ISSUE 20 December 2012
FREWZA! The NZFisher boat launch
OffShore Landbased Fishing WIN an OKUMA Salina Combo
www.nzfisher.co.nz 1
CONTENTS Pg 10
12
20
NZ FISHER BOAT 4
NZF Boat No. 2 Unveiled
COMPETITION 8
Win a Rod & Reel with
OKUMA & NZFisher!
10
Reader Pics
BOATFISHING 12
Making the Most of Summer Fishing
HOW TO 14
Building Your Own
Mechanical Jig Rod
LANDBASEDFISHING
2 www.nzfisher.co.nz
16
Off Shore Landbased
20
Gear Reviews
21
New Products
22
Regional Reviews
26
Fishing Video of the Month
Pg 21
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 ART DIRECTOR / Jodi Olsson 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
TWO YEARS INTO the story
specific product we can research for you
of NZFisher we’re stoked to be
too. This month we kick off with the
introducing the new NZ Fisher Boat.
Okuma Makaira 5 two speed.
We chose the Frewza F16 side console
With Christmas just around the corner
for a whole lot of reasons that we’ll
and a decent holiday for most hopefully
get into later in this & future issues,
you’ll be spending some time on the
but we are so proud to show it off. All
water. Not only do we want you to be
going well we’ll be showing it off with
safe, but we’d like our readers to feed
plenty of fishy pics and stories too!
the family too. We’ll put a few ideas
NZFisher hasn’t spent a whole lot of time testing gear for our readers, but the little bit we’ve done before has been well received so we’ve chosen a
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!
together that we hope you will find useful when the fish have their mouths closed – but remember to always be ready for when the big one strikes.
couple and hope you find our reviews
From the whole NZFisher team, have
helpful. We’ll be adding more to the list
a great Christmas, drive safe, catch
and due to the wonders of the internet
plenty & enjoy your break.
over time you’ll be able to search
Tight lines!
them forever. Let us know if there’s any
Derrick
Cover Image: Andrew Evans with one of two great spring Puka he landed in October
www.nzfisher.co.nz 3
An safely wrapped EPIC lager sacrificed to christen the bow
NZFisherBOAT
NZF Boat No. 2 Unveiled FREWZA Side Console, the new way to go Here are a few snap-shots of
will endeavour to make your boating
the all new Frewza F495 Side
easier, safer and more enjoyable
SPECS:
Console decked out to NZFisher
through sharing our adventures and
•
Frewza F16 Side Console (16ft)
Specifications. We’ve partnered with
product specification processes.
•
Honda BF60 4 Stroke Outboard
Cost is always a consideration and
•
Coast A16 Trailer
we looked hard at every dollar
•
Lowrance HDS-7 Touch GPS
Honda to bring the very best of small boating to our readers. Once again we’ll document the build over the next few issues but this time we’ll also be bringing you on-board images & video explaining the usefulness and usability of the boat itself, the electronics and the outboard. We
4 www.nzfisher.co.nz
spent. We’ll offer some insight the most cost effective options for outfitting your boat and all going well you’ll be spending more time on the water fishing!
NZFisherBOAT
FREWZA!
ul The heart & so
www.nzfisher.co.nz 5
landbasedFISHING
LEADERS IN BOAT TRAILER DESIGN & PERFORMANCE ‘Superbly Built’ ‘The boat goes on and off the trailer like a dream’ ‘it tows like a breeze!’ Matt Watson, ITM Fishing Show
Used by
Trade in your existing boat trailer for a new Voyager, and receive minimum 10% DISCOUNT on the value of your new replacement trailer • We service, repair and re-galvanise any boat trailer • Parts, servicing, multi-roller and tandem conversion
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Coastal Trailers Cost Effective Boat Trailers for Light Boats COASTAL BOAT TRAILERS are cost
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watercraft up to 5.4 metres in length.
galvanised. We then assemble using
easily adjust the hull support to fit
e.g. light weight fibreglass runabouts,
locally sourced trailer components
their particular type of boat.
personal watercraft (PWC) and open/
and materials. All trailers are fitted
centre console aluminium boats. We provide owners of these types of boats access to a trailer that is not typically overdesigned to suit much heavier boats and in doing this we can offer a more affordable trailer. While we aim to keep the cost as
with LED submersible lighting, jockey wheels and 1 7/8” couplings.
month warranty and the Chassis’ have
Mudguards are lightweight plastic
a 5 year structural warranty. Chassis’
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steel guards. Springs and fasteners are
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parameters defined.
of the coupling fasteners that are high tensile zinc plated.
Website: www.coastaltrailers.co.nz
6 www.nzfisher.co.nz
All components are covered with a 12
FN4718
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The Beginning of the Future The day you caught your first fish. The first time you climbed into a boat. These moments make up the beginning of the future. Today, Honda’s forward thinking comes together to bring you a reliable, fuel efficient range of outboards.
From 2.3hp to 250hp.
