign on the sounder and the
back and continued to slowly unload
winter blues.
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VIDEO
Fishing Video of the Month ‘Giant Trevally – Kings of Bust offs’
Giant Trevally or GT’s are considered by most serious anglers as the ultimate fish to land on a line. Their size, incredible strength and ability to utilise their surroundings makes them the ultimate quarry. Check out how the Nomad Sport Fishing guys handle them. Some of the strikes in this video are incredible – these fish hit like freight trains. And while the video quality isn’t the best, the fishing on this video at Shoalwater Bay is incredible.
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landBASED
Piper: Forgotten Delicacies
Gently does it - Piper netting is a team effort
By Derrick Paull Images by Scott MacIndoe
Great left-over’s for ground bait
Prepared for smoking
Preparation is simple
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landBASED
Done well, the rewards can be substantial
As a kid I spent far too many
by one aficionado they are a very tasty
hours on Devonport & Murrays Bay
treat. Recipes are abundant online
wharves flicking small bread balls
(and here) and offer much variations to
or fresh maggots at fish so elusive
what is a delicious fish in its own right.
we considered them snobs of the fish world. Back then it was the
Piper are a particularly fussy eater.
challenge of the capture rather than
Their diet usually consists of marine
overkill to me, but with species
the delicate treat they provided
plant life they sup off the surface of the
like piper it is the best method for
once prepared & served.
water with their upward facing mouth.
collecting a good haul, particularly if
Piper as they are known here or
They will fall for small tightly rolled
Gar(fish) at the rest of the world
balls of white bread or floury dough
describe them are definitely one of the
on small, long shanked hooks but
Piper will generally populate clean,
finest baits a fisher could present most
we found that, contrary to their
shallow bays and harbours during the
northern saltwater target species in
herbivorous tendencies live maggots
day and this is where they’re easiest
new Zealand. They have been largely
were the real bait of champions. A
to net (or catch on a line if you’re
forgotten as a table fish but for a few.
good days piper fishing might see you
stubborn enough).
you have the means and intention of preserving them.
head home with a dozen in the bin – When caught & prepared fresh, Piper
enough for an appetiser for two, but
Here’s a short video of the landing
is a fish with a taste quite unlike any
no dinner party!
process. There are a few rules to follow
other in our fishery. Described as a cross between John Dory & flounder
if you’re netting, so be sure to check Netting for fish has always seemed
the Ministry of Fisheries website.
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jetskiFISHING
Quick Ride Over For Some Coromandel Fishing‌ This trip was a spur of the
then decided to have some breakfast
Chicken. In my experience, with
moment social ride leaving from
while enjoying the surroundings
these heavy soft bait rigs, there is
Bucklands Beach to the top of the
and catching up with the guys on
no need to cast, just drop below the
Coromandel. We left the ramp
the water. This was a good time to
ski while keeping in touch with the
just after first light with four skis.
post some live Facebook updates
line. You should constantly be ready
All the riders had done plenty of
on the Jetskifishing Page, fans of
to strike the line, as the better sized
Jetskifishing hours and were familiar
Jetskifishing can do the same by
fish could hit the bait at anytime. As
with such a long range trip. The
sharing their live experiences at our
with my theory, the bait was hit and
conditions were forecasted to drop,
Facebook Page.
after a few minutes of string pulling
yet the marine forecast was still
action, I had my first Snapper of the
saying it was blowing seventeen
For my Softbaiting on this trip, I
knots at Channel Island as we were
used the Berkley Lumo 4oz Elevator
leaving... Our fingers were crossed
Head, as I was fishing at fifty plus
I was wrapped with the quick start
that it would decrease, to make for
metres of water. To setup for my drift
and next spotted some activity with
an easier ride over. The ride across
I scouted around the area using the
some Dolphins and Gannets working
took fifty minutes to the top of
Raymarine charts to fish on the edge
the area. This is always a good sign
Coromandel and started with Neil,
of the contour lines, finding the fish
for the possibilities of a feeding
Dave and Buzz enjoying some soft
sign which was not far off from the
frenzy! I moved a bit closer to the
baiting in the deeper water.
surrounding bird life. With not much
active area and made a quick change
current and plenty of weight, first
of baits to the larger Grub, in hope
I tried a nearby spot for some
soft bait of the day to be used was
of enticing a mooching Snapper
Kingfish activity with no success...
