December 2020 - Issue 183 - The Fishing Paper and Hunting News

Fish Mainland’s establishment took a leap forward by holding its first AGM on 31 October in Christchurch. Its primary purpose was to demonstrate the democratic control that members have over the organisation.

The members have the power to nominate, elect and remove five Regional Directors of the Board. Also, the South Island Mandated Iwi Organisations (MIOs) can appoint and remove two other Directors of the Board.

Fish Mainland also has a Board-based control component in that the Board appoints two other Directors and an independent Chair of the Board.

Elected and appointed Directors demonstrate Fish Mainland’s mandate to coordinate, represent and promote the interests of marine recreational fishers in the South Island and Stewart Island.

Fish Mainland also has charitable objectives that benefit the wider public. Its services are available to members and non-members alike and extend to the wider public by actions taken to protect the marine environment for future generations.

During the AGM, those members who have the right to vote (reside and/or own land in the South Island or Stewart Island) voted in (unopposed) the following Regional Directors:

Fred Te Miha 021 661 662

Tasman District, Nelson City, Buller District and Grey District.

Larnce Wichman 027 224 6683

Marlborough District and Kaikoura District.

Barbara Reay 021 680 300

Canterbury Region, excluding the Kaikoura District and the Waitaki District.

Brett Bensemann 021 456 772

Otago Region, Waitaki District and Westland District.

Alan Key 027 432 8739

Southland Region, including Stewart Island.

The five elected Directors appointed Neville Gurr 021 074 6221 as an additional Director, and me as the Chair of the Board. The Board has one further Director to appoint. Stewart Bull 021 222 4643 represents Ngai Tahu on the

Board, and Te Tau Ihu Iwi have a Director to appoint.

These Directors are your go-to people for concerns and suggestions on fisheries issues. They will work respectfully and collaboratively with Fisheries New Zealand (now Oceans and Fisheries) and others to find workable solutions to the challenges in shared fisheries; those fisheries where commercial, recreational and Māori customary fishers have a shared interest, and they value their share quite di erently.

Each elected and appointed Director is expected to represent the interests of their respective regional or Iwi fishers and the interests of all South Island and Stewart Island fishers.

At all Board meetings each Director will have one vote, and resolution will be decided by a simple majority. The Chairperson will not have a casting vote in Board or committee meetings.

The AGM also included discussion on Fish Mainland’s near-term priorities; addressing concerns about blue cod rule changes, the set net ban, Southeast MPA proposals and our proposed self-

reporting system to improve information for management decision making.

The AGM ended in time for us to watch the episode of Ocean Bounty on TV3 that featured Fish Mainland. If you haven’t watched it or want to again, you can access it on this link https:// www.threenow.co.nz/shows/ ocean-bounty/S1247-430#!

I am pleased to report we have had a significant increase in membership since the episode aired. Thanks to all who have recently signed up. We encourage all fishers to consider signing up for free and making any donation possible.

I am also pleased to advise that we have recently received notice that a philanthropic trust has o ered to match fund us (dollar for dollar) up to a significant amount during this next year. We will report more details on this o er once we have confirmed an agreed public statement about it.

James Crossland Chair of the Board 03 355 9433 021 029 45996 info@fishmainland.nz

Moral of moki story

Scott Campbell

Scott ticks the list with this moki

Over the last couple of years I have been targeting blue moki, one species, with absolutely no luck at all. So, I was very club (Wellington Surfcasting and Angling Club, WSAC) held a club night about targeting blue moki, a few weeks ago!

The light switched on for me after that and I instantly knew where I was going wrong; using hooks that were too big, hooks with bling and using big baits.

So, armed with this new found knowledge, I headed to a spot that was producing

some nice moki in the very early hours of the morning. First cast and, unbelievably, moki. I could not believe

Finally landed, measured the bin (great eating too). The next couple of hours I was busted off twice and landed a very nice 50cm specimen—one happy angler

So the moral of the story is,

Next target for me is a lure, so another story to follow— hopefully.

The aim of Fish Mainland is to provide a uni ed voice for the South Island marine recreational shing community. Its aim is also to demonstrate the ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with others to nd workable solutions that provide the best public outcomes.

Its vision is a healthy and abundant marine environment in which recreational shers have an equitable share of available sheries resources and are respected partners in management decisions.