TheBegin ing
Contact your local Honda Marine Dealer today Freephone 0800 478 765 www.hondamarine.co.nz Scan me for a free cap!
COMPETITION
Win a Rod & Reel with OKUMA & NZFisher! Every subscriber is in the draw!
JUST POST A pic of you with a fish
ReelWear T-shirt between now and
to our Facebook page and you’re
April 2013. Every image you enter
in the draw to win an Okuma Salina
has a chance to win each month and
II Rod and Reel combo plus tackle
also the big prize. The more and
worth $750.00.
sooner you enter, the better your
Not only that but every month we’ll
chances so get fishing and posting
give away an Okuma Hoody and
those images to Facebook!
8 www.nzfisher.co.nz
COMPETITION
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
www.nzfisher.co.nz 9
Michael MacKinven with a perfect Springtime snapper from the back of tiri
READERpics
Alan McKinven’s got the worst view on the water - skippers need to fish
Paul Steffenson A 20lb+ Snapper released Ruben Ryan with a typical inner gulf spring time pannie
10 www.nzfisher.co.nz
READERpics
Asleigh with a her best snapper, taken at Whatuwhiwhi during ROctoberish
Hamish shows there ARE 30lb snapper in the south Island (Credit Jean Willis)
Coverboy Andrew Evans with his haul ‘Out the back’
This month’s winner is Ruben Ryan. Ruben wins a Reel Adventures, ReelWear Tee-Shirt for his spring Snapper Pic. Ruben, drop us a line to arrange your size & delivery details. Keep sending in your pics for the great OKUMA prizes up for grabs every month.
Win this Reel Wear tee shirt next month by sending in your fishy pics to ?
www.nzfisher.co.nz 11
boatFISHING Make hay while the sun shines
Making the Most of Summer Fishing By Forsyth Thompson
Sometimes, you just need to get a couple of fish in the bin and it’s not all about the trophy fish, but we don’t say no when they turn up!
1
2
DON’T CUT CORNERS:
of course!) I have mates who moan
big fish put big pressure
about not having got any good fish
on your gear and you will
for a while, but you just have to look
get found out. Make sure your reels
at the amount of time they actually
are re-spooled; don’t risk your fish of
spend out there doing it.
3 things to improve fishing
a lifetime for the sake of a few bucks
over the summer:
on new braid/mono. The same goes
HAVE A PLAN: the days we
for all your tackle, especially if you’re
tend to do best are when
specifically targeting big fish rather
we have a clear plan of what
than a feed.
we’re going to do, where we’re going to fish, what we’re going to target and so on. If we’re going to target kings seriously, then we’ve learned to stop snapper fishing and to really put the effort into cubing, keeping the berley going, throwing poppers and stick baits, tending to livies, swapping them out if they’re looking sick and doing everything we can to get a shot at one.
3
In the last couple of seasons I’ve caught numbers 5 and 6 kilo snapper just in and around Rangitoto, the biggest being a 76cm that never got weighed and I’d put that in large part down to the amount of time I spend
SPEND AS MUCH TIME
out there, probably 2 or 3 times a
OUT THERE AS POSSIBLE.
week even if it’s just a couple of hours
We’ve waited a long time
after work or dinner in the evenings.
for some decent weather, and last
The extra effort to get out there more
summer was pretty ordinary. Don’t
always pays off in the end. And as
spend weekends building decks,
a fisho, where would you rather be
doing gardening or other household
anyway?!
chores. More time fishing = more big fish caught, it’s a simple equation. (It helps to have an understanding wife
Sometimes it IS the little things that matter - a gurnard is a sweet treat!.
12 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 www.nzfisher.co.nz 13
howTO
Building Your Own Mechanical Jig Rod Easy, right? Part 2 of 3
A tidy finish comes from taking the right steps
Rod building 101: Part 2 Building the bottom end: You should already have the reel seat position marked out with masking tape. The bone of the rod also needs to be marked out. Rather than being a perfect circle, the profile of any blank is asymmetrical.
14 www.nzfisher.co.nz
flip. The stable part is the bone. Use your china marker to mark the top of the upwards facing surface when the blank is in this stable position. You can now mount your but cap or gimbal. As this cap is likely to have a much larger internal diameter than the rod butt is wide you will need to build a couple of ‘arbours’ with your masking tape.