the Gulp Squid Vicious – Nuclear
beneath. Today was another one of
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day to add in the chilly bin.
jetskiFISHING
those dream days of Jetskifishing, magic conditions and fish to go with it! As I dropped the next bait I could feel the occasional hit to the bait, this time the rig made it to the lower depths. While manipulating the bait with the flick of my rod tip, I soon had another taker, this fish giving me a better run for my money. The fish had more weight to it and fortunately with fishing over the sand, I had no worries with the line it was taking. I was patient and have learnt not to get too eager by tightening the drag with too much pressure, that when the fish makes a run it can bust your line. After a few minutes of the long retrieve from fifty metres depth, I soon had another nice Snapper to add to the chilly bin. We all had some fish in our chilly bins, so we left in pairs with a
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jetskiFISHING
heading of the middle ground in
five metres my bait was hit by a
search of a larger work-up. We didn’t
screamer. I was totally caught off
seem to find the bird activity that we
guard and it was all on, with the
were after, but sure was the perfect
fish pulling me straight to the
conditions to be out there covering
bottom. There was plenty of solid
the miles.
head shakes and it was too early to call whether a heavy Snapper
We also tried a bit of jigging at this
or a Kingfish. With at least fifteen
area after seeing some nice bait
minutes of playing it and plenty of
sign on the Raymaine. With the
encouragement from Buzz, we finally
mechanical jigging it can get quite
could see the fish’s colour coming
exhausting if you are out of practice,
through the water. The visibility was
so wasn’t long and I was back to my
brilliant and I could soon spot a
soft bait fishing.
Kingfish before it completed another couple of short runs after seeing the
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It seems to be Murphy’s law, the
ski! I wanted to be sure the fish was
larger fish hit your baits when
well legal so we had a challenge of
least expecting! As I was retrieving
netting it, seeing it was caught on
my bait from the depth of fourty
the lighter gear... The Kingfish was
jetskiFISHING definitely a keeper and after adding it to the Ultimate Catch Bag it was heading home for the smoker. With the day still ahead of us and most needing to go to work, we called it quits and headed back for home. Along the way we were joined by the Dolphins. The Dolphins are a tranquil sight and just another exciting experience you see when going further a field on Jetskifishing adventures. With making it back to ramp in good time, it was a quick wash down of my WaveRunner and off to an afternoon’s work. More reports to come soon!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 19
FISHwords
The Kiwi Anglers Guide to Fishy Words
One of the reccurring themes in
FISHING TACKLE:
email we receive is that too many of our readers don’t know the lingo
Terminal Tackle:
we bandy round like it’s mainstream
Starting at the business end.
English. It wasn’t until my fishing
Terminal tackle refers to the bits &
buddy Mark up at Mangawhai sent
pieces you tie on to the end of your
me a message asking for me to
main line. Terminal tackle includes
decipher one of our last stick baiting
(but is for from limited to);
articles, that I realised we needed to
•
Hooks
do something about it. So here’s the
•
Lures
NZFisher guide to fishy words.
•
Swivels
•
Trace
We’re starting this month with
•
Line
Terminal Tackle (don’t worry, there’s a
definition below!) and we’ll continue on over the next few months.
HOOKS: While it’s likely that every single
The term tackle, with the meaning
NZFisher reader already knows what
“apparatus for fishing”, has been in
hooks are, it seems like the right
use from 1398 CE.[1] Fishing tackle
idea to expand a little & give a bit
is also called fishing gear. However
more info on the various hooks out
the term fishing gear is more usually
there (especially the ones we use
used in the context of commercial
here in Aotearoa).
fishing, whereas fishing tackle is more often used in the context of
From Wikipedia: : wA fish hook is
recreational fishing. For this reason,
a device for catching fish either by
this article covers equipment used
impaling them in the mouth or, more
by recreational fishermen.
rarely, by snagging the body of the fish. Fish hooks have been employed
20 www.nzfisher.co.nz
for centuries by fishermen to catch fresh and saltwater fish. In 2005, the fish hook was chosen by Forbes as one of the top twenty tools in the history of man Hooks are designed as either single hooks—a single eye, shank and point; double hooks—a single eye merged with two shanks and points; or treble--a single eye merged with three shanks and three evenly spaced points. Double hooks are formed from a single piece of wire and may or may not have their shanks brazed together for strength. Treble hooks are formed by adding a single eyeless hook to a double hook and brazing all three shanks together. Double hooks are used on some artificial lures and are a traditional fly hook for Atlantic Salmon flies, but are otherwise fairly uncommon. Treble hooks are used on all sorts of artificial lures as well as for a wide variety of bait applications.
