ISSUE 27 September 2013
Champagne Fishing – Shore Boys on the Water Kiwis at the 2013 Offshore World Champs Congratulations to our Hooked Up prize winner for Issue #27! www.nzfisher.co.nz 1
A NEW OKUMA BABY IS BORN Visit okumafishing.co.nz facebook.com/borntofishnz
2 www.nzfisher.co.nz
editorial
Pg 6
CONTENTS
SPORTFISHING 6 Champagne & Fishing – What Did I Miss?
20
COMPETITIONFISHING 10 The World Offshore Champs 2013 LANDBASEDFISHING 12 Bucket List Time in the Far North Part 2 – CMvD BOATFISHING 18 Monster Snapper Snared in Auckland LOCAlFISHING 20 Fish your feet first SPORTFISHING 22 Fishing & Diving in Vanuatu 26 30
Reader Pics Competition
KAYAKFISHING 32 So You Want to Fish from a Kayak? HOWTO
12
34
What Knot & Why?
GEARREVIEW 35 Jiggy’s Jigheads Tackle Review
Pg 36
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18/6/2013 8:58:44 AM
editorial
//From the
EDITOR
ABOUT /
In the middle of August I’m having
as many northern fishers have already
the pleasure of sitting at my desk in
experienced. The beach fishing in
shorts and a tee, smelling the flowers
Northland has been great, with a few
of spring and the salt air on the breeze
15lb plus Snapper taken off Ninety
– and it’s August! It’s possibly the
Mile beach this month and as the
beginning of a wonderful spring, or just
landbased fly guys in Auckland have
a teaser to get our minds off the fact
been finding unbelievable patches of
that it’s the middle of winter. I cannot
EDITOR / Derrick Paull
fish on the inner Islands. Seeing what
help but draw the comparison with the
ART DIRECTOR / Jodi Olsson
our Scottish-Kiwi contributor Aaron
Ministry of Primary Industry and their
CONTENT ENQUIRIES /
has been landing recently, the Snapper
Minister’s most recent, public back
Phone Derrick on 021 629 327
fishing in the outer Hauraki has been
down on the Snapper 1 issue.
or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz
out of character for August too.
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES /
We’re presented with the unthinkable,
The fish are biting hard most of the
a possible bag limit reduction to three Snapper per person. But wait! The Minister tells media halfway through the consultation period that it’s unlikely that there will be such significant cuts (“Snapper back-down on the cards”, as one headline in the print media read). Do we feel a triumph on the cards? Well, only time will tell, but I cannot help but feel this is a false
day, but they’re in tightly concentrated schools that are easy to run off when you find them. Also, check out Mark Kitteridge and his enormous kingfish landed with the Epic Adventures guys in late July. That is a serious fish and from what I’m told, the biggest landed onboard Epic so far. Well done Mark and the Epic team!
dawn – the fight must continue if
As always, get a line in the water –
we want to know our fisheries can
you won’t catch anything with your
be secured for future generations.
rod parked in the garage!
As far as spring goes, the fishing has
Tight lines,
been extremely ‘spring like’ already
Derrick
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.
Phone Richard on 09 522 7257 or email richardl@espiremedia.com ADDRESS / NZ Fisher, C/- Espire Media, PO Box 137162, Parnell, Auckland 1151, NZ WEBSITE / www.NZFisher.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!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 5
SPORTDfishing
Fish of a lifetime!
Champagne & Fishing – What Did I Miss? By Andrew Evans
SPORTfishing
e Getting the best out of the littl
ones!
Place worthy!
THE CHAMPAGNE CRICKET CLUB is
Papillon. Jared came up with a third
have been so keen to get them
a club like no other, founded on the
option, the Boat show won Stabi
that the quest can overshadow the
history of men who enjoyed cricket,
craft who went to…we named this
moment. But this weekend wasn’t
champagne and socializing in the
Gaybi, as in Gold Stabi. Mostly out of
really about us, we both had crew
late 60’s. It is now being carried on
jealousy as we didn’t win it.
that although keen, were very much
by a mix of ex Westlake and Rosmini
Arriving on the first night, the
graduates in their late 20’s (two
Speights flowed and we didn’t really
None of my crew had even stray lined
schools with a fierce sporting rivalry).
realize when it turned into rum. The
before, so it would be a mixture of
The CCC enjoy the twilight and indoor
reports were of good Snapper in
fishing a few baits and helping out
forms of the game, only we don’t
close; classic winter fishing and bait
the lads so we could all have a good
want to embarrass the Black Caps
and burley on the cards. After retiring
time and ultimately win the comp! It
you see, so a good proportion of the
far too late, the call was made for a
was all on.
club enjoy fishing. In late June the
late start.
challenge was set for a Westlake vs. Rosmini fishing show down.
new to this level of fishing.
As we left the Tutukaka ramp, we
We awoke rusty to a brisk southerly
steamed up around the coastline
and a 2-3m swell hitting the coast; not
to find a likely looking area. The
Scrapper came up with the idea,
the best conditions, so the call was
place is filthy with fishing potential
and we were to base ourselves
made to go for a surf and wash away
and the opportunities for greatness
in Ngunguru at his family’s beach
the cobwebs. After this we checked
are endless. We both settled within
house. There was a loose itinerary
the conditions again and again but
sight of each other in shallow water,
laid down with bottles of rum for the
hangovers and Speights prevailed. To
Papillon a little wider in 10 m but
biggest Snapper, Kingfish and Most
be fair it didn’t look amazing though
there was foul everywhere and it was
Memorable catch. With pride being
and we had two full days. Don’t worry
great Snapper territory. The burley
the biggest prize of all.