The recreational shing sector is far more numerous, diverse and unde ned than the commercial shing sector and Iwi shing interests. As a sector, recreational shers remain largely unknown, except for a small proportion with membership to shing and boating clubs

If you are interested in and supportive of recreational shing and/or sustainable sheries management practices then become a member of Fish Mainland today

• AkeydevelopmentforFishMainlandisitsSouthIsland RecreationalFisheriesPolicy.

• ItspurposeistoguideandcoordinatetheactionsoftheSouth Islandrecreational shingsector,theCrown,Iwi,other shing sectorsandinterestsinrealisingopportunitiesandmeetingthe challengesfacingtherecreationalsectorinshared sheries.

• Shared sheriesarethosewherecommercial,recreationaland Māoricustomary shershaveasharedinterest,andtheyvalue theirsharequitedi erently.

Photo Credit

Alisa Mcgilvary-Howard

Touch the rainbow

Every year without fail I

of the high country season on any one of our amazing Canterbury high country lakes. It had become a

tradition and one I valued highly. However, for the past two years I had been because of my commitment

charter business, ‘Top Catch Charters – Kaikoura,’ up and running. This year was different and plans were put in place early.

On the Friday morning

Malcolm Halstead

before the opening Saturday, I packed my dinghy and camping gear onto the Hilux. When my partner Fi got home at lunchtime we were off down south from Kaikoura. By late afternoon we were pulling into our camp site by the lake. The scenery was stunning and the birdsong awesome as we set up our new tent and got ourselves sorted. All evening, trout could be seen rising out on the lake and we even watched a large eel cruise the shallows by our camp.

During the night the wind arrived and increased in strength, making me question the logic of camping under some large

and it was still blowing so I was in no rush to leave my warm sleeping bag, however, noises of more cars arriving had me up for a look outside.

I was a bit surprised to see the lake quite calm and was now running a bit late, I hastily threw some gear into the dinghy and rowed along the edge of the lake, trolling a Rapala as I went.

control the dinghy but after 30 minutes and a couple

up. The 2lb rainbow trout

usual aerobatics before I had it netted and in the dinghy. You can’t beat that feeling of satisfaction at getting on the board on opening day. I headed back to the tent for breakfast and a coffee with Fi.

Then we both headed out in choppy conditions for another go. This time Fi hooked up to a solid champ, while I cleared the deep and after a couple of missed netting attempts, we

onboard. Fi was rapt; this considerably bigger than my getting quite uncomfortable so it was back to the tent for the obligatory photo session before packing up and heading home.

We gave my trout to my son in Rangiora and smoked Fi’s one when we got home, turning it into an amazing smoked trout pate.

I am so glad to have made the effort to restart this annual tradition and even happier that Fi got to ‘Touch the rainbow.’ It is safe to say we will be back out on the lake before too long.

New Zealand’s rock lobster species belong to the crustacean family Palinuridae. The predominant species Jasus edwardsii occurs from Three Kings Islands in the north to Auckland Islands in the south, and east to the Chatham Islands. The east coasts of the North and South Islands, the south and south-west coast of the South Island (including the waters around Stewart Island), and the Chatham Islands. This species is found in New Zealand and southern Australia.

Pawharu—Green or Packhorse rock lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi—is most abundant along the north and east coast of the Maria van Diemen to East is in the northern part of this area. Scattered individuals are found as far south as Foveaux Strait, though there species south of the Bay of Plenty.

Rock lobsters of both species pass through a series of stages from the fertilised egg to the adult. The fertilised eggs are attached to pleopods on the ventral surface of the tail of the female and develop for about 3-6 months, hatching

The secret life of rock lobsters

as small nauplisoma larvae. Within a few days these metamorphose into phyllosoma larvae, which pass through 11 stages during the 10-20 months in oceanic waters. The last phyllosoma stage metamorphoses into the puerulus larva, an active swimmer that moults into the early juvenile stage—if it

Mating occurs in mature females that have recently moulted, though the shells of females need not be ‘soft’ for mating to occur, and it is probably successful from a few hours to about female moult.

Observations suggest that mating can take as little as 90 seconds and that egg laying occurs immediately after mating. Fertilisation is external by way of sperm deposited on the sternum of the female.

Most mature J. edwardsii females moult and mate some time between February and May, with females carrying eggs occur in greatest numbers from April to October, though a few are found during any month of the year.

The number of eggs carried by females ranges about 538 000, depending on size. Sexually mature male and female lobsters of similar size are required for successful reproduction.