FISHwords
Hook names
of 10 lures with work. All the colours
Bait hook shapes and names
& beautiful ain’t jobs seem to achieve
include the Salmon Egg, Beak,
is a lighter wallet for the angler when
Surface lures are also known as top
O’Shaughnessy, Bait holder, Shark
he leaves his tackle store!
water lures, poppers and stickbaits.
Hook, Aberdeen, Carlisle, Carp Hook,
There are many types of fishing
They float and resemble prey that is
Tuna Circle, Offset Worm, Circle Hook,
lures. They are all manufactured
on top of the water. They can make
suicide hook, Long Shank, Short
in different ways to resemble prey
a popping sound from a concave-
Shank, J Hook, Octopus Hook and Big
for the fish in most cases, but are
cut head, a burbling sound from
Game Jobu hooks.
sometimes engineered to appeal to
“side fins” or scoops or a buzzing
a fish’s sense of territory, curiosity
commotion from one or several
LURES
or aggression. Most lures are made
propellers. A few have only whatever
A fishing lure is an object attached
to look like dying, injured, or fast
motion the fisherman applies through
to the end of a fishing line which is
moving fish. They include the
the rod itself, though if skillfully used,
designed to resemble and move like
following types:
they can be very effective.
times Maori made kahawai lures of
Jigs
Spoon lures are made to resemble
Paua & wood with strong, bound
Deep water jigs used in saltwater
the inside of a table spoon. They
bone hooks. These were towed
fishing consist of a large metallic
flash in the light while wobbling
behind waka (canoes) while transiting.
weight, which gives the impression
or darting due to their shape,
of the body of the baitfish, which has
and attract fish. Artificial flies are
Many will tell you that the right
a hook attached via a short length of
designed to resemble all manner of
colour most important. What I’ve
Kevlar usually to the top of the jig.
fish prey and are used with a fly rod
learned is that on any given day 9 out
These types of jigs can be fished in
and reel in fly fishing.
water depths down to 300 metres.
the prey of a fish. In pre-European
www.nzfisher.co.nz 21
FISHwords
Soft plastic baits/lures is a general
Modern fishing lines intended for
user’s hands when given a sudden
category of lures that are made of
spinning, spin cast, or bait casting
pull. Recently, other alternatives
plastic or rubber, and are designed
reels are almost entirely made
to standard nylon monofilament
to resemble fish, crabs, squid,
from artificial substances, including
lines have been introduced made
worms, lizards, frogs, leeches and
nylon, polyvinylidene fluoride
of copolymers or fluorocarbon, or a
other creatures.
(PVDF, and called fluorocarbon),
combination of the two materials.
polyethylene, Dacron and Dyneema
There are also braided fishing lines,
Swimbait is a form of soft plastic
(UHMWPE). The most common
cofilament and thermally fused
bait/lure that resembles an actual
type is monofilament, made of a
lines, also known as ‘superlines’ for
baitfish. It can be retrieved like a
single strand. Fishermen often use
their small diameter, lack of stretch,
plug/minnow lure. Some of these
monofilament because of its buoyant
and great strength relative to
have a swimming, paddle, tail. The
characteristics and its ability to
standard nylon monofilament lines.
development in the finishes in these
stretch under load.
Both braided and thermally fused
types of plastic lures have meant
‘superlines’ are now readily available.
that the finishes achieved now look
Its ability to stretch has a
Monofilament
more like a baitfish than ever before.
huge advantage over the early
Monofilament fishing line (shortened
developments as it prevents the
to just mono) is fishing line made from
rod from being ripped out of the
a single fiber of plastic. Most fishing
LINES
22 www.nzfisher.co.nz
FISHwords
lines are now monofilament because monofilament is available in a variety of diameters, each of which provides a different tensile strength (called “test� after the process of tensile testing), and because monofilament fibers cost little to produce.
Braid Multifilament line, also referred to as The Super Lines, is a type of fishing line.[1] It is a braided line which is made up of a type of polyethylene, an extremely thin line for its strength. By weight, polyethylene strands are five to ten times sturdier than steel. Multifilament line is almost similar to braided Dacron (Old school braided lines) in terms of sensitivity but a diameter about onethird that of monofilament.
