ISSUE 19
November 2012
Roctober Fish Rocks!
Snapper galore & PB’s smashed
Trout: What are they good for? The kids take Dad fishing www.nzfisher.co.nz 1
CONTENTS Pg 16
10
LANDBASEDFISHING 4
Fish of a lifetime
6
Roctober Fish Rocked!
12
SPORTFISHING 10
Trout: What are they good for?
HOW TO 12
Building Your Own
Mechanical Jig Rod
BOATFISHING
2 www.nzfisher.co.nz
16
The Kids Take Dad Fishing!
18
What’s new in the world of fishing?
20
Regional Reviews
23
Fishing Video of the Month
Pg 4
editorial
//From the
EDITOR ABOUT /
Short and sharp, NZ Fisher is a free e-magazine delivering thought provoking and enlightening articles, and industry news and information to forward-thinking fisher people. EDITOR / Derrick Paull
IT’S BEEN A very busy month since
likely to encounter over summer, so get
the last issue of NZFisher graced your
them done. Do it now!
inboxes. There have been tropical game fish tournaments, mad chases of gannet work-ups in the Hauraki, a pretty cool landbased comp and a shotgun start jetski comp from the inner city. I guess that’s what spring brings – manic fishing! I had a pretty major hand in the running of ROcktoberFish 2012 and I’d like to say a big thanks to the competitors, sponsors and supporters
As summer races towards us I’m getting more & more excited to get my hands on the NZFisher Boat that’s busy getting built in the deep south. Being so far away is tough. I want to touch it, see it, photograph it & spread the good news. We have a new boat coming & it’s going to be
CONTENT ENQUIRIES / Phone Derrick on 021 629 327 or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES / Phone Richard on 09 522 7257 or email richardl@espiremedia.com ADDRESS / NZ Fisher, C/- Espire Media, PO Box 137162, Parnell, Auckland 1151, NZ
including the all new Lowrance HDS-7
WEBSITE / www.NZ Fisher.co.nz
Touch GPS combo that I am bursting
abysmal weather, the sight of the
at the seams to play with. Ahh, the
sun rising over Maitai Bay on the first
agony. While I’m plotting ways to
morning of the comp near bought a
catch more fish, it’s a pleasure to also
tear to my eye. Over thirty hardy fisho’s
know there’s groups like LegaSea
fared a big swell, bright sun and fish
(the NZSFC) & a light on the horizon
with their mouths shut, but they did
like the Fishin’ Future Search working
really well.
for us while we’re out there spending
I’m heartened by the spirit of our
our hard earned holidays time on
fishers, still getting out there and
or under the water. They can only
catching a feed for their families despite
do their thing with our help so once
trying conditions.
again I ask you to please put a few
get your gear into your local tackle store
GROUP EDITOR / Trudi Caffell
stunning. We’ve sent the electronics,
online. After nearly six weeks of
If you haven’t already, now is the time to
ART DIRECTOR / Jodi Olsson
dollars towards these valuable groups of volunteers who work hard for us.
for that all important annual service. We
Tight lines!
want you to land those great fish you’re
Derrick
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!
Cover Image: Forbes Taylor & his new ROctoberFish PB at 65cm Cover insert credit: Young Greg Savage with his sensational 11.3kg - only his second snapper!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 3
landbasedFISHING
Fish of a Lifetime WELL WITH THE first Pania surfcasting Club fishing comp looming I glanced over Swell map and it was crap to say the least. South-easterly winds chasing a 2m South easterly, lovely...Not!. SE is
peninsula to the north. I headed up Friday morning, eager to get away and for a bit of a scout around. With the forecast I knew Snapper Rock would be fishable
lapping at the shore. These were perfect conditions for my target species for the weekend decided to head back to my batch in Mahia to get a good rest.
and maybe Mahanga. One look at
430am and the alarm was going and
Bay, add the swell and you are quite
Mahanga though, made me doubt
I was up ‘n into it. A short trip over
limited with where you can fish. I
my choice of heading north. Brown,
the hill to snapper rock I went. 5am
always like to head to the northern
full of weed and not nice at all.
first baits were sent out. I didn’t
reaches of Pania fishing boundaries
Snapper rock couldn’t have been
have to wait long before a couple
which extend from Herbertville in
more different. Clean and looking
of gurnard were put on ice and they
the south and the beautiful Mahia
great with a gentle half a metre swell
were followed shortly by 2 kahawai
probably the worst wind for Hawkes
4 www.nzfisher.co.nz
landbasedFISHING
“
“
I was positive I had a big conga the whole way in till I got it in close and glimpse a flash of orange/silver and said to myself, “OH NO Its a snapper and its f@#ken huge!!!”
and 3 more gurnard. The gurnard
when I saw it coming in on my line.
weird feeling. I had a need to tell
were smallish but the missus loves
Bit of shock, almost **** myself.
