ISSUE 18
Sept/Oct 2012
Landbased Retreat to the Winterless North
The Tuturoa Trophy Craig Smith explains Gearing up for ROctoberFish
www.nzfisher.co.nz 1
CONTENTS Pg 6
12
SPORTFISHING 4
Tuturoa Cup
GAMEFISHING 6
An Autumn of Swords
LANDBASEDFISHING 8
Doubtless Bay Land based bliss
12
Gearing up for Moocher Season
14
How to Smoke your own fish
8
BOATFISHING
2 www.nzfisher.co.nz
16
A Kingfish Dream Realised
18
Readers Pics
20
Recipe
21
Fishing Video of the Month
22
Regional Reviews
Pg 17
editorial
//From the
EDITOR CLUBS. WHAT IS happening to our clubs? As a child of the 70’s I was
out can now gathered for free just by
ABOUT /
bought up in and bought into, a culture
logging on to a forum and asking the
Short and sharp, NZ Fisher is a
fishing clubs. At the tender age of
right question. There’s no doubt there’s
free e-magazine delivering thought
12 I attended my first club meeting
no substitute for experience but that
provoking and enlightening articles,
of the North Shore Surfcasting Club
hasn’t changed.
and industry news and information
held in the ‘Old Folks’ hall in Milford. The space that hall occupied is now a foundation of a shopping mall. Fittingly the club now resides at the Milford Cruising Club. The NSSC has a core of committed members who have done what most clubs can’t; they’ve retained and grown membership in the last
I wish I had an answer to the ‘how do we fix the clubs’ question, but NZFisher wants to help fill some gaps. Head to our all new website and check out what we see as the future for all the online non-club fishers who still want to be connected.
to forward-thinking fisher people. EDITOR / Derrick Paull ART DIRECTOR / Jodi Olsson GROUP EDITOR / Trudi Caffell CONTENT ENQUIRIES / Phone Derrick on 021 629 327 or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz
decade. There’s a really good thread
As for the actual fishing – the blasted
on Fishing.net started by Michael
weather. What little opportunity we’ve
(Smudge) Parker of the Counties Sport
had has been thwarted by horizontal rain
Fishing Club that discusses some of the
or XOS swells. The weather got so bad
issues facing clubs.
we swallowed our pride and slunk off to
ADDRESS / NZ Fisher,
Turangi to kill Trout. But that painful story
C/- Espire Media, PO Box 137162,
shall be kept for another issue!
Parnell, Auckland 1151, NZ
(i.e. The internet, forums, email & texts)
Along with Trout fishing we also
WEBSITE / www.NZ Fisher.co.nz
that allow us to share secrets and results
allowed the poor weather to beat us
so quickly; There’s more pressure for
into actually getting our buts into gear
our time. Perhaps this is a generational
and build some new rods. Honestly
perception, but I’m going to believe
I thought we’d learned. Any idea
it; And almost certainly our culture has
that becomes a reality with the line
changed. There are few of us that still
‘Seriously, how hard can it be?’ should
chase records, pins and meritorious
never become a serious pursuit, but
catches like those who taught me back
we are slow learners. I apologise that
in the day. What do I mean? Well, it
once again we’ve had to bump this
seems to me that more people just
article to the next issue, It’ll be late
want to go fishing and get a feed. If
but it will happen.
I’m not sure but personally I think it’s a combination of improved technology
they do get a good fish it can be posted online & the world can appreciate it. My old mates Ted Audain, Peter Reynolds, Brett Scott & Peter Michael taught me an awful lot on the rocks of Tawharanui,
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES / Phone Richard on 09 522 7257 or email richardl@espiremedia.com
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!
Well, spring is in the air & results like these are buoying our spirits. Put winter behind you, get your gear out, serviced & ready for a hot spring bite!
Whangamumu & the Barrier. All their
Tight lines!
knowledge, learned, honed & metered
Derrick
Cover Image: Dave Woodman with 20lb ‘Top of the South’ Snapper
www.nzfisher.co.nz 3
sportFISHING Overall Team Champions, Feilding Surfcasting Club
Tuturoa Cup FOR THE SECOND MONTH in a row
We were just beaten for first with one
NZF: What do you do on day two to
Craig Smith of Whangarei Deep Sea
of 21.2 on 6, caught by Wayne Powrie
get back in the game?
Anglers Club has produced some
on the Lady Luck, and just beaten in the
incredible fishing results in one of
Snapper section with one of 9.08 kgs.
the local tournaments, the TutuRoa Cup. The Tuturoa is fished between Tutukaka & Whangaroa game clubs annually & is line weight focussed.