Fluorocarbon Fluorocarbon fishing line is made of the fluoropolymer PVDF and it is valued for its refractive index, which is similar to that of water, making it less visible to fish. Fluorocarbon is also a more dense material, and therefore, is not nearly as buoyant as monofilament. Anglers often utilize fluorocarbon when they need their baits to stay closer to the bottom without the use of heavy sinkers.
Swivels A fishing swivel is a small device consisting of two rings connected to a pivoting joint. The device is usually made of metal, and the pivoting joint is usually ball- or barrel-shaped. The line from a rod and reel is tied to one end, and a length of fishing line, often terminated by a hook, lure or sinker, is tied to the other. The main purpose of the swivel is to allow the line to untwist during line retrieval, preventing undesirable tangling.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 23
regionalREVIEWS
Bay of Plenty Source: Mark Extreme Fishing Adventures
As like anywhere in New Zealand
where they are and it doesn’t take too
the scenery will be stunning, and the
long to limit out with double headers
food and people fantastic.
commonplace. The vast majority are
I have been receiving many emails
hapuka with just a few trumpeter
and messages from you all with
(some over 12kgs) and terakihi to
There is a sad situation here in our
well wishes (thank you) and some
spice up the catch. While few places
home port of Tauranga, the container
messages in regards to what is
were looked at, bass seemed to be
ship Rena ran aground last week onto
happening on upcoming trips.
nonexistent. Hapuka were mainly in
one of our favourite kingfish spots.
As always we will be doing our
the 8 -15 kilo category with just the
Since then the ship has started to leak
upmost to ensure you the angler
odd one over 20. Angler Raj Prakash
oil, containers are falling off, and now
get the best from your New Zealand
did well to subdue a 21 kilo specimen
the ship is at risk of breaking up which
adventure.
on only 10 kilo tackle while trying
Since the Rena disaster we’ve received these words from Mark at Extreme:
is just devastating.
for lesser species. They are in quite Now with a fishing update, since
poor condition overall due to having
There are many of you who are
Rena landed on Astrolabe reef
just completed their spawning cycle
booked on upcoming trips, some
the fishing has become extremely
recently. As per normal, they will put
are individuals and some are multi
difficult, some days only one or two
on condition by the week with some
day trips. Rest assured we are
fish. So it may be a timely thing to
good feeding going on. Water looks
currently working on finding suitable
head off and try some new ground
nice here as well with a handful of
workarounds to fulfil all of our
and let things settle down a bit here.
smallish (7-9k’s) but plump albacore
booked trips.
rewarded or wondering what you are
full of juvenile squid landed in 4-500
doing there! Above all, the kingis have
metres just off the shelf. Expect plenty
For the short term we are looking at
been a real dichotomy with smaller
out of this place over the following
taking our operation on an adventure, I
fish one day followed by uncatchable
weeks and months.
am currently looking at various options
monsters the next – at the same
along the coast in areas not affected
location no less! While the largest
Summary
by the Rena problem. Rest assured
landed was a modest 22 kilo specimen
Interesting and, in retrospect, a typical
there will be no compromise on the
landed by Aucklander Bruce Cox,
spring start. While we shouldn’t
fishing here for you guys, in fact some
many other larger fish were lost. Here
expect anything earth shattering
of the places we are looking at heading
the fish are readily taking jigs and bait
or huge changes, more consistency
to are where I go fishing when I have
with little differentiation. Some lost
should follow. Nice to not have the
a holiday. One of these locations a
fish were on long enough to tell they
predicted westerly winds thus far but
few years ago saw 3 of us land an
were 30 kilos plus while most were
don’t breathe too easily. Will report
extraordinary 200 kingfish in one day!!!
momentary “wiz bangs”! The bottom
again in another week, till then …
fishing was all or nothing. Find a place
Taranaki – West Coast The AMF Team Once again the weather is playing
presence felt. A couple of remarkable
havoc with the fishing, but thankfully
fish have been taken from the shore
this month the big Snapper have
including 30lb Snap landed from the
begun their migration & made their
beach down Foxton way.