Size at the onset of sexual maturity—size at which 50% of the specimens are mature—for female is inversely related to water temperature and varies considerably throughout New Zealand, from 72 mm

in eastern Foveaux Strait. In most areas, this is less than the minimum legal size of 60mm Tail Width (approximately 91-96

from these areas breed at least once and up to the minimum legal size. However, around the South Island, from Banks Peninsula south through western

of maturity is greater than the minimum legal size.

Most sexually mature female packhorse moult once a year between July and November. They bear eggs during late September to January, and the main egg hatching period is December and January.

The number of eggs carried also depends on size and ranges from about 385

000 for a specimen of 152 specimen of about 230 mm.

Rock lobsters, like all crustaceans, increase in size by moulting. Growth rate is a function of the frequency of moulting and the increase in size at each moult. Generally, lobsters at current minimum legal size

The estimates of growth per moult, moult frequency, and annual growth vary between areas and between the sexes for the same area. The estimates come from ongoing tag, release, and recapture studies across most rock lobster management areas, so the data are continuously under review.

In most areas moulting periods are highly seasonal, with immature and mature animals of both sexes having their own distinct periods. However, the timing of these moulting periods may vary between areas.

Smaller male lobsters from most areas generally moult twice a year. Moult frequency decreases with increasing size, and large males moult once each year or even less.

Immature females usually moult twice a year, but after reaching sexual maturity they moult once a year.

Some females in areas where size at onset of maturity is large may begin moulting once a year before they attain maturity.

Extensive tagging studies of J. edwardsii have been conducted across all nine rock lobster management areas. In most areas very few of the recaptured lobsters have moved long distances (at least 5 km).

Movement patterns in the southern part of New Zealand are more complex. There appear to be two groups of animals in this area, ‘run’ rock lobsters, which migrate over long distances and ‘resident’ rock lobsters. which do not. In most studies only small of tagged lobster moved release site. However, when migrating animals were tagged, some recaptured animals had moved

The long distance movements of J. edwardsii tagged in southern New Zealand have usually been highly directional; southward along the Otago coast and the east coast of Stewart Island, westward through Foveaux Strait, and

1. ’Berried’ or egg-bearing rock lobster. 2. Oceanic larval phase – lobster phylosommae 3. A lobster puerulus – the final larval stage 4. Spiny rock lobsters – Jasus edwardsii

5. Packhorse rock lobsters – Sagmariasus verreauxi

6. Movement of tagged Packhorse lobster from Bay of Plenty to Hauraki Gulf

Daryl Sykes

northward along the west coast of Stewart Island and the Fiordland coast—in opposition to the prevailing current systems.

The long-distance movements of packhorse in northern New Zealand have also been highly directional. Most of the undersized (and, for females at least, immature) rock lobsters tagged between Bream Bay and Mahia moved north and/ or west before recapture.

Juveniles near North Reinga, where the only large breeding population of this species is known, at about the time that sexual maturity is attained.

Since 1990 the rock managed within the Quota

regulations, including: minimum legal sizes, a prohibition against taking shelled animals, method restrictions, escape gaps in accumulation limits. Current management is points and maintaining them at this level or above,

7. Tag and release to measure growth and movement. 1 3 4 5 6 7 2

An ironic victory

Friendly competition when

must but the rivalry between Dad and I had crossed a line, with him consistently and size. It was time for a comeback. On two occasions I had witnessed him pull in BIG snapper, well, big for us (13 pounds and 14 pounds) whilst I had spent my time releasing cod whose stomachs had been bigger than their mouths.

After weeks of spring rain, Tasman Bay was left with murky waters and the almost

not exactly perfect but dad and I headed out into the bay with high hopes and low expectations. Rabbit

clearer water in the hope

had mentioned some good catches off Schnappers Point recently at 20 metres so we decided to give this a crack. This spot held a few more

but on the snapper front— still nothing.

Dad had spent the entirety rod, fooling me into thinking I had a bite, so when I saw my rod shaking and line ripping off my reel, I thought nothing of it—just another ‘hilarious’ joke. Boy was I in for a surprise. I picked up my rod and tightened the drag. The weight came on instantly and the

Island was completely dead, a desert with not a single spot shift was called for. The next spot was just as dead as before apart from a small gurnard, which felt like a participation award at this point in the evening.