we do get on the water, this is a fishing
was sent in and rigs were prepared.
mag after all! So, once we settled
The very first bait thrown in by G
down and put the funnel away, the plan
smashed by a respectable pannie, it
was made for a 5:30 am start...
was looking good. A quick VHF call
was to get better over the three
We awoke to two boats covered in
between boats determined that both
days, so day one we were to let
ice! We loaded up and got everything
of the Matt’s were feeling a little
the wind die out with a potential
in order. Although Scrapper and I
under the weather, so we weren’t
afternoon Stray line, day two would
have done a fair bit of fishing, we
going to run out of burley!
be Snapper sessions along Tutukaka
both have had the dream fish of over
coast and day three out to the reefs
20lb elude us. I have come close off
surrounding the Poor Knights to chase
the far north bricks with one 19lber
kingfish. There were two boats to be
and Scrapper more so with multiple
We found ourselves heading north from Auckland with a cold southerly heading up the country. The forecast
used; Rosmini was equipped with a
19lbers. So close!
We had a stream of small fish, and a one up to the 50 cm mark so the bin was no longer vacant. No big runs had really started, however that was about to change. I had cleaned out
Buccaneer billfisher named Strayliner,
We spoke on our last trip up north
the freezer before I left and along with
and Westlake on my new boat, a 6.1
about the quest for 20lbers often
a Skippy and an old flounder, I had an
m fibreglass centre console named
overshadowing good trips, as we
XOS jack Mack.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 7
SPORTfishing
Big Snapper I have seen in the past often look old and ragged, but this fish was in its prime, big and broad the only blemish what looked like an old spear wound by its dorsal. Gee, I was glad the spearo missed this fish. not wanting to jinx anything, only telling the boys to get the lines in and concentrating on the job at hand. Getting line in when I could, as the days. ’s fell both ot and PB h s a w p The com
Having set the boys up for now,
fish tired I began to make ground and I could feel the weight of it, heavy!
her back in the water, after a kiss on the head of course. Holding the fish for a while till she re-gathered her
waiting for colour… and I soon saw it
powerfully she swam off. I couldn’t
and it was big and red!
really believe it, I had no expectation
good bit off the body of the XOS
a tense moment it was directed into
Mackie and attached it to two 10/0
the net - just fitting. The first thing I
hooks and cast out with the 6500
noticed was the tail and the wrist of it.
baitrunner. Waiting, I felt it settle on
Big and powerful, the fish was lifted
the bottom. I was about to reposition
onto the deck.
it in the water column, when the bait
Shouting and high fiveing ensured. I
runner took off with an absolutely
was elated, knowing this was definitely
screaming run.
my first 20lber and it looked well over!
The instinct to strike was quelled
This was the biggest Snapper I had
from my past experiences of
ever seen, when I saw the hook was in
dropping fish during big runs. “Let
the lip and the great condition of the
him have it”, I told myself. It was a
fish there was no doubt in my mind,
considering it wasn’t stopping.
quick photos with the fish before I set
strength it was two kicks of the tail and
The boys started hollering and after
this fish had sucked it right down
I was ecstatic and proceeded to have
After a few minutes of this I was
I decided to take the head and a
big bait but I had the feeling that
Not only over 20lb but over 25lb.
it was going back. Big Snapper I have seen in the past often look old and ragged, but this fish was in its prime, big and broad the only blemish what
of a fish like that on this trip, and it was safe to say the swans (Westlake) will be hard to beat in the Snapper stakes! I had a Speights to calm the nerves and take it in. Finally I had done it and could now relax knowing I had a trophy Snapper to my name. The beauty for the lads was that now I had clocked Snapper fishing, I happily became the deck hand and so tied knots, taught lessons on bait presentation, letting the fish run and striking fish. The boys did well, there was the odd bust off but we got in a stream of nice eaters, one of my baits later in the day bought in another 10 lber. Another good fish.
With adrenaline pumping like it
looked like an old spear wound by
We were considering heading out in
does when you are about to strike,
its dorsal. Gee I was glad the spear
search of a kingfish but the wind was
I cranked the handle and struck. It
missed this fish.
around that 15 knot mark and still
came up tight but the line didn’t slow down… it kept charging at full speed! A slight increase in drag only saw me pulled off balance. Finally it slowed, allowing a few pump and winds, before it took off again. My initial thought was kingi. But it couldn’t be. I got nervous. It slowed again and we got into a dog fight. I am fairly quiet when on a good fish,
8 www.nzfisher.co.nz
I rushed the boys with the goal of release in mind “Matt get water in the big livie tank”, which was soon filled, and the Snapper put in. Cameras were readied and the digital scales sorted out. It was when I lifted her out I realized the weight, I fixed her on the scales with G and I watching them settle on and around the 11.5kg mark!
swell around, so we decided to leave that till tomorrow and wrapped up the Snapper session to return to the pad and compare fish and stories. Rosmini were very congratulatory on my fish and looked at the photos. On looking in their bin they had a great day also, with three Snapper around the 15 lb mark to three different anglers and a good bag of fish for a feed.
SPORTfishing
It had been a classic winter’s day for the crews, tentative bites and the occasional big Snapper every other hour. We settled into a relaxed night with hot smoked Snapper heads, a good roast and a few beverages. The Matt’s both worse for wear after a long day at sea, both guilty of a spit over the side. I couldn’t stop grinning like an idiot and prompting everyone
him to hold it up for a few snaps. The fish was weighed, bled and put in the bin, and I turn to see Rosmini hooked up, (had they called in divine intervention, will those days of bible study pay off?). No, it was a smaller rat and was returned, we are looking good. The call was made to give it another 30 minutes.
for one more drink, but no one could
That was when the old Joey, the
finish watching Aus beat the Lions in
hunter on team Rosmini decides to
game two and it was off to bed for an
have a little flutter with an Inchiku.
early start.