24 www.nzfisher.co.nz
regionalREVIEWS
Hauraki Global Warming
Binfulls like this are getting more and
aquatic playground out in our very
Just when you think it’s safe to go
more regular although it has been
own Hauraki Gulf. It’s a delight to be
outside, it snows…in Auckland! Then
more of a 50:50 call over the past
aboard such a clean fast boat hunting
faster than a couta’ bite-off it’s shorts
couple of months. The odds of having
down the fish, and with Wavedancer
and T-shirts (at least for a little while)
a 115L fish bin overflowing with big fat
II launched this week, well you can
even slap on the sunscreen. Spring
snapper like this within an hour or two
imagine the blast it is catching
epitomized. Lots of lambs and more
are getting better by the day.
snapper right throughout the gulf
aquatic examples like this new brood
Inner Waitemata harbour channels can
(www.wavedancer.co.nz).
in tow paddling off towards Rangitoto
still produce the goods particularly
means it’s all on, coming ready or not!
with very lightly weighted soft baits
Other Species
Oh yeah and I kid you not, snapper
(1/4 to 1/2oz) from tiny tinnies just
Lots of gurnard are around, most not
have roe already!
driftin’ on through the sides when the
particularly big but always colourful
tide is running well, judging by the
and always a tasty treat…great to
inner city fishermen in the Fishing
target when the snapper aren’t
With water temps just starting to rise a
playing the game, worth a try while
degree or so and some very good bait schools all around the gulf prospects
Website forums.
slowly drifting anywhere in the gulf
for this spring & summer fishing are
Smaller grub-tailed and wriggly
really, open sandy areas, either drag
shaping up big-time.The best thing
legged SBs are doing the trick, some
a heavy deep water rig well out back
about now is that its spring, enjoying
areas can be fished successfully even
of the boat with a little Gulp grubtail
those perfectly calm days with big
while the wind is howling, tucked in
or small Catch anchovy or small brown
healthy fish on the bite. The worst
to the sheltered lee, places like the
Z-man lure. And if you put down the
thing about now is that its spring,
Motuihe channel for instance.
sabiki rigs whether fishing inner or
exasperating days of wind with fish
I’m sure the famed snapper
outer areas, put a live mackerel back
mouths shut tight. We’re certainly in for
migration is nicely coinciding with the
down – they’re working well and
the roller coaster ride of spring weather.
proceedings of the Rugby World Cup,
like Forrest Gump ‘life is like a box
Bring it on, there’s always a silver lining.
here’s a Waiheke snapper lofted by
of chocolates, you never know what
Julien Bonnair of the French Rugby
you’re going to get’. Delicious John
Workups
Team aboard Wavedancer, a great way
Dory also caught on the little soft
The first of the spring workups are all
to recover from the rigors of rugby on
plastic Catch Anchovy looking like
on with many whales, lots of dolphins
a blustery morning.
a live-bait “matching the hatch” in perfect spring weather just last week.
and gannets in scary numbers at times smashing the bait to smithereens,
Speaking of Wavedancer I’m
In short the snapper have just turned
pummelling the sea surface from a deep
fortunately now one of the 4 Captains
their heads towards the local volcano,
dark blue to an aerated light green.
taking out the fast and luxurious
the outer gulf is on fire most days and
Truly inspiring sights and sounds -
fish hunting charters of Wavedancer
the snapper are swimming ever closer
from the huge spouts of air from the
one (Taranui) and Wavedancer two
to the inner harbour areas.
whales to the fluttering of the air from
(Tara-iti), both are identical Rayglass
the gannets wing-tip feathers as they
2800’s. Fantastic boats for quickly
The winter residents (snapper) are
dive, again right beside the boat.
hunting down workups and much
already sparking up on occasion first
The snapper underneath (not so
more, using soft plastics only,
thing in the morning lately. As yet the
during the Claytons workups, more
dedicated to high performance action
inner channels are O.K. in terms of
about these later) are generally good
fishing. Close encounters with Orca,
success but the best is yet to come.
solid fish around the 10-12lb mark,
dozens of Brydes whales, Dolphins
Patience grasshopper, not long now…
some excellent juvenile kingfish right
both common and bottle nose on
Espresso
in amongst the action too.
a calm day it can be a right natural
www.nzfisher.co.nz 25
NEXTmonth
f sher In the next issue of NZ Fisher… • Cape Karikari & surrounds – Number two on the top five inshore countdown • The NZFisher / Digital Hothouse R’Ocktober Fish Competition results • Gearing up for Game fishing – what does the boat need?
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www.nzfisher.co.nz 26