the world but Chad said there may
them so in the bin they go. It was
Then freaked out a bit more as I
be another one there, and I didn’t
weird baits were lasting on the
was by myself, gaff was 30m away
want the whole lot of club mates
bottom, unusual as we have a very
in the truck (you don’t need a gaff
crowding me out so I kept it quiet
healthy crab population in Hawkes
for gurnard). I got lucky with a swell
and continued sending more baits
Bay. If it didn’t get hit or catch a
that lifted the fish and beached on a
out and waited. I picked up a nice
fish they were coming back like I’d
small weedy ledge and I threw down
trevally and 1 more gurnard by 10
thrown them out. Just after 8am
the rod and dived in below the fish,
am, then it went pretty quiet. Didn’t
in the morning while I was down
grabbed it by the tail and slid the
matter what baits I threw out there
changing baits noticed that one rod
other underneath it and tossed it
, they were coming back untouched
was a bit slack, so I gave it a wind
up to the dry papa rock and did a
but I persevered throughout the rest
and turned back around to my other
happy dance in the water, got out
of the day, changing bait every 30
rod when the I heard a drag squeal
of the water and did another happy
mins. Around 730pm I had big hit
and turned round to see the rod
dance. All up completed about 6-7
and when I struck it came up solid
doubled over and line peeling off.
happy dances in short order I ran
and the telltale nod started, but no
I grabbed the rod, tightened the
quickly up to the truck and grabbed
sooner had I got excited that I may
line, felt a pull back. I struck and it
my Berkley scales and weighed
have another one that the hook
took off on a short run. Then a weird
it. I was in shock!!!!! 13.66kg of
pulled and the fish was gone. Must
fight started, “nod, nod, short run,
beautiful snapper !!!! I text my wife
have been a conga. Apart from that,
side to side”. This pattern continued
and my good mate Chad to tell
a few small kahawai and one even
for the whole fight!! I was positive
of my great fish, responses were
smaller gurnard was all I got till 9am
I had a big conga the whole way
the same, “Really? Bull****”. I
when I left.
in till I got it in close and glimpse
rang Chad then and he could tell
a flash of orange/silver and said to
by my voice that I had caught a
myself, “OH NO Its a snapper and its
great fish. I sent both him and the
f@#ken huge!!!”
wife a pxt of it sitting on the Pania
Words can’t describe the feeling of
certified scales 13.656kg. Was a
The snapper went 13.44 kg 28 hours after I caught it on the club scales at weigh in Sunday lunchtime. For 30 hours of fishing I didn’t lose a bait without seeing a bite or catching a fish.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 5
landbasedFISHING
ROctober Fish Rocked! ROctoberFish is a competition
let alone take their gear with them
like no other. Not only is it
(Forbes, did you mean to leave your
Landbased only, you can catch
reels in my car?)
measure and release your fish – providing there’s a quality image taken before it goes back. We ran it for a few mates last year to test the theory & decided to go hard at the concept in 2012. After months of terrible, windy weather the weekend forecast began to look just about perfect from about 10 days out. Those last ten days saw entrant numbers double as it became obvious we were on for a cracker.
6 www.nzfisher.co.nz
The morning dawned a beaut, no wind, few clouds and a reasonable swell. By all accounts fishing was hard, but the fish that were landed were of a large & long for their weights. Doubtless Bat local John Buckley took the early lead with a 76.5cm snapper on the first morning that stood in first place right through the day. Most anglers had a more subdued second night, choosing sleep over boozing while a few hardier souls tried their
The trip up was pretty eventful for a
luck at Rangiputa after dark Jeffery
couple of guys – including a blown
Zeelie of the North Shore club landed
head-gasket & further 12hours of
a nice 50cm snapper, but no monsters
travel time for one carload of anglers.
were snared.
The briefing was straightforward –
Saturday dawned even calmer than
go out & catch some fish! Some silly
Friday with barely a puff of wind until
buggers thought drinking whisky till
late afternoon,. This afforded access
the wee hours was a smart way to
to more spots but was countered by
prepare & the 0500 start time was a
a bigger swell. The NZ Land Based
disaster as they struggled to move
game club guys headed out over the
landbasedFISHING
First place Trevally Matt Ryan (it was the only one!)
beer & forgetting to tabulate results! The crowd was in a great mood and the prize giving was a whole lot of fun. The standout was the average length of fish measured – a staggering 57.8cm or about 3.2kg. That’s phenomenal – it goes to show the quality of fishing in the far North. Congratulations to Mark ‘Sharkey’ Van Deepen who narrowly took first place Parengarenga bar in what one fisho described as ‘daunting’ conditions. They were rewarded with the best fishing of the trip, not only in numbers but size. Those closer to home base generally struggled under the bright sun but again the average size was very good.
Tim & his PB
over another Mark with a 79.5cm vs. 79cm flat snapper. There was only one Trevally landed, by Aucklander Matthew Ryan at 52 cm it took the first place prize comfortably. Well done also to Norman McIvor who not only one the Early bird prize but also took out the raffle & brand new
Nearly all participants ‘measured in’
(yet to be released) Bradley Two rack
their fish at Whatuwhiwhi prior to
Smoker.
close off, but one large group missed
RoctoberFish was a great event &
out by about 15 minutes. Sorry guys,
worked really well. We’re looking
rules are rules!
forward to making it a permanent
The prize giving was a bit late as the compeer was a bit busy enjoying a
fixture on the tournament calendar. On return to the big smoke I received
www.nzfisher.co.nz 7
landbasedFISHING
the following message in our Facebook message box. It’s comments like these that really inspire & make it all worth it. Cheers Boyce! Boyce Lawrence “What an awesum organisation, comp went well didn’t catch nothing, or even Congratulations Sharky!
a spot prize haha. But I can see this Big Norm won the early bird & the Bradley 2-rack!