As such, when the blank is loaded,
Carefully wind the tape around the rod
it will try and return its most stable
butt until the diameter of this arbour
axis. It is therefore important that
is the same as the internal diameter of
the guides and reel seat are aligned
the butt cap. Now mix your glue well,
with this axis, otherwise you will be
apply with an ice block stick and push
fighting the twist of the rod rather
the butt cap on, cleaning up excess
than the fish.
glue immediately. If you are mounting a
To find the rods bone find a hard flat
gimbal, remember to position it so that
surface (tiles are good). Place the
it lines up with the bone. Also, you may
butt of the rod on that surface and
want to consider taking the cap off the
use one had to push the butt of the
gimbal so that it doesn’t accidentally
rod towards the ground, and the
get glued in place. To mount the butt
other hand to bend the tip of the
grip you should not need to build any
rod upwards. In this position the rod
masking tape arbours. Simply apply
can be rotated. It will have a natural
the well mixed glue to the area where
tendency to be stable and then to
the grip will end up as well as inside
howTO
Testing tne curve
the grip itself. Put the rod butt on the
immediately. It is also a good idea
you made your cut. The process for
ground and then push the grip on.
when mounting the grips and reel seat
the reel seat and fore grip is similar to
The glue should help to slip the grip
to cover them up with masking tape to
that above. I used three masking tape
into place, but a reasonable amount of
avoid any glue ruining their finish. The
arbours under the reel seat. The final
pressure may be required. Only push
bottom grip I purchased was longer
part of the bottom end is the winding
from the end of the grip; squeezing
than required. This is easily remedied
check. This is simply mounted with rod
the grip as you push it on can create
with a razor and fine (>300 grit) sand
building glue.
resistance. Again clean up excess glue
paper to restore some shape to where
e rod jig Homemad
www.nzfisher.co.nz 15
howTO
Guide spacing: There is no exact formula for figuring out the spacing of your guides. There are guidelines to help with initial guide placement (see http://www. acidrod.com/acidrod_layout.html). At this stage you need to consider not only how the guides are placed down the rod, but also whether you ‘acid wrap’ the guides around the rod. This technique is popular with conventional jigging rods because the large amount of pressure over the road when hooked up can cause the rod to twist.
anticlockwise the fourth guide is set
(a bucket of water works) to put a
at 90° from the striper guide, the fifth
working bend in the rod (I secured the
guide at 135° from the striper and
butt end of the rod to a work bench
the remaining guides at 180° (i.e.
with a ratchet tie down). You can
directly under the rod). From here it’s
now put a reel on the rod and thread
all about trial and error. Secure your
the line through the guides, pulling
guides on the rod with masking tape.
it just tight so you can see how the
the second guide is rotated slightly
You will now need to mount the tip
line follows the curve of the working
in a clockwise direction, so that the
top. Simply glue it on with araldite or
rod. This is a ‘static test’. Look at the
inner left edge of the guide is aligned
rod building glue (ensure it is lined up
rod from side on and on top. Ideally
with the centre of the striper guide
exactly opposite to the rods bone).
the line should smoothly follow the
(this ensures that line comes onto
Once the glue is set tie a short length
rods curve and not come close to
the centre of the reel). The third
of braid to the tip top and a hook to
touching the rod. You will likely need
guide is rotated anticlockwise (45°
the other end of the braid. This will
to reposition the guides several times
from the striper guide). Continuing
be hooked onto something heavy
to get good spacing.
To avoid this guides can be placed in a rotating fashion so that by the time the line gets to the rod tip, it is directly under the rod. There are many ways to do this, but the most common way in New Zealand is as follows. The striper guide is placed as normal (0°),
16 www.nzfisher.co.nz
howTO
The makers mark
Rod building jig: Once you have your guide spacing you are ready to start binding. You will need a jig to aid the binding process. You can easily and cheaply build one yourself using plans from the internet. I built mine with wood and components I had in my garage. I splashed out $2.50 for felt to coat the rod mounts. You wont need any motorisation for the binding process, but you will need some sort of a motor to rotate the rod to evenly set the overcoat (after your binding is complete). For this I used a BBQ rotisserie motor. A drill with pre-set speeds would also be a cheap option.
Part 3 next month www.nzfisher.co.nz 17
landbasedFISHING
Off Shore Landbased By Forsyth Thompson
Stabi, and with a specially made rail at the front and a step, getting on an off the rocks was a dry feet experience for the first time in a long time! It would be hard to recommend it too highly as a way to go land based fishing. I’m a huge fan of boat access for LBG but this was a whole new level of comfort. And it meant we could bring even more gear than usual, even my mate Brenton (famous for bringing the kitchen sink) would have been hard pressed to take too much gear on ANDREW AND I HAD been trying
best-looking spots I’ve seen in a while.
this trip. With 2 popper sets and
to make this trip happen since the
Friday was a day off for Craig so he
3 livey sets as well as all the usual
Bounty Hunter back in June, so with
and Mark were joining us for a fish.
snapper and bait catching gear,
a good light wind forecast for Fri
Leaving from Whiti in the morning we
Andrew and I were serious about getting a legal land based king and
and Sat we packed up on Thursday
headed north to do a drop-off to a DOC
and with the Baby Stabi on the back,
team on one of the Mercs who were
headed for Whitianga.
spending 2 weeks there. Having run out
Getting there late in the evening
of batteries, the only way to get more
we caught up with Craig Farr from
was to get some dropped off, so we
The anticipation was high as we
R&R Charters and his mate Mark for
swung by as one of the girls swam out
waited for the kahawai to turn up
a few beers and some bait catching
to collect (she clearly hadn’t counted on
in the berley trail. And waited. And
practice down by the marina and
the water temperature being as low as it
waited. Poppers were thrown all over
hatched a plan for the morning.