With only another hour

Dad was ahead at this stage and boy did I know it

Oh yes, time to gloat!

stereotypical snapper headshakes reverberated up the an undersized blue cod.

nerve-racking and I was desperate to land my dream

Dad managed to net it perfectly (without a hint of sabotage, surprisingly,

Sam Boothroyd

,considering I was about to beat him in the competition). I was mind blown, this snapper was huge and I just couldn’t get it in my head. I from the scales and, at 15 pounds, this was a dream

take me to a victory, which will have me gloating for months to come I’m sure.

The sun was setting behind us, casting an eerie light across the water as I held

photos (careful not to drop it over the side – last article

to keep this big girl as it was she had also swallowed my be unlikely to survive. I quickly ikied and gutted her. As I was washing her over the side with my hands in her mouth, one of the nerves must have triggered because her mouth clamped

These big moochers have got some serious dentures on them and I could feel my a good old scream and a tussle, I managed to rescue my slightly worse for wear

The irony of the whole situation was that every

time Dad had caught a big snapper I had only managed undersized blue cod and now it was the complete opposite, with him sitting there angrily releasing little nippers and me admiring the very full chilly bin. This was

after two years of being out

there at every opportunity and hours of catching nothing; for me this made it all the sweeter. Even writing this, I’m still stoked and I’m still rubbing my victory into Dad’s face, just as he has to me on many occasions.

Instagram @sam_boothroyd

The genesis of Lake Forsyth sports fish

Lake Forsyth is an idyllic 1550-acre lake, situated within Banks Peninsula, south-east of Christchurch. The vast expanse of its eutrophic water supports a wide assortment of different species such as eels, smelt, lamprey and rudd.

that intrigue most anglers. Large, European perch hunt quality-sized brown trout maraud the shallow margins with sharp tempers and the humble tench—that remains elusive and out of sight— you would never guess they were there at all. Such made the great Izaak Walton tremble in anticipation, if he was alive today!

Tyler McBeth

opened to the ocean due to heavy rainfall. Ten-foot of water drained out of the lake

trout and perch stranded on the southern side of the lake. One trout was found dead that tipped the scales

ever was, and tons of perch and eels are stranded. One man found 60 perch in one puddle of water, some weighing as much as 8lb and eels up to 18lb have also been added to the alimentary

Trout

The year was 1871, four trout reached New Zealand shores. Discussions to liberate 100 brown trout in but due to a limited supply of these spotty salmonids, were released. Subsequent angling reports suggest these trout did not establish.

Fast forward to 1879: the Society had raised many thousands of healthy little trout so gave introducing them another try. This time, they introduced 1000 two separate occasions, in batches of 500. The second and third introduction was triumphant and the birth of

Fishing records show in 1881, one man caught and killed 26 trout during a week, another man caught trout up to 6lb in weight that same year. Reports of good then.

trout in those times in the lake was roughly 8lb, with

On September 16, 1893, 1000 brown trout and 500 brook char were

Unfortunately, the brook char did not establish, as they are not found in the today.

Perch and Tench

During September 1887, the secretary of the society accompanied by several of his friends paid a visit to Mr Smart’s asphalt works in Sydenham to obtain a supply of perch. After catching a few on the rod, a corner of the pond was netted, resulting in roughly 300 perch, including one chunky individual of around 2lb. Roughly 100 perch were sent

the remainder released in the lower Avon River.

The perch established, though the establishment was uncertain for over a decade after the initial an article recounts, “the lake is lower now than it

Tactics for catching these

the day included using a GoldDevonMinnow, a live bully, or a simple live worm.

known across the region as for perch.

In 1906, an unknown number of tench were introduced within the murky existing in the lake and river in low densities ever since.

the lake are unknown.

As I write this in October of 2020, the perch still frequent in good numbers, though the average size of 2.5lb suggests the size has dropped. The trout population remains healthy but with an average weight of 2-5lb, it is no was. Habitat loss and pollution is likely the main factor for this.

A huge thanks goes to Jack Kós and Brian Hutchinson for their help. Most of this information can be found on www.paperspast.natlib. govt.nz

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Lake Forsyth perch

Lake Forsyth brown

With plenty of hours of development and testing behind them, Black Magic has now entered the slow jig market with the Sunakku slider jig, and with the colour selection and cracked really look the part.