Craig: We were reduced to fishing on 3 and 4 kilo line on Sunday to try and
This is the third “TutuRoa” Yellowtail
catch up, lost one on 6, and got baits
challenge, being Tutukaka Vs
or clean hooks back from our strikes
Whangaroa, it is a contest that us mad
on the 3 and 4 kilo stuff.
keen Yellowtail fishers dreamed up 4
I asked Craig a few questions about
years ago, and we decided to hold
the tournament & how they manage
it each year at Whangaroa, as the
NZF: How does this year compare to
such big fish on light line:
fishing up there, particularly around
other year?
the Cavalli Islands is normally pretty
Craig: Last year there were 2 kingis
good, our fish were caught at both
that were just over 30 kgs each both
the Eastern end ( called the T Pot) and
on 6 kilo line, apparently this is the first
the Western end of the Cavallis. Fish
time ever 2 of these sizes have been
didn’t bite well on Sunday, but we had
caught on 6 kilo line in a major contest.
Craig: I have fished for kingis for 40 years on light tackle, so should be getting reasonably good at it after all those years.
a great time. NZ F: And how big were this
A Runabout called KC whipped out
year’s fish?
arses for the actual TutuRoa Cup, they
Craig: The biggest was just 20.6 kilos
got 7 on 6kg line the first day, but no
on 6 kilo line, and I got another one
biggies, and one on Sunday so they
15.2 on 6 as well. Leo Forbes caught
beat us on points.
NZF: And outsode of the tournaments, how much light line fishing goes on? Craig: Last week KC got one monster
the other one which was 18.4 on 6. My
on 6 for a non member, and they
snapper was 8.2 on 4 kilo line.
weighed it on board, not realizing
4 www.nzfisher.co.nz
sportFISHING it may have been a world record or certainly close to it, it went about 37-something kilos, and they didn’t take it get it weighed on certified scales.
NZF: So, how’d you get on in the prizes this year? Craig: We had incredible luck at the prize giving winning both the lucky skipper and angler draws, one being next year’s entry for free ($160.00) the other being a Stainless Steel boat BBQ, then there was two of us with tagged fish, so they drew that out of the hat, and we got that as well!
NZF: What’s the real prize for the winning team? Craig: It is traditional for the losing team to fill the Tuturoa cup up with something (usually Rum! ) and everyone gets to drink out of it. Here’s the best results from this year: PRIZE
ANGLER
BOAT
FISH WEIGHT
LINE
1st Heaviest Snapper
Mike Adkins
Hooked Up
9.08
8
2nd Heaviest Snapper
Craig Smith
Lady Jess
8.18
4
1st Heaviest Kingfish
Wayne Powrie
Lady Luck
21.24
6
2nd Heaviest Kingfish
Craig Smith
Lady Jess
20.60
6
Thanks Craig & well done team Whangaroa – better luck next year Craig!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 5
gameFISHING Zac waiting for a bite
An Autumn of Swords By Kurt Bennetto
MUCH LIKE LAST YEAR there was
Northland could offer. We don’t have
the last few months send them in &
a rush by the hardiest fishos to get
much to go on, but these photos tell a
be in to win one of two pairs of ‘Just
hooked into the finest sport fish of
pretty good story!
another fisherman’ ‘Eeling Socks’.
These were the only photos we
While most of us won’t do much
them all, the Broadbill Swordfish. Kurt’s been pretty busy setting himself up in the big smoke (Melbourne) but he managed to sneak across the Tasman for a few days with his brother and pit himself against the best
6 www.nzfisher.co.nz
received this month – which is a real shame, but I guess that tells us a bit about fishing in winter! If you’ve got any fishing images from
eeling, these socks are the very best of natural NZ Materials woven together with love & a little bit of fishing magic just to keep your toes warm and snugly!.
gameFISHING
To enter, send a fishing pic to derrickp@nzfisher.co.nz with your name, address & contact number. J.A.F “Just Another Fisherman” is an outdoors casual apparel brand, The brand was founded by fisherman and developed to express their love for this wonderful way of life. J.A.F offers a range of products from Tee’s, Caps, Shorts, Shirts, Beanies and has a Summer range dropping into store mid October 2012. justanotherfisherman@gmail.com or http://www.facebook.com/ JustAnotherFisherman www.nzfisher.co.nz 7
landbasedFISHING
The team result
Ted Audain & Niel Brown with their great catch
Doubtless Bay Land based bliss By Neil Brown, President North Shore Surfcasting Club Images from Ted Audain and the North Shore Surfcasting Club WHEN YOU have good club mates
was definitely not up to the usual
and his family. Brett Scott also had
living in awesome locations like
high standard of participation for
a particular set of bricks in mind for
Doubtless Bay it would be rude not to
this fish that normally attracts 30+
him, Jules’ and Jess’, a couple of bays
accept their generous hospitality; so
form the North Shore at least! At the
south of Doubtless.
we were in five star accommodation
registration we discussed the battle
once again at the Scott family manor
plan for the weekend; Matthew and
and were well set up for a massive
Kevin from north Shore were keen on
fishing weekend.
heading from registration straight to
Brett, Julie and Jessica Scott are great hosts and have sheltered the ‘Brown
90 mile beach to land-base the ‘Bluff’. Dad and myself decided to take Club
We must not have “enjoyed” ourselves too much Friday night as we managed to find ourselves launching our magic carpet (AKA ‘Rock Hoppa’ the 395 Stabi) to the
stalwart Ted to the Karikari Peninsula
rocks, at first light, which was totally
to go ‘a snapper huntin’. Our buddy
out of character for us! We launched
With picture perfect weather forecast
Geoff, being the competitive type,
at ”*****” (Un-disclosed location) with
for the epic North Shore Surfcasting
would sooner poke out his own eye,
good beach launching conditions,
Club Vs Doubtless Bay Competition
than tell you where he was going
hard sand with little wind or swell,
it was very surprising to see a mere 6
fish; but he had that gleam in his eye
and immediately rounded the corner
fisho’s at the Friday night registration,
for a super secret ‘XOS’ granddaddy
to soon be punching through a 1.5
with another 6 pre-registered. This
snapper hunting grounds for him
to 2.5 meter swell. Strangely enough
Boys’ on many an occasion.
8 www.nzfisher.co.nz
landbasedFISHING
was quite exhilarating, as it was more
a couple of 50cm kahawai that day,
fish were caught. Under water, I seen
of ground swell than a wind swell. I
but Ted out-fished us with a very
a massive school of koheru using the
was a bit worried about ‘ol Ted in the
impressive haul of 8 or 9 snapper
boat for cover, I later found out why
back, because I recall him saying that,
including another fish around 3 kg.
the koheru were sheltering under the
before this weekend, he hadn’t been
Why is it that everyone we take out in
stabi because after an unsuccessful
on a boat for 10 or 15 years and he
the stabi out fishes us?!?! Next person
hunt for crayfish and paua, I finned out
tended to get sea sick! Thankfully he
to do this is walking home – from the
opposite the bay to a drop off, where
held up really well and didn’t look too
Cavalli’s!!!!
a school of 50 or so rat kings were
green around the gills, when the roller
Although the fishing was still good
patrolling, with 3 or 4 amongst them
coaster ride ended and we pulled up
after midday, the weather was too
that were easily legal. They would
to a likely looking calm spot. I’m sure
stunning and the water was to clear,
have been maybe 40m away from the
Ted totally forgot about the ride out,
not to jump in for a swim. (With a
koheru school. Our burley would have
as his first cast of the day produced
wetsuit of course) Before I had a
been only 10 or 20m away from the
a solid snapper around the 4.5 kilo
chance to get wet however, ‘me old
koheru too. The kings and kahawai
mark. Dad followed suit, nailing a
man, who caught a 30cm trevally
virtually had these baitfish surrounded
nice one, say 3.5 kilo soon after. The
while targeting a kahawai for a
and trapped. Most of the common
fishing was exceptional that day, with
livie, put it out under a balloon and
non-target reef species were present
a constant stream of kahawai and
hooked a horse of a kingfish. Even
in good numbers and would have
snapper. I was the pelagic specialist
on 24 kg mainline, he was owned by
made good underwater videos but I
in the morning catching 4 ‘points’
the fish. Soon after he was making
managed to leave my camera behind
kahawai in a row, then nailing a 74
good ground got the kingi to within
at Brett and Julie’s. We fished until
cm kingi which took a pillie as it
5 meters of the rocks and tightened
it was dusk and the sea state hadn’t
sank down in quite close. Luckily
up the drag, bad move, the fish was
changed much so it was another thrill
the rat kingfish was lip hooked and
hardly tired, took a run and the line
ride back to ‘”*****” beach.
was measured, photographed and
busted off. It’s a pretty awful feeling to
Sunday dawned with all the signs
released as quickly as possible, so we
lose a fish of a lifetime but it definitely
of another ripper of a day. We
didn’t him at all. I could see Ted was
makes you more determined. You say
a getting a bit worried about me not
to the fish “You and me buddy, next
landing any snapper but the fishing
year, you won’t be so lucky”
was so good that day that the only
So after that exciting interlude I went
up to a likely set of rocks but wait,
small fish I caught was a Kahawai
for a dive so I could scare any fish
what’s that big seal looking thing
which I later used for bait & turned
away from dad and Ted because I had
on it – well, it was a Seal! Next rock
it into a 4.2 and 5.2 kg snapper! Dad
caught the biggest fish so far that day.
