ISSUE 31 December 2013
Kingfish are on fire! From Fly to Micro-Jigs Honda Marine IceyTek & Torpedo7 Competitions inside Congratulations to our Hooked Up prize winner for Issue #31! www.nzfisher.co.nz 1
BF60
ALLNEW GREENMACHINE
08 4STROKE(78 653) w .hondamrine.coz Honda’s brand new BF60 four-stroke EFI outboard engine combines exclusive Honda technologies in a lightest-weight-in-class package that delivers best-in-class performance.
The newly-designed, water-cooled, three-cylinder engine incorporates electronic fuel injection, Honda’s revolutionary Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST™) air/fuel ratio and ignition-timing technology, and lean burn control to deliver powerful start-up and acceleration together with outstanding fuel economy during cruising (ECOmo). NMEA2000 compatibility allows the BF60 to communicate with onboard marine electronics, while ultra-smooth operation and world-leading environmental performance combine to crown the new BF60: ‘Green Machine’.
0800 4 STROKE (787 653)
Honda_BF60_BC_FP.indd 1
www.hondamarine.co.nz
18/6/2013 8:58:44 AM
editorial
Pg 6 LANDBASEDFISHING 6 Barrier Kings
CONTENTS
20
HUNTING 10 NZFisher goes Hunting COOLGEAR 16 Torpedo7 SEAFOOD COOKERY 18 Bradley Smoker Christmas Ham FRESHBOAT 20 The NZFisher Frewza gets a Makeover NEWPRODUCTS 20 The New Honda 250hp – Silver Bullet HOLIDAYFISHING 26 Christmas is coming!
16
28 30 31
Reader Pics Competition Video of the month
NEWTACKLE 32 Microjigging
Pg 32
www.nzfisher.co.nz 3
Isis
ISIS
www.cdrods.co.nz
• Forged aluminum, 2 ton e anodized side plates • ALC: Rigid 1-pcs anodize d aluminium frame • Aluminium left & righ t side plates • Machined aluminium star • Multi-disc Carbonite dra g system • 4BB + 1RB Stainless stee l bearing system • Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing • Precision cut brass mai n and pinion gear • Adjustable 6-pin velocity control system • Aluminium twin paddle handle with oversized kno bs • Available in both left and right hand models
Akena
AKENA
• ALC: Rigid 1-pcs anodize d aluminium frame • Aluminium left & righ t side plates • Machined aluminium, gold anodized spool • Multi-disc Carbonite dra g system • 5BB + 1RB Stainless stee l bearing system • Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing • Precision cut brass mai n and pinion gear • Adjustable 6-pin velocity control system
Citrix
CITRIX
NEW MODEL!
• ALC: Rigid diecast alum inium frame • A6061-T6 machined alum inium, anodized V-shape d spool • External adjustable cen trifugal cast control system • Multi-disc Carbonite dra g system • 7BB+1RB bearing drive system • Micro-click drag star for precise drag settings • Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing • Graphite sideplates • Available in both left and right hand models
SERRANO
HO20T14! for
• ALC: Rigid diecast alum inum frame • CRC: Corrosion Resista nt Coating process • Aluminum right side plat e holds gears in perfect alig nment • A6061-T6 machined alum inum, anodized spool • Magnum light spool on SR-200W for reduced wei ght • Heavy duty, machine cut, Dura brass gearing • Multi-disc Carbonite dra g system • Micro-click drag star for precise drag settings • 10BB+1RB stainless stee l bearing drive system
Serrano
For news, advice, off ers & a good old laugh , visit us at facebook.c om/borntofishnz
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.
MERRY FISHMAS! OK, it’s a tired
have gotten tougher and fish more
line, but despite the history of poor
precious we’ve been educated,
fishing over the Christmas break, I
and learned the best parts of the
hope you all experience some great
fish are the bits we used to throw
fishing moments in your holidays and days off. Neil has come up with a few new species to chase over the break – if you’re not making headway against the normal ‘target species’ his
awayIf you have any questions, check out this video on utilising the entire fish by Matt Watson and the Freefishheads.co.nz team.
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,
tips are worth considering.
We’re stoked to be introducing two
C/- Espire Media, PO Box 137162,
In my case I’ve loaned the boat to
great competitions in this month’s
Parnell, Auckland 1151, NZ
my mate Brendan who’ll be up at
issue thanks to both Honda Marine
WEBSITE / www.NZFisher.co.nz
Doubtless Bay trying his luck – be
and Torpedo7, you are some very
sure to say ‘Gidday’ should you
lucky readers! You can only be in to
see him out there. I’ll be staying in Auckland this year, spending time and banking brownie points
win if you are a NZFisher subscriber, so we suggest you subscribe now if
for a bumper game season (fingers
you haven’t already. If you’ve got any
crossed!) and enjoying some time on
questions, check out our Facebook
mate’s boats.
page for more info.
If you do manage a feed (and we
Whatever your plans and where
hope you do!) don’t forget about
ever you find yourself, have a great,
utilising the whole fish. As a kid
relaxing and safe Christmas. May the
I grew up thinking the only part
FISH be with you!
of a fish we could eat was the fillet – slipped off the bones with
Tight lines,
the deft flit of the knife. As times
Derrick
This is a GREEN MAG, created and distributed without the use of paper so it's environmentally friendly. Please think before you print. Thank you!
Cover: Tom Lusk’s landbased Fly caught kingfish from north of Auckland
www.nzfisher.co.nz 5
landbasedFISHING
Barrier Kings - from the Rocks The hard part
FINALLY, I GET A chance to write in more detail about our
We left BENIsLAND at 0530 and it was still dark when we
recent land based fishing adventures. Regular visitors to
parked the car and walked on the beach. After a bit of a
www.benisland.co.nz know that I’m into land based fishing,
hike and climb we reached the ledge and started prepping
and as any keen angler, I also enjoy putting the few friends
our gear. We set the kingfish rod, the stray-lining rod and
that come and visit me onto the fish. At times this can prove
the bait rod. Paul also has a rod dedicated for popper
difficult, mostly because fishing is not their highest priority,
fishing only and we finally deployed the berley. I think it
but it certainly is easy with my mate from England. Paul is an
was about seven in the morning, the sun was just coming
expert on catching kingfish from the rocks. He’s dedicated,
up and I had the first bait in the water. My next words
very experienced and most of the time, well prepared. He
to Paul, who was prepping yet another rod (the fly rod)
uses the word ‘kingi’ a lot during a day.
were: “There’s snapper in the berley trail.” Indeed, it was a
As in most things in life, the key characteristics needed to
pleasure to watch legal-sized snapper right by my feet.
be a successful land-based kingfish angler are preparation,
While 30-ish centimetre snapper were cruising up to the
timing, dedication and skill. Luck is of course more than
surface, swallowing bits and pieces coming off the berley,
helpful. After three ‘pleasure fishing sessions’, meaning
before swimming back into the deep, a solid snapper
stray-lining dead baits for a couple of hours without using any
appeared and just cruised right by the ledge. That was
burley to catch a feed of snapper and kahawai, it was time to
certainly exciting and I tried a few tricks to hook it. It wasn’t
take Paul to a spot on the east coast to target kingfish.
actively feeding, wasn’t shy at all and, unfortunately, wasn’t
Our timing was great, the big swell that had pounded
keen on the baits I cast. I tried getting it more excited
the coastline for a hand full of days had receded to half
throwing pieces of pilchards at it, but that was all moot.
a meter, and the low tide was due early in the morning.
We estimated it at about five pounds and since it just hung
6 www.nzfisher.co.nz
landbasedFISHING
The sideline sport
around there, I cast pilchards a bit further away; perhaps
bending (Paul likes to fish a lot of drag) he couldn’t keep
there were even bigger snapper in the deep.
it up. All doubts were gone, a big fish was hooked and it wasn’t happy about that at all.
The rod bent immediately, something was pulling line and was swimming sideways. Hmm, perhaps a kahawai? It turned
The fight was intense, the kingi tried different angles,
out to be an almost 30 cm long trevally. Being a good host
going left, going right, going deep. Paul tried to keep the
and knowing that Paul will gladly send it back into the ocean
rod tip high, but with so much drag, he was essentially
with a solid hook in its back, I offered the trevally to him.
muscling the fish just on the drag. So it only took about 2-3
I kept landing trevally, they were really hungry and took every bait. We had been fishing for an hour and a half, still no sign
minutes until I could see the colour. Shimmering silver with some green and yellow.
of any kahawai. The big snapper had cruised off but watched
I had the gaff, and we mentioned to each other almost
us land a few of his mates. The fishing was so productive
simultaneously that it is longer than a metre (75 cm is the
that we just kept one good trevally in a bucket with water,
size-limit for kingfish), before I gaffed it unprofessionally in the
releasing the rest, knowing that there are good and hungry
belly region. The fish was secure on the gaff and although it
fish at our disposal.
hadn’t gained much line, it seemed to be somewhat powered
While Paul was sharing a story with me, line started peeling
out when we secured him higher on the ledge.
off his reel and making that unmistakable sound. He looked
What a great morning, great snapper and trevally action.
out to the balloon, which had popped by now, then to his
A decent 25 pound plus kingfish landed. Time to pack in
rod. Yes, something is going on mate, go to your rod! A
and enjoy the rest of the day I was thinking to myself. Paul
few seconds later and he had the rod butt in the gimbal, the line tight and striking.
was thinking: “Nice kingfish, I bet there is a bigger one out there.” When I suggested releasing the big trevally we had in the bucket, I heard: “Noooo, we’ll put that out and catch
It appeared as if there was no solid hook-up, he struck
a bigger kingi.” So we kept on fishing, I stray-lined (a bit
again, wound some more line in, but wasn’t sure if there
half-arsed) and Paul had a 35 cm trevally out there.
was a fish at the end of the line. Once the rod started
By 11 o’clock the sun was pretty high and Livebaiting Trevalley
it was getting hot; really time to leave! We packed in and climbed out, sweating under the sun. We ended up fishing the same spot on the next day, something Paul really didn’t fancy. “I never fish the same spot two days in a row,” he said. “Hmmm, Beni, I don’t know.” We discussed at length other places we could potentially fish, but there was really only one alternative
www.nzfisher.co.nz 7
landbasedFISHING
which I didn’t fancy because you get caught out there by
to left. Believe in the green-berley. This time he cast close
the tide.
to the rocks, the kingi turned around, followed it frantically
Well, Paul was (kind of) right. The same spot, similar
and got hooked on its first attempt to bite it.
conditions, no snapper in the burley trail, no trevally, no
It looked bigger than 75cm in the water to me, but I
kahawai, no piper, actually there wasn’t much happening at
suggested we try to land it without gaffing it. The fish had
all. We spotted a kingfish cruising by but he didn’t respond
a good go at getting away and was tired, we managed to
to the popper Paul cast and it certainly wasn’t interested in
lift it out of the water by the tail and the leader.
what I was doing.
On the rocks it still looked bigger than 75cm, but we had
I really tried hard to catch a kahawai or other fish I could
plenty of kingfish on ice at home. Giving it away was an
use as live bait to no avail, and didn’t help that Paul was
option but instead of measuring it we just deployed it
constantly repeating that nothing was going to happen
gently back into the water.
today. “Too calm mate, same spot, too.” “Nah, we should
I managed to get some of the action of the second fish on
have stayed at home.” “Shouldn’t be here.” “Nothing’s
video. See Ben’s video here.
going to happen mate…” So what does a good host do? Yes, I green-berleyed
Text reproduced with the permission of Ben Assado.
while he was eating his chips. Green berleying is a special
Ben Island lives permanently in the hills of Tryphena, in a
technique which involves a bit of praying, a bit of patience
rugged and stunning bush block and pursues his dream
and a homage to the (fishing)-Gods. What do you know,
of living in harmony and sustainably from the land.
the bites got stronger - at least it felt like big fish taking bait, and out of nowhere comes a kingi which cruises past the ledge. I might add, exactly as I had told Paul, close in, from right
8 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Land based fishing and blogging about the simple, yet utterly fulfilling life on Great Barrier Island are his favourite pastimes. Follow his fishing adventures for big snapper and kingfish off the rocks on www.BENIsLAND.co.nz.
belt protector pouch to keep them
safe on your hip.
Click to check the specs! >>> [Link
http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/division/
fishing/picklist/nzfisher ]
hunting
NZFisher goes Hunting A fisher out of water By Darren Parsons
GETTING INTO DEER STALKING has always been
After just fifteen minutes we were there. One thousand
something I have wanted to do. Unlike fishing I have
metres altitude, a mixture of tussock, scrub and mature
found the entry into hunting much more difficult. Having
beech forest and an eternity away from civilisation;
some friends with experience is the best way of getting
but hopefully a whole lot closer to my first deer. Other
over that first hurdle. For me that meant choppering into
than that we had a small, but well equipped hut and a
the Kaimanawas and chasing sika deer with three seasoned
crisscrossed matrix of clear streams that had carved their
hunters. Not a bad entry point for a beginner, so as you can
way into the pumice filled hillside. An amazing vista that
imagine I was brimming with anticipation when we loaded
was all ours for the next five days. Oh, and I neglected to
up the chopper at Helisika.
mention the trout. After all, this is a fishing magazine.
10 www.nzfisher.co.nz
hunting
Looking out of the hut, the open door framed a
line over the top of them. This was at a different level to
picturesque pool with the familiar shadow of a trout finning
anything I had encountered before. This situation was soon
into the current. This was a post card, not a hunting block.
resolved by the next pool upstream, which hosted two
With the trout grinning at us from the river and still plenty
nice trout. Brent cautiously presented his nymphs without
of daylight left before primetime hunting, we set off for a
passing the fly line over the fish and he was soon hooked
casual stroll up the river with rod in hand. The trout in the
up. Not the most energetic of fights ensued (on the fish’s
pool next to the hut was actively feeding, darting back and
part that is), and with a couple of quick photos the trip was
forth across the pool. It didn’t take long for him to take a
off to a successful start.
fly either; but he fell off after a short battle. We headed
As evening ensued we hoped this meant the deer would
upstream and the next pool had four large trout in it. This
come out into the open. Being November, conditions were
place was paradise.
warm, but not yet dry, so there were pockets of green
Standing on a bank directly above the pool I was able to
grass that might entice our four legged friends out. Well
guide the angler’s casts to the four fish as they moved
that was the plan. So that first evening Brent set off with
around the pool. The water being so clear, however, it
me under his wing. I was bubbling with enthusiasm but
was all too easy to spook the trout just by passing the fly
watching my feet to make sure I didn’t make too much
www.nzfisher.co.nz 11
hunting
noise (apparently the deer don’t like that). As we walked, Brent pointed out the signs; how to tell the difference between old and fresh deer poo and tracks. Clearings amongst the scrub that were likely to hold deer were also highlighted. After walking for an hour and then glassing a likely looking slope for another hour we hadn’t seen any deer and dusk was fast approaching. We pushed along the edge of a scrub line and as we came over a rise we spooked a hind that was only about 30 metres away. It darted off into the bush. My first encounter with a deer and I didn’t see it. Our first day’s activities soon came to form somewhat of a routine. Upon rising we had the option of a morning hunt. The rest of the day would be filled with eating, reading, and a stroll up the river in search of trout. Every evening we would all take to the hillside with our binoculars in search of deer. On the second evening I even managed to spot one too. Well, it did take about five minutes of Cam pointing it out with the binoculars for me to actually see it. It was an important lesson though, as the image I eventually tuned in on was very different to what I had been expecting to see. So on the third evening after we had done the hard
12 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Great Kingfish country
hunting
yards and crashed through to the very back of our block, I knew what I was looking for. Scanning what was a very large valley with the binoculars, I soon locked in on two small, grey and stationary shapes. I paused my gaze on the shapes for at least ten seconds and eventually one of them moved, its bright white tail confirming that I wasn’t seeing things. Two more deer came out of the bush and joined them, including a nice six pointer stag that proceeded to clash antlers with a spiker. This was like watching Discovery Channel, but I was keen to get within firing range. It’s fair to say I may have been a little excited, but we kept low and used cover to move closer to the deer. I had convinced myself that this stag was going to be it. With only twenty minutes until it was dark, and about 700m of scrubby hillside between us and the deer it just wasn’t going to happen. Brent made the very prudent suggestion to just watch them and come back the next day. After all, deer are creatures of habit.
My senses were so highly tuned I could hear the blood surging through my head. www.nzfisher.co.nz 13
hunting
The next day was one of anticipation. As evening
about 120 metres away. I tried to take a standing shot,
approached I became increasingly anxious that the deer
but a combination of weak arms from holding the rifle
wouldn’t be present due to a change in the weather
and adrenalin meant that I couldn’t keep the rifle steady
conditions or because of hunting disturbance from the
in this position.
adjacent block. We made our approach up a different ridge line to ensure we were pushing into the wind.
Shooting prone wasn’t an option, so I sat down and used my knees as a rest. At this angle the deer were obscured,
As we stuck our heads up above the ridge, Brent spotted
but eventually one stuck its head up and looked directly
five deer amongst the scrub in front of us. Slightly out
at us. I placed the crosshairs and took a deep breath. With
of range for a good shot at about 300 metres, but a lot
an echoing boom four days of stalking, whispering and
closer than the day before. We didn’t have much option
anticipation came to a sudden and very loud end. “I think
but to descend the hillside, which was directly in their
you got him” Brent said. After about 5 seconds a deer
line of sight. They must have noticed some movement as
stuck its head up.
this made them move across the hill, not fully spooked, but at a canter.
A crescendo of shots rang out as Brent unloaded his magazine and bambi bounced across the hillside jumping on
We were hoping that they were merely returning to the
all fours. “I’m out of ammo, no here’s one”, you take a shot….
good patch of grazing we had seen them on the day
shoot in front of it…”. While disappointed that I had missed
before. So walking into the wind we stalked slowly around
my chance, we were left laughing as the small deer escaped
the scrub, rifle at the ready. With each carefully placed step
unscathed despite bullets smattering the hillside all around it.
I was anticipating seeing a deer. My senses were so highly tuned I could hear the blood surging through my head. But when we eventually came to the grassy slope where we thought the deer may be there was no sign of them.
Nothing like a good turkey shoot. Brent suggested that we have a look to see if we had hit anything, this seemed strange to me as we had clearly seen the deer escape. But, there laying exactly where I had aimed the first shot was a
We sat down and glassed the valley below us hoping our
small hind. A shot through the neck, heart and lungs had
mob of deer would re-emerge. Within five minutes Brent
poleaxed the deer instantaneously.
had spotted two more deer and we made the decision to have a crack at them rather than wait for the original mob to reappear. We stalked up on them using a bush line as cover.
The deer was gutted and strung across my shoulders. While the walk home was long and a bit sore on the shoulders, we were upbeat, and made it back to the hut just on dark.
Brent took time to clean the rain from our scopes and we
Cam had shot a much larger hind earlier that day, so we had
both adjusted our eyes to the view through the scope in
plenty of meat to take home. I couldn’t have hoped for more
the light conditions that we were experiencing. Poking
out of a first hunting trip. Thanks to Brent, Cam, Martin and
our heads into the open I soon spotted one of the deer,
Jackson for showing me what to do.
14 www.nzfisher.co.nz
keeps your screen water repellent... for longer!
“…using diamond Fusion gives you clear vision 360 degrees (even at night).” Milan Radonich, PlaceMakeRs Big angRy Fish, nZ.
endorsed by new Zealand Fishing news and fishing.net.nz
diamondfusion.co.nz
call 0800 666 785 for your nearest retailer
COOLgear
The Summer Shopping List with Torpedo7
Who doesn’t want an excuse to get some new fishing gear? Here are some of the hot summer picks from the team at Torpedo7. Check ‘em out and get special promo prices just for NZ Fisher subscribers! The ultimate man powered fishing craft! Experience the thrill and excitement of landing that big one off this massive 365cm Fishing Kayak with rudder. This vessel features rod holders to significantly help keep your kayak clutter free during travel and comes equipped with a tackle/utility hutch that also doubles as a fish ruler. The contoured seat also gives you the option of attaching a kayak chair for added comfort during those long fishing endeavours, while the rudder offers greater
Stealthy Fishing Kayak – $799.99
manoeuvrability when paddling/ fishing. Click to check the specs!
Throw away your rusted and heavy pliers. Constructed from aircraft grade aluminium, these Saltura pliers have been anodised for absolute corrosion resistance. The tough Tungsten carbide cutter jaws will take care of braid, heavy mono and wire while the main jaws are engineered from hardened, high carbon steel for rugged strength and reliability. Slip one of these lightweight pliers into your lure bag, tool box or tackle bag. Comes with
Saltura Multifunction Fishing Pliers - $49.99 16 www.nzfisher.co.nz
belt protector pouch to keep them safe on your hip. Click to check the specs!
COOLgear
Keep it cold all Day - From $189.99
These deluxe ice boxes are built to last. They use a Heavy Duty polyethylene construction and featuring heavy duty non corrosive double lid hinges and side handles to avoid the harsh salt eating away at them. It is insulated with high pressure polyurethane which helps to keep temperatures lower for longer, keeping your salt ice frozen for up to 5 days. If space is an issue on your boat- these work perfect when doubled as a seat because of their durability and comfortable sitting height. Available in 50L, 70L, 100L and 150L models. Click to check the specs!
Tackle bags are a good option for people wanting all their gear in a single bag. With zip access to the internal compartments you can easily get to the bottom of the bag without having to sift through hooks. The comfortable shoulder strap proves priceless if you have to walk out to your favourite fishing spot. Front and side exterior zip pockets are ideal for keeping all your new flasher rigs or your items that you want to keep separate and easily accessible. Relix tackle bags use the Relix 2200 clear plastic dividers to keep all your tackle together and organized. Each of these come customizable to your specific needs which is handy when wanting to divide up hooks, swivels, sinkers etc. These internal compartments are made of heavy duty durable plastic that is 100% worm proof. Click to check the specs!
The Fisherman’s Bag - $49.99
Win a $150 Gift Voucher with NZ Fisher and Torpedo7! To celebrate the summer season we’re giving away a $150 voucher to spend at www.torpedo7.co.nz in each of our summer issues. Competition open only to NZ Fisher subscribers. Head to www.nzfisher.co.nz to subscribe for free! 1-2-3 Easy Steps to Enter! 1. Head to the Torpedo7 website to decide what you would spend the voucher on if you win 2. Read this issue of NZ Fisher and answer this question...
“In our Christmas fishing article, how many types of shellfish are mentioned?” 3. Go to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NZFisherMagazine and tell us your answer and what gear you would choose by leaving a comment on the special Torpedo7 post. Entries close 15 January 2014 and winner named in our January issue!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 17
seafoodCOOKERY
Bradley Smoker Christmas Ham THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL RECIPE for every smoke-loving BBQ and fishing fanatic. The Christmas ham is as much a part of our annual holidays as rain on Christmas day! Here’s a pretty simple and very tasty way to experience your own, homemade, Christmas Ham!
CURE MIX FOR 5 LBS. (2.25 KG) OF PORK 3 Tbsp (45 ml) Bradley Maple Cure (Do not use more than this amount.) 1 tsp. (5 ml) teaspoons onion granules or onion powder 1 tsp. (5 ml) garlic granules or garlic powder 1 tsp. (5 ml) white pepper
will be placed in each container. Refrigerate the meat while
honey (optional) 1 to 3 Tbsp.
the cure mix is being prepared. (Any plastic food container
Note: If the meat weighs either more or less than 5
with a tight-fitting lid — or a strong plastic bag — can be
pounds (2.25 kg), the amount of cure mix applied must be
used as a curing container.)
proportional to that weight. For example, if the weight of the meat is 2 1/2 pounds (1.15 kg), then each ingredient, including the Bradley Cure, needs to be cut in half.
Blending and applying the curing mix:
Prepare, calculate, and measure the required amount of curing mixture for each container. Mix this curing blend until it is uniform. Place the meat in the curing container(s). Rub the cure mix on all surfaces evenly. Cover, and refrigerate. The
Weigh the pork. If more than one curing container will be
refrigerator temperature should be set between 34°F and
used, calculate separately the total weight of the meat that
40°F (2.2°C to 4.4°C).
18 www.nzfisher.co.nz
seafoodCOOKERY
Overhaul the pieces of meat after about 12 hours of
the meat from the smoke chamber.
curing. (Overhaul means to rub the surfaces of the meat
Cooking the ham
to redistribute the cure.) Be sure to wet the meat with any liquid that may have accumulated in the bottom of the
After removing the ham from the smoker, it may be cooked
curing container.
using one of several methods, or it may be refrigerated
Overhaul the meat every other day until the required curing time has elapsed. (Cure one week per inch: If the thickest piece is 1 inch, cure 1 week; if the thickest piece is two inches, cure the whole batch 2 weeks.) Assuming the maximum thickness of the pork is 2 inches (5
or frozen and cooked later. If it is to be refrigerated or frozen, cool it at room temperature for an hour or so and refrigerate it – uncovered – overnight; the next morning it may be wrapped and, if you desire, frozen.
cm), the pork will be fully cured at the end of two weeks. When
Suggestions for cooking the ham.
the curing is finished, rinse each piece of pork well in lukewarm
(Ham is fully cooked when the internal temperature is at
water. Drain in a colander, and blot with a paper towel.
least 160°F (71.1°C).
Wrap each piece of pork in a paper towel, and then wrap
Leave the meat in the smoker and hot smoke it until it is done.
again with newspaper. Refrigerate overnight.
Wrap each piece of ham in plastic food wrap and cook in a steamer. This is an excellent method to cook the
Smoking the ham The next morning, remove the paper and dry the surface of the meat in front of an electric fan or inside of a smoker
ham; the juices are retained by the plastic wrap. (A steamer may be improvised by using a large pan with an elevated rack inside; cover with a lid.)
heated to about 140°F (60°C). If a smoker is used, make
Bake it in an oven.
sure that the damper is fully open. Do not use smoke.
Slice it and fry it.
Drying the surface will require one or two hours.
Note: If the salt taste is too mild, add about 1 teaspoon
When the surface is dry, cold smoke the pork for 3 hours.
of salt to the ingredients list the next time you make
If your smoke chamber temperature is higher than 85°F
this product. If the salt taste is too strong, reduce the
(about 30°C), the smoking time might have to shortened to
amount of Bradley Cure by about 1 teaspoon.
prevent excessive drying. Raise the smoke chamber temperature to about 150°F (65°C).
For more information on Bradley Smokers and a heaps more recipes then visit: www.bradleysmoker.co.nz
Smoke about 2 or 3 hours more until the surface of the ham takes on an attractive reddish-brown colour. Remove
www.nzfisher.co.nz 19
FreshBOAT
The NZFisher Frewza gets a Makeover TRUE, MAKEOVER’S ARE usually the domain of women’s mags and trashy fashion shows on late night TV – but we thought we’d spruce her up and make sure you can see us out there doing it!
know who we are! The boat graphics were designed by Strip Strike Fly Fishing club founder Brent Condon, Brent‘s been a Conceptual Graphic Designer and Digital Illustrator for almost 20
If you do see us on the water or at the ramp, come and say
years under the name of ARTTANK illustration and has
Gidday. We’re always keen to get to know the readers and
a passion for customised one-off fly fishing illustrations
to know what you think of what we do. If the fishing’s hot
for boats/boat signage/decals. If you’d like a similar look
– show us your catch – if it’s tough, we’d love to see if we
for your boat, drop Brent a line on 0210713214 or at
can help. Wherever we are, make sure you let us know, you
blankbc_creative@hotmail.com
20 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.
Skipper responsibility 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.
3
Communications Take two separate waterproof ways of communicating so we can help you if you get into difficulties.
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 Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change quickly on the water. You need to stay alert and aware. Also available: The Water Safety
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 21
NEWProducts
The New Honda 250hp – Silver Bullet Reel Life Adventures’ get repowered
22 www.nzfisher.co.nz
NEWProducts
AS WE TOUCHED ON in last month’s issue, Capt. Phil of
I’ve fished a fair bit of the southern side of Bay of Islands;
Reel Life Experiences has refitted his White Pointer with
mostly from the kayak but a few long days have been spent
the new Honda BF250. In an effort to show it off, we were
traipsing around the hills of Cape Brett in search of rocky
invited to experience Phil’s hospitality and check out how
ledges too. I’d paddled as far as the Twins, but not out
the Honda performs in everyday use.
to the Hole in the Rock, so when Captain Phil advised the
As many readers will know, I’m traditionally a rock fisher
weather was against us and we were to be fishing the Bay
who has migrated to kayaks and more recently a five
of Islands instead of Whangaroa, I was keen to see some
metre boat, so the pattern of always wanting something
new water.
bigger has been set. There’s no doubting a launch will be fun, but at present I’m eyeing up a 6m – 8m boat as the next NZFisher boat, should NZFisher ever grow up we’ll need a bigger boat right? Getting a chance to ride on different rigs like Reel Life is a real pleasure – it’s not
On the boat for this trip was Ian Biddick, of Honda NZ and Brett Patterson of Fishing News. The goal? To get Captain Phil to give up some secrets – be it fishing or the low down on the Honda.
only the fishing, but experiencing the ride and the new
The weather preceding our trip had been outrageous – 50
territory that matters.
Knot easterlies off shore had developed huge swells the week
www.nzfisher.co.nz 23
NEWProducts
before and cancelled my previous weekend’s fishing in the Reel Rods comp out of Whatuwhiwhi. We were desperate for a fish and the pressure was on our skipper. First stop were live-baits where Brett proved a fine foil for the crafty yellowtails – little did they know their fate was to be far worse than the drop from the Sabiki to the floor, before finally slipping into the bait tank. With 25 baits in the tank we headed out of Te Puna inlet and were met with scattered flocks of Gannets, lazily dropping from the sky on patchy schools of bait. Showing potential but no rewards, these pockets of bait kept us interested but fish-less for an hour before we made the call to head out to Bird Rock for some kingfish action. During this quick burst across the Bay it became really apparent how quiet the Honda really was. I run the Honda 60hp on the NZFisher Frewza and know how quiet the Hondas run, but you expect the 250 horses of the BF250 to be so much louder. It was Brett who bought it up, but in the open cabin of Reel Life we were just talking like we were in the pub – no need to shout as the outboard just doesn’t get that loud. At Bird Rock we were met by schools of trevally and kahawai busting up and chasing whitebait in the currents. The kingfish signs were good and we soon latched onto
24 www.nzfisher.co.nz
NEWProducts
a couple of legal, but rat kings. Once we determined the size
Capt. Phil he’s a bit of a hard nut. A fishing nut and hard
of fish on hand was small, we reverted to plastics and micro-
to get to share secrets. When discussing the Honda
jigging gear to at least make a fight of it!
though, he was an open book. He’s got a Garmin GMi10
We landed a number of small kings and after a while I started flicking a new Hitter Aurora on a heavier stick-bait set. I didn’t
set up to help monitor the engine, and it was set to fuel consumption specifically.
get any follows, but Capt. Phil was pretty keen for a go – the
Phil reckons he’s burning about two thirds of the gas
new Hitter lures are making quite an impression!
he was previously and the benefits have been more
Phil didn’t get any action for the first few casts but on
than just financial. Instead of filling the tank every trip,
cast three, while luckily the camera was rolling; there was
Phil’s only filling every second day – it just doesn’t burn
a very visual – brutal strike! Sadly however within a few
enough fuel to justify it!
seconds it was all over – broken at a wind knot (not the
An average day out of Whangaroa is only using 50 litres or
knot I blamed Capt. Phil for in the video!) This was not to
about 5 litres an hour on average. The motor runs once a
be our day! Check the video here – its work a look for a
day, usually from 7am through till 5pm. Keeping punters on
chuckle anyways.
the fish all the way in all sorts of weather takes 50 odd gear
We had a few more casts and headed back to some in-
shifts a day – 3000 already and it’ll be a whole lot more the
shore reefs for a bit of a bait fish. The weather was building
way the fishing is up there right now (it’s definitely come on
and despite some bust-offs, it wasn’t until we revisited the
since we visited!)
mid-water work-ups of the morning that we landed any memorable fish. I ended the day with a 12lb snapper to my name – definitely the best of a very hard day!
Our day ended up in the Italians, a very Italian restaurant in Kerikeri. It was definitely my day when César the Chef’s served me the special Russian Roulette pizza with the
On the way in we had a chance to really quiz Phil on the
hottest chillis in the north – small price to pay for landing
boat setup and the new Honda. For those that know
the fish of the day!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 25
holidayFISHING
Christmas is coming! Mussels
So where do the fish party? By Neil Wagener HOT SUN AND STILL AIR – perfect for a beachside
Unlike sand dwelling shellfish, mussels do not require time
bonfire but not great in the middle of the day while
to spit out sand and grit after capture so they can be eaten
you’re trying to catch a Christmas holiday feed.
almost immediately - some people do have them raw!
Last month we looked at where and when to find Christmas snapper & kings, but what else can you chase over the holidays to fill the fish bin?
The easiest and often considered the best way, to cook them is gently steaming them in their shells over a smoky flame. Mussels don’t require much cooking and are
If you’re the diving or snorkelling type, the ocean is
definitely better on the side of undercooked than over,
overwhelmingly bountiful. Think beyond just scallops
when they become tough & a bit chewy. The daily limit
and crayfish – there’s so much more! In 2011 the rules on
in most of our waters is 50 per person per day, but check
mussels were relaxed and now you can collect mussels on
local limits to be sure! (10 per person is plenty and they
snorkel and scuba. Mussels are a juicy, delicious and they
don’t run away, so be smart and leave a few for next week!)
don’t fight back!
For those more suited to simpler things, traditional ‘pipi
Most rocky bays around the coast have mussels somewhere
hunting’ is still alive and well in New Zealand. While a
– and they’re often able to be found just walking around
lot of our beaches are not loaded with pipis specifically,
reefs at low tide or in tidal rock pools near headlands in good current.
there’s almost always cockles and tuatua’s to fill the creel. As a kid I remember walking what seemed like miles across
Mussels are easy to collect, you just need to wrench them
sun-drenched mud flats at Whangateau to the edge of the
from the rocks and keep them cool and dry before cooking.
deepest channels that wind across the flats. Where the
26 www.nzfisher.co.nz
holidayFISHING
Mussels galore !
Paua & Crays
lowest tides rest between flows the pipis and cockles are the largest and most prevalent. That means twice a day you can wander out with bucket in hand & dig a few inches below the sand/mud surface and find plump, salty tuatua and cockles.
(alla Rick Stein) or something more interesting – like this! Once again, if you can get yourself below the surface, paua are a real delicacy worth searching for. In the North (North of Auckland anyway), legal paua are a rare and prized find but anywhere rocky south of Opotiki on the East Coast will
Sadly, many of our best ‘beds’ have been decimated
often offer up legal paua in good numbers. There’s a few
through poor management and greed. While the daily limit
things to bear in mind when hunting them out, but there’s
in many areas is 150 shellfish per person per day, 20 or 30
no real ‘rules’.
per person is plenty - I cannot think how terrible it would
Paua generally like to be on the sheltered side of rocks that
be for us to lose these amazing coastal resources – please
are themselves amongst larger rocks and boulders that
be respectful.
break up the surf and waves. Paua eat algae that grow on
Pipi, cockle & tuatua are very similar in flavour and their
rocks. They often end up covered in algae themselves & are
preparation can be treated as if they are the same. All
hard to see, but once you’ve found one, you’ll find a bunch!
three filter sand loaded water and remove the nutrients.
The minimum legal size is 125mm across the longest part
This means there’s often a lot of sand inside them when
of the shell in all of NZ, except the Taranaki area – but
you dig them up. I’ve heard lots of opinions on how to
check local rules. You’re only allowed 10 each, but in all
get the sand out, but my preference is simply to leave
honesty you’ll only need one each at most.
them over night in a cool place in a bucket with salt water (from the sea) and a teaspoon of flour or corn-flour – which annoys them and makes them spit out their sand loads.
Correctly cooking paua is a question for the ages. I like them as fresh as possible, shelled and knocked hard once with something very heavy. We then slice them and very
Whether you give them time to spit their sand or not,
quickly fry them with a bit of butter & garlic – Mmmm – I’m
cooking is very simple and can be varied depending on
salivating just thinking of them! However you cook them,
how you want to serve them. All these shellfish need is
enjoy the flavour. Paua are subtle but tasty, don’t go too
heat, whether its from steam, boiling or on the grill, they
heavy on other flavours.
steam in their own juices – salty, sweet and a flavour
Hopefully you’ll find some tasty treats on your summer
reminiscent of the sea itself! Try mixing them into pasta
breaks – good luck & Merry Christmas!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 27
READERpics
Denis Railey & his new PB, a stonking 26lb, 93cm Snapper FROM THE KAYAK!!!!.
Barry Williams showing off a well conditioned spring snap from a rough Coromandel Day.
Dominic Ryan with his new PB, a 5kg snapper caught ont he first drop with his new Powerflex rod.
Reader Pics Peter Whig & a very tasty looking JD caught in Whangaroa Harbour
28 www.nzfisher.co.nz
READERpics
Dave Brown with a fatty snapper landed mid winter on a Trigger-X softbait
Michelle MacKinven with a 68cm spring schoolie caught about Alan ‘Alanimal’ McKinven’s new Rayglass 850 Legend.
W
N IN
ER
Stephanie Ryan with a 12lb Kawau Trevally caught on her Dad, Chris’ boat.
Tom Lusks Landbased King on fly - stunning!
Hibiscus Kayak Fishing Club member Steve with a nice Rawhiti Snapper (Thanks Dave Brown)
www.nzfisher.co.nz 29
COMPETITION
Win a Trip on Board Diversity with Tackle-It & 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: Stephanie Ryan with a 12lb Kawau Trevally caught on her Dad, Chris’ boat.
30 www.nzfisher.co.nz
VIDEO
Fishing Video of the Month We often hear anglers refer to their trips as ‘Epic’ but that phrase can only really be attributed to one trip – the one you take on Epic Adventures. There’s three boats and a landbased charter in the ‘fleet’ now so who’d be surprised to find so many great videos from the Epic stable online.
There’s no doubting the Epic team based from Tairua and Whitianga are at the top of the kingfish charter business here in New Zealand, but in these two videos you get to see it all from the anglers perspective. It’s not just kingfish featuring here either! First off there’s a day aboard Sanity with Tobes where there are over 20 kings landed with the best three going over 20kgs! Day two was landbased with Owen ‘Bush Billy’ up the Coromandel coast – check out the fish landed & try to guess the weight of the one lost!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 31
NEWtackle
Sayoris got bit
Perfect imitators
Sayoris
Micro-jigging; the next big thing AFTER SEEING GREG’S intro to micro-jigging last month
Don’t be fooled by their size – these jigs get hit and hit
we thought we’d give it a go and also try a few of the
hard by most species. I’m very keen to get them in front of
micro stickbaits we’re seeing appear in a few tackle shops.
some tuna this summer – they’ll be deadly!
In both cases we were pretty impressed with the results as
To date we’ve only lost one micro-jig, and that’s very good
both stickbaits & the little jigs out-fished not only soft-
as the lowest cost one we could find was $13.50 – not
baits, but also bait.
cheap, but very effective!
What we found was using such small jigs we started using
My new favourite lure is the Little Jack Sayoris – it’s best
even lighter tackle – you need to stay in touch with the jig.
described as the closest thing I’ve ever found to a real
I was lucky enough to have a 4kg Hearty Rise / Ducro 10
piper in the water.
set up with 10lb line – perfect for twitching jigs and flicking
They’re weighted almost perfectly to just sink a tiny bit,
the stickbaits. We didn’t encounter any big fish, but the
allowing them to be fished in reefy areas where you want
micro jigs in particular elicited bites when nothing else was
the bait below the surface, but not sinking into the weed
working. We were fishing 10-28gram Zetz Boggie, Asari
and getting tangled. I’ve now had snapper, kahawai,
Mah & Maria mico-jigs; all fitted with factory assist or
trevally, goatfish (I know!?!?!) and kings on these little baits.
treble hooks.
I definitely recommend changing out the trebles for single
What was really interesting was the species that hit the
hooks and even reducing them to two instead of three –
these new jigs. Typically flicking around the inner gulf we
fish hit them hard as it is, so there’s not much need for the
hook snapper and the odd kahawai, but with the micro-jigs
trebles and you’ll be much safer without them!
we landed gurnard, yellowtail (Mackerel), snapper, kahawai
We’re planning a few Far North missions in the next little
and kingfish – all the while we only hooked a couple of
while, so all going well we’ll have some more feedback on
snapper n soft baits. OK, so its early days and we don’t
both the micro-jigs (what works best, where, and when)
want to get carried away, but the early results have been
and some more of the ever increasing list of small stickbaits
really encouraging.
on the market.
32 www.nzfisher.co.nz
GIVEAWAY
HUGE NZFisher Subscriber Giveaway!
f sher
Be in to win these awesome prizes from Honda Marine just for subscribing to NZ Fisher! BOY, ARE WE excited about this one! Thanks
How to enter:
to the good people at Honda Marine we’ve
If you’re not already an NZ Fisher subscriber, simply head
got this awesome 70L Icey-Tek chilly bin and
to www.nzfisher.co.nz and subscribe - it’s free! If you
two Hutchwilco inflatable lifejackets to give
already an NZ Fisher subscriber, you’re already in the draw!
away to one lucky NZ Fisher subscriber.
Entries close 19 Feb 2014. To be eligible you must be
We’ll be drawing the winner of this huge value prize in our
an NZ Fisher subscriber and a New Zealand resident as
February issue and entering couldn’t be easier - simply
at 19th February 2014. Winner will be announced in the
subscribe to NZ Fisher and you’re in the draw!
February issue of NZ Fisher on 26th February 2014.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 33
HOOKED UP!
CO
HOOKEDUP!
U
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!!!
LD
IT
B
E
YO
U
?
Congratulations to our Hooked Up prize winner for Issue #31!
Braiden Keen 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 Wednesday 20th December, 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!
34 www.nzfisher.co.nz
NEXTmonth regionalREVIEWS
Coming up in our January issue: - Land based kingfish on fly - West Coast snapper fishery hammered - We test out some traditional Maori fish hooks And heaps more!
Have you subscribed to NZ Fisher? It’s free!
Simply visit www.nzfisher.co.nz to get a copy of NZ Fisher delivered straight to your inbox every month!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 35