Sunakku – pronounced soo-nar-koo – is the Japanese word for ‘snack’, and based

found them to be a pretty enticing snack. They have accounted for cod, snapper, and more.

The thing about this kind of suited for use in medium to deeper water. With that in mind, Black Magic has made the Sunakku all about visibility in these low light

conditions.

The head features large

extra edge and really looks striking with its ‘cracked’ appearance.

The set up includes a Japanese soft ‘lumo’ bead that retains its glow longer than many lesser alternatives.

The skirts feature a mix of both luminous and UV content.

Of course, the ‘hardware’ is important too. The hook rig consists of a small but strong solid ring, Kevlar thread and two hooks developed in Black Magic’s Japanese factories. The hooks are PTFE coated (think non-stick fry pans) which greatly reduces corrosion and extends the

The complete modular VHF solution

Simrad is pleased to announce the arrival of the premium multi-station black box marine radio systems— the SIMRAD® RS100 and RS100-B. The latter integrated with a Class-B AIS transceiver and GPS. These systems are expandable and customisable to suit any boat and any on-water communication needs.

A modular system to fit

any boat

The RS100 and RS100-B are modular VHF systems that are expandable up to eight handsets (four wired and four wireless) and four external speakers—ideal for use as an on-board intercom on larger boats. The wireless handsets duplicate the radio display and controls on easy-to-read screens viewable under all lighting conditions, even

bright sunlight. All primary functions are accessible from the handset with channel scan and favourites, alphanumeric keypad, clear audio, handset station naming and 60-second audio rewind. And with inductive charging (cordless charging), you are only a push of a button away from staying in touch, no matter where you are on the boat!

“Our new VHF systems o er our customers even

Henderson’s Marlborough for everything fun on the water

life of the hook. And as you would expect, they are manufactured in high carbon steel ensuring you get the strength required.

To rig the Sunakku, you pass your leader through the head, through the bead and through the bobbin on the skirt. You then tie your knot to the solid ring on the hook rig. This system allows the head to slide up the leader

much leverage to help them throw the hook during the

Black Magic recommends

Fluorocarbon leader with 16lb-30lb Rainbow Braid Elite as your main line.

type of product before, it’s generally most effective when you’re drifting, and in

of the drift and slowly wind it in as you retrieve the lure, it comes in. When you feel bites, just continue to wind than likely strike at it several times if it doesn’t hook up immediately. You can also add small slivers of bait if you have to, like a thin piece of squid tentacle. There are four head weights to choose from to suit the depth you’re in or the speed of your drift. (60g, 80g, 100g colour options. Sunakkus are available now.

more flexibility and better communications while out on the water,” said Mike Fargo, EVP Simrad, Navico Group. “Clever features such as Track Buddy, so you can track the positions of up to 5 other radios, and Backlight Groups to easily control multiple handset settings, help deliver a premium experience. And with seamless integration across Simrad systems plus a built-in Class-B AIS transceiver in the top-of-the-range RS100-B, our VHF radios help make boating safer than ever before’’.

Complete visibility with integrated AIS

The RS100-B system features a Class-B AIS receiver and transmitter, allowing users to see and be seen by other vessels with AIS equipment. The integrated AIS receiver is a valuable aid to help avoid collisions in crowded harbours and waterways. It monitors the location of all nearby AISenabled vessels, providing real-time information in any weather condition, night and day. AIS information can be viewed directly on the radio’s screen or via a compatible

multifunction device, as an overlay on a chart or radar screen.

Designed for Clear Communication

The Class D DSC approved radio can make and receive DSC distress signals including current position, and supports direct calling to other DSC-equipped radios. A dual-channel watch enables monitoring of the current channel and emergency channel 16 (in the USA, tri-channel watch monitors the current channel, emergency channel 16, and calling channel 9). A record and replay feature ensures important calls are never missed. The system includes one external speaker with additional outputs for up to four speakers and one optional loudhailer/foghorn.

Key Features

Class D DSC approved

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VHF radio

• Integrated GPS receiver Connect up to four wireless and four wired handsets

Add an optional loudhailer and up to four external speakers

• NMEA 0183® and NMEA 2000® connectivity 60-second audio rewind

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• Track Buddy – track up to five “buddies” using their VHF MMSI

• And additionally for the RS100-B,

• Integrated Class-B AIS transmitter and receiver

• Bundled with dedicated GPS receiver, GPS-500 for AIS transmission

Tim Clark

Does big bait equal big fish?