over then; nice gut to park the Rock
caught another 5lb plus snapper and
And it worked quite well, no more big
Hoppa and perfect rock for 3 blokes
fished locally, at another stunning but unmentionable spot, motoring out over near glass sea. We pulled
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landbasedFISHING
The team result
to fish, not too big and not too small,
I got some good underwater video
side Geoff and Deborah Marmont
with smooth rocks to stand on for a
footage, plenty of legal sized snapper,
weighed our best fish, 6.4 and
change. The water on front of our
big red moki’s, butterfish, tons of
6.6kg respectively. Young Ben also
rock was a saltwater aquarium with
koheru and nice sized school of
got a good 3.5kg+ snapper. Unlike
kahwai, snapper, a couple that were
demoiselle. Crayfish or paua were not
Doubtless’ our 2 heaviest fish were
5 or 6 kilo, maomao, trevally, koheru,
on the menu though, unfortunately.
boat fish, with Geoff and family in
and the odd kingfish in front of our
We called of fishing early, as we all
their recently purchased 5.5m boat.
salmon burly trail. Ted was into a nice
had heavy sacks of snapper and
Our crew on the Rock Hoppa were
snap, that looked about 5 kilo and
kahawai, and allowed ourselves plenty
next in line with our lot. While Kevin
was pulling in snapper constantly
of time to get back, get cleaned up
and Matthew had to pull the plug on
all morning. Dad & I were catching
and organize our fish for the weigh in.
the Bluff because of swell and tide
good fish too and a perfect livie sized
Back at the weigh in, most of the
and decided to go exploring the far,
kahawai was caught and put out and
Doubtless Bay boat fisho’s reported
far, Far North and managed some
under a balloon. A snapper of 52cm
fairly slow fishing conditions but
nice kahawai from the top of NZ,
was released and a good fish of 6 kgs,
some good snapper up to 5 and
Cape Reinga.
eventually, found my fat pilchard bait,
6 kg were weighed. Once again
after sitting untouched for 25 min or
though, Doubtless Bay’s land-based
so. It could even have been the same
fisho’s tip the competition scales in
fish I had seen in the burly, but I had
their favor for the third year in row.
spooked it when sank in a pillie on
They are mostly ex-North shore club
front of it. The fish put on really good
members too! ‘Mr. Consistency’
fight, as a fish of that size tends to do!
Brett Scott and Bill ‘The Sicilian’
Not long after catching, I went for a
Demento, landing 7 and an 8 kilo
dive in the 12 – 15m visibility water.
moochers. On the North Shore
10 www.nzfisher.co.nz
This is always a great event with a long, well supported tradition of great hospitality, but most importantly great fishing! A big thank you to those Doubtless Bay members who put in their time and effort to make it all happen.
sportFISHING
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landbasedFISHING
Bonito head
Kahawai for bait
Gearing up for Moocher Season ROctober here we come!
Butterflied Mack
Rigged blue Mack tail
by Derrick Paull
WAY BACK IN issue One of
big fish spots close by but there’s
how can you improve your chances
NZFisher, I opened with a story on
scope to head up to North Cape,
of ROctober success?
my favourite type of fishing – Big
Parengarenga or even across to
If you’re on the rocks – Big is Best.
Snapper from the rocks. Two years
Ninety Mile beach.
The old adage of ‘big bait, big fish’
on and we’re getting very close to
Cape Karikari offers anglers three
is never truer than in the Spring
the second NZFisher RoctoberFish
beaches, hundreds of rocky outcrops
migration of hungry snapper. Snapper
land-based competition on the
and even a pristine harbour on it’s
are hungry this time of year and the
26/27th October.
northern boundary. While we’ve
best way to separate the big-guns
Rock fishing is one of the toughest
named the competition ‘ROctober’
from the chaff is big, tough juicy baits.
but most rewarding types of fishing
there’s many white sandy beaches in
Perennial favourites are half mullet,
for me. The rocks are a lot less
the area that produce huge snapper
fresh kahawai fillets and old faithful,
forgiving than the boat so you need
at this time of year. Just before going
the split Skippy (bonito) head.
to have gear in top condition, be
to print I bumped into local tackle
To get these fish into feeding mode
ready for long, hard days and often
store owner, Kieron Olsen of Reel
and close to your spot you definitely
get beaten up by the rocks, swells
Rods who had gone out with a mate
need burley and lots of it. Snapper
and big angry fish.
for an afternoon fish off Karikari
are scavengers and opportunist
RoctoberFish is being hosted out of
beach and landed 14 fish between 3
feeders. If you give them a free feed,
Whatuwhiwhi Top10 Holiday Park
and 10kgs. That’s mighty fine fishing
they’ll usually turn up. In the north
on the stunning Karikari Peninsula.
for a quick flick off the beach!