Well it paid off, the smaller jig enticing
We awoke again to a crisp calm morning, ice needing to be scraped
the smaller kings that were obviously around. He was hooked up and after a good scrap on Snapper gear a king,
with the result. That Snapper was a
around the same size as ours was put
magnificent fish, will be very hard to
in the boat. It was going to be close.
top and what’s better is that it is still
Westlake would have four jigs in the
After that with sore arms and
out there charging around, growing
water, could it make the difference?
shoulders Rosmini decided on heading
bigger, making babies and perhaps
We steamed the 45 minutes out to the
in to the mainland so the Matt’s could
one day being a 30lber to be caught!
local kingi joint and both boats circling
go for a dive. We searched for any
and searching for sign of balled up
other likely looking kingi territory
bait and kingfish. It wasn’t there, “errr,
around the place, went for a quick
Auckland, all of us agreeing that this
this looks ok have a drop here”, was
Snapper jig, both to no avail. We met
was to be an annual event. Scrapper
going to be etched into my brain as I
up with the lads as they finished their
is expecting a child in the coming
said it over and over. The fish had to
dive. Steaming back into Toots the
months, so the next one maybe a
be there but their mouths were shut
final day was a wrap and targeting
family affair! Thanks needs to go to
tight. We had been jigging for over
kings in winter needs a bit more
two hours now, really should have got
thought it seems. It was to be a quick
some livies I thought.
turn-around as the admin associated
off the boats again. Launching with haste, team Rosmini was down a member due to Grandma’s birthday,
It was about11am when we finally had a breakthrough. None of the
with any big fishing trip ensued. There was cleaning and packing and dump
With that we started the trip back to
him for organizing a great weekend, well done! Also to your sometimes Editor and self-proclaimed land based guru, Forsyth, thanks for the lend of
trips and more cleaning and before
your wagon.
the filleting, a weigh in.
For me it is another fishing goal ticked
the first fish. Never having caught a
The kings as I said were small; ours
off; the next one a big Kingfish! I have
king before he thought he was on the
had pulled the scales to 7.7kg with
introduced a couple more friends to
bottom and I heard a yell of “what
Joeys visibly bigger at 8.5kg. Their
the passion we all share in fishing, they
do I do?!” I turn and see the rod kick,
rat trumped ours, Rosmini was saved
“Pump and wind!”, I yell. He fought
embarrassment. Scrapper awarded
the fish to the boat, I could tell it
me for my catch with biggest Snapper
wasn’t massive, but a king rose about
and Most Memorable catch going to
85cm right in Rossmini’s face. Could
Westlake for my 25.5lb Snapper.
lads had done much jigging, but it was G cranking the spin set who had
Westlake have a clean sweep?
I really thought Most Memorable
Gareth was stoked and surprised by
catch could have gone to Evan for
the strength of the fish; tired, I got
catching two sea birds, but was happy
are hooked and may be expecting a 20lb+ Snapper to come aboard every trip… little do they know it took me four years of targeting big Snappers to get that fish. They can find reality out the ‘hard’ way!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 9
competitionFISHING
The World Offshore Champs 2013 Hard fighting kiwis from Tonga to Costa Rica By the Cockpit Cowboys My good friend Pete the Panel
So when they won the Tongan
beater has been telling me
International again in 2012 it was with
about his international game
trepidation that they decided to head
fishing trips for years and finally
to Costa Rica. At $9800USD to enter,
he let me see the photos.
the costs are pretty high for anyone,
It seemed immediately that Pete might actually be telling the truth, which in fishing circles is a rare and beautiful thing! Pete’s great fishing mate, Mike Wood, has been fishing the Tongan International for 12 years and when they won in 2010 fishing
10 www.nzfisher.co.nz
but as good Kiwis do, they saved hard, bribed their wives and made a plan to get some real fishing done this time. Their name this year was ‘Salty Dogs’ and the Salty Dogs earned their stripes with some great sailfish and Mahi-mahi captures during the tournament.
aboard ‘Levenuella’ they decided
The team is made up of four
to go through and fish the World
members, Tony Smith, David Swan,
Offshore champs in Cabo San Luca, on
Mike Wood and Peter Lineham.
the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula.
All are keen fishers, but travelling
Their 2011 WOFC trip was fun, but
halfway around the world to fish
the fishing hard – bordering on
for species we don’t even see
boring, they tell me.
in New Zealand is tough.
competitionFISHING
The tournament format sees teams
and their luck changed immediately.
enough fish landed by the boys and
draw their daily boats and skipper
All four members of the crew landed
they faded to mid pack.
from a ballot, this evens the field a
sailfish that day while Pete and Mike
little, but there’s no substitute for
landed two each and saw a bunch
To even make the grade to win entry
experience as the local US and central
more. Team Salty Dogs were the top
is a huge achievement; we’re stoked
Pacific teams took an early lead. Day
ranked team on Day two – outclassing
to see they got some great fish and
one for the Salty Dogs involved a lot
all others and putting themselves in
of trolling and only one sailfish (other
the mix for the final day.
teams landed 6 – 8).
had a ball. You can see some of their fishing highlights here.
Day three, while eventful (they were
On day two they drew Spanish Fly,
surrounded by a huge pod of ‘Spinner
Well done Team Salty Dogs, what a
a very successful boat on day one,
Dolphins’ at one point), didn’t see
great trip!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 11
LANDBASEDfishing
Bucket List Time in the Far North Part 2 – CMvD Cape Maria van Diemen – in a Dinghy? By Forsyth Thompson
AS WE GOT DOWN towards Maria
know what likes eating Kahawai! The
We finally decided on some awesome
we could see a couple of boats fishing
current running through was pretty
looking ledges just inside the Cape,
off the back of the island, and it wasn’t
strong, and even if we had been
parked the boat up, did the big
long before we saw one and then the
allowed to land on the island (NB
unload and started getting into it. As
second hooked up into what looked
you’re not!), we couldn’t see how we’d
always the rule is that no-one fishes till
like good solid fish. Fair to say the
get an anchor to hold in the sand with
all the rods are setup, and before this
excitement levels were going up!
enough pressure to get the bungee
starts, the berley goes in the water.
Whenever we go and fish somewhere
anchor system working.
With live bait rods, popper rods and
new, I like to take a bit of time and have a look around the area; you just never know when you’ll get a chance to come back.
The south-facing side of the island was still getting the SW swell but it looked much rockier and deeper, and exactly the kind of place you’d want to
Snapper and livey-catching gear, by the time we’re done, the berley is always pumping and often we’ll get 5-6kg fish chewing on the bag and nailed first cast.
The north side of the island goes
fish if you could! Coming back round
straight onto sand, and only a few
the island we ran through the channel
This time Andrew was first in the water
metres deep. Everywhere we looked
separating it from the mainland and the
with a bait and it was only a matter of
in the clear water were Kahawai,
current was absolutely racing through,
minutes, maybe not even that long,
massive numbers of them, and we
creating standing waves at one end.
and he was into a solid fish that set off
12 www.nzfisher.co.nz
LANDBASEDfishing
Evans & Will
Trevally e Far North s with a prim Andrew Evan
on a heavy run. But within less than
By now the Kahawai were everywhere
baits or livies. There are few things
another minute it was over and he’d
and all three of us were swimming
more frustrating for LBG fishermen than
been utterly dealt to by what looked
livies and watching them with
this, but when they’re not in the mood
for all money to be a big Snapper.
apprehension. Having had a few
and you’ve tried everything, there’s not
Quick retie, filthy big bait and the
legal kings, but no big ones, we were
much else to do.
exact same thing was repeated. This
hopeful this was going to be our shot.
one, if anything, seemed even bigger,
The next thing we know Andrew is
and I genuinely thought he might be
shouting and pointing at what was
into his first 20, and then it ended in disaster in the same way. Shit, these west coast Snapper weren’t messing around: Two massive hook-ups followed by two complete hidings and Andrew was getting schooled!
pretty much just a hole in the ocean as far as we could see! Big shark apparently – Will and I frankly didn’t pay much notice, figuring it was just a regular bronzie.
Then one, then two of our balloons came tearing into the ledge and then across in front of us and it was my turn to do the pointing/shouting thing: behind them was by far the biggest bronzie I’d ever seen: top of its tail sticking what looked like nearly a full meter out of the water and the bulk
Naturally as fishing mates Will and I
We’d had a few decent Snapper by this
of it looking like a family-sized car as
were supportive and offered plenty
point but no sign of a king when two
it cruised past and just inhaled one
of encouragement. Well that’s how I
turned up at once, buzzing everything
of the unlucky baits. As it took off
remember it anyway.
but refusing to take poppers, stickbaits,
and felt the resistance it went crazy,
www.nzfisher.co.nz 13
LANDBASEDfishing
right there in front of us, and whilst there was never a chance in a million of landing it, it was something to see. Again and again as it turned out, from memory the same fish had four of our livebaits throughout the day and Will (who has done a lot of game fishing) called it for an easy 200kg+. I couldn’t even guesstimate at the size but I’ve seen a lot of sharks including some big makos and threshers, and this was way, way up there on
our shark but one seriously grumpy
spent probably another 5-10 minutes
the scale. An extraordinary sight
king. I was on the same gear I’d got
before we made the call to keep it
and a reminder that we really were
the 20kg one at E Cape not long
and put a gaff into it. At only around
somewhere just a little bit different.
previously, and this fish was giving
13kg it was no monster at all, but the
Strangely, this huge resident shark,
me a much harder time. No question
fight it put up on an Everol 50 with
even in feeding mode, didn’t kill
I had PB in my mind as I tried to get
37kg was absolutely ridiculous for a
the fishing off and we had plenty of
it in close enough for a gaff shot. We
fish its size. Obviously they just breed
Snapper although no monsters and
finally got a look at the fish and it was
them tougher out on the west coast!
then finally the ratchet went off on my
clearly nothing like the size of the last
The rest of the day passed with a
livies set and this was definitely not
one but it was still going hard and we
few more Snapper, a couple of kings
14 www.nzfisher.co.nz
LANDBASEDfishing
Layng in to the
fish of the day
sighted but not hooked and a few
one, I lost one, and we saw some
standing was pretty cool and we had
more sharkings for Andrew.
significantly bigger ones cruising the
one in the bag for sashimi.
No trevs had shown up until later
berley. But with such a crazy number
None of us wanted to leave but there
in the day as we started dumping
of Kahawai in attendance, we just
was no way on earth we were going to
all the leftover bait and we had
couldn’t get baits to them. Still,
round the Cape in the dark, so despite
them coming right up to the ledge
the sight of huge west coast trevs
the Snapper bite coming back on in
taking baits. Andrew got a good 4kg
within a rod length of where we were
a really serious way, we just had to
www.nzfisher.co.nz 15
LANDBASEDfishing Out of the sun they saw us
Rounding the cape
The be ach kis ses the ocean
do the sensible thing. I can’t imagine
absolutely special and one I genuinely
just didn’t matter in the slightest.
there’s a fish on earth that would
won’t forget.