I’ve had crazy things happen while out bait live-bait barely smaller than

a sabiki and even a 20cm a way to get a whole bullet tuna down its gob.

simple premise. Small, strong hooks catch everything. Quite a lot of species that grow big have relatively small mouths,

such as tarakihi, blue moki and trevally. To me it’s not worth leaving these other species out of the equation.

a higher hook-up rate with a smaller hook, so typically circle hooks.

My hook size is so small I use a smaller bait on average. By no means do I

small baits. All of my big snapper, up to 23 pounds, have been caught on a small

thumb-sized piece of bullet tuna. Hardly a snack for something that big. If I think likely to be eating, well it isn’t too far off the money. The Hawke’s Bay snapper paddle crabs.

case, since a few other anglers and I have been

to 10kg on small squid cut baits. Maybe it’s a familiar prey item to them and they don’t care if it’s alive. Going all the way to the other end of the scale are the kahawai.

most ridiculous baits set for other species. When I have large strayline bait set out for snapper, even a whole enough to deter them from cannibalising one of their own.

I formed my style of bait and again I catch monster trout on hook sizes you can

Bee’z Wick’z all the buzz Kaz

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Overnight I lost my job. What a shock to my mind, body and soul. It was a massive mind game to deal with once again. I drew upon my early hurdles and told myself positive thinking leads to positive things. Conceive the thought, believe the thought and achieve the thought. With these positive

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Driving trucks started as a dream but quickly became a passion. Over five years, my drive behind the wheel took me through the levels, from chiller to rubbish to curtain to flat deck to tipping—I loved it all. Through driving truck I developed a great connection with all my clients— people enjoying a laugh, with energy and smiles. I had found

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My young nephew was making homemade fire lighters as a wee hobby at the time and I though what a fantastic idea. I could do that.

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Blair Whiting

barely see, #16, #18, even #20. I adapted that theory when I hooked up to a monster kahawai on a size

local wharf. The 3.6kg beast took 20 minutes to land but that hook held on for dear life.

I don’t think too hard about bait size anymore. If the

This has served me well over the years on gurnard. I probably land 90 percent of the carrots I hook on the bait is just a small thumbsized morsel, not even a mouthful for a big gurnard. This strategy accounts for so many species, I can’t count them all.

So, would I say big bait all. I believe you are just as

going to say no because the food is too small. Every bit of protein counts to them out in the wild.

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The last post

Dammit, there’s nothing out here but fresh air, scenery and me. I could have been at home slaving over a hot oven and fondling a wine glass. What was I thinking, swapping apronstrings for knife belt?

Oh, hang on, perhaps this hill-top view and the sharp rock digging into my bumcheek is the better option. Down yonder I spy three white ‘things’ in the long rank grass. They’re evenly spaced with smooth curves and blunt tips. They’re just a couple of centimetres in length but my heart begins beating an extra ker-thump or two. It’ll be a cast antler

After dragging the antler from the grass and doing a little happy-dance, I wander back towards my look-out. Along the way I hear the rustle of a critter feeding in the matagouri below the track. The faintest of breezes is in my favour so I drop antler, camera and binoculars and go into hunter mode.

and I focus on getting a photo or two. The camera’s ‘brain’ hates the pig’s black colour and prefers instead to highlight the blades of grass and thorny twigs between us. Snap after snap of blurry pig, metres.

Eventually, the sow feeds to a bare rock outcrop. Here she will either pivot back into cover or walk onto the track where I’m standing. It’s for the latter and she duly obliges. One last snap before she sees me and bolts. It’s a good snap.

An antler. A photo. Another happy dance. This is way better than supping wine and prepping dinner.

Speaking of dinner, it’s well past that time. The sun has given up illuminating our side of the earth and the breeze has turned upside down. I really should go holding my hand tonight so why not give her a cuddle and make the most of her welcome presence.

With every footfall considered and silent I keep pace with the critter till I identify it glimpse by vegetation-obscured

the puzzle falls in place— gender, female. Pregnant female. I stealthily scootle back to my pile of accessories. I for the camera. More pussyfooting then the camera

Kim Swan

Some clever deception and I ditch the ducks so I’m off like the proverbial robber’s dog and soon approaching a forest clearing. I stealth steadily forward but no creature is there. Bugger.

The opportunist in me demands I do a quick scout for more cast antlers while I’m here. Nature’s light source is barely adequate but I reckon on white tips capturing my attention. Head down, brain disengaged from stalk-mode, I sense something out of place. On the bush edge at the far end of the clearing there are two strainer posts on the corner of the fence line.

No fence line has two strainer posts that close together.

Binoculars come to hand as if by magic. The post on the left has ears and knobbles of velvet antler at the top of it. It has two eyes that are widening and bulging with fear.

As I drop my binoculars stag wheels about and runs off. I give a hind call and he stops at once, pausing to see if he was mistaken. He decides the mystery creature that’d spooked him was just a manky old hind and nothing to be feared. He trots back in that peculiar high-stepping way that wary deer do. Back at the strainer post, his happy place, he gives me a second chance.

A quick stint in the truck and I’m off the tops and up the creek without a paddle. A pair of paradise ducks circle and shriek, their alarm calls echoing up and down the narrow valley. Some folks say I’m a creative thinker. I certainly am at this point. With a very limited vocabulary I could tell you what I’d like to do to

Annette would not print it, so let’s not go there.

Who would believe that a fence-post could offer so much cover. The large wooden strainer blocks the stag’s shoulder. Projectiledestroying electric insulators and tangles of wire block his ribcage. A stay and tie-down add to the confusion. But gap—base of the neck or nothing—take it or leave it.

I dither, sure I’ll miss.

Poor light, standing shot fever, tiny target area. But its already been a great evening apparently, as the stag falls paralysed by a tiny piece of lead.

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Greg Gilbert is well into Canterbury's elephant fish (aka silver trumpeter) season.

Piggy snapped at last

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Crossing the large, river was a nerve-racking start to the trip as water

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bonnet of the trusty old Hilux. However, it made it across and we began the bouncy ride up the riverbed to a DoC hut, arriving after dark.

covered window, I went outside to have a leak and

surroundings. Before I had a chance to relieve myself, I saw a deer trotting across

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COOKING with CRIMPY

I moved as quickly as possible, crouched over, along the bush edge until I was within range and promptly shot the red spiker. I’m not sure which was louder, the gunshot or my yahooing echoing through the valley as my friend emerged from the hut wondering what was going on.

After hanging the deer by the hut and having breakfast, we walked up the valley, spotting a large family group of chamois and a handful of deer along the way. A

solo chamois caught our attention, knowing it was likely to be a buck, but he was too cunning for us and our stalk was unsuccessful.

As dark began to fall we walked back and had another deer handily trot across our path on the river hanging in the tree at the hut.

The next day we were up early and butchering the deer before heading home. Driving back out the valley luck was on our side as a group of young deer,

Sesame Cru Blue Cod & Spicy Wedges

recently kicked from their mothers, was out feeding later than it ought to be. We managed to put another one on the deck and were able to recover the whole animal again, well and truly stocking our freezers for the summer barbecues.

forager or gardener and

satisfaction go hand in hand with

From hunter/ gatherer to provider

Not withstanding, knowing the provenance of one’s food your own food and taking responsibility for what goes

aware the need for greater

T.P. McPhee

independence and becoming takes on new weight.

There is a cost saving aspect but it really kicks in when you introduce scale: processing the occasional the home kitchen level but converting multiple animals into a variety of food forms requires ‘recreational

with the correct equipment

process large quantities of meat requires ‘capital’ investment at the start, but it opens you to a whole new realm of home processing: bulk meat, specialist cuts, sausage making, salamis and other cured meats. With the cost of living so high in New Zealand, it makes sense to better utilise a resource and turn it into a cost saving. And it is far easier than you might imagine; once you have the gear and learn some fundamental basics, you (and your friends and family) will be staggered by the quality of produce you start creating.

With a surfeit of deer,

goats, pigs, tahr, chamois, birds and other wild foods at our doorstep, there is almost unlimited scope for developing the art of home butchery.

This new column will focus on getting the most out of processing meat at home so that it is not a tedious, time consuming, messy or laborious chore. Instead, it will bring a new dimension to your hunter/gathering and give a more meaningful connection to your roots.

First up, an overview of what you may need but bear in mind, you can start basic and add as you develop

The big thing is to buy gear that will allow bulk

production. I will give an outline of how I approached setting up and give greater details on various aspects in subsequent columns.

I initially looked at every aspect, from shooting the animal to vacuum packing the sausages at the end: from purchasing the Honda Pioneer 700 side by side to help me get the animals off the hill, the chiller made Nelson that allowed bulk harvest, storage, appropriate in processing, to knives, sharpeners, benches, packaging and bulk sausage

I looked at the killing area and what was required from the chiller through

to the processing stage and discovered good systems go hand in hand with quality equipment when streamlining home butchery. Hygiene becomes paramount at this level but there are many great products available to keep you safe.

Essentially, key quality products we will be covering include: knives, sharpeners (Scary Sharp one of my best investments), hooks, benches, meat grinders (capable of mincing 200kg per hour), sausage presses, meat mixers, smokers, packaging options and cleaning products. Then we’ll progress through cuts of meat to processing, recipes, and cooking techniques. Stay tuned.

Making sausages is so easy with the right equipment and necessary hydration

The chiller room by Coldstore Construction has revolutionised how we process our catch

Kaikoura coastline to re-open?

In 2016 the Kaikoura earthquake created massive uplift along areas of coastline north of the Conway River, causing widespread death of pāua, shellfish and seaweeds, and damaging or permanently altering their habitats. The Minister of Fisheries closed the area, from Conway River to Marfells Beach, to harvesting of pāua, kina, most shellfish, and all seaweed so habitats might recover.

Kaikoura Marine Guardians, Te Korowai o Te Tai o Marokura, say shellfish and seaweed in many (some) areas of coastline are showing significant signs of

recovery, and have instigated a process to re-open the coastline to harvesting. In September, a public meeting was held in Kaikoura where a number of scientists presented their findings and delivered a cautionary approach to opening the coastline.

Kaikoura Marine Guardians said any decision to re-open the coastline to harvesting should be framed around the concepts of kaitiakitanga guardianship and we should plan with a view to passing on a healthy resource to our grandchildren.

Before the shellfish and seaweed fisheries can

re-open, biological criteria and management controls must be met and set in place. The re-opening of the pāua fishery would only be considered once the full pāua lifecycle is functioning over a widespread area of the fishery and there are strong populations of adults. Similar criteria could be developed for other shellfish species and seaweed. The recovery of marine habitats and ecosystems is implicit in the criteria for re-opening. New management controls are necessary because habitats have been so dramatically altered—in some areas they are still changing—the long-term

productivity of seafood resources in the area is a risk that is addressed in the reopening proposals. A precautionary management approach could include: constraining the level of catch, gathering information and monitoring the fisheries, and reviewing and adjusting management settings regularly.

The priority now is to develop e ective management measures for recreational harvest of pāua, other shellfish and seaweed.

Science behind the scenes

A number of ongoing scientific studies have been undertaken since the 2016 earthquake, with results to date cautiously optimistic of a re-opening. Scientist Doctor Tom McGowan and his team undertook an adult population analysis of the coastline, where variable uplift to 6m is estimated to have destroyed 21% of the commercial fishery. He surveyed three randomly allocated sites based on previous fisheries, weighted to high use areas, and looked at abundance trends over three survey periods. Recovery requires a high density of adult pāua for spawning plus high recruitment of emerging juvenile pāua: 70—100mm or 3—4 year olds. His results

show, overall, a general increase in abundance, although areas of high uplift are showing slower recovery.

The Marine Ecology Research Group from the University of Canterbury undertook a study of the natural recovery of juvenile pāua along the coastline, citing widespread mortality of adult and juvenile pāua as a result of the quake and a permanent loss of some habitat. They monitored 26 sites over 140km of coastline covering a range in uplift from severe to nil, plus customary sites and reserves.

The survey shows good signs of recovery, with 1209 individual pāua measured in October 2017, against 4728

in January 2020. Scientists are seeing an increase of large adults in shallower water and in most sites the linkage between pāua life stages is intact. While this indicates an encouraging recovery, scientists stress the importance of managing for resilience as opposed to sustainability.

Bull kelp takes a pounding

Scientists studying the recovery of intertidal seaweeds said there was a large die-o due to uplift and very little recovery in high and mid tide zones due to exposure to high temperatures. In low tide zones there continue to be

good amounts of seaweed but confined to narrow bands

Large brown algae or bull kelp, which is vital to the coastal ecology, took a pounding from the quake and has almost disappeared in some areas. Red algae has moved in, becoming the dominant species and shutting out kelp from reestablishing. Bull kelp has a lifespan of 15 years, