NZ Fisher issue 82

ISSUE 82

September 2018

Successful straylining from the shore

Share your catch - readers pics

Kitting out your boat - what to consider

Helping your kids cook their catch

www.nzfisher.co.nz

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CONTENTS 10.

6.

SUCCESSFUL STRAY-LINING FROM THE SHORE

DOWN TO EARTH KIWIS DOING WHAT’S RIGHT FOR OUR COASTLINES

16.

GETTING THE KIDS INTO FISHING, THE FUN WAY

ABOUT / Short and sharp, NZ Fisher is a free e-magazine delivering thought provoking and enlightening articles, and industry news and information to forwardthinking fisher people.

EDITOR / Derrick Paull

18.

GETTING INTO THE NITTY GRITTY OF KIDS COOKING FISH, WITH SMOKE

GROUP EDITOR / Colin Kennedy ART DIRECTOR / Liz Brookes CONTENT ENQUIRIES / Phone Derrick on 021 629 327 or email derrickp@NZFisher.co.nz ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES / Phone Derrick on 021 629 327 or email derrickp@NZFisher.co.nz

20.

26.

BOAT FIT-OUTS. WHAT’S THE BEST APPROACH?

LEGASEA UPDATE: ECONOMICS 28.

TRUMPING ALL ELSE

TARAKIHI IN TROUBLE

ADDRESS / NZ Fisher PO BOX 11640, Ellerslie WEBSITE / www.NZFisher.co.nz

media

Cover image is by: David Ochoa

30.

READERS PICS 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 3

EDITORIAL

Generally, I have a different part of

week of fine weather has provided

the fishery that I love, regardless

an opportunity for a few streams to

of the season. Even in the absolute

clear out and there’s still a handful of

dead of winter, there’s nothing

spawning trout heading up-stream.

better than scraping the ice of your

The canals have been providing 30lb-

eyelets to allow the fly-line to pass

plus fish regularly and the salmon in

on a frosty central plateau stream.

Wakatipu have been eager to hit lures

However, spring is always the best.

- so what are you all waiting for?!

Big snapper, voracious kingfish, huge canal trout, kahawai chasing whitebait in the rivermouths, hapuku and bass from the deep, scallops are in season and there’s even some tuna in the far, far north - spring has it all.

Reports coming in from the Auckland/ Hauraki Gulf always include really good numbers of big snapper, and if Facebook photos are anything to go by, the weekend of the 14th was an absolute cracker!

Sadly for me, the best weather this month coincided with the NZ Sport Fishing Council AGM, though I was there to have a listen to the new Minister of Fishing NZ, Stuart Nash, give his thoughts on the state and future of our fisheries.

Minister Nash hails form Napier, the home of the currently in-court (again) Hawkes Bay Fisheries and there was a little talk of the Hawkes Bay situation - where there is a real divide between

There’s very good kings coming from

the comms who are catching and

the wide reefs off Coromandel and

the recs who aren’t. LegaSea Hawkes

for those heading a bit further, the

Bay member and NZACA President

‘puka and bass are coming in now too.

Jim Yeoman was there to hear

For those more interested in the finer things (like trout!), this last

4 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Minister Nash speak, in Jims words:

“Nash has stated he wants to see

We at NZ Fisher agree, this will help

more data on rec fisheries, despite

build a much clearer picture of the

this not being the preference of

current fishing practices aboard our

the scientists who actually produce

commercial fleet and lead to better

the science that this data accounts

management decisions in the future.

for. Their preference is for better, not more data - something we hope the Minister will listen to.

I would like to congratulate Bob Gutsell of Raglan Sport Fishing Club on being named the new

More importantly for the state

President of the NZ Sport Fishing

of the nation’s fisheries, Minster

Council. Bob celebrated 10 years

Nash has confirmed the next stage

on the council this year and is a

of digital monitoring across the

knowledgeable, driven advocate for

wider commercial fishing fleet

recreational fishers in New Zealand.

will begin in January 2019.”

Lastly, Northland Regional Council “The rollout will begin in January

have requested anyone taking scallops

2019 with those who have the

in the far north keep an eye out for

highest total holdings of annual

the invasive pest, Mediterranean

catch entitlement (ACE). It will be

Fan Worm, attached to scallops.

introduced progressively and end with operators who have the smallest or no holdings. It will be in place across the whole fleet by December 2019.

“It replaces the current paper-based catch reporting system that is slow, error prone and time consuming.

The wider introduction of electronic catch and position reporting will give us more accurate and timely information about what is being caught, how it is being caught, and where it is being caught.”

“Our scallops are under threat from the marine pest Mediterranean fanworm which can attach to scallops and compete with them for kai (food).

If you collect scallops and find a fanworm attached, please bag the fanworm and contact us immediately: 0800 002 004.”

Tight lines!

Derrick www.nzfisher.co.nz 5

// FISHING THROUGH THE RUBBISH

Down To Earth Kiwis Doing what’s right for our coastlines

BY Derrick Paull, on behalf of DTEK

6 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Before you read any further, please click this link and have a look at what Down to Earth Kiwi’s are doing for us right now https://www.facebook.com/groups/DTEKNZ/

DTEKNZ: WHAT DRIVES US New Zealand is an amazing country, it is unique in many ways, providing an amazing environment and lifestyle, which many generations of Kiwis have loved, cherished and shared with their families for many generations.

We’re all very lucky to live here, we love it and respect it.

We are witnessing many changes and impacts on the environment and we see the negative impact this has on the values that drive us and our kids. We know we can’t change the world, but we can make New Zealand awesome again for ourselves and for generations to come, not by fighting the cause but by simply getting off our butts to help the environment by doing what we can, when we can, in a down to earth, supportive, all-inclusive spirit.

“As a proud kiwi, I love my country and want my kids and their kids to share the same experiences as I did growing up. This includes eeling, fishing, hunting, diving, gardening, sports, hangi and camping”.

Let’s stop relying on overloaded infrastructure and local government to do everything for us, let’s do this ourselves.

Think Kiwi – Act Kiwi.

Come and join us.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 7

The group, led by Daniel Anderton and his support team of David Antill, Rob Munday, David Puhoi Rowson, Matt Lees and Melissa-Rose Anderton are making huge differences across the Auckland area, clearing rubbish and debris from shoreline locations - things that should never be there in the first place.

We introduced Daniel’s project a couple of months ago, but since then he’s formalised the group, brought in some helpers, got organised, and named the group “Down to Earth Kiwis”. It’s a pretty real kind of a name too, because that’s what Daniel is, and the message he wants to portray - we’re all here for the right reasons!

Please like the page, not to boost anyones ego’s, but simply to see what a great job these people are doing and a reminder that every day we can be helping too. 

8 www.nzfisher.co.nz

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DTEKNZ/ www.nzfisher.co.nz 9

// LAND-BASED FISHING

Successful stray-lining from the shore

BY Andy McLeod

Stray-lining is perhaps the least talked about method of land-based fishing, yet it’s one of the most productive.

10 www.nzfisher.co.nz

On a fish-per-hour basis, I catch more

water. Good tidal flow/current is also an

fish stray-lining than I do surfcasting,

advantage, as it allows you to draw fish

spinning or live-baiting. Kahawai are the

to your position with berley. Wharves on

mainstay, responding enthusiastically

the edge of harbour channels are ideal in

to berley and stray-lined baits, and

this respect.

sometimes they’re so thick you’re just

Berley

trying to avoid them.

If you can, heavily desirable species like snapper, trevally, and kingish are all regularly caught stray-lining from landbased positions - I have even caught blue moki and butterfish this way.

Berley is the key to stray-lining success - without it, you will struggle to draw fish to your feet and keep them there.

You need to match your berley approach to your situation, but normally a combination of minced berley and

So what is stray-lining? It’s a technique

‘chunks’ (i.e. cut chunks of fish bait) are

that involves fishing unweighted or

best. When your berley is really working

lightly weighted baits, normally into

it will be obvious – you will have baitfish

deep water and in a berley trail. From

visibly swimming around and perhaps a

the shore, this is done mostly from rock

few big moochers too. Dispensing berley

platforms and wharves, but sometimes

consistently keeps the fish hanging

can be done successfully in shallow water

around for long periods, and fish caught

too. To me, the advantages of stray-lining

in the trail are often full of berley when

include the ability to float baits directly

gutted.

down a berley trail, drift baits naturally with the current, and maintain contact

Active approach

with your bait, knowing exactly what’s

I strongly recommend taking an active

going on at the other end of your line!

approach when stray-lining. This involves

Finding a spot to stray-line

holding your rod at all times and staying in contact with your bait so you can feel

Stray-lining is most easily achieved from

any bites and be sure that you’re not

positions with moderately-deep to deep

snagged up (re-curved hooks are another

water directly at your feet – generally

good way of reducing snags).

rock platforms and wharves for the land-

I like to regularly move my bait so I

based angler. I would recommend spots

know I’m not snagged up. This can

with two metres depth or more, but the

involve large sweeps of the rod or gentle

deeper the better. Deeper water generally

twitches, depending on the species I’m

means more fish, and shy species such

targeting. I also recommend watching

as snapper and trevally tend to sit at the

your berley trail very closely, because

back of the berley trail in deeper, darker

this keeps you in touch with the species www.nzfisher.co.nz 11

// LAND-BASED FISHING

present – important, because different

cut about thumb-size are my favourite

species require different approaches to

stray-line bait for kahawai.

bait presentation. Polaroid sunglasses

Trevally are shy biters, and my June 2012

are invaluable for taking the glare off the

article goes into detail about how to

water and improving underwater vision.

stray-line for them. They are present in

Presenting baits to different species

the berley trail more often than people

The main stray-lining species I’ve referred

right at the back of the berley, they are

to earlier all have their own feeding

often not spotted.

habits, and while they can be so hungry they’ll scoff anything on offer, a more specific approach is usually required for each species.

imagine, but because they hang around

To successfully hook them, you will need to get down past the kahawai and minimise drag on the bait. Presenting plenty of slack line is my favoured tactic

Kahawai normally feed freely in the top

– strikes normally occur when the bait

third of the water column, sipping in

is dropping. Although trevally grow to

morsels of berley in full view. To present

healthy sizes, smaller baits and hooks are

your bait in this area, do it without a

normally needed to fool them – and again

sinker if possible. If the wind or current

I recommend pilchard for bait, though

is too strong to allow this, try sitting

small strips of fresh kahawai or trevally

a light sinker directly on top of your

can also be effective.

hook (e.g. a ½ or ¼ ounce ball sinker).

Snapper are a bottom feeder by nature,

Gently twitching your bait and then

but can be drawn into feeding on stray-

letting it drop is generally a good tactic

lined baits with the aid of a strong

for kahawai, although when shy to bite,

berley trail. Generally they will stay in

a similar tactic for trevally (as described

the bottom third of the water column,

below) can be successful. Pilchard baits

feeding at the limit of visibility at the

12 www.nzfisher.co.nz

back of the berley trail - but they will

some time when chunking. Kingfish range

come boldly into view when hungry. This

throughout the water column, sometimes

is particularly the case for smaller fish,

sitting shyly at the back of the berley

though big moochers also do this on

trail, out of sight, while others boldly buzz

occasion (surely one of the great sights

around right on the surface. If kingfish are

for the Kiwi land-based fisherman!). A

likely visitors to your chosen spot, have a

little weight is normally required to get

heavy stray-line rod ready, rigged with a

down to the snapper, but I always try and

whole pilchard or piper.

get away with the absolute minimum,

Advanced tackle and tactics

because natural-looking drifts entice more bites. Same as for trevally, strikes normally occur on the drop. For big snapper, large fresh fillets or steaks of kahawai are hard to beat – being heavy, these baits will sink quickly, and it can be necessary just to let them sit on the bottom and wash around for long periods.

Kingfish are often caught stray-lining, even though we talk more about catching them with live baits, jigs and poppers. Some of the biggest land-based kingfish I’ve caught – and seen caught– have been taken on

Specific stray-lining tackle isn’t always required, but there are times when it is absolutely essential. I’ve written previously about achieving a good ‘natural drift’, which basically means presenting the bait in such a way that it is dropping through the water with minimal drag, so it appears not to be connected to anything. Here are some things I do to achieve a good natural drift and generally present attractive baits: • I use the lightest tackle I can get away

stray-lined baits. Live baits and lures might

with, taking into account the territory

draw them in, but it’s often a stray-lined

I’m fishing and the size and strength

whole pilchard that suckers them! Kingfish

of the fish being targeted. I use braid

will hang around in a good berley trail for

or 6kg mono over clean bottoms, and

www.nzfisher.co.nz 13

// LAND-BASED FISHING

“

Some of my fondest catches (and bust-offs) have been while stray-lining!

14 www.nzfisher.co.nz

these very thin diameter options give the

bait away with minimal pressure before

best natural drift and maximise hook-ups

tightening up the drag and simultaneously

on shy fish.

striking the fish. Because I use traditional

• I use the lightest sinker possible –

Beak/Octopus or ‘J’ shaped hooks, the rule

normally a quarter- or half-ounce ball

of thumb is the longer the strike is left, the

sinker – sitting directly on top of the

deeper the fish is hooked.

baited hook. If I can get away with no

• Stray-lining relies on the visual instincts

sinker I will do that, but often current and

of the fish, so bait presentation is critical.

wind will force unweighted baits onto

Often I have seen fish race up to baits

the surface. In really strong wind and/or

and turn their noses away at the last

current, sinkers over one ounce may be

minute, unconvinced it looks worth eating.

required.

Fluorocarbon and small hooks help to

• In windy conditions I keep my rod tip low to minimise wind drag – if fishing low down to the water I will even put my rod tip in the water.

• I use the shortest length of leader material I can get away with; because it’s thicker than your mainline, it drags in the water the most. Sometimes I use less than a metre of leader (just enough to cope with abrasion against a hooked fish). However, most times a longer leader is necessary to provide abrasion resistance from the rocks and to ensure the safe netting or gaffing of fish from positions high above the water.

• I generally like to have plenty of slack line

present baits naturally. Many people use a sliding keeper hook, but I stick to a single hook at the end of the leader to keep things tidy and natural.

• Finally, because stray-lining can see you catch anything from a small baitfish to a 30kg kingfish, ideally you should have light (say 3-6kg), medium (10-15kg) and heavy (15-24kg) sets to cover your options. Think carefully about what fish you’re likely to encounter before investing in your straylining gear. Whilst a heavy outfit might give you peace of mind, a lighter set will probably guarantee more bites and may be perfectly adequate for your needs.

If you live in an area with wharves and rock

in the water whilst the bait is dropping,

platforms over deep water, stray-lining

and I leave it lying on the bottom for only

may be the most productive technique you

a short time before repeating the process.

can employ. It is an active, stimulating way

Most strikes occur ‘on the drop’. Line can

of fishing, and if you dedicate yourself to

be pulled off the spool by hand, either

berleying, sooner or later you will witness

by opening the bail-arm (when using egg

some exciting scenes as the fish feed at your

beater reels) or by pulling against the drag.

feet. Some of my fondest catches (and bust-

• I fish a light drag to allow fish to take the

offs) have been while stray-lining!  www.nzfisher.co.nz 15

// HOLIDAY KIDS FISHING

Getting the kids into fishing, the fun way Best fishing memories on the Thames Coast

BY John Edlin

hing s i f t n e ay we w d dad r u d t n a a S k c On i d a st n u o f on. My I k o o h and and a g bring n i o r t t s e m put did. iya told I a o M s r r e t e sis he wat t f en it o h t t u n i o k n it i w it bac y line was e r h t I Then en m h t n o ut the h p s i f o t a d i d ha Dad sa . y z a r aught c c I n e going h fun. back t y l l e a n e o r t s s fir . It wa e n o r e anoth 8 B Y Kristian

Edlin aged

Photo Credits: John Eldin 16 www.nzfisher.co.nz

The Thames coast is one of our regular fishing spots, where I’ll often take my kids for a fish off the rocks.

The weekend’s weather was looking good, so I took my three kids up to our usual spot.

Kristian and his big sister Maiya unfortunately had their reels broken, and I only had my surfcaster and one other. I threw some burley in the water and the kids watched the small fish swimming around the rocks. We came up with an idea to collect some driftwood and make our own fishing rods. The kids excitedly set off and soon returned with arms full of driftwood.

We discussed which pieces would make the best rods, sorted through the pile, and soon had a couple of pieces of suitable, prospective fishing rods.

I tied some nylon onto the driftwood with a hook and a float and baited up the kids’ lines. In the water, the lines went near the burley and it wasn’t long before Kristian hooked up a nice kahawai. After a lot of commotion, he had landed the fish. We put the first fish back as I have always done and have taught the kids to do, then baited up again and back in the water went the line to catch another nice kahawai.

Kristian was so excited as he yelled out that he had caught another fish. His proud smile as he stood holding his catch for a photo was priceless.  www.nzfisher.co.nz 17

// HOLIDAY KIDS FISHING

Kids Smoked Fish Getting your kids involved with cooking their catch

BY Robert Browning

Photo Credits: John Eldin 18 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Sometimes in life there are gem moments.

meth burner. The children helped set it all

Sometimes we are so wrapped up in the

After we had assurance that the fire was

business of it all, that we miss them or take

running sweetly we set a return meeting of

them for granted. But sometimes, when we

twenty minutes.

stop for a moment, we actually see them

Well, there was a duly knock at the door

and acknowledge them for what they are.

and four happy faces with the eldest (11)

A couple of months ago I went over to the

announcing the timer alarm was going

neighbours house and asked if they wanted

off. Back to the shed we went and I tested

some smoked fish. “Yes” was the expected

the heat and lifted the lid. It was as good

up and I did the honours of lighting it up.

reply so I then asked would the four children a smoke as I have ever done! Into the tray like to come over and help me prepare it and went the fillets, and off the children were they could learn how it is done. “Yes please!” was the response from the kids and parents.

So we trundled off to the cutting table and fish bucket and had a discussion about which fish looked the best. We proceeded to scale, fillet (skin on), and debone it before trundling back to the house to prepare the fillets - salt and a splash of Lemon, Lime and Bitters courtesy of Mr Bundaberg.

Armed with headlamps, a basin of fish, tin foil, and matches, we headed to the smoke

sent with a parting instruction. I said “your job is to write up how we did it and tell a story…”

It was mid afternoon when four happy faces were at the door again with the eldest clutching a near new diary with the story inside. So we sat in the lounge with my dearest and a couple of cats, I read out the instructions and the story with four happy faces watching on.

shed. Before we got started, there was the

WOW. They had the details exactly as had

important matter of a big safety briefing as

happened and the last word in the diary in

we were going to use the smoke box with a

large letters... “YUM!!!” 

The whole experience recorded in Rico’s diary www.nzfisher.co.nz 19

// BOAT FISHING

Getting the right fit

After reading Derrick’s intro to his Frewza F18 last month I thought I might have a look at the way we fit boats out, and hopefully offer some insights on making the right decisions.

Derrick’s Frewza is a sweet boat, and they had a great chance to get the little things right as this was his second F18 in two years. I decided to employ the knowledge and advice of Derrick and

Boat fit-outs.

What’s the best approach?

Grant Dixon of Fishing News - two guys who’ve had

BY Neil Wagener

with surprisingly similar answers.

20 www.nzfisher.co.nz

their fair share of kitting boats out right.

I asked them a few questions and they came back

Grant Dixon - Managing Editor, NZ Fishing News Biggest regret

get too hung up on side scan, deep scan

Not using the best components

functions, and the flash-harry stuff.

available. On occasions I have made

Go for a unit that gives a good bottom

a chandlery purchase on price, going

signals that defines, clearly, rock, sand,

on to regret it. Simple things like

kelp, and fish! A screen that can easily

cheap Chinese sea anchors through to

be read in sunlight, while not essential,

electronics - make sure you purchase

is a consideration.

with care.

Close behind the sounder is essential

Rule of thumb - buy the best you can

safety equipment - life jackets, bailer, a

afford, it will pay dividends in the long run.

couple of forms of ID, first aid kit, EPIRB

Another regret is to not service my gear

or Personal Locator Device. This will

regularly, especially essential items

vary according to the size of your craft

such as motors, batteries, and trailers.

and where you operate.

Trailers are probably the most neglected

Wiring your own electronics.

aspect of any rig as things like wheel

I leave this to the experts, especially

bearings and wiring is often out of

modern electronics that depend on

sight, and out of mind.

good battery power. Setting up a

Most essential bit of kit

transducer to prevent interference

Given that the motor, outboard, and

from the motor and air in the wake is a

trailer are all sound and functional,

specialist task best left to the experts.

the next most essential thing has to be

The harsh marine environment will play

electronics. Buy a reputable brand with

havoc on wiring and joins that are not

as big a screen as you can afford. Don’t

properly done, earthed or protected.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 21

// BOAT FISHING

Painting v wraps v bare alloy

system which has to be well grounded

This depends very much on your

to prevent electrolysis and, ultimately,

budget. A vinyl wrap will protect the

metal corrosion.

hull and allow you to personalise your boat in the same way a nice set of mag wheels does for a vehicle.

Special Features The advantage of working in alloy is that, in many cases, features can be

Painting an alloy hull used to be fraught

added easily whereas with GRP boats,

with issues but the latest in acid etches,

they have to be moulded in.

primers and paint have eliminated most, if not all, of these problems. Paint jobs are a bit like wraps, it is a matter of what you can afford. Many owners look for a part paint, just doing the hull and transom, leaving the rest bare alloy.

A couple of things - I like removable bait boards so if I don’t need them when lure fishing for anything from snapper through to game-fishing, they don’t clutter the transom.

Bare alloy looks okay and gives a

I also like plenty of lights, especially

very purposeful look to any craft. If I

LED strip lighting that fits under the

was leaving a vessel unpainted or in-

gunwales and lights up the boat’s deck,

wrapped, I would protect it with Nyalic,

but not the sea around it. Hella do a

a product that bonds with the metal to

great range of marine lighting products

prevent corrosion.

that are designed specifically for the

But however you treat your boat

tough environment that they live in.

surfaces, one of the most important

One last thing, you can’t have enough

things starts with the boat’s electric

rod holders!

22 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Derrick Paull - Editor, NZ Fisher Painting v wraps v bare alloy Our first Frewza was an F16 which we partially wrapped but left a whole lot exposed to the elements and it survived really well. However, the raw alloy had that weathered look in no time and I felt like we should have done more to protect it. When we invested in the F18 I decided to get the outside painted to extend it’s longevity and reduce the oxidisation.

This time round we’ve gone for vinyl again, but more of a full wrap. I spent a bit of time checking out the options and settled on 3M vinyl - it’s longevity and impact resistance makes it a great choice. For the design I hit up Matt from The Print Cave after a few alterations we settle on we settled on the Smoke n Lures motif and black on white design.

Most essential bit of kit Aside from the outboard, our electronics are it. I’ve been a Lowrance

It’s a fishing boat, so it got some use

guy for over a decade but I’ve seen

and while the paint was good, the chips,

such advancements in electronics I

scratches and dings from flying sinkers,

just couldn’t hang on for Lowrance

jigs and anchors left their mark.

to pick up their game. With the help,

www.nzfisher.co.nz 23

// BOAT FISHING

or rather guiding hand, of Will at

to save a few dollars and the wrong

NavStation I landed on the Garmin 7”

installer might do this, often through

combo sounder and plotter paired with

ignorance rather than by choice. Get

a Furuno FCV-588. It’s a best of both

a qualified marine installer on the job,

worlds solution that gives us state of

you’ll never regret it.

the art down scanning, sounder and GPS and plenty of real estate to see what we need.

Biggest regret Not getting a Lonestar drum winch earlier. The StressFree winch on our

Wiring your own electronics

last boat was good - a revelation

Hell no! I’ve tried and failed once

at the time, but in comparison the

already and I know now that my skills

GX-2 is an absolute machine. It’s

are not in the dark arts of electronics!

got more pull than a 12 year old boy

It’s just too easy to make a simple

when his parents are out! Beyond its

mistake that can, at best, cause

capabilities, the GX-2 is a damned

electrolysis and at worst see you off-

sexy piece of kit and changes the

shore with no functioning electronics

whole look of the front end of the

through shoddy wiring.

boat. Everyone should have one! Only

If you’re not using the right, or even the best materials, you’re opening

downside is they’re made across the ditch, of course!

yourself up for trouble. Tinned cable

Special Features

is sometimes four times the cost

When we were designing this boat we

of standard copper - it’s so inviting

had some insights from having had

24 www.nzfisher.co.nz

an F18 previously and the baitboard/

an articulated drawer for all those

station was a real quandary the first

odds and sods and a sturdy set of rod

time round. I liked the removability,

holders for good measure.

but it didn’t offer a substantial enough filleting and live-bait prep space.

We gave Brendan at Frews Marine a little license to built a bigger, better,

Last mention has to be of the built in game-pole bases on the roof/ rocket launcher. I’ve not seen this

stronger and more effective bait

done before, but it’s a great combo

board and he exceeded expectations.

of efficiency and effectiveness that’s

The result was a (probably over

meant one less bit of kit to get in the

engineered) piece of art including

way around the hull. 

Design, Print, Signage, Packaging, Custom Clothing facebook.com/create.print.evolve printcave.co.nz 26 www.nzfisher.co.nz

// FISHING SUSTAINABILITY

Tarakihi in Trouble

BY Mike Finlayson

Northland has an amazing coastline and we are privileged to have such easy access to a huge variety of marine ecosystems to experience, enjoy, and make a living from. ‘Catching a feed’ is a Kiwi birth right but it is slowly but surely being eroded by bad thinking, bad decisions and bad practice.

At a meeting last week, organised by LegaSea and Fish & Bird, we heard of one of the worst examples of this.

Bottom trawling, which devastates the sea floor environment, is killing the very ecosystem that helps to support marine life. It’s a factor in the shocking depletion of tarakihi whose numbers have dropped by 83% on the East Coast.

Industrial fishing, with its ‘criminal’ waste of good fish, needs urgent change.

27 www.nzfisher.co.nz

You can help make this change

over to locals. This way the whole

happen. I urge you to take a few

community: hapu, iwi, recreational

minutes and visit the ‘Timeout for

fishers, small local commercial fishers

Tarakihi” webpage https://www.

and tourism operators can decide the

legasea.co.nz/tarakihi/#tarakihi,

rules that govern the whole marine

where you can sign the petition urging

space out to 12 nautical miles

the Minister of fisheries to support

We know that international tourist

more sustainable fishing methods

spending on recreational fishing is

and make the bold decisions required

rapidly increasing. So why do we have

to restore tarakihi abundance.

to export a ton of snapper when a

Fisheries management is complex

few tourists (on a rejigged fishing

and the current (virtually) ‘one

boat) catching just a few fish would

size fits all’ approach of the Quota

return the same profit? In 2014 nearly

Management System (QMS) is a

40,000 overseas tourists chartered

very blunt instrument. The current

a boat to take them fishing (nzmrf.

system, centralised in Wellington,

org.nz/files/New-Zealand-Fishing-

may just as well be on another planet

Economic-Report.pdf) and this

in my humble opinion. We need to

number is rapidly growing. The rec

be a whole lot smarter and more

fishing industry current supports

adaptive to localised environments

over 8000 jobs and Northland,

and community expectations. Strong

with its massive coastline (all 3200

local input that takes into account

kilometres of it) has the potential

local values and methods is needed

to significantly increase its share.

to re-create the marine abundance

It’s not just the fisheries but the entire

that existed not so long ago.

marine space that needs better, more

Tinkering with the QMS will not solve

localised and adaptive management.

the problem, especially because of

Diving is another growing industry

‘industry capture’ of fisheries policy.

where marine reserves are bringing

It’s time that local people, not the

in big bucks to local operators. These

fishing industry, decide what is

places are fish breeding grounds

happening in their area. During this

that populate surrounding areas.

meeting I proposed that local inshore

Should Northland have more of

fisheries be managed by local people.

them? What would you like to see,

Get the QMS the hell out of our food

email me your thoughts and ideas.

basket and turn the management

mikef@nrc.govt.nz

www.nzfisher.co.nz 28

// FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

Legasea Update Economics trumping all else www.legasea.co.nz

In less time than it took to implement the Quota Management System and see its virtual demise, the public service has morphed into an array of government agencies operating on skin-tight budgets and answering primarily to corporate leaders.

Fisheries is not immune. A rebranded Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) is now just one layer of many amongst the Ministry of Primary Industries.

29 www.nzfisher.co.nz

The changes have not just been in

national and regional economies, no

name. When it comes to FNZ we

additional support has been forthcoming.

now have a Ministry that is focused on partnering with commercial interests to increase exports, and the culture of public service has been undermined by economic priorities.

Compare that to the Precision Seafood Harvesting programme where $26 million of public money was handed to corporate commercial interests to test a new trawl net. There is no public accountability.

The ethos that obliged officials to serve

All we’ve been able to source is high

our long-term interests has now been

level PR material and no proper data to

subsumed by the need to contribute to

support our collective investment.

the annual balance sheet. This change has had a detrimental effect on all New Zealanders as our inshore fisheries have declined and the marine environment has degraded. This is bad news for us and future generations because future productivity has been lost.

Twice a year FNZ have traditionally produced a plethora of management proposals to either increase commercial catch limits or apply the smallest possible reductions, often through phased reductions. With increased public

There is a gulf of difference between the approach taken in managing, and more so, protecting the various fishing interests. Customary fishing interests are given priority. Commercially important species are given much attention and resources. Environment barely rates a mention. Yet when it comes to recreational fishing there are still some stocks that have no allowance set aside for our collective interests despite 30 years of the Quota Management System.

scrutiny, independent monitoring, and

So, we have two choices. We either

less headroom in our fisheries some

continue down the corporate

larger reductions are now surfacing.

path and keep serving short-term

We are yet to see a paper or proposals that seeks to address the loss of public access to our fisheries or a healthy marine environment. Independent research

commercial interests or we take the bold step in recognising the QMS experiment has failed and restore the public service ethos.

in 2016 found that recreational fishers

Ultimately, if we want future generations

spent almost a billion dollars pursuing

to enjoy abundant fisheries and a

just a few of the top recreational species.

healthy marine environment we all

Recreational fishing’s overall contribution

need to stop spending their inheritance

to the New Zealand economy was

and focus instead on delivering

estimated at $1.7 billion. Despite this

long-term benefits from the use of

research and potential to grow our

our natural marine resources.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 30

Chase’s biggest gurnard

// READER PICS 1hr battle for Cruz Waterhouse age 6 - Amazing fish!

Alfie Le Cheminant aged 6 - 58cm Snapper

Zane (18), Savanah (6), Makaylah (12) and Dad (forever 21) all out there doin’ it!

Andrew sent this pic in “Hold it closer to the camera bub !”

Ben Chissell doing it rig

31 www.nzfisher.co.nz

ht!

Boston and Dad at Island Bay

Aaron John Norton Cu rtis meant to be helping me was set the craypot,he couldn’t res ist when he saw the marks on the sounder!.

and fiesty A pair of yum ber Wallis trevally for Am

Ollie Le Cheminant with a serious kahawai

Oliver Barnett on holiday in Fiji

with a grunty trev

Aaron John Norton Lachy has been busy catching bait for dad

one Richard & Jackson Baler enjoying ents mom ing fish on er-s of many fath 6 year old Luke Beatty with his first trev

Lachlan Norton with a rare Sandagers Wrasse catch

www.nzfisher.co.nz 32

// READER PICS Brooklyn Lambert looking

ver y chuffed with his trevall

y

Bailey Stronach nailing the blue cod!

Boston with a couple of carrots

Austin’s son Tangaroa fishing at Mission Bay

It’s not always about the catch, sometimes just time spent is good en the ough. Photo by Andre w Tohu.

Bella’s first rainbow 33 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Amber Wallis loving being on the water with rod in hand!

Andre Alexander has been busy catching baitfish for Dad.

Bradley Scheepers can

barely lift his HUGE tre

Cooper Caddy admiring his handiw

v!

ork

r first Eboni Mulligan with he herself snapper caught all by

Dylan Chissell with his first sprat!

first fish, caught Cole Jackson with his d Grandad an d while out with Da

This image isn’t of a person or a fish?

Dominic ’s big one!

. 45cm Ezra McNaught , 7 years old ikeri snapper caught in the Ker .

Inlet in the tinny with dad www.nzfisher.co.nz 34

// READER PICS

Jazzlyn Hills took a quick snap with this wee kingy before releasing it.

Jackson Baker, a legend in the making, leaving dad miles behind!

hoping his George Raison

snap’s bigger th

an Brother Joes

!

a snap Cruz Waterhouse, 6, with weekend the on ing caught while fish

her first Honor with

fish and big

sister Jaydah

held a fishing First time my 2 year old to strike ing try rod and he started bles nib le litt re we re when the 35 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Huwani Milnes with a

stonking Bluff eel!

ghter daughter Madison Warren Smith and grand-dau er, RIP Warren eth on one of their last trips tog

h there an Calder wit Jack and Reg ead tag and release h first hammer

Jason Calder - Jack showing how it’s done

kingfish Noah Beesley’s PB d Chicks an n He e th at ht caug

Keeley Lambert and her firs

Johnny B showing dad how it’s don

Ryan Beatty with his

first puka

e!

Jaya Livingstone

t kingi

with a tasty Far No

rth Snap

www.nzfisher.co.nz 36

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