Sometimes you need to remember
make me think that Reinga in a 3.5m
We’d finished three days in the Far
that the truly great trips don’t always
boat would be ok in the dark! Like
North with a trip I never thought I’d
have to be the ones with the biggest
the first two days, we’d not cracked
be able to do in the little stabi, and
any PBs and we’d not actually caught
fish; getting out and having real
we’d had some awesome adventures
any really big fish, but the experience
and seen some amazing things. So
we’d had (even just getting there),
we’d got no PBs and really hadn’t
and the country we’d fished had been
landed any monsters at all, but it
16 www.nzfisher.co.nz
adventures with great mates will always keep me coming back.
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 17
boatFISHING
IF YOU WANT TO catch that fish of a life time, you need to get out of Auckland right? Not necessarily. Whangaparaoa resident Tony Hurley not only caught the fish of his life time in June, he caught the fish that nearly every Auckland boat owner is after, and he did it within sight of the Sky Tower. At 34lb 4 ounces (15.54 kg) and 95 cm long, Tony’s Snapper is of Moby Dick proportions. So how did he do it? “Thinking positively is a big part of it”, says Tony. In fact Tony goes as far as saying that he knew something special was going to happen that day. After anchoring up at his usual shallow water spot at Tiritiri Island, Tony and his mate settled into a pretty good fishing session. Six fish between 10 and 18 lb were landed
Monster Snapper Snared in Auckland
By Darren Parsons
before Tony hooked into the monster fish on a half pillie. The fish was netted after a 4-5 minute fight and a handful of surging runs. Tony describes the fight of these big Snapper as much like that of a stingray. He should know, he has caught plenty of large Snapper to 24 lb at his Tiri spot. Upon arriving home, parking capacity on Tony’s street became in hot demand as word of the big fish got around. All up Tony splurged five bottles of top shelf liquor on the impromptu guests. The big Snapper is currently being mounted by a taxidermist and will be put up on the wall of Top Catch Whangaparaoa.
18 www.nzfisher.co.nz
www.nzfisher.co.nz 19
localFISHING
Fish Your Feet First 20 www.nzfisher.co.nz
I AM CONSTANTLY searching for
and spontaneous adventure available
new rocky coastlines to explore with
by jumping on a ferry to one of the
a fly rod to catch Snapper in winter.
many Hauraki Gulf islands.
One of the tricks to catching a fish on a regular basis is knowing when to fish and where. Part science and part intuition, multiple factors swirl around right to the last minute before the final commitment is made to head in a certain direction. Transport, company, tides and of course the weather all play significant roles in the final decision. It’s the transport option that has played the biggest role in some of my recent fishing experiences and in a city like
Recently a northeasterly storm whipped up Northlands east coast for several days. On Saturday the wind eased but the swell was big enough for the inner city beaches to offer head high waves. Many points and reefs that are not surf spots for 364 days of the year came alive with quality surf. I joined the multitude of Auckland surfers to savor these rare waves so close to home.
Auckland which offers so many options,
Sunday the wind shifted again and the
being restricted to land is not always a
swell had eased to offer just enough
bad thing. I have many options to be
surge to make the fishing interesting.
boat fishing and often decline the big
On the ferry at 9am, a short hike
trips away; what I really enjoy is the fast
and a scramble down to some rocks,
localFISHING
While there were no fish caught that warranted trophy status the pleasure I took in watching my tiny fly being approached by respectable Snapper and the excitement of letting them pull line from my reel to ensure I was not busted off made for a fantastic days fishing, something to chuckle about as I joined the afternoon crowds walking up queen street in the middle of Auckland’s downtown. I was greeted with green murky
the first arrival of a small pack that I
mm Snapper that eclipsed normal
water stirred by the recent storm.
kept active for the next ten minutes.
experience. My usual approach is
These conditions can often produce great fishing as Snapper forage the shallows for easy meals in the surge and discoloured water but on other days it just makes it hard see your fly or believe the fish are there. Arriving at a spot that I would have previously dismissed as a fishing location due to the shallow water, rocks and weed, I set about seeding some gutters with tiny pilchard pieces. Nothing appeared in the first 40 minutes, baitfish and Kahawai who are the usual first arrivals did not intercept the tiny pieces as they sunk to the bottom.
Often the Snapper will move in to investigate a fishy commotion and,
to present a fly to a sighted fish and then leave the area to rest while I
depending on their mood, will either
work another spot close by. However,
find the buzzing Kahawai off putting
the mood of the fish meant that a
or competitors that need to be
momentary pause was all that was
pushed along.
required between catches, at least 8
Soon I had a Snapper claiming some dominance over the Kahawai which were twice its size. Kahawai know that speed is their only weapon and as the competition hotted up over the tiny morsels, a few more Snapper moved in and pushed the Kahawai out. We witnessed this relationship in spectacular fashion last year on
fish were caught and released before I switched focus to the gutter just 100 meters north. Once again the Kahawai appeared and soon after, some feisty Snapper started to win the race for whatever made a tell tale splash on the surface. With knowledge of an upcoming bone fishing trip, I dropped my leader down to 4.5 kg and tied on a small size 4 fly. Whether it was
Knowing there was more to be gained
the Coromandel where the Kahawai
by retiring from the rock I had chosen
were numerous and lightning quick,
to hide behind than continuing to
however when a Snapper of about
work the small gutter, I set about
3kg size appeared it set about chasing
the fish that day, I caught another 12
putting together a 9wt fly rod and
them away, right up towards the
reasonable Snapper before it was time
re-positioned myself along the coast
surface! I have no doubt that Kahawai
to pack up to make the ferry home.
where I found another gutter with an
have deep respect for the predatory
While there were no fish caught that
equally good elevated hiding position.
potential of the slower moving
warranted trophy status the pleasure
These days I choose my fishing spots
Snapper and the short bursts of speed
I took in watching my tiny fly being
for the potential to conceal myself as
they are capable of. It’s witnessing
approached by respectable Snapper
this sort of near natural behaviour
and the excitement of letting them
that really appeals to me when using
pull line from my reel to ensure I was
stealth, but it was time to start fishing,
not busted off made for a fantastic
much as any other factor. Returning to the first gutter and just as I was beginning to think “I should have been here yesterday”, when the swell would have been really stirring things
two hours into a my four hour trip and I had not put a fly in the water!
the light, gentle approach with which each fish was fought or the mood of
day’s fishing, something to chuckle about as I joined the afternoon crowds
up for the Snapper, a large Kahawai
What followed was a session of
walking up queen street in the middle
blasted past. That first Kahawai was
continued activity from 400-450
of Auckland’s downtown.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 21
sportFISHING
Fishing & Diving in Vanuatu
By Grant Blair, The Fishing Website
VANUATU HAS A well-deserved
hammers down to get you into some
reputation for exceptionally good
hot fishing action.
game fishing in the heavy and light
Best times and species Put simply, Vanuatu fishes all year
Vanuatu is one of the worlds’ top
round, however the ideal times are
blue marlin fisheries with a number of
March through November as this
world records to its credit as well as a
is the time when the weather
good number of ‘grander’ blues that
and water conditions are usually
have been taken in the area. Most of
optimal. It’s also rather nice
the regular game fishing charter boats
timing in that it gives Kiwis and
south direction close to Vanuatu, to
would catch around 100 per year with
Aussies the excuse to escape the
the various FAD’s just offshore and
many being tagged and released to
clutches of winter and head for
often it’s only a short trip with the
conserve the fishery.
warmer climes and some fishing!
tackle classes as well as newer techniques like jigging and surface fishing with poppers and stickbaits. From the 1000m contour line and the renowned ‘Marlin Highway’ which runs hundreds of miles in a north/
22 www.nzfisher.co.nz
sportFISHING
Where to go The main game fishing operations operating in Vanuatu are While being a renowned blue marlin
found on Efate - Port Vila and on
fishery with frequent catches in the
Santo - Luganville. From Port Vila, it
100-200kg range, the odd XXXL
can be only a 10-15 minute trip to be
model does turn up in the gear and
into sailfish and yellow fin action in
the current record stands at a very
Mele Bay at certain times of the year
respectable 515kg or 1,135 old-
however it takes longer to get to the
fashioned pounds!
FADS and out to the marlin highway.
Other species that are targeted and
Possible destinations with local charter
frequently caught in the area include
operators include the Marlin Highway,
black marlin, sailfish, striped marlin,
Blue Hat, 366, Nguna Volcano, the
yellow fin tuna, mahi-mahi , wahoo,
Erromango Sea Mounts and Hat
Spanish mackerel, sailfish, dogtooth
Island. From Santo, the journey is
tuna, coral trout, job fish and red bass.
considerably longer; however there is
Yellow fin and dog tooth tuna
good fishing along the way.
reach some very large proportions.
On some of the smaller islands there
Dogtooth grow to around 80kg and
are fishing options in various states of
yellow fin to 100kg, while rare, are
development and it’s even possible
quite possible.
to rent a small dugout and create
The most important thing about
your own adventure in and around
Vanuatu is the surrounding waters
the reefs and drops close inshore
are rich in a wide range of species
catching a variety of species on lighter
and there’s plenty to interest anglers
tackle. Be careful eating reef fish due
of all abilities and interests, be it
to ciguatera. A tip we heard from the
trolling for pelagics, jigging the
locals – cut a small section from the
drop-offs or surface fishing with
fish and leave it outside overnight. If
poppers and stickbaits.
the ants eat it, it should be OK to eat.
Put simply, Vanuatu fishes all year round, however the ideal times are March through November as this is the time when the weather and water conditions are usually optimal. It’s also rather nice timing in that it gives Kiwis and Aussies the excuse to escape the clutches of winter and head for warmer climes and some fishing!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 23
sportFISHING
What gear to take Most of the charter operators have excellent equipment so check what’s on offer before you go and maybe you can save lugging armfuls of kit with you. If you do want to take your own gear, take the highest quality hooks
can pull 10+kg of drag smoothly such
common as are mahi-mahi (especially
as a Daiwa expedition or Stella. A
around the FADs) and large yellow
minimum of 50lb braid is essential for
fin. Dead bait fishing is common
offshore popping on the reef edges
with rigged ballyhoo skipping or
and deep drop offs but 80lb is better
swimmers being employed.
to stop those bigger fish. A smaller set with 30 lb braid for fishing in
and split rings you can get and ensure
the lagoons and inshore reefs for a
your poppers or stickbaits are well
multitude of smaller species is also a
made with through-wire construction.
good idea.
Scad, rainbow runners and small tuna (called mac tuna or kawa-kawa) are also used. The kawa-kawa are a live bait favourite as they keep well in tuna-tubes and are a favourite fare of the large pelagics! Trolling lures,
Popping and surface fishing:
Trolling:
bibbed minnows and diving lures
Giant trevally and dog-tooth tuna
Species you’re likely to encounter in
like mackerel maulers, etc are also
of legendary proportions will take
closer include wahoo, barracuda,
commonly used techniques depending
no prisoners and the coral outcrops
dogtooth, sailfish, smaller yellow
on the situation (such as presence of
and bombs will shred your line in a
fin and the occasional Black Marlin.
bait schools where livebaits are more
heartbeat. Solid rods are essential
Further out in the deeper water,
commonly deployed) or the species
as it a high quality spinning reel that
blue and striped marlin are more
being targeted.
24 www.nzfisher.co.nz
sportFISHING
Tournaments The Port Vila Game Fishing Club runs six competitions a year. Some of the
The diving is world class. Fabulous, vibrant coral reefs, abundant fish-life and a couple of dives that are on most divers’ bucketlists. The SS Coolidge and Million Dollar point. Clear, warm water for most of the year makes Vanuatu a virtual mecca for divers.
Charters
larger ones such as the Marlin Classic
The game fishing charter fleet in
as well as the locals. The tournaments
Vanuatu is now a well developed
are held in February through to
industry that has a range of top class
November. Read Pete Phillips report
vessels manned by experienced
about the 2011 Marlin Classic here.
captains and crew running state of the art quality fishing equipment.
attract lots of international anglers,
There are competitions for everyone from a great day out in February with
Vanuatu offers a wide range of options
the ladies fishing comp, the yellow fin
and even if the sea conditions are
shootout, through to the big money
a little unfavourable there is almost
Marlin Classic or the ‘Tusker’ Game
always somewhere you can tuck into
Fishing Classic held in November.
the lee of and island and fish. Day trips are common or you can charter a boat for several days for live-aboard options. Some operators have a ‘stay-away’ option where you
Diving The diving is world class. Fabulous, vibrant coral reefs, abundant fishlife and a couple of dives that are
can fish during the day on a luxury
on most divers’ bucket-lists. The SS
boat and stay in lodges and guest
Coolidge and Million Dollar point.
houses on remote outer islands in the
Clear, warm water for most of the
evening, experiencing some of the
year makes Vanuatu a virtual mecca
fine local hospitality and food.
for divers.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 25
READERpics
Reader Pics A bag of nice Snapper for our Scottish-Kiwi, Azza McDonald
A stunning Stargazer (Monkfish) caught and released by John Buckley in Doubtless Bay.
‘Black Hooks’ National Kayak Fishing Team member David Brown & a nice Stanmore Bay Snapper from his Kayak.
Aaron McDonald was amongst the Kahawai ‘out the back’ & caught a number whole juvenile Snapper in their bellies - including this 20cm model 26with www.nzfisher.co.nz
Aaron McDonald, often just the skipper with a snap he snared this season
Aarons mate Duncan & his best Snapper of the day, earlier this winter
READERpics
Ian Biddick with a 15kg+ King landed aboard Reel Life with Capt. Phil while testing the new Honda BF250 fitted to Reel Life!.
John ‘Straight-up’ Buckly & his PB on softbait, a 10.55kg Snapper talken last year in Doubtless Bay
Rhys Hambridge-Johnson showing the awesome colours of this John Dory taken this winter
www.nzfisher.co.nz 27
READERpics
Sea-Ox & his best Snapper for a few years
Russell Tidmarsh & a beautifully coloured winter Snapper ready for the bin
28 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Kerry Boyle holding a nice late summer kingfish caught with Aaron McDonald
Steve Futter showing he’s not just a one-hit wonder
READERpics
Steve Futter with a hefty winter red.
Tony with one of first ever Snapper landed out on Highlander with Aaron McDonald
Team ‘y Not’ - The Marmonts of the North Shore Surfcasting Club at Doubtless Bay in June
www.nzfisher.co.nz 29
COMPETITION
Win a Trip on Board Diversity with Tackle-It and NZFisher! JUST POST A PIC of you with a fish to our Facebook page and you’re in the draw to win day trip aboard Diversity care of Damo and the team at Tackle-It. Every image you enter has a chance to win the big prize. The more and sooner you enter, the better your chances so get fishing and posting those images to Facebook! WINNER: Aaron McDonald for image: Aaron McDonald was amongst the Kahawai ‘out the back’ & caught a number with whole juvenile Snapper in their bellies - including this 20cm model
30 www.nzfisher.co.nz
VIDEO
Fishing Video of the Month
Brilliant weather, some hungry kings and Snapper and a Mako to keep things interesting – check out Nathan and Thomas’ day on the water with Capt. Phil on Reel Life Adventures right here. But for the more energetic fisher, check out the Jig Assassin Team at the Ranfurly Banks. If you fish only two places in your life, let them be the Three Kings and the Ranfurly Banks – unbelievable fishing! Watch it large and loud!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 31
kayakFISHING
So You Want to Fish from a Kayak? By Shane Kelly
I’M OFTEN ASKED if you can catch
to be set up similarly. This is how I
fish from any old kayak. Yes you
set up my kayak for a day’s fishing.
can… well sort of. I mean you’d be
My setup up is not perfect but it is
relying on luck. Luck that you found
effective and safe.
the fish and luck that you made it back to shore safely.
32 www.nzfisher.co.nz
I highly recommend talking to your local kayak fishing retailer to
If you’re like me and want to
find out what is right for you. It’s
catch fish and be safe then some
important to balance safety with
considerations are required, pictured
practicality – so don’t overburden
is my Viking Profish 400, but most of
yourself with gear, it might get you
the good kayaks out there are able
into more trouble than save you.
kayakFISHING
A. The kayak, mine is a Viking
F. Boots, like I said I hate cold feet
J. Dry bag, ideal for things you
Profish 400 lite purpose built for
and these puppies are brilliant
might not need on the water but
kayak fishing, it’s perfect
(NRS).
do need to have with you flares,
for my size, weight and my style of fishing.
keys, etc (I keep a spare old mobile in mine too).
G. A running rig is used in conjunction with an anchor (Drift
B. The paddle, mine is a carbon
Chute/Drogue) and can be set
K. Fish Storage, no point spending
fibre ‘Propelz lightening’ light and
off the front or rear of the kayak
strong you can paddle all day and
all day fishing only to have your
simply by pulling the cord.
catch spoiled by the sun.
it’s tough as old boots. H. The Anchor, because I fish in C. PFD/life Jacket, do NOT leave
L. Fishing Rods, my
Wellingtons’ notorious currents
home without it, to do so is pure
I use a heavier than usual setup.
stupidity.
I highly recommend rigging up
recommendation here is to leave those big long heavy boat rods at home. Lightweight rods and reels
a quick release system with a
are awesome to use on a kayak,
float in case of snags, current
D. Paddle Jacket, to stay dry is to
big rods and reels will only get in
undertow and the ability to go
stay warm.
the way.
with a big fish. E. Dry pants, these ones have built in socks because I hate having
I.
The Flag, be safe and be seen
cold feet. I wear these all year
you can’t miss me flying my
round keeping my dry in the
canes flag.
M. Leashes, if you don’t want to lose it put a leash on it rods, paddle, dry bag, etc. I even leash myself to the kayak when fishing big
winter and my legs out of the sun
currents.
in the summer. N.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 33
HOWto
What Knot & Why? By Derrick Paull
BORN TO FISH, the Okuma NZ Facebook page recently posted a great you tube clip on how to tie the Albright knot. I reposted on NZFisher page and got some interesting responses about the use of the knot and better options (i.e. the FG knot). It got me to thinking; what is the best knot for a situation and when do you make the decision to go with one over another. With the increased use of braid, ‘old’ knots a like the Albright are less well suited for connecting braid to mono and there have been a number of knots created to get good attachment without having the braid cut the mono. Knots suited to this type of application are actually plats, rather than knots. This means they’re laid around the mono line and pressure is exerted as the lines are pulled tight, but there’s no actual ‘tying’ of a knot. There’s a lot said about how good the PR & FG knots are (where do they get these Acronym names from?!?!?). I find both difficult to tie quickly or in high pressure situations where there’s a lot going on or the boat is rocking a lot. This alternative, demonstrated by Markus of FCO, is a really easy and useful version of the PR knot that makes it more appealing to tie, not only because it’s a good knot, but because it can be tied quickly without too much fiddling around. I do recommend tying a few times at home before trying on the water though!
34 www.nzfisher.co.nz
gearREVIEWS
Jiggy’s Jigheads Tackle Review By an Independent reviewer
From NZ Fisher:
choices. The hooks used in the
They have held their points well and
jigheads are also top quality and
have stood up to the pressures that
highly rust resistant. The feature that
a few large snapper have exerted on
first got my attention, however, was
them. On the downside the coloured
the shorter shank on the hook. This
paint and eyes do chip off after a
means that more of the soft bait is
while. The jig head is still perfectly
free to wiggle behind the hook, giving
functional without the paint, however,
the bait a more natural and attractive
and I understand that the paint on
Jiggy’s jigheads are an outcome
action. This feature in combination
the next generation of the jigheads is
of this exact situation. Tired of
with the sturdy hook that even a large
even more durable. The most pleasing
modifying gear that wasn’t suited
snapper would struggle to straighten
feature of the jigheads has been the
for purpose, the manufacturers at
is what makes Jiggy’s jigheads so well
Jiggy’s have incorporated a number
versatility they provide with using
suited to the soft baiting that we do
of features specifically designed to
different sized soft baits. The shorter
here in New Zealand. So how did they
make soft baits more effective in
shanked hook means you can easily
stack up to a field test?
The majority of the products we use for fishing are not designed for fishing for New Zealand species in New Zealand conditions. As a result we often have to get used to making compromises with the gear we use.
New Zealand conditions.
interchange between 4”, 5” and even
I have been using Jiggy’s jigheads for
6” baits; a real bonus.
Features include large realistic eyes
a few months now and can definitely
Overall two thumbs up for Jiggy’s
and glistening colouration in four
attest to the quality of the hooks.
jigheads.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 35
HOOKED UP!
CO
HOOKEDUP!
U
LD
Every issue, all NZ Fisher subscribers* go in the draw to get hooked up with some fantastic prizes courtesy of generous NZ Fisher supporters. To find out if you’ve won simply check this section in each issue to see if your name has been drawn and then email us before the deadline to claim your prize. Sweet as!!!
IT
B
E
YO
U
?
Congratulations to our Hooked Up prize winner for Issue #27!
Barry Williams is the winner You’ve won this month’s awesome Hooked Up prize pack including: •
Your choice of mens or womens ReelWear T courtesy of Reel Adventures
•
A $50 voucher to spend online or instore from GoFish.co.nz
•
A super tough 3-tray tackle box from Flambeau (contents not included)
•
Plus two 500ml bottles of Tackle-It Odour Eliminator from PureAir to keep those fishy smells at bay!
To claim your prize you simply need to email jenniferl@espiremedia.com before 5pm Friday 20th September, 2013. Easy!
*To be eligible to win stuff in the Hooked Up section you need to be a confirmed email subscriber to NZ Fisher e-Magazine and be a resident of New Zealand at the time of the draw. A big thanks to our Hooked Up sponsors! Please support them!
36 www.nzfisher.co.nz
NEXTmonth regionalREVIEWS
In next months issue: - - -
How to rig livebaits with re-curve hooks for Kingfish Sounder vs Fish finder, what’s the difference? Spring time fishing; the annual revolution
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