ISSUE 44
February 2015
Yellow
Fin On!
www.nzfisher.co.nz
www.nzfisher.co.nz 1
the ANDROS series keeps growing! Two years ago we introduced the Andros 5II speed with huge success. And last year we saw the new 5NS and narrow reels being single speed but of the same construction. This year another new one is out, being the bigger brother Andros 12S larger capacity (510 of .42, 380 of .48, 290 of .55), up to 13 kgs of drag, TDC drag cam for gradual drag curves and high speed gears at 6.4 to 1. g
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Models available: Metaloid 5 and Metaloid 5 Narrow
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Contents ABOUT / Short and sharp, NZ Fisher is a free e-magazine delivering thought provoking and enlightening articles, and industry news and information to forward-thinking fisher people.
EDITOR / Derrick Paull GROUP EDITOR / Richard Liew ART DIRECTOR / Jodi Olsson CONTENT ENQUIRIES /
6.. The Mercurial Yellowfin Tuna
Phone Derrick on 021 629 327 or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES /
8.. Legasea Update February 10.. Great Barrier Island Kingfish Off the Rocks
Phone Jennifer on 09 522 7257 or email jenniferl@espiremedia.com ADDRESS / NZ Fisher, C/- Espire Media, PO Box 137162, Parnell, Auckland 1151, NZ WEBSITE / www.NZFisher.co.nz
16.. The NZACA - A strength in numbers 18.. 2015 SFFNZ Rod & Reel Manawatu Regional Championships
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!
20.. Reader Pics 22.. New Products 26.. Competition
Cover Image: Steve Futter with a chunky YFT from the mighty Highlander skippered by Aaron mcDonald
www.nzfisher.co.nz 3
Know what you’re doing Wide range of courses for all types of boating available nationwide
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Phone 0800 40 80 90 or visit www.boatingeducation.org.nz
Editorial WOW! I’VE HARPED on about the weather being rubbish for so long, I’m embarrassed to admit I had started to look longingly at my family’s photos from the Gold Coast, luring me across the ditch! Thankfully the wind died and the sun came out and ye gods has it been hot, hot, hot, and I’m not just talking about the weather. The floodgates opened from the tropics, from the days before Christmas there were shortbill spearfish, mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna – YES, yellowfin tuna are back! We’ve been lucky to get a look into these mercurial fish from Blue Water Marine Research’s John Holdsworth, on behalf of the NZ Sport Fishing Council. While it’s not an indication of their permanent return, it sure is nice to see them around again – and in good numbers! Fingers crossed that they continue to return again, and again… Last month I wrote that I’ll be attending the Beach and Boat, especially due to the change in rules encouraging catch and release. This stance drew a bit of flack, but more so in relation to the catch & release aspect of the competition. There have been a fair few calls online recently form anglers who feel that we should only catch and keep legal fish for food; disregarding the sport aspect of our pastime and strongly advocating for keeping fish you catch if they’re legal, and no longer releasing fish. I’m not sure what the angle
is, but I’m pretty sure this is the wrong message to be sending. I’d like to state publicly, I’m a staunch supporter of catch & release fishing, providing the angler treats the fish with respect. It seems absurd that anyone would be so short-sighted on this issue. Yes, fish are great food, but to suggest that it is wrong and you should not return fish if they are legal. I bet the commercial fishing industry would love for us all to fall into that line of thinking too. See you at the Beach & Boat! We’re still giving away a $150 Okuma tackle voucher every month to the best of our readers pix sent in each month. This month’s winner is a young lady, Jamie Corkill,who spent a week aboard a friend’s Southern Boat, Highlander. Jamie landed her Bluenose in the pic but also a few kings, gemfish and other goodies. Her skipper, Aaron McDonald, raved about her skills and she seemed like an obvious choice and got drawn from the hat. Send us your pix, big or small and be in the draw. Take advantage of the great weather, enjoy your fishing and keep safe. Tight lines!
Derrick
www.nzfisher.co.nz 5
SPORTSFISHING
The
Mercurial
YellowfinTuna By John Holdwsworth, Bluewater Marine Research on behalf of the NZ Sport Fishing Council
IT HAS BEEN A while since yellowfin tuna
early to speculate on the reasons for their
were available in any numbers in New
reappearance, but in reality it is probably a
Zealand waters. In the first two weeks of
combination of all three factors.
2015 more yellowfin have been caught by NZSFC club members than in the last four full years combined (48 yellowfin recorded in the Council yearbooks). Will they stay for long and will they be back next year? It is
MANAGEMENT: Since 2009 the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission have banned the use of Fish Aggregation
encouraging to see the small and medium size
Devices (FADs) by purse seine vessels for
fish (10 to 30 kg) return.
three or four months a year in international
These are mostly one to two year olds, and if conditions are favourable some may return next year as two and three year olds.
waters to help protect the juvenile bigeye and yellowfin tuna from being taken as bycatch in the skipjack fishery.
There is evidence from the NZ gamefish
Also, some of the distant water fishing
tagging programme and the NSW Fisheries
nations have reduced the number of
tagging programme of yellowfin returning
longline vessels fishing for bigeye.
to areas where they had been tagged in
Commercial catch in the SW Pacific, south
previous seasons. So, is it better international
of 10 ° S Latitude, has been stable, without
management, increased spawning success
the large increases seen in other areas. The
or favourable oceanographic conditions
New Zealand commercial catch of yellowfin
that have helped yellowfin reappear in
was never large and it collapsed at the same
New Zealand waters? It is probably too
time as the recreational fishery.
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Figure 1: The annual landed catch of yellowfin and albacore tuna by NZ Sport Fishing Council clubs from 1994 to 2014.
RECRUITMENT: Yellowfin are a remarkably productive species. Most yellowfin are mature by the time they are two or three years old and seem to spawn whenever the water temperature is above 26°C. In tropical waters yellowfin spawn year round. Nature has a way of making the most of favourable conditions and we may be benefiting from a year or two of good recruitment. A new stock assessment for yellowfin was completed in 2014. It shows the spawning stock biomass of about 40% of the unfished biomass and current catches (600,000 tonnes) are about the level of the maximum sustainable yield (MSY). Most of that catch is taken in the western equatorial Pacific, thousands of miles away from New Zealand. Oceanographics: There have been good patches of oceanic water and catches in January 2015. So far this season there has also been some small marlin (60 to 80 kg) and small bigeye tuna caught by recreational fishers. It seems that these fish are venturing further south than usual this season. Certainly they are not here every year. Maybe this year we will see the occasional wahoo or even the first sailfish taken on rod and reel in New Zealand waters. Now that would be exceptional.
HISTORICAL CATCHES: For 30 years yellowfin tuna was an important target and bycatch species for recreational fishers. Particularly in East Northland, Bay of Plenty and occasionally as far south as Hawke Bay on the North Island east coast and Kawhia on the west coast. Yellowfin size and abundance used to fluctuate from year to year. The NZSFC produces a yearbook with New Zealand line class records and catch tallies for their 56 affiliated clubs. These national tallies show trends in catch by season. Combined catch records of clubs affiliated to NZSFC recorded more than 1000 yellowfin for 12 out of 13 seasons between 1987–88 and 2000–01. Over 2000 yellowfin were landed in the three seasons from 1994–95 to 1996–97 (Figure 1). Anecdotal information suggests that many more yellowfin are landed but not recorded in good seasons. Many of these would be under 25 kg and considered small. Recreational catch hit an historic low in 2008–09 and got progressively worse over the next five years. This led some fishers to doubt if we would ever see a yellowfin fishery in New Zealand again. Recommendation: If yellowfin turn up in reasonable numbers in 2015 fishers should consider tag and release for fish in good condition, to help scientists and managers keep track of where they go and who is catching them when they are leave here.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 7
FISHERIESMANAGEMENT
LegaSea Update
February 2015 www.legasea.co.nz
CRAYFISH MANAGEMENT UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT CRAYFISH ARE A PRIZED catch and
east coast. Commercial catch is recorded
important ecologically so it is critical
and attributed to sub-management
we protect the fishery from over-
areas so localised abundance can be
exploitation. The Ministry for Primary
monitored. Compared to other stock
Industries has just issued proposals
around the country CRA1 is in relatively
for the future management of several
healthy condition. A recent study reveals
fisheries, including the northern crayfish
the best size and numbers of crayfish
stock called CRA1. LegaSea again objects short consultation timeframes, this time we only have 18 working days to review the proposals and submit. Despite the tight deadline we will be responding. If you want to be kept informed of the latest developments please register online at www.legasea.co.nz.
caught commercially were taken at the Three Kings Islands and North-Western coast. Most recreational catch is taken in the Whangarei region and Bay of Islands. Overall, recreational catch for the 2013-14 year was estimated to be around 41 tonnes.The Ministry propose to either retain the current total allowable commercial catch (TACC) of 131 tonnes,
CRA1 extends from north of the Kaipara
or increase it by 6.6 tonnes. This review
Harbour out west, to around Waipu on the
obliges the Minister to set aside an
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annual, overall allowance for customary
collective interests in having an abundant
and recreational fishing interests, that’s us.
crayfish will help ensure the interests of
They propose a customary allowance of
recreational fishers are taken into account.
either 10 or 20 tonnes and a recreational
Most of the advice the Minister receives is
allowance of 50 tonnes. Any new
focused on maximising commercial returns
allowance made for non-commercial
so it up to us to provide some balance.
interests needs to take into account
We need to have a say now so future
current catch trends and allow for future
generations can access fresh crayfish.
growth. Past management of our North
Over the holiday period there has been
Island crayfish fisheries has caused
positive feedback of crayfish catches
unnecessary controversy and conflict in
from some northern areas. Maintaining
coastal communities.
and increasing abundance is important
For example, short-term concessions
because the retail price of crayfish is
allowing commercial fishers to take
already beyond many families’ budget.
undersize crayfish around Gisborne are
And, in future it is inevitable that more
still in place after 22 years! A submission
people will seek to catch their own
from you describing your family’s
crayfish for that special occasion.
LegaSea is the public face of the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council. The Council has an experienced fisheries management, science, policy and legal team. On behalf of the Council LegaSea provides public-friendly information about a variety of processes that are important to the sustainable management of fisheries for future generations.
Call 0800 LEGASEA (534 273)
Subscribe at www.legasea.co.nz
Email us info@legasea.co.nz
Read more at www.facebook.com/legasea
www.nzfisher.co.nz 9
LANDBASEDFISHING
About 30 pound. We did everything right that day. Well, mainly get up early and fish the low tide with a live kahawai under a balloon.
Great Barrier
IslandKingfish
OfftheRocks
IN MY YOUTH, I aspired to be great at
sustainable forms of fishing is of course
table tennis, arguably the sport they play in
land-based and fortunately, we are still able
heaven, but ultimately, I spent heaps of time
in New Zealand to catch a feed from the
in gymnasiums. I only thought about my
rocks. However, this article is not about
choice of sport more consciously (years after
just catching a feed, it is about walking
playing actively) when a flatmate asked why
the extra mile so to say, to target not only
anyone would want to spend a lot of time in
big, high quality, hard-fighting fish, but
a closed, unnatural environment and chase
his majesty himself, the, at times, elusive
a ball with a racket? Duh, it’s the sport they
yellowtail kingfish (Haku). Is there a more
play in heaven, do I need say anything more?
adventurous way to target kingfish?
Imagine, however, mixing some of the
There is a sense of feeling mesmerised
things you enjoy most (nature, fresh
when hiking down toward a suitable
air, the sea, walking, fresh food), spicing
ledge on a good day, the combination
them up with adventure, excitement, and
of vast and beautiful coastlines, the
if you like, danger, the unknown factor,
uninterrupted views, the warmth of the
physical activity and, wait for it, yes, to
sun, the salty sea breeze, they all lead to
make it a sport, discipline. One of the most
a pleasant anticipation.
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I’ve fished that area once and keen to do it again
My friend Paul might have a different take
pilchards, three to four pre-tied rigs, a rod
on this though – he is old and not that fit
and small reel. We found an accessible
any more – but the important thing is that
spot and I landed a five pound snapper
he is a dedicated land based game-fisherman.
that day. A couple of weeks ago, we drove
Here are some links on his achievements
to Harataonga and went for a coastal hike
on Great Barrier Island (Great Barrier Island
carrying heaps of gear, including kingi gear,
Kingfish – Rock fishing, Kingfish Off The
in search for a new land based fishing spot.
Rocks Part II, Part III). Finding new fishing
New to me that is.
spots should be an integral part of landbased fishing. After all, once you get serious about your fishing, you can never have too many accessible spots. However, finding new spots can be difficult sometimes.
On top of the first hill, I walked to the end of the peninsular to take pictures. It seemed to me from there that we won’t be able to access the ledges on the southern side of the peninsula ahead. We walked
Unless you are introduced to a spot in some
to the next peninsula, enjoying the views
way or another by another fisho, the only
thoroughly, and et voilà, there was a paper
option you have is to hike into the area you
track which seemed to lead to the end
want to fish and give it a go. However, there is
of it. The confidence I was feeling gave
the obvious question, do you walk in with or without your fishing gear? The next question is: How many rods should you take?
me a burst. After about half an hour of battling the bush in a fruitless effort to find a route or any way to reach the end of
I remember looking for a new spot last year
the peninsula and how to get down; the
with my mate Paul. He chose to take no
aforementioned confidence transformed
gear at all, I had a small pack with frozen
into disbelief. There must be a way down!
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LANDBASEDFISHING We wanted to get down to this ledge, but just couldn’t find any useful access
The bush was so dense that you just could not look ahead, let alone battle your way through it with a big pack. We decided to head back, perhaps we missed another path that forked off this one. Another disappointment, we hadn’t missed anything. I took some more pictures… Reluctantly, I followed my mate heading for the next peninsula, the one who’s ledges looked the most promising. There was no evident track on the ridge at all, very dense bush again, but we managed through the less dense tea tree forest. Well, up to a point that is. The ridge became very narrow, no more walking along-side it, and neither of us enjoyed scraping our way through the bush. We Looks like an awesome ledge to fish.
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I’ve fished that area once and keen to do it again
arrived at an opening on the ridge and what I saw ahead was not assuring. Denser bush combined with loose, small rocks and a large decline. Paul decided to go a bit further and have a look, I stayed back, being pissed off with the day so far. I could have packed heavy and walked up the hills on BENIsLAND at home with my fishing rods. So I decided to enjoy the rest of the day, especially when not many people have been sitting here enjoying these views lately. I was also exhausted and didn’t feel comfortable going further. I mean, this is not a frequented area, certainly no one can hear you if you yell out, there is no cell phone coverage, even a sprained ankle could lead to drastic consequences.
There is a white man on the cliff, hoping to get down onto the rocks…
A land based fisho knows or will learn to
productive area of that bay, but managed to
know that conditions change, the question
land a feed.
is as always, how well are you prepared for challenging circumstances?
The day after, we went to an easily accessible spot on the East Coast. A very
Anyway, Paul was somewhat adamant that
dangerous spot in any swell though. It
we could have climbed down to the ledges
was early in the morning, there was half a
on the other side of the peninsula, then
metre of swell out there, too much wind,
again it wasn’t that trivial, other wise he
and it wasn’t comfortable at all. Then
would have persuaded me to follow. We
it began to rain, Paul was not in a good
headed back, carrying our bags, defeated
mood. We fished a ledge, where it was
and disappointed.
virtually impossible to land a kingi and had
Of course, we still had bait and burley and
to relocate.
we certainly wouldn’t go back home without
However, my mate’s mood changed
at least having a go at catching a feed. Two
dramatically after being presented with a
thirds back on the coastal track we headed
very lively kahawai, which went out under a
to a bay that seemed accessible; this too was
balloon as a live bait. Less than an hour later,
hard going and the closer we got the beach
we watched a kingi trying for a long time
the more it dawned on us, it will just be freaking vertical at the end.
(about 5 minutes) to eat the kahawai. The live bait jumped out of the water, pretending
Long story short, we found a way down
to being a flying fish. Paul remained very
and after a few more compromises based
calm though: “Aah, let’s just wait, it’ll find a
on the terrain, we fished probably the least
way to swallow that fish.”
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LANDBASEDFISHING A small consolation for all of the hiking and beating in the bush, but I do like the fact that I catch fish more than most of the times.
Boooooom, moments later, and he was on. I thought about getting the camera, but watched Paul instead. The kingi wasn’t getting much line out, so I decided to grab the gaff and be ready. It didn’t even take 5 minutes and a very green fish was in gaffable reach, so I went for it and secured the fish further up on the rocks. Yeeeehah! It was about 1000 in the morning, just after low tide and I was preparing to go back home, but Paul had another idea: “Hey, we’ve got those other kahawai in the rock pool, I’ll send another one out.” Hmmm, okay, why not? Another 10 minutes, and yet another strike. This kingi fought a bit harder, but was unfortunately gut-hooked and so we took it as well.
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Paul with two nice kingfish caught off the rocks on Great Barrier Island
Two kingis in one morning. Paul was pleased and after taking a shot of him holding both fish, he was extremely pleased. Now, he had a picture of himself with two nice Great Barrier Island kingfish, just like a famous picture of John Lennan with his two fish.
P.S. I advise anyone to trust their gut-feeling when it comes to new fishing spots. Your buddy might say that it is really easy to get down there, but same buddy might opt out in a different spot that you find very easy to climb. Don’t get yourself into a situation where you can’t climb up nor down…
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FISHINGORGANISATIONS
The NZACA A strength in numbers The first national fishing organisation has revamped, reassessed and revived – their strengths in catering for the smaller clubs may well see the become the glue that holds our regional clubs together
I SPEND QUITE a few years on the board of the NZACA (New Zealand Angling and Casting Association), years spent either banging my head against the wall or causing others to do so. I joined the board as a young, green and idealistic fisho who wanted to do his bit for his sport. I came across an organisation in what felt like deaths throes. That’s not to say it wasn’t functioning or not well loved, but the management structure belonged in the previous century and few of the old salts wished to make changes; “It’s how we’ve always done it and its worked for 40 years, so way change?” could be heard just about every time a new idea was tabled. I cannot say I was the most constructive member, by bringing new ideas I often came up against a wall of objections; some so objectionable the motions were withdrawn in a flurry of sour words and pointless debates. In 2012 there were a few new faces on the ACA exec, notably Karla Tardeiu, Jim Yeoman and James Benge who joined myself, Brent
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Rolston and a few others. What changed though was a level of professionalism, passion and desire to bring relevance to the organisation through positive change. Later in 2012 there was a catalyst for change thrust upon the executive by way of a challenge to change or fail, and a pathway to do so, from Chad Prentice. Chad proposed a stark and sweeping change to the way the executive did business, but most importantly how the NZACA National Championships are run. Chad’s proposal was comprehensive and well thought out. He’d garnered good support online, utilising the NZACA Facebook page and his own, NZ Surfcasting, page to build support, accept advice and debate the best format to run the competition. A change of the Nationals cannot be the reason why the organisation has regained their relevance. They’ve done so in such good time, but it can be seen as the point where the younger generation (and by younger we mean those under 50!) make
their intentions known and had the numbers
International Casting Federation rules, voted
to make changes necessary to keep the
in at the 2012 Feilding Nationals.
organisation first afloat, then on the mend.
The rules are now standardised, all members
Since then, the first National Champs have been successfully held in the Bay of Plenty.
at all clubs have a standard to cast against and the result is a better structured
The executive have solidified further
organisation (Casting is a major sport
and the future looks somewhat rosier.
internationally and growing strongly in
Current President, Jim Yeoman, took over
NZ again). This change concerned a few
the reins last year and has begun a well-
clubs and individuals, but Jim Yeoman’s
received pilgrimage travelling around the
efforts to get around the clubs has had a
North Island meeting with association
great effect on informing, (re)opening the
clubs, former clubs, prospective cubs and
communication channels and educating
individuals who you would call detractors
about the reasons and why they will work.
or even enemies of the former ACA board.
There’s been a lot of hard work by a good
It takes a lot of determination, conviction and patience to engage individuals and clubs who have built such resentment and distrust over such a long time.
number of executive members just to get to this point. The NZACA released their strategic plan in late 2014 and it’s ambitious, but well grounded. The Strategic plan can be
By fronting up, Jim is confronting the issues,
viewed here.
answering the questions, and making those
From what I can see, it’s Jim’s drive
detractors often reconsider their position. He often ensures the clubs they represent are actually informed about the actions and decisions made by their executive.
and passion that is engaging the clubs, building trust and bringing more on board. Jim recently confided his goal is to triple the current membership by the end of
All too often a club secretary who doesn’t
the year, but even a doubling would be
like what they’re being told doesn’t pass
sensational. The detractors can hardly
on the info to the membership and the
argue with the results Jims already bought
communications become unnecessarily
to the association; a doubling of last year’s
laboured, causing more misgivings between
membership, a successful (and profitable
clubs and the association. Among recent
Nationals), a stable executive and more
changes there has been the adoption of the
clubs lined up to join or re-join. ●
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FLYFISHING
2015 SFFNZ Rod & Reel Manawatu Regional
Championships
Manawatu River CHEERS FOR THE REPORT and pics Cory and
many unresponsive fish letting the dries
well done on another win mate! This past
pass by without a thought, yet three anglers
weekend saw the latest Sport Fly Fishing
managed to pull up a few browns.
New Zealand competition on our calendar go
Lloyd Struthers won this dry fly session
down on a very low and hot Manawatu River.
with two fish, followed by Craig Anderson
Reports prior to the comp pointed toward
with one and Cory Scott with one. Sunday
tough fishing and this became evident after
dawned another hot day with next to no wind
session 1 with many fish showing no interest
and Session 3 kicked off, with a little early
in feeding with fish absent from the glides
morning cloud cover there were a few browns
and all sitting nose down in the riffles or deep
seen cruising the glides that had not been
holes. Cory Scott won session 1 followed by
there the day before.
Mark Clasper in second and Tim Rich in third.
Once the sun hit the water they disappeared
After initiating a ‘Dry Fly Only’ session last
into the shade of the willows; several anglers
year in an effort to build our anglers’ dry
made use of their appearance, sight fishing
fly skills and become competitive in this
them with tiny nymphs before they headed
discipline internationally it was decided to
for cover. Session 3 was won by Cory Scott
stick with the format after much discussion.
followed by Paul Baker in second and Steve
This 2nd session was super tough with
Brown in Third.
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The Manuwatu in all it’s glory, even if running a little low.
event, to the controllers who gave up their valuable time to help out, to local angler and Podium honours went to Gisborne’s Cory Scott in first defending his 2014 title, Hawkes Bay’s LLoyd Struthers in second and Wellington’s Paul Baker in third.
event organiser Craig Anderson for all your time and efforts, and to the local fisherman for allowing us to fish your river over the weekend. Also to Brendon Lyon for tabulating the scoring in between competing time and
Many thanks must go out to sponsors Rod
time again, and to all the competitors in
and Reel for once again supporting this
attendance. Many thanks! ●
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READERPICS
Barry Corkill with a decent Bluenose aboard Highlander.
Aaron Mcdonalds boat mate, Brendan, with a horse the Garden Patch in January.
of awww.nzfisher.co.nz Gemfish from 20
Highlander Skipper Aaron McDonald and his best Bluenose for the day.
Winner!ďƒƒ Jamie Corkill aboard highlander with a huge Bluenose
Safia Sabbir with his new PB Snapper of 15lbs, landed at Kawau Island in January
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NEWPRODUCTS
The all new
Frewza F18 - NZFisher Boat We loved the F16 side console so much there was little need to convince us the new 18 foot Hard-top F18 would be right up our alley. By Derrick Paull, Editor purchased the Frewza F18 & was not paid to review this boat.
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THE F18 IS BUILT ON Frewza’s proven hull
side rod pockets accommodate rods to seven
design; solid, dry riding and soft riding,
foot and about six each side. That paired with
especially designed for rugged south Island
the optional Nacsan rocket-launcher, we’re
waters. There’s simplicity that we find
good for 18 rods, which should prove to be
other manufacturers have continued to
plenty (but I’m willing to push it!).
look past in search of more features and
Another change we made was to leave out
gimmicks to lure their clients with. I don’t want to suggest the Frewza is Spartan, it’s still nicely appointed, but there’s no chaff – nothing that isn’t necessary.
the factory pedestal seats. We want room for anglers, gear and fish-bins so it was an easy decision. We’ve been securing a 100L Icey-Tek on the passenger’s side to serve as a
A prime example is the dash. The set-up is
seat when fishing but is movable depending
slim, easy to access (both front and back) but
where it’s needed. With the seats removed
doesn’t take up half the cockpit; leaving more
and the nature of the dash/cock-pit layout
room for the more important stuff. The cabin
we’ve got more fishing deck than the
(which is something of an overstatement)
competitors 6 and 6.5m rigs, from a 5.7m.
can come fitted out with ‘bunks’ but we
As always, we’ve powered the rig with a
again went with the naked hull which offers flexibility to throw some squabs in for the kids or stack it with gear on big trips.
Honda, this time running with the newin-2015 BF100 (1.5L 4 cylinder). It’s still new, and really just running in, but we’re already
Already we’ve tucked two sets of dive gear
getting superb economy in the region of 14
and jigging/top water gear for four anglers up
litres per hour at 20 knots and under four
there and there’s more room if needed. The
litres an hour at trolling speeds.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 23
Pimped
We went for hydraulic steering this time and it’s been a dream. I was expecting heavy set-up times and a few refills to get it right but the systems been fine from day one and was surprisingly easy to install with the experience of Honda’s Steve Johnson on hand to keep me on track. The Honda guys have been brilliant, especially considering we turned up the week before Christmas to get the rig fitted up! The electronics were a bit more of a talking point. While we’ve gone with Lowrance once again, it was the model and extras that caused come consternation. There’s such an offering of product out there and the move is towards bigger, brighter and better definition. I’m probably a bit behind the times so I wasn’t too sure what CHIRP actually was, or why for that matter do I need it?
First Blood
24 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Liam, my contact at distributor Navico, put me on the right track. So, what is CHIRP and why did we want it? The word itself is an acronym for Compressed High-Intensity
Rigging the donkey
Radiated Pulse –so what? Instead of
signal from a third 600w transducer. The
sending just one single frequency, CHIRP
transom is PIMPED!
sends a continuous sweep of frequencies
The first trip out was meant to be a quick
ranging from low to high. CHIRP sonar technology then interprets frequencies
tester, but my ever keen boy, Oscar, wouldn’t have a bar of it. This is a fishing boat, so we
individually upon their return. Since this
go fishing! If you can remember back to
continuous sweep of frequencies provides
before the great January weather, the end of
CHIRP with a much wider range of
December was a bit rugged so we headed out
information, CHIRP sonar is able to create
to the Navy base on the Waitemata Harbour
a much clearer, higher resolution image.
– just a few minutes across from where we
This means to you and I that we see more
launched at the Westhaven marina.
detail, better definition and a cleared picture
The weather was average but I was extremely
of what is beneath us. So we went with a bit
pleased the boat went well, getting up on
of a hybrid system running the HDS-9 Gen II
the plane quickly, riding the chop well and
Touch which drives an Airmar 1kW standard
keeping us dry – after an open boat for years
transducer as well as the Lowrance Structure
the hard-top is such a pleasure. We look
Scan HD transducer. The system isn’t CHIRP
forward to reporting more back as we put her
native so via a sonar Hub we’ll input a CHIRP
through her paces. ●
www.nzfisher.co.nz 25
COMPETITIONS
Competition!
Share an Awesome Photo and Be in to Win! (NZ ents lopm e v e D
) Ltd
5 1 0 2
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Share an awesome photo this month and be in to WIN a $150 Composite Developments Voucher! Share an awesome photo of you with a fish to our Facebook page, or email it to derrickp@nzfisher.co.nz by 15 March and you’ll be in to win an $150 voucher from
to view. This months winner is Jamie Corkill aboard highlander with a huge Bluenose. She has
Composite Developments to spend on
won a $150 Composite Developments
anything you like from their 2015
voucher, happy spending Jamie â—?
catalogue - click here 26 www.nzfisher.co.nz
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