Landbased comp getting bigger every year. The really good thing bout this comp is that it’s not the heaviest but longest fish that wins.. Even average an mystery length.. Prizes for a comp this size so far actually amazed me and (John) Buckely, good quality gear.. Can’t wait for next year, see you’s then...” A big thanks to the competitors who took a punt and come north and a special thanks to the main sponsors of the tournament, without you we are nothing.
•
Okuma,
•
Reel Rods,
•
Go Fish,
•
Bradley Smokers .
And many thanks Forsyth for the help to make Rocktoberfish happen
8 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Hasn’t Okuma come a long way? The exciting sound of the clicker, the subtle take of the fly, the explosive strike that comes from a rapidly retrieved popper... fishing rewards the senses in so many ways. From mountain lake to offshore waters, at every turn Okuma Fishing Tackle embraces your passion for the sport of fishing. Our 2012 introductions continue our commitment to dynamic and innovative
rods and reels for both freshwater and saltwater anglers. Within each, our goal is to advance your skills and deliver a better experience from every day on the water. We accomplish this with advanced materials, cutting-edge design and by having one ear to the ground at all times. Never wanting to limit your possibilities, Okuma creates the tools to unlock endless angling experiences.
www.cdrods.co.nz o nz
sportFISHING In to it!
Trout: What are they good for? An outsider’s perspective on fly fishing By Darren Parsons
Why is fly fishing for trout so
(and that’s coming from someone that
could be better to learn than the
popular? That is a question I often ask
doesn’t really like eating fish). Most
mighty Tongariro River. Well, that was
myself. After all, they fight like a wet
of all though, how could I really be a
Derrick’s idea.
sack, they smell like mud and most of
critic of fly fishing if I haven’t given it
the talk about them revolves around
a nudge.
gear, technique, pomp and ritual.
So I needed some gear, and it seemed fairly unlikely that I’d drop any coin on
Well, it’s not like I haven’t caught trout
a mudfish. Its times like these when
On the other hand, we are blessed
before, but I have always stayed well
friends that really appreciate the slimy
with a trout laden Mecca here in
clear of the fly fishing caper. The only
critters come in handy. So thanks to
New Zealand and from what I hear,
time I had ever picked up a fly rod in
Steven for his gear and advice. Over
the challenge is in the presentation
anger was when I was 14. That was
a 30 minute lunch I absorbed Steven’s
of the fly, not so much the fight. In
fishing for kahawai, and mostly I just
extensive knowledge on fly fishing.
addition, many fly fishing locations
managed to fling the tippet round
I couldn’t afford to diversify my
are set in picture post card locations
like a whip and snap off my fly. So as
techniques, so we were going to stick
and trout don’t taste half bad either
a genuine rank amateur, what place
to nymphing. Floating line, 8 lb tippet,
10 www.nzfisher.co.nz
sportFISHING
“
the Tongariro was probably not the
make any difference if the indicator
place to learn to fly cast. Big water
was made of something else – there
means that everything needs to be
is the pomp and ritual I referred to
done so much faster. Anyhow, as
earlier), a nymph and a “bomb”. As far
you can see from the photo, I must
as I could make out the heavy “bomb”
have got something right. Well, not
nymph is a sinker with some colour
entirely. I caught trees, my indicator
and a hook in it, and on the Tongariro
didn’t really float much, and I caught
this “bomb” needs to be quite heavy.
my back. I even managed to snap my
Little did I realise that would have
nymphs off on my back about four
consequences (more to come on
times. This is where the weight of the
that). I also needed waders, they were
“bomb” has consequences, but you
borrowed in the customary couple
should really ask the back of Derrick’s
of sizes too small. Derrick had more
head about that. So you can imagine
experience with fly fishing, heck he
my surprise when I went to cast and
even had his own fly box with actual
there was a fish on. I bet Derrick was,
flies in it! Being Derrick he couldn’t
he had hooked and lost three larger
help but decorate himself with some
specimens; all three at his feet. One
new tackle (rod, reel and waders). So
of them may have partially been due
even before we headed for the central
to my apprehension to go to his aid.
North Island I was a few hundred
I will blame that on the leaky waders.
dollars up.
Anyway, back to my fish, and this is
On our first morning we headed off into the mist in search of a pool filled with trout. After an extensive search where we rejected many likely looking spots we eventually ended up in the pool under the main road bridge. Well not in the pool, but we
where I need to get really descriptive. I wound it in. Well it wasn’t that simple. I did have to untangle the pool of line at my feet and even snap off a small twig and wind it onto my reel to get the fish in. Other than that though, the fight was uneventful.
did come close. We could see trout
Job done, but now I had the bug. I
from the bridge and the other anglers
can’t put my finger on what it was. I
were catching them, but I started to
know for sure it wasn’t the “challenge
get cold feet. Not just because my
of enticing a trout to take your
waders had a giant hole in them and
presentation”. I think I had done
my left leg had filled up to the crotch.
everything possible to not catch a
No, worse than that there wasn’t a lot
trout and still caught one, so they
of room on the bank that was clear
can’t be the fussy critters they are
of obstructions or fishers. As such I
made out to be. Furthermore, the
was a bit unsure about unleashing my
particular specimen that I landed
first cast in 20 years with anglers and
wasn’t the best eating fish either. So
willow trees watching over me. The
let’s put it down to an undefined X
other anglers were probably fearful
factor. Trout have it. I’ll be back to
too, or they should have been. It was
give it another go, so if you see me
also about now that I realised that
with a fly rod in hand; Duck!
Now I had the bug. I can’t put my finger on what it was. I know for sure it wasn’t the “challenge of enticing a trout to take your presentation”. I think I had done everything possible to not catch a trout and still caught one, so they can’t be the fussy critters they are made out to be.
“
a yarn indicator (really guys, would it
www.nzfisher.co.nz 11
howTO
Building Your Own Mechanical Jig Rod Easy, right? Part 1 of 3 Rod building 101: skip the basics and any cosmetics and start with an acid wrapped jigging rod The thought of building your own rod can be intimidating due to the highly technical nature and skill required to get things just right, and that is coming from someone that owns multiple custom rods and has been involved in building bits of them. The evolution of jigging rod technology,
however, has resulted in some great,
someone’s experience they will be
but rather expensive rods. $800
able to spell out the specifics that you
would be an average price for a
will need in advance to order your
decent jigging rod. That is simply
components online (e.g. mudhole.
out of reach for many. Alternatively,
com). This is likely to save you money.
building your own rod allows you
If you don’t have that advantage, then
to get the exact product that you
it may be best to go to a shop that will
are after. That includes fitting it to
sell you the components and provide
how you fish, and adding whatever
you with advice as to what you need
cosmetic elements that appeal to you.
at the same time (e.g. Monahan’s in
These are some pretty good reasons
Auckland). Using online rod building
to build your own. So why would
forums can also be useful (http://www.
you listen to someone who has only
rodbuildingforum.com/).
built one rod from scratch? Because only a beginner understands what a beginner needs to know. Most of the information that you find on the web is for specific, and usually quite technical elements, of rod building. Here we present an easy how to guide from scratch. In Saying that, being able to pick the brain of someone with real skill and experience is invaluable (thanks here goes to Mark Griffith – check out some of his builds here. So I’d suggest that you utilise whatever knowledge you can find.
12 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Rod blank: The first component you probably want to consider is the rod blank. The style of blank that you choose will determine what type of rod you build. The blank is also going to be the most expensive part of your rod. You can make significant savings here though, by buying directly from a blank manufacturer like Composite Developments in Albany or Kilwell in Rotorua that produce quality products and are happy to work with you to make sure you get the rod you.
This experience is especially important
The blank I used cost just over $100
in getting the correct components
allowing for a cheap overall build cost.
together. If you are able to tap into
In terms of a jigging rod, it needs
howTO
the majority of the overall bend in the upper third of the blank. The choice here will come down to personal preference.
Guides: Potentially the most confusing component of rod building. There are an unlimited number of styles, sizes and insert types. This is where you may need some input from someone with experience to get you underway. With jigging rods (or any rod where you may use braided line) you need to get guides with inserts that won’t be eaten into by the tough braided line. There are lots of different types of insert, and some are very expensive (e.g. Silicon Carbide). Alconite is of sufficient quality to handle braided lines and relatively cheap, so was a good option for me. Before you order your guides you to be thick walled and have a high
(>80 m) and or high current locations
need to know how many you need
graphite percentage (often referred
where large kingfish are expected
and of what sizes. This is difficult
to as high modulus). This provides
(e.g. The Three Kings or White Island).
without having the guides and blank
incredible strength for a very light rod.
This jig rod will have a reasonably stiff
in hand to try different things out.
This combination of light weight, but
tip, so that it isn’t overloaded by the
Here are a few pointers. Get a large
strength, is crucial for a rod that you
heavy jigs used. A jig rod rated for
‘striper’ guide (the first guide up from
will be lifting up and down all day that
200-300 g jigs hits the middle ground
the reel). This ensures that the line
also needs to stop large kingfish. For
that allows it to be used in more
doesn’t touch the fore grip when the
example, jigging rods often have the
situations than the more specialist 100
rod is loaded. This will be especially
ability to ‘dead lift’ weights in excess
g or 400 g rods. Some rods may be
important for rods with a parabolic
of 20 kg. Jigging rods and blanks,
given a PE rating, which is based on
bend. I used a size 25 striper guide.
however, are most often rated for the
the line weight to be used with the
You can also easily figure out which
weight of lure they are designed for.
rod. PE 5 (50 lb) is probably the most
tip top you need. A vernier callipers
This rating is not very indicative of
common line weight used for jigging
will come in handy here (and for a few
the overall strength of the rod, just
for kingfish, and would match 200-300
other things to come). Measure the
the flexibility of the tip which works
g jigs. PE 3 (30) would be suitable for
diameter of the rod tip and ensure
the jig. For example, a 100 g rod is
a 100 g jigs and PE 8 (80 lb) for 400
that you order a tip with an internal
suitable for jigs of around 100 g (plus
g jigs. Finally, the action of the blank
barrel diameter that is slightly larger
or minus 50 g), which would most
may also be referred to. There are two
than this measurement. Choosing the
often be used in shallow (<50 m)
basic types. Parabolic; when loaded
remaining guides will depend on the
water. This rod will have a reasonably
this type of blank will have an even
length and action of your blank. My
flexible tip. A 400 g rod is suitable
bend right throughout the rod. Fast
final rod length was 5’4” and my rod
for large jigs that are used in deep
taper; here the loaded rod will have
had a fast taper action. As such I went
www.nzfisher.co.nz 13
howTO
with an angle grinder. Now you can determine your reel seat position. This is easily figured out. Hold your blank under your armpit as though you were jigging, positioning your hands as though there was a reel. Mark where the reel would be on the rod. Reposition the rod but to your left hip as though you were fighting a fish and again note the most comfortable position for the reel. You now need to strike a balance between these two positions for your final reel seat position. Your reel seat will be about 12 cm in length. Again use masking tape to mark out its position at each end. You can now measure from the bottom of the reel seat to the rod but. This will be the length of your bottom grip. Use your vernier callipers to measure the rod diameter at few positions within this butt section. You need to get a grip that has an internal diameter just narrower than this (it will stretch and slide on with the glue). Do the same for your fore grip. The
for a further 8 guides (14, 12, 2 x 10, 4
determine the final length you would
x 8). For most jigging rods you could
like the rod to be. Most conventional
probably get away with 8 guides plus
jigging rods are between 5’ and 5’4”
the tip as opposed to the 9 guides
(although there are some substantially
plus tip that I used. If in doubt order a
longer jigging rods in use overseas).
couple of extra guides .
Remember the longer the rod, the
Bottom end components: The
more leverage the fish will have
rest of the components are relatively
against you; this is why jigging rods
simple and a lot is often decided by
have evolved to become so short.
ensure that its internal diameter is
personal preference (the bottom end
It is most common to adjust the rod
greater than the external diameter of
of the rod is often where people use
length from the bottom (although
the blank at the position where it will
‘rod bling’ to customise their rod).
some people do cut the tip). Place
be mounted. The reel seat also needs
If you want to keep it simple (and
a few wraps of masking tape where
to be of sufficient size to take the reel
cheap) then this is what I did. First
you want the but to end and cut
you will be using. I went for a size 20. I
14 www.nzfisher.co.nz
length of your fore grip will be limited by the position of your striper guide. For my rod this was 27 cm from the top of the reel seat, but this may vary with the action of your blank. In terms of the type grip, there are many choices, the most common is EVA. I terms of your reel seat, you need to
howTO
also chose a graphite reel seat. While not as flashy, they are light, cheap and allow flex through this part of the rod. At the top of your fore grip you may consider a ‘winding check’. This is purely cosmetic. I used a black rubber winding check to help the visual transition of the fore grip into the narrower blank. At the butt end you will need a cap or gimbal. This is up to you. I chose a graphite gimbal with a moulded rubber cap. Here you need to ensure that the internal diameter is greater than the rod butt.
Other bits: You will need some
diameter (“A”) as it has a better final
need rod building glue to secure your
binding thread. The colour of your
finish. Also consider getting colour
reel seat and grips. Again there are
choice will determine the overall
fast thread if available, this allows you
many options here. I bought a 4 oz
look of the rod. You may also want to
to avoid using (and buying) separate
two part pack, again this is enough for
consider different colours for under
colour fastening solution. You will
two rods. Non-specialist glues from
binds vs over binds and for any extra
also need a flexible coating or finish
hardware stores can be used here
cosmetics you wish to build into the
to seal over your bindings. There are
as well. You will also need masking
rod binding. I chose one 100 yard
many choices here, they should all
tape (this goes under the reel seat
spool of black thread. This is enough
work well. I bought 24 ml (two 12
and butt cap). I use ½ “ wide tape,
for more than one rod and gives the
ml syringes); this is enough for two
which I could only find on rod building
simple look I was after. Furthermore,
rods. To apply this coating you will
websites. Finally, you may need a
using one colour is also cheap and
need small paint brushes and plastic
white ‘china marker’ pen for marking
does not require skilful binding
pottles. These are often sold in a pack
positions on the rod. These are hard
techniques that I don’t have. Binding
with the coating. If not you can get
to come by, but specialist art and craft
thread often comes in different
cheap paint brushes and plastic shot
shops do have them.
diameters. I chose the thinner
glasses from $2 shops. You will also
Part II next month www.nzfisher.co.nz 15
boatFISHING
The Kids Take Dad Fishing! g drivin Taylor
“UH-OH DAD, bites, BITES!” That’s
beginners luck or whether there’s
how it starts. You have a boat full of
something in the way they fish. We
experts and the small children are
have lots of people on the boat
out fishing everyone. A fish nudging
that just attempt to rip the head off
their baits and them slowly pulling
anything that comes anywhere near
the bait away from the fish ever so
the hook and miss most of them.
gently is enough for them to hook
The small person just cruising away in
up and play a huge part providing
the corner, generally thinking about
dinner for the family.
something that has nothing to do with
Fishing with kids is just excellent fun. Some get it, some don’t. But most, even on their death beds with sea
the task at hand (Glee or One Direction or even girls, as I found out with some of the boys) are in to a fish every time.
Hanna h’s Ana zac Sn apper!
read weather maps and become involved in picking the days and places to fish. Caring for the resource and maintaining it for their offspring to enjoy. This not a unique point of view heaps of kids go fishing every day.
We have seven Play Station games
I did however attend a social function
in our house and all for a 20 year old
a while ago where there was an
version. Barring 50knots and torrential
interesting man with an interesting
rain the play station was not an option
attitude. He was an excellent angler
when the kids were growing up. There
The simplicity and innocence of their
by all accounts and presented some
is however, a Game Fishing one that
actions is something we all could take
very knowledgeable points of view. He
plays on it that did get snuck out a bit
some time to remember. The look on
is the father of 2 young boys and when
when they weren’t around ;) We do
a kids face when they have landed
asked how they enjoyed their fishing
have 32 fishing rods though and they
a good fish is priceless. But????????
could play with those whenever they
Why do the jammy little buggers catch
wanted.
sickness will manage a smile when they get a tug on the line and are miraculously healed at the suggestion that someone else wind in their fish.
all the best fish on the day?
he proceeded to tell the gathering how he wouldn’t take them in the boat as “they were a pain in the butt” and “the
The experience the oceans give are
children, they just get in the way”. I
Think for a moment. Some have spent
priceless and they won’t all be fishing.
simply felt sorry for him. I guess, each
thousands of dollars on boats and
What they get to see on it, in it, or
to their own. So why do these jammy
fishing gear. We’ve spent hundreds
under it cannot be gleaned from the
little buggers land the good ones. Luck
of hours on the water “perfecting”
pretend world the gaming companies
or just simply the fish are there to be
our techniques, even more time
promote; So every chance we got
caught. Is there some twisted fishing
reading and yarning with people
to get them out we’d go fishing or
god that gets a kick out of watching
about how to and how good we are
snorkeling or surfing, anything to get
the grownups shown up by the young
at it and the wee ones turn up chuck
them out there.
ones or could it be simply that they
After a while you see their skill set
are fishing? Time is our most precious
improve, they become more efficient
commodity; the person with the most
I’ve been fishing with kids for a
at knots, casting, handling and iki’ing
of it spent wisely will be the richest.
while now and I can’t work out if its
the fish. They learn species and to
Take your kids fishing!
a line over the side an whammo! They’re into the fish of the day.
16 www.nzfisher.co.nz
www.adventuresmart.org.nz
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO The Boating Safety
CODE Before you go boating on our seas, lakes and rivers, get familiar with New Zealand’s Boating Safety Code, no matter what kind of boat you use.
1
Life jackets
5 4
Take them – Wear them.
3
Skipper responsibility
to help you stay safe:
Marine weather New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the local marine weather forecast before you go and expect both weather and sea state changes.
Boats, especially ones under 6m in length, can sink very quickly. Wearing a life jacket increases your survival time in the water.
2
simple rules
5
Avoid alcohol
The skipper is responsible for the safety of everyone on board and for the safe operation of the boat. Stay within the limits of your vessel and your experience.
Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change quickly on the water. You need to stay alert and aware.
Communications
The Water Safety
Take two separate waterproof ways of communicating so we can help you if you get into difficulties.
Also available:
CODE
The Outdoor Safety
CODE
For more information about safe boating education and how to prepare for your boating activity, visit www.adventuresmart.org.nz
newPRODUCTS Lowrance has expanded its HDS Gen2 range, with the new wide-format, touch screen HDS Gen2 Touch. HDS Gen 2 Touch delivers the same award-winning benefits that made the HDS High Definition System the world’s top-selling multifunction display series, with Gen2 Touch models incorporating new easier-touse, wide touch screens. Click here.
OKUMA RAW II Tested by NZFisher (Size 40) FROM the makers, Okuma: As the HDS Gen2 Touch 7
leader in delivering best-in-class spinning reel performance to anglers
What’s new in the world of fishing?
of all levels, Okuma Fishing Tackle’s all-new Raw II saltwater spinning reels once again raise the bar. Constructed from a proprietary, highly corrosionresistant aluminium alloy and featuring Okuma’s Dual Force Drag system with a completely carbon fibre drag stack, Raw II spinning reels take on both the toughest species and
By Marc Touchette
harshest environments.... As tested: I’ve taken a liking to the new breed of super strong, small light weight spinning reels of the current softbaiting age. They’re light, tough and
Raw II spinning reels
very easy to use. After playing with a few of the newest & shiniest (and most expensive) I think I’ve got a decent eye for their strengths and weaknesses. Soft-baiting is a form of fishing that you tend to do all day. That’s a lot of casting, flicking the bail arm, sporadically winding & then repeating, with the monotony sometimes broken up by a fish pulling back the other way. You need tough, but light: and that is a difficult balance. Where others see weakness, I see genius. The new Raw has the components you most need in a small spinner. Okuma have provided a little ‘bling’ for the show ponies,
18 www.nzfisher.co.nz
boatFISHING but at its roots this is a little battler. What matters most is a smooth, powerful drag coupled with a stiff, strong body and handle. Others have suggested the new carbon handle is lacking strength, but I only see it lacking cosmetics, it was strong – and sensitive. The all alloy body gives nothing and the drag is responsive and strong. What will determine its value is longevity, so we’ll have to see. At under $250 it’s half the price of similar reels I’ve tested but performed as well, if not better in some aspects. What we liked: Smooth drag at all pressures. A tough, lightweight frame and handle. The 5 year OKUMA warranty to take away the guesswork. What we didn’t like: The small diameter handle-grip.
AL-KO AL-KO manufacturers, markets and distributes a comprehensive range of products for the marine trailer, caravan and motor home markets in Australia and New Zealand. We are best known for our high quality running gear range, including axles, brakes and suspension products. AL-KO has a long and proud history in Australia spanning back to 1946, when Hornby Engineering was founded and started to produce axles in South Melbourne. In 1974 this company was acquired by Girlock and with
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the acquisition of two other companies in Sydney and Brisbane it became Australia’s largest company in its field. In 1988 the German AL-KO Kober Group acquired the company, which signalled the start of a new era of international involvement in New Zealand and South
Personalised or optional Navionics® charts. View both at once in 3D perspective view, plus StructureMap™ and Broadband Radar™ capability. www.lowrance.com/navigate
East Asia. The company’s strong growth over the last decade has been driven by product range expansion and innovation that has further enhanced AL-KO’s position as market leader in its field. AL-KO is proud of its reputation for high quality products and services to the trailer, caravan and motor home
New super-bright widescreen displays in 7, 9 and 12-inch sizes with touchscreen control. Dominate your time on the water with greater command and control that’s now easier to learn and customize. www.lowrance.com/dominate
market. In the past, AL-KO products have only been available for purchase from re-sellers and OEM suppliers. Early this year, a decision was made to make AL-KO
PREVIEW THE NEW HDS GEN2 TOUCH AT LO W R A N C E . C O M
trailer products available for online purchase direct from AL-KO in New Zealand only. Our marine range is made up of a number of categories including hubs, stubs, drums, jockey wheels, couplings, bearing kits and bearing buddies. Check out the new NZ website here and take advantage of their 50% off voucher
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www.nzfisher.co.nz 19
regionalREVIEWS
Wellington Source: Steve’s Fishing Shop
to rise steadily. West Coast is still getting hammered by big winds from the Westerly quarter therefore not much to report from that coast. The West Coast really comes into its own on the fishing front from about November, and fishes well for Snapper until late autumn. South Coast from Turakirae Head to right round to Honeycomb Rock in the East Coast has been excellent for good sized Spotted Sharks up to 7kg with an average weight of 3.5 kg. The Red Cod are feeding hard around the many river mouths as are the Kahawai this is due to Whitebait moving up the rivers, Gurnard should start to appear with more consistency on the open coasts from now on. Some nice Blue Moki have been caught and these fish are great scrappers as well a good eating fish, and quite a few nice Spotted Sharks which are an excellent sport fish. Pictured is James Bennie with a lovely Palliser Bay Spotted Shark Good Luck and may the Fishing Gods be with you. Felix
The Shore Report
30lb / 40lb Sufix Superior Trace Line,
The Gurnard are in! Good numbers
which is clear and easy to tie. Adding
The Boat Report
of Gurnard have been taken in the
Hi-Vis Fluro beads and trace line to
The Harbour has been the only nice
Harbour off most of the
your rigs can make a huge difference
place to take the boat or Kayak out
wharves, and around the Miramar
to your catch rate.
over recent weeks due to
Peninsula / Evans Bay area. The
Red Cod are still scavenging around for
the constant barrage of high winds
Snapper are also starting to trickle in as
your nicely presented Gurnard bait as
most days. With the Whitebait
well, which is pleasing. Check out the
are the Kahawai. In amongst the small
and other bait fish moving in, the
recent Wellington Snapper posting on
Kahawai boil ups we have had several
Kahawai fishing has been good along
our Facebook Page.
reports of Kingfish being spotted.
with good numbers of nice Gurnard.
Don’t forget to try different sized
It is not prime time yet for King’s
Trevally have been the surprise fish
baits e.g. whole Pilchards or small
but still worth a shot. As soon as
here with Trevally being caught
Squids, with two 7/0 hooks for your
the wind stops blowing so hard and
at lots of different places. Those
Snapper. Gurnard and Trevally prefer
those random cold Southerlies die
fisho’s making the effort to berley up
smaller baits and light trace line like
off the numbers of Kingfish will start
when out in the boat are improving
20 www.nzfisher.co.nz
regionalREVIEWS
w
hot spot for more information.
weather making fishing impossible
advantage over fishermen who don’t
South Coast, just like the West Coast
a lot of the time. This is nature’s
use berley over the coming months.
the weather has made it hard to get
way of protecting our fisheries and
Over the next few weeks more
out with big swells and strong winds
it is a good thing that the weather
Gurnard and Trevally will enter the
slowing us all down. Those fisho’s
prohibits continuous fishing of the
Harbour along with Snapper and
lucky enough to get out in between
same spots.
Kingfish. The hole at Kau Point and
the gales and big swells have mostly
When the weather comes right, 5
Falcon Shoal plus the inshore reef
found the fishing hard. Out wide
Mile Reef, Western Ledge and Fitzroy
south of Camp Bay are all worthy
Bluenose and Groper have been
Bay will all be worth a shot. Don’t
of a fish. Don’t forget - berley will
patchy at best.
be surprised if you get one or two
always improve your chances, I
Sometimes when you are thinking of
Groper on some the inshore reefs, and
know I keep banging on about
chasing the fish out wide in moderate
November and December can be a
the importance of berley but the
to rough seas, you may consider it just
very good time for inshore Groper.
majority of anglers still don’t use
not worth going out with the cost of
Looking forward to have better fishing
berley and miss out on vastly
fuels, baits etc. It makes more sense to
to report over the next few months as
improved catch rates.
wait for a nice day, and while they have
the summer fishing season is almost
Stray line or live baits are always
been few and far between nice days
here. And don’t forget, we are only a
worth a shot for Kingfish and
are well worth the wait in the payoff of
phone call or email away if you have
Snapper along with small ledger rigs
comfortable fishing and better results.
any questions about fishing, we are
i.e. 2 to 3/0 rigs such as Kiwi Tackle
Inshore reefs should be holding
always keen to help a fellow fisho.
2/0 2 Hook Ledger Rig for Gurnard
good numbers of fish such as
Wishing you all the best with your
and Snapper. Check out our Boat
Terakihi and Blue Cod as they have
fishing.
Fishing Wellington Harbour fishing
not been fished much due the
Steve
w
their catch rates and will have the
w
www.nzfisher.co.nz 21
regionalREVIEWS
Bay of Plenty Source: Rick Pollock. www.Pursuit.co.nz And the westerlies just keep
a good catch, avoid the nasty chop
weight and barrels waiting to rid
on keeping on! While we’ve seen
created by wind and have most of
themselves of milt and roe – judging
equinox periods like this, and
their day left to attend to shore side
by water temps are still many weeks
even worse, the early start remains
activities!
away. Back in shallow water, light
unprecedented – and there appears no end in sight at this point in
tackle anglers are capitalizing on
time. We have experienced these
Offshore
cool westerly winds right into early
While the westerlies have been
December previously, certainly well
decisively influencing the inshore
into November. So, with a full six (6)
arena, they have been devastating
weeks of these winds under our belt,
further afield. Thankfully there has
how long will they continue to torture
been virtually no swell to contend
us? Compounding this and making it
with, just plenty of wind, resultant
even more frustrating and difficult to
chop and occasionally horizontal
take, is the fact there’s some pretty
rain – all good deterrents to keep
good fishing to be had out there!
anglers either inshore or onshore. On the few visits there over the past
Inshore Certainly, due to its proximity to
fortnight, rewards have come to those intrepid anglers.
some decent reef fish starring trevally and terakihi but well supported by porae, some very nice sized.
Ranfurly Bank No visits whatsoever for obvious reasons but due to change with several visits scheduled next week.
Summary Playing a waiting game? Got any other choices? Hardly! We can but hope for improving conditions sooner
shore, this area has seen more effort
For the first time in ages, some effort
than later. If this penance we’re
in the small windows of opportunities
was put toward deepwater species
forced to live bait out is in trade for a
which have shown themselves.
with reasonable results. Small
settled summer ahead then perhaps
Fishing here, by and large, remains
bluenose and bass were bolstered
it’s worth it. In the meantime if you
constant – not great and definitely
by some reasonable sized hapuka.
can get out it’s well worth your effort.
not bad. Snapper are continually
Back toward the island the kingis
Till next week
appearing in larger numbers with
continue their penchant for baits
many/most well over the legal size.
with consistent catches in the windy
While limits are scarce, “good feeds”
conditions. Water has predictably
are common. Natural bait seems to
gone green. How could it be any
have the edge over soft plastics at
other way with the offshore blowing,
the moment but that should change
upwelling creating westerly’s?!?
as water temps increase with time.
After flirting with the 30 kilo barrier
Bolstering this species have been
for weeks, it’s finally been eclipsed.
terakihi, gurnard and omnipresent
Hamilton angler Tim Degan landed
kahawai. To combat the incessant
his 31 kilo specimen with mate Paul
westerly’s some savvy anglers are
Jones only a kilo behind – well done
getting very early stats, heading west
guys. Otherwise the norm remains
(Rurimas, Matata) and then coming
with 15-18 kilo fish but more quality
home as soon as the winds freshen.
fish over 20 appearing all the while.
While early starts may not agree
Condition factors still vary greatly
with everyone it’s one way to secure
between slabs struggling to gain
22 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Coromandel
Source: Carl Muir – www.EpicAdventures.co.nz CARLS REPORT this month is so image heavy we can’t post it in the mag. Click here for the full report, awesome photos and a general round up of Epic awesomeness.
VIDEO
Fishing Video of the Month Ok, first up this is neither a video or is it about fishing – it’s just interesting for a sheltered antipodean like me. That’s some WOW- factor. So here’s a real fishing video to keep us on topic – well, spearfishing video anyway. Check out the terakihi at around 5.30mins – surprisingly shallow... And one more in memory of Reece’s fab spot off Kapiti – It’s still there but sadly Reece has moved north! Great fish... And lastly, this isn’t a video either, but it’s a great read about how our young cover insert (Greg) went fishing and how his very second snapper was a monster 11.34kg. Stories like this don’t come around every day – I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Well done Greg!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 23
NEXTmonth regionalREVIEWS
IN NEXT MONTH’S NZ FISHER • The new NZFisher Boat unveiled • Best jig reel on a budget • NZ Team wins Tongan International Game tournament
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