it’s not only snapper but Trevally,
The area is full of fish and there are
So what works in the north? And
Kahawai & Kingfish that follow the
12 www.nzfisher.co.nz
landbasedFISHING
Tuatua presemtation
burley trail. Kahawai are usually first to arrive & you should target them immediately for both live & cut baits. A small live kahawai will get nailed by kings an big snapper while my favourite big snapper bait is a scaled fillet of fresh, bloody kahawai. Because there’s so much foul and so much food in close for the moochers Stuffed squid
there is little need to cast far when rock fishing. Try lobbing baits in and around the wash and on the edge of your burley trail. Both of last years best fish were hooked within sight of the rocks. For the beach fisho’s burley is probably a little less necessary, but I believe bait presentation & choice
Rigged squid
does change. There’s many nice gutters & streams along Karikari & Tokerau Beaches worth a hunt,
Filleted Pillie for trevs
especially fo you’re blessed with tuatua for bait. See this link for a great demonstration of how to present a tuatua (The site is South African, so just substitute White Mussel for tuatua).
www.nzfisher.co.nz 13
FISHYfoods
How to Smoke your own fish – without a smoker By Derrick Paull I DON’T KNOW many people and even fewer fisho’s who do not enjoy smoked fish. Smoking fish adds something new and makes it more useful in more dishes, rather than just fried, grilled or steamed.
14 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Smoker basket
The right temp
FISHYfoods
I’ve tried many types of smoked
the sawdust. I dried it first, but then
fish over the years and barring a
soaked it prior to using it on the BBQ.
small number, they’re delicious. I will admit that the new machines like the Bradleys, Kiwi Sizzler and Universal Food Cooker do produce
wood chips and shavings, like our friend above, I simply folded a Tinfoil
outstanding smoked food. I am a
basket and placed my soaked wood
typical Scottish descended cheap-
chips & sawdust in there. Through
ass with a taste for good food so I
a bit of trial and error we learned
set out to find a way to create the smokey goodness I love without the price tag. The end result
Instead of a cast iron box for the
the BBQ had to be at about 200deg to get the wood chips smoking
The internet was pretty helpful in
thoroughly but at that temperature
providing some excellent insight
the fish would overcook before the
to the simple tricks of infusing the
centre was cooked through.
smokey goodness into those fillets
The easiest fix was to place the chips
and steaks we love. There was also some pretty scary technology on offer from the likes of this guy or
on the heat deflector below the grill instead of on the grill. We could
this guy with his simple, but still
reduce the temp to about 150 and
OTT smoker box.
this gave the best, juiciest fillets with
I figured that since the key ingredients
a deep, rich smokiness without over
for tasty smokey fish are Fish, smoke and of course a little heat to cook it & bring it all together, I could put this all in motion on the BBQ. I had recently
cooking it. The end result, while a bit more varied day to day over our more
chopped some Manuka & Kanuka
expensive friends – stunning when
from our place up north and kept
fresh and delicious once chilled.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 15
boatFISHING catching what I would consider to be less snapper then what I catch off the rocks and I always regretted this after needing 2 days of recovery from the constant motion of the boat. After a long drive to Northland, we settled in for the night and the following morning set off to chase big Kingis. Once we got to the spot, it felt like a scene out of a fishing show. The birds were feasting on whitebait or krill and there were fish schools all over in feeding frenzies. The first thing I needed to learn was how to jig – and it is not as easy as it looks! It took me about half an hour to get the technique right with good tutoring from my fishing partners and I finally got the hit. The rod just bent
A Kingfish Dream Realised
and the line went; from what I was used to it felt like I had three 20lbs snappers on the line at the same time. It was intense and what felt like forever was a solid 10 to 15 minute fight to get this Kingi to the boat. When I finally saw the size I thought to myself “don’t lose this guy!” but thankfully my fishing buddy got him safely onboard and I could start
By Marc Touchette
enjoying what actually happened. After ED: I’ve known Marc for about
a kingfish off the rocks. (The 20 lbs
much yelling of joy, we weighed him in
ten years and he’s always been on
snapper was my bucket list action #1).
at 10.83 Kgs, took some pictures and
about nailing a 20lb snapper and
For the longest time I’ve
Kingfish. He managed the Snapper
contemplated going on a charter to
a few years ago after a decade of
target kingfish but I’ve always been
trying, but the kingfish has eluded
put off at the thought of seasickness
him. When we saw an opportunity
which is something that unfortunately
Now that I’m back in the big smoke
open to fish the Shallow Patch off
afflicts me hence the rock fishing.
and reflect back on this weekend,
Cape Karikari in the Far North, Marc was on the invite list and the rest is history. Here’s Marc’s story.
When I got the email from Dazza offering the chance to head to the winterless far North in search of
got right back at it for the rest of the weekend. When all was said and done, we kept another 15kg kingi and caught numerous snapper up to 14lbs.
I’m glad I took the plunge, faced my seasick fears and went out with reputable fishermen who helped make this dream come true. The best advice
IN THE LAST weekend of August I
Kingfish, I seriously thought this
fulfilled my bucket list Item #2 which
was the chance I should take. After
was to catch a legal or rather 10kg-
numerous assurances that we would
plus kingfish. I’ve been an avid rock
fish close to shore if the weather was
fisherman in NZ for the last 15 years
rough and extensive research into
and have been very successful at
seasick pills, I decided to take the
catching snapper off the rocks with my
plunge and go on this trip.
some seasoned fishermen who know
biggest being a 20lbs caught 4 years
In the past I’ve fished off boats but
how to catch kingis. It’s a weekend I
ago but I’ve never managed to catch
this has mainly been in harbours
will never forget!
16 www.nzfisher.co.nz
I could give to someone who aspires to catch a good kingfish and gets seasick is “Trust the pill!” (they knock you out and make you drowsy for a good 24 hours) but more importantly go on a reputable charter or find
boatFISHING
www.nzfisher.co.nz 17
READERpics
Forsyth Thompson Forsyth Thompson with the reward of a long, largely fruitless weekend. Taken on softbaits in the Far North
Brendan Jury Brendan Jury’s holding a 15kg King, but was it his the million dollar question a few are asking
Not a stunning pic, but a stunned fisher. Kevin landed this 15lb snapper while jigging for Kings in Northland
18 www.nzfisher.co.nz
READERpics
Dave Woodman Coverboy Dave (Daveo) Woodman’s best King from his recent ‘Top of the South’ Mission
Lee Kirsz Lee Kirsz with a 1.6kg Kaipara Winter Gurnard back in May
Marc Touchette Marc Touchette of Epsom with a fat (6.4kg) Northland snap he released straight after this pic was taken
Click here to email your photos and go in the draw for an NZFisher goodies Prize Pack
www.nzfisher.co.nz 19
TASTYtreats
Seafood & Mussel Chowder
by ‘Derek the Chef’
This is a great way to start a meal in winter, I use all the fish frames I have saved up and frozen from my fishing especially for this purpose. I also like to use the heads and meat from around the Pectoral fin and gill plate. Fish stock may also be reduced right down to a jelly like substance then reconstituted as required by adding either white wine or water to it and bringing it to the boil. The Oyster sauce adds a deepness to the chowder as well as a different flavor. Don’t forget to check the seasoning and adjust accordingly, remembering you can add in but not take away.
Ingredients:
slowly until the chowder thickens and
100 grm Mixed shellfish 100 Grm
White Fish fillets.
12 x Mussels 3x to stay in shell for garnish 50 Grm Onion diced. 50 Grm Celery diced. 100 Grm
Potato diced.
100 Grm Corn Kernel. 2x
Bay Leaf.
5 Grm
Dried Thyme
5 Grm
Dried Oregano
100 Grm Standard Flour 100 Grm Butter
most is used up. Allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Stir continuously. Meanwhile dice the onion, celery and potato into even size cubes. Bring the oil up to temperature in a thick-based pot, add the onion and celery and cook until tender. Add the potato, corn kernels, thyme, oregano and cook until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with a little of the stock or white wine. Add the stock mixture to the above and bring to simmer. Add shellfish and fish and cook until fish is just cooked then add the oyster sauce. Recheck seasoning and serve.
1x ltr
Fish Stock (Chicken)
1x Tbsp
Oyster sauce.
Chefs Tip: I like to serve this with
2x Tbsp
Olive Oil.
thick chunky fresh Ciabata or French
Method.
bread, also if I have been using salmon or smoked fish then I also
In a thick-based pot melt the butter, add
use the trimmings as this also adds
the flour and cook until crumbly. Bring
to my chowder.
the fish stock up to boil then turn down and allow to simmer. Add the fish stock
20 www.nzfisher.co.nz
VIDEO
Fishing Video of the Month Here’s Daveo “There’s no kingfish in the South Island” getting dealt to by a biiiig South Island King at French Pass. Check out more of FishinNelson’s great videos here. For the yakkers, here’s a bit of a laugh but also a bit of a ‘How not too!’ when you’re into a good fish. I’m a bit concerned about this one, it’s how to catch mantis Shrimp, a tropical shrimp (that look weird and apparently taste great). They are an introduced – read nasty – species in NZ, so if you ever see one and get a chance to catch them, you should! Check out how crazy they can be... There’s a bit of info on fishing.net.nz if you’re interested in these critter.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 21
regionalREVIEWS
Coromandel
Source: Carl Muir – www.EpicAdventures.co.nz EPIC WINTER PUKA, Kings and ..... Marlin! With the days starting to get a little bit longer, its time to reflect on what a crazy old winter we’ve had so far! While the weather gods have thrown everything at us over the last few weeks by and large it has been one of the better runs of winter weather we’ve had over the years with water temps still holding just above 15 degrees and a lot more fishable days over winter than in previous years. A video from the last wee while on the water sums up pretty well sum of the action we’ve had of late.
coast has provided some excellent snapper fishing. Those getting out just after a blow have been rewarded with some horse snappers, both on baits and livebaits. Hot Water Beach and the Mercs regularly producing some nice 20 pd + snapper. Craig from Rippin and Reelin has been getting some very nice trophy snapper after each stir up at the Mercs. This snapper here was one of our highlights, caught in 8m at Hotties on a Nuclear Chicken
KINGS!
PUKA!
One of the highlights on the fishing front has been a run of very nice hapuka. We’ve been catching these primarily on livebaits fished around the same deep bait balls we’re catching kingfish from. Very nice sized fish too with several in the 30-35kg range. Cuiver, Mercs and Aldies all holding good puka from time to time anywhere from 80m out to 200m.
SNAPPER!
This winter has been characterized by plenty of fronts coming down from the north rather than a westerly pattern, and a continued stir up of the
22 www.nzfisher.co.nz
On the kingfish front, once again, a great winter season, and the highlight fish for us being a 32 kg model caught on a jig and 50lb by a completed newbie fishing with us in early July. Cuvier and Crackerjack have been a bit of the quiet front kingi wise but ‘S Block’ off Red Merc and the Aldy Pins have both produced some outstanding winter fishing. Whale has held some very big kingfish with a 40+ being taken by a junior spearo earlier during winter. A fair few female kingfish have well developed roes and we’ve had the first ‘money ‘shot from a male kingfish a lot earlier than in previous years. Very good conditioned fish for this time of year. The mild temps and good currents have meant very few coutta, though these are bound to turn up once the kingfish rise up in the water column a bit in early spring, especially with the arrival of the squid run.
and....WTF? MARLIN! To illustrate how mild things have been over winter, Toby hooked into a striped marlin off Red Mercury a few weeks ago – middle of July and 15 degrees of water! It was one of those still Coromandel days were a frost threatened but never eventuated and the first drift of the day we had a cranking current coming in from the north. Tony and I were fishing right alongside and watched as what appeared to be a shark was molesting one of Tobys baits and raced to the surface with it collecting a few lines in the process. Both our brains would not let us yell the words “Marlin” for a good few seconds when a bill popped up and started thrashing on the surface – it was like being in a weird dream – a marlin in the middle of winter? But sure enough a stripey launched itself out of the water and decided to take off. A bit of bad luck saw the fish popped off after a minute of chasing it down. It would have been one hell of a capture in July! After a couple of weeks of rather yuk weather it looks like the weather gods are about to get a lot kinder, so if you are keen to get into the tail end of some of this awesome winter action get in touch and we’ll get you out over the next few weeks when we have quite a few openings still. Check here for some dates: www.epicadventures.co.nz/ availability.html
regionalREVIEWS
Bay of Plenty Source: Tim, Lead Guide, NZ Kayaker
w
BOP Offshore Ed: As usual Rick’s got Pursuit out of the water for her annual check-
Extreme Sport Fishing, Nomad, or
If you are softbaiting, keep
Epic Charters, will show you that
with natural colours and if you
this is no exaggeration.
a struggling to get a bite, drop
up and a clean bum. We look
I was lucky enough to experience
forward to more of Rick’s tales of
this Mayor Island action from my
piscatorial wonder next month.
kayak just last week. While jigging and stick-baiting may not be the
time of year, I always carry my Williamson white feather lure. Rigged on a simple bungee line or directly to a softbait rod, this $10 lure has saved the day on
BOP Inshore
you that the results are well worth
Fishing opportunities in the Bay
it and no-one remembers the pain
over the last month have been
after they spend a day tussling
With temperatures warming up
sporadic at best. With typical
with fish between 10 – 20kg. Big
and daylight savings just around
spring weather doing its best to
congratulations must go to the
the corner, now is the time to
upset all of the best made plans, I
captain of my support vessel,
organise your kayak and to start
don’t think I am the only one who
Adam El-Agez, who caught a PB
getting in shape for those fishing
has been screaming “I just want
kingfish of 27kg on a livey, putting
missions you have been dreaming
to go fishing!” For those lucky
him at the top of the table for the
about all winter. Drop me a line
w
easiest from a yak, I can assure
down in size to 4” or less. At this
enough to have a flexible work
F-Net Fishing Competition. Over
to talk about all of your kayaking
schedule, there have been mid-
the coming months I hope to run
needs and together we can have
week opportunities that given
regular mother-ship missions to
some safe and enjoyable summer.
us a glimpse of the action that
this location so talk to me if you
summer is sure to bring.
are keen to get out amongst it
Kingfish are the stand out species
with your kayak.
over spring months in the Bay.