was. Rather her than me!). Then it was a
the place but not a single follow, the
trip straight out to Whale Rock. Coming
only sizable animal we saw being a
straight out of 70m and with 40m
seal cruising past. A couple of massive
of water straight in front, it’s hard to
runs on the snapper gear fishing
imagine a more likely looking kingi spot.
whole big jack macks ended in bust
And with several having been caught by
offs and still nothing in the berley so
the boat guys there recently we were
we headed off to the other side of the
itching to get into it.
island (via the noisiest and smelliest
as a keen LBG man himself he does
Craig’s 8m alloy walk-around was a
seagull breeding area I’ve ever seen).
drop-offs for LBG fishos in some of the
hell of a lot more comfortable than the
Here there was more current, white
With so many little islands, rocks and secret spots through the e coast of the Coromandel, Andrew and I were busting to get out there. For once, though, we didn’t spend the evening packing the little Stabi: not only does Craig do fishing charters, but
18 www.nzfisher.co.nz
breaking what has turned into a really awful run of luck for me with the green and gold buggers!
landbasedFISHING
water and deep water up to the
to get into a big one despite trying
ledge. It couldn’t have looked more
everything. However, as the current
likely if it tried. Again, in with the
picked up, the snapper came on the
berley. Again, no kahawai. Not one.
bite and we caught fish after fish,
Endless popper casting produced
every bait getting nailed as soon as it
the same result. And the one run we
got towards the bottom.
had on the big snapper bait failed to hook up. With not a cloud in the sky we pulled the pin, went back to where Mark and Craig were fishing, and had a lunch break to try to turn our luck
All great condition fish, mostly in the 40-50cm and range and sensational land-based fishing in just about anyone’s books. They were endlessly hungry and taking anything thrown
around. Craig had just lost a massive
to them so we put a dozen in the bin
snapper with the net ready – after 15
and then just fished for fun. With the
minutes on a locked up 6500 it finally
sun setting and us just about to have
put its teeth through the 80lb trace.
to pack up, the kahawai finally turned
And with numbers 20-pounders to his
up in the berley trail, just to rub our
name, he’s a man who knows what a
noses in it! But with just minutes left
massive snapper is!
before we needed to get underway,
With nothing further happening, we
we let them know what we thought
decided to load the boat back up
about their timing and packed up for
(still keeping dry feet! I could get
the day.
used to this) and head for another rock. This was one neither Craig nor Mark had fished before, but just off it plenty of really good snapper had been caught and they were excited to give it a go. We were about to find out why!
Getting back to Whitianga about 9:30, it had been a long and often frustrating day: on the hottest day in a long time, the fishing had been hot too. Granted, it hadn’t produced the kings we’d come for, and we had nothing to add to the trophy photos
In the first hour or two we found out
album, but we’d had a fantastic day,
why Mark fishes 24kg and locked up
fished with a couple of great guys, and
drags for snapper. I thought it was
fished the kind of spots that increase
a bit of overkill until we saw him get
your pulse rate just looking at them.
smashed again and again, fishing huge jack mack and bonito baits, and simply not able to stop these fish getting back into the kelp.
If you’re looking to go and get into some serious LBG action and to fish some spots that you just wouldn’t get onto otherwise, most definitely give
By the end of the day with just one ext
Craig a call – even if he’s got a charter
5-6kg fish landed, we reckoned he’d
booked, he’ll still drop LBG guys off
had probably 8 truly huge snapper
on his way out if you ask nicely! http://
encounters none of which had
www.rippinandreelin.co.nz/
turned into a landed fish. Sure as hell
With just 5 weeks left of 2012 for
frustrating, but still, amazing to see
Andrew and I to land legal kings off
just how big some of the (resident?)
the rocks, we hatched a plan to fish
fish up there are. But all these big
the Saturday taking the Stabi out of
encounters were limited to Mark
Whangapoua and heading up the
– Craig, Andrew & I couldn’t seem
coast. But that’s another story!
GearREVIEWS
Portside
Okuma Makaira 8II
rd Starboa
A heavy weight in disguise THE INTRODUCTION OF Okuma’s
these aspects. On the downside the
was more than sufficient, stopping the
High Performance range of tackle has
Makaira doesn’t have infinite anti-
biggest fish in its tracks when I put the
confirmed Okuma’s place alongside
reverse. I was concerned that this may
pressure on. More importantly, the
the top tackle companies. In the case
result in the handle moving slightly
drag was impeccably smooth. The reel
of the Makaira, Okuma supersedes
backwards while jigging, making it
and handle were very comfortable,
the competition.
difficult to maintain a smooth jigging
and after quite a few hours of jigging
action. So far this hasn’t happened, so
I didn’t have the aching arms I have
I’d put infinite anti-reverse down as a
often had in the past.
nice to have, but not essential.
Finally, the narrow spool laid the
just don’t cut it though. Unlike less
A really great little feature on the
line with minimal effort. I was left
specialised fishing techniques, you
Makaira 8II that you won’t find on
wondering what more could you
really need tackle that suits the job
most reels of this size is the two speed
ask for? Durability; one of the most
when it comes to mechanical jigging.
settings. I didn’t think this feature
important expectations of any high
While the Makaira was not designed
would come in handy, but when I
quality reel. Having only had the
as a jigging reel (it was designed
recently hooked a 15 kg king using
reel for a few months I can’t answer
as a top of the line game reel), the
the Makaira paired up with a rod that
smallest model, the Makaira 8II,
was too long, dropping down to the
is more than suited to the trying
2.1:1 gear ratio was just what I needed
demands of mechanical jigging.
to get me off the rail and to get the
When it comes to mechanical jigging reels there are many pretenders. Most of these more versatile reels
At less than 700 grams in weight with the ability to put out more than 15
fish moving. A real life saver; well, not for the kingfish.
kg of smooth drag the Makaira 8II is
Despite the poor initial choice of rod
a heavy weight in disguise. Just the
(we quickly swapped that for one
combination of grunt and light weight
better suited to the job) the Makaira
that is needed for mechanical jigging.
8II performed flawlessly during our
On these two aspects alone the
field test, where the Makaira was used
Makaira 8II has few competitors.
to jig up a couple of nice kings from
Combine with this the ergonomic
around 60 m of water.
that from personal experience, but if you have any doubts about what Okuma have achieved with their High Performance line of reels, have a look at this testimonial from the independent reel guru Alan Tani. Alan provides detailed tutorials where he completely breaks down and rebuilds a wide range of reels. So when Alan says “this reel gets my vote for best in its class” about the Makaira 8II, I stand up and listen. Finally, price is always an important consideration, especially when purchasing high end
handle and narrow spool and you
For this test I spooled the reel with
tackle. At $589.95 recommended
have all the aspects that a jigging reel
350 yards of 50 lb Tufline, giving the
retail the Makaira 8II is competitively
should have. Many so called jigging
Makaira 8II sufficient capacity to fish all
priced and likely to be a great seller
reels just don’t stack up across all of
but the deepest of locations. The drag
for Okuma.
20 www.nzfisher.co.nz
boatFISHING
NewPRODUCTS
What’s New in the World of Fishing?
REEL ADVENTURES & REEL WEAR
Built-in StructureScan® HD sonar imaging, plus award-winning Broadband Sounder® with DownScan Overlay™ and TrackBack™ feature. The ultimate fish-and structure-finding display. www.lowrance.com/find
New to the retail market, check out Leanne Dixon’s (‘Wahoo Woman’ to F.Netter’s) new project; Reel Adventures. Leanne’s kindly donated some cool gear – check out the Readers pix section to get in the draw.
Personalised or optional Navionics® charts. View both at once in 3D perspective view, plus StructureMap™ and Broadband Radar™ capability. www.lowrance.com/navigate
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
PREVIEW THE NEW HDS GEN2 TOUCH AT LO W R A N C E . C O M
OKUMA ‘NANOTECH’ RODS From Okuma: Latest technology resins and carbon make up this stunning blank resulting in a light, powerful and amazingly sensitive rod. Accompanied with the best Fuji components available, this rod is ideal for soft bait casting and even stray-line fishing.
www.enl.co.nz
www.nzfisher.co.nz 21
regionalREVIEWS
Wellington
fishing well for Spotted Sharks, Red Cod and Kahawai with a few large
Source: Steve’s Fishing Shop
Conger Eels thrown in to test your
Shore Report
knots and gear. South Coast West of Devils Gate has yet to really fire, having said that there are Moki being caught with the largest being a lovely condition 5.12kg specimen caught by Gary Whittaker of the Wellington Surfcasting And Angling Club.
Boat Report Well it is that time of year when it all starts to happen – YEHA! November and December can be such an exciting time of year to fish as often the larger fish start to show up before the big runs of smaller fish, Kingfish and Snapper most notably. Pukerua Bay south down to Pipanui Point have been producing good number of Snapper with Big Bay just south of Pukerua Bay being my preferred location for consistent fishing for Snapper – and berley is a must. A simple berley system is not hard to make, yet is the most important fishing tool in your boat. Not only for Snapper but all fish, it is your way of advertising where your baited hooks are. Kingfish are being caught at the
The fishing is getting better by the
usual places, Hunters Bank - North, and
week in the Harbour as the weather
Kapiti and inside ledges around Kapiti,
is improving and the temperature is
jigging being the most popular fishing
warming up. There have been some
method. For those of us who are into
really nice Trevally caught up to 3.5
jig fishing – live baiting or trolling lures
kg, and the best areas for these fish are Kau Point and Point Gordon.
East Coast fishing has been excellent
works well too.
with good numbers and sized Gurnard
The water temperature on the West
being taken, as well as Moki and
coast has not really cranked up yet but
Spotted Sharks. A popular spot has
there are really good numbers of fish
been Castle Point, reef Gurnard
out there despite the still cooler waters.
fishing can be spectacular at times off
Trolling lures like Berkley Monster bib
here. Pictured is James Bennie with
lures rigged with a daisy chain of squid
a nice Moki and four Gurnard. The
lures in front of the lure is hard to beat.
Moki 100 Fishing Competition was a
The action of the lure brings the squids
huge success with a number of fish
alive, making for an irresistible lure.
caught and near perfect conditions.
South Coast. Inshore Tarakihi and Blue
Everyone had a great time and a
Cod fishing has been good on most of
good catch up at this enjoyable event.
the reefs, Arabella Rock, and Western
The eventual winner was Eddie Ski
Ledge have fished well along with
Snapper numbers are on the increase
from the Wellington Surfcasting And
Lyall Bay and Fitzroy Bay for Gurnard
as well, with one angler catching a
Angling Club with a 3.8 kg Moki. Well
on the sand. Spiny Dogfish numbers
brace of 2 kg fish at Miramar, these
done Eddie, your shout for the boys
are declining which makes fishing for
are only two of a number we have
next weigh in me thinks! Tight lines,
Gurnard a lot more fun, try anchoring
heard of. Big schools of small Kahawai
enjoy the start of the summer fishing
in 20 – 30 metres of water, use Flasher
are around too with a couple of small
and catch heaps.
Rigs with fillet baits of Trevally or fresh
Kingfish being taken on Spinners.
Felix
Kahawai, these baits or well or even a
My top tip for fishing these areas are - use strips of fresh Squid bait, and be very attentive to your rod tips as Trevally often are very subtle in their bait taking and will gently suck the bait into their mouths. This will barely move your rod tip so be on the lookout for tiny movements. A good rig to use is Kiwi Tackle 3/0 Lumo Lime Tarakihi 3 Hook Ledger Rig this is also a great rig for Trevally and Gurnard, who are attracted to the luminous squids.
The South Coast. Palliser Bay has been
22 www.nzfisher.co.nz
jig will out fish bait at times.
regionalREVIEWS Often I will use a second rod with 24kg
As usual we get mixed reports on
is 5 Mile Reef. You just don’t know
line and 2 x 10/0 hooks on a ledger rig
best Bluenose baits, bait versus jigs.
what you will catch, big Blue Cod,
with 100 to 150lb mono trace, a good
Jig fisho’s are doing well but so are
Tarakihi, Groper and Trumpeter can all
rig to use is Steve’s Pro Angler 3 Hook
the bait fisho’s. It makes good sense
be caught here along with just about
Special Groper Rig which I make myself.
to me if one is not working try the
anything else. When fishing 5 Mile
On the hooks I use whole fish i.e. Jack
other, but always keep both options
I prefer to anchor a couple of hours
Mackerel I take out with me to use, or
available to you. Groper this time of
before high or low tide in around 60 –
use whole Tarakihi that I catch out there
year do fish well, but the Bluenose
as Groper and yes, big Kingfish, will be
fishing is so good that most anglers
looking for easy prey like whole fish, this
are targeting the Bluenose.
80 metres as this reef can be very tidal. It makes it hard to berley so unless there are small tides, I don’t bother. Rigs should be strong and hardy 5-8/0 hooks tied on 80 – 100 lb mono. Bait
also works well on the outer ledge at Hunters Bank and all the reefs.
Now is one of the best times of the year to go fishing, make sure you
should be firm Squid or fish fillet i.e.
Out wide in Cook Strait Bluenose
make the effort to get out there. If you
Trevally works very well as it is a firm
have been very good not only in
need a hand with advice, just get in
oily bait. 15 or 24 kg line on your reel
good numbers but also in size with
touch; see you out there doing it!
will handle most fish you hook here.
many a 10kg plus fish being caught.
Steve.
The Hauraki Report Source: Espresso www.catch.org.nz Damo from Charter Connection has
schools with attendance from
remained unreported. Burley up for
a few words on what’s been going
snapper, kingfish, sharks and much,
a couple of hours on the incoming
on in the Gulf.
much more! Everything is in full flight.
tide, late arvo/evening – some big boys to over 20lbs may destroy your
New Beginnings
Where to go
toys! Use the right gear and you
Spring sprang and all that comes
Most snapper have not entered
stand a chance, don’t and you won’t.
w
w
One of my favourite spots on this coast
with it has already happened, oh so
the inner Waitemata channels
quickly, the local version of Swan
quite yet, a bit of a stall in their
What tackle?
Lake typifies the season’s changes
inwards progression recently has
What you use is very much
and delight that accompanies the
held large schools of snapper in
dependant on where you wish to
big winter shake-off. From now
the 30m depths right around the
fish – personally I prefer to fish out
on it is all on, in fact it already has
entire gulf. This depth is also where
in the Hauraki Gulf drift fishing. The
been for a few weeks – I would have
there are large pilchard schools
most common question I get asked
reported earlier but I’ve been too
funnily enough. Some of the larger
is where are the fish i.e. a sure fire
busy catching fish!
snapper specimens have sneakily
Spot X, but with the workup hunting
Spring urged an entire fish migration
swum into the waters’ edge for
Spot X is misleading at best. Workup
early enough again this year,
some close quarters action, so land
style fishing requires attention, fast
perhaps even two weeks earlier than
based fishing or tiny tinnies come
action, speed and a
last year, of many of the fish we so
into their own now around the gulf’s
full tank of fuel, as well as good
fondly love – and they’re now in
borders. Many successful fishing
observation, as Spot X’s rise and
Push-Play mode.
evenings have been had with bait
fall in a matter of minutes – that’s
It’s game-on out there, every day
‘n burley sessions backed into a
why it’s so exciting, and rewarding!
somewhere there are outstanding
reefy area around one of the many
If the fast and furious way of fishing
sights and sounds of whales,
islands in the gulf judging by reports
isn’t you, there are fortunately many
w dolphins, gannets, shearwaters
on the Fishing Website forums, but
more ways to fillet a fish or three.
smashing into pilchard and mackerel
also from what I’ve heard that has
Some excellent are results to be had
www.nzfisher.co.nz 23
regionalREVIEWS
Hauraki Report cont. by simply going out into the gulf
biting’ and catching your limit.
Gulf change like the weather,
(avoiding the no-fishing zones) and
King of Fish
and if you’re lucky enough to be
anchoring , drop the burley to a metre
Just a little thought into
out there when these boats race
off the bottom and use bait or softies
targeting them can easily result
into view, well....wow! The sheer
or lures. Simple and highly effective
in an exciting and eye-opening
exhilaration of these boats has to
with the snapper swimming in large
experience for all anglers as there
be seen to be believed – oh and
schools all around the waterways
are some excellent numbers
give these guys plenty of room...
and they’re keen on feeding at the
out there. One of my favourite
they can easily travel at 30-40 kts
moment. Breeding is just starting and
methods is to use metal jigs by the
and turn on a dime i.e. much faster
can preoccupy the fish for many hours
pilchard bait schools...snapper are
than many powerboats.
at a time, but when they bite, they are
a side effect, oh the hardships in
So really in my mind it is all about
very aggressive.
life ay?! Use your sounder to find
how you want to catch fish now
Lots of bigger healthy snapper in
the mid-water bait, and the surface
that spring/summer is here. What
the 10-15lb weight class/65-75cm
bird activity.
methods, tackle and place do you
long like this one now, and the
Whale Tales
want to be to catch your bounty?
great thing about this Websites
Superb natural wonders are on
And what type of fish? Snapper are
measuring (and competition) is
display every single day out there,
great but so are trevally, kingfish,
that you don’t have to kill the fish,
truly National Geographic stuff,
dory, mackerel, kahawai, gurnard...
just a quick picture on a the wet
check out this Brydes Whale at
oh and there’s scallops to gather,
measurer and they’re good to
close quarters, this is not zoomed
mussels, even a few crayfish close
keep swimming like this one did if
in! Feeding on Pilchard schools
enough to Auckland if you’re a
you choose, brilliant.
gives rise to absolute mayhem and
diver, variety is definitely the spice
A key note for drift fishing the gulf,
a mad dash of all creatures to eat
of life.
ANY surface life or activity – drop a
or be eaten, the intensity certainly
When all said and done, we have
line, even when your sounder says
amps the adrenaline!
a magic playground right on our
nothing. Snapper are flooding in,
The pilchards have been on the
doorstep and now is the time
4m deep schools on the sea floor at
big muster, rounded up for a tasty
to enjoy it. All within easy reach
times, swimming up several metres to
treat by all and sundry, a primary
for everyone young and young
take lures – so try a slow retrieve up
reason why pilchard bait and soft
at heart. Forget the beanies, it’s
10m or more when in 30m deep, it’s
plastics like this Catch Bleeding
time for sunscreen, swimming and
that time again when they like being
Pilchard are being used with such
watching the rod bend over under
teased with something they could
great success (this being one of my
strain of a big fish on your line.
miss out on..trust me it can make the
personal favourites naturally).
Simply....enjoy.
difference between ‘the fish weren’t
The sights and sounds of the
Bay of Plenty Source: Rick Pollock. www.Pursuit.co.nz Some decent weather, a nice warming trend and changes is the fishing throughout – that’s what late spring should be about and this one
both air and water.
Inshore Well, it had to happen and finally the
to good, consistent results for weeks – make that months – its hit the skids right throughout over the past fortnight. Snapper, in particular, have
is finally conforming to that idiom.
near-shore arena followed suit with
felt the downturn more acutely with
With only a week to go till summer,
the other more distant areas – that
heretofore reliable places like Matata
one would hope for warming temps –
is hit the doldrums. After reasonable
failing big time. With the collapse
24 www.nzfisher.co.nz
regionalREVIEWS
of the snapper fishery, many have
very poor with shallow water species
turned to both terakihi and gurnard
only marginally better. Not sure what
under duress but with good results
the deal is with terakihi and their
overall. Plenty of anglers on the water
cohorts is but they are certainly well
are good to see but the productivity
below expectations. To get a feed
has been disappointing. Will this
one needs to work hard and get
change? Undoubtedly! When?
lucky. A few small bluenose in the
Probably very soon.
deep saves the day.
Offshore
Ranfurly Bank
at the end of the line – taking all
Some interesting happenings out
Plenty going on here, again
manner of baits and techniques.
at the smokey isle, mainly centred
mainly centred around kingis. In
around kingfish. Depending upon
an anticipated move, these prime
the day, this fishery can be absolutely
fish have finally moved into the
wide open or nonexistent! While
shallows after a no show there all
artificial are yielding their fair share
spring. Some days now resemble a
of fish, the quality continues to come
battlefield on top of the Bank with all
to bait – mainly live mackerel. Many
manner of birds wheeling and diving
fish are good size and condition as
with kingfish driving bait to the
we approach their annual spawning
surface in explosive strikes. While
period. In saying this, there remains a
most are small, there’s a true cross
reasonable number of slabby fish as
section of sizes available including
well which definitely goes against the
some huge trophy fish. Stickbaits, jigs
Warning
and bait are all attracting attention.
Since the introduction of Telecom’s
With a good number in the 20’s,
3G network, we have lost a huge
some fish stand out.
amount of our former coverage.
20kgs (a real barrel) countered by a
No less than three 40 kilo fish have
In some places it’s in excess of
119cm fish which went 16! With water
been taken including two matching
50% - hard to believe in this age
eclipsing 17 degrees C now we’ll be
46 kilo monsters. Both were sling
of technology. In short we’ve been
looking forward to 18 which should
weighed and released again. One
sold a pup and it’s now a dangerous
trigger that spawning response.
of these deserves special mention.
situation as far as safety is
73 year old American angler Walt
concerned. Remember Coastguards
Jeffrey came to NZ with the hope
everywhere want you to have three
of a fish of his lifetime – he wasn’t
forms of communication. Heretofore
disappointed!
cell phones were an integral part
suspected trend. A good example of this disparity was two recent catches: a 106cm fish which went nearly
Some of the retained females show quite ripe roe so can’t be far off now. While a fair few are over 25k’s and even 30, the whopper of the week went to 74 year old visiting
One defining aspect of this catch
American angler Phil Lambert.
was the bait – a lowly yellow eyed
On a blustery day complete with two metre swells and genuine 30 knot westerly winds, Phil outlasted his fish of a lifetime. After being sling weighed and photographed, the 39 kilo horse gladly swam off into the depths to hopefully spawn and torture more anglers in the future.
mullet, aka sprat! Ya just never know!! Not really known as a trophy fish bait!! Bottom fishing is far less vibrant and even hard work some
the situation. Back near East Cape the snapper are going off, sometimes two at a time. While not big (5kgs max) they are lovely fish in the prime of their lives. These one to three kilo average fish couldn’t be better eating plus give a good representation of themselves
Summary Not far to go to the “official” start of summer, always a month early as far as I’m concerned. So nice to feel some warmth and a distinct lack of wind. Thinking gamefish? Not yet to be perfectly honest. Expecting a little wind over the next few days after a full week of near perfect weather. Till next week ...
of that trio but now makes VHF radio more important than ever. Will things improve? We’re flatly told no – unbelievable! If a viable alternative shows up there will be a massive migration away from Telecom.
days. Hapuka and bass are on the
And finally….
small side with few over 20kgs.
“PURSUIT” has unexpectedly had
Making a mockery of that was one
two cancellations for its northern/
lonely bass at a stupendous 65k’s
Three Kings season, both in prime
– taken on a jig no less. Noticeably
times. The last five days of April and
Other fisheries are not nearly as
increased commercial longlining in
May 11-15 are available if anyone
viable with deep water continuing
the area certainly can’t be helping
may be interested.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 25
VIDEO
Fishing Video of the Month Despite an increased awareness of overfishing, the majority of people still know very little about the scale of the destruction being wrought on the oceans. This film presents an unquestionable case for why overfishing needs to end and shows that there is still an opportunity for change. Through reform of the EU‘s Common Fisheries Policy, fisheries ministers and members of the European Parliament can end overfishing. http://vimeo.com/42619545 And....for something a bit lighter – check out this Rooster fish caught from the shore, somewhere in the States.
26 www.nzfisher.co.nz
NEXTmonth regionalREVIEWS
f sher IN NEXT MONTH’S NZ FISHER • The best of Summer Snapper fishing • Finishing your new rod • Checking in with the new Lowrance HDS-7 Touch
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