On the inshore front, results
Their annual spawning run sees
have been varied and some
them occupying the outer reefs,
work has to be put in to locate
with Mayor Island spots being
the fish. By now we should be
their favourites. Local kingfish
into the snapper spawning run
specialists are reporting that the
but with the water temperature
jigging and top-water action
hovering around 15°C, it appears
at Mayor is simply superb, with
as though we may have to wait
regular big fish and even bigger
awhile for this action. Luckily the
bust-offs. One look at Facebook
whitebait have arrived in force
photos from operators like
and with them the big kahawai.
w
many occasions.
Paddle hard everyone, Tim.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 23
regionalREVIEWS
The Hauraki Report Source: Espresso – www.catch.org.nz
Lost and Found Spring into action Yes the birds, bees, butterflies and snapper have had their spring urges awakened. The topsy turvy weekly routine of ice-cold wintry blasts followed by sunscreen to ward off the early burn of spring sunshine is now all on. Just a few short weeks and the season’s changes are evident for all to see, with beautiful evening BBQ weather, at least between storms.
with the small dorsal fin and they
of potential danger. Impressive sights
Snapper are now dutifully swimming
don’t flick their tail in the air as they
and sounds, just as well because when
back to try their luck in life inshore.
dive. The Southern Right is a rare thrill
feeding like this they’re actually quite
to witness, let’s hope she continues to
tricky to catch.
From out in the depths the renowned underwater migration of red fish is on
come back every year or two again.
Perhaps there’s a big kingie or two
the march (swim) uphill to shallower
Bait based fishing has still been the
making them nervous – not so many
depths within reach of the recreational
most consistent on a day to day
big kings being caught lately, probably
angler, you and me.
basis for most people it seems, albeit
more due to lack of good weather days
attracting many tiddlers, but when the
to hunt them down out there.
As always the males tend to make their presence felt on your fishing line more in these early times. There are lots of young male schoolies around, small but eager especially around Waiheke.
hibernation mode is on the snapper really cannot be bothered moving their belly out of the mud to chase a darting baitfish – so a small and easy hunk of meat dangled in front of their
The various whales have been putting
nose gets a snap at, chasing a darting
on spectacular displays as they turn up
imitation baitfish like a jig or soft bait
the volume, a Southern Right Whale
takes a lot more effort and thus why
gave birth to her calf right here in
our efforts when using them needs
Auckland and has been showing her
to be spot on – although when
new born around the city edges, along
they’re working the success can
the shallows of North Shore, in among
be amazing.
mussel farms over at Coromandel and
There are a number of surface
along the Whangaparaoa peninsula.
feeding Kahawai schools, more
The impressive size, yet utter grace
in the middle gulf and westside
of this gentle giant is something you
towards Ka
never forget, and don’t forget the
wau, these ones pictured are in
smaller but more common Brydes
full flight mode with any twitch
whales out there – they’re the ones
24 www.nzfisher.co.nz
So whatever style you prefer to catch your favourite fish, there are a lot of smaller specimens like these 30-40cm snapper that are keener to feed than the rest, while not bragging rights in terms of size (hold them closer to the camera) they are ideal for the pan, perfectly sized and superb eating in any way you wis
regionalREVIEWS
National Body Report
Wild Turkey
The big boys aren’t far away, it is only
Yes it’s true, O.K. so just inside the
a matter of time, be ready...
gulf i.e. Colville and Little Barrier,
Cheers!
terekihi (a.k.a. turkeys) and, wait for
Espresso
it...hapuka are being caught, and in very tasty sizes. What a wonderfully welcome addition to the seafood smorgasbord. Hapuka while normally more of a deep
LEGASEA HAVE BEEN busy
water fish have ventured into the gulf
making waves – but the good
a little, not many but more than one has been caught while out leaning on one of the gates (Craddock, Jellicoe and Colville channels). Wavedancer’s (www.wavedancer.co.nz) crew pulled in this nice Hapuka and a 30lb snapper the other day, while Diversity (www.charterconnection.co.nz
TIME TO MAKE A STAND – LESS WORDS, MORE ACTION type! Click here to get behind
CATCH SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR YOURSELF
) put their crew onto a whole heap of
Catch Something Special For Yourself
terrific tasting terekihi. Terekihi are
Two packets of 8 Harpoon Hooks
going for the tried and true smaller
(perfect for 7” Gulp and Catch soft
hooked flasher rigs with tasty little
baits) plus the Catch Snapper DVD
squid morsels. Drifting along seems to
plus FREE delivery at a VERY SPECIAL
be doing the trick. Simple.
Fishing Website price,click here.
Take note of the bite times as the
Damo from the Charter Connection
water temperature is still cold so bite
(Diversity) has these words of advice
times will be short.
on the Hauraki at present too – Cheers
the most important issue facing our fisheries today and send our politicians a message.
Damo!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 25
NEXTmonth
IN NEXT MONTH’S NZ FISHER • ROctober Fish results • Building your own Jig Rod • The All New NZFisher Boat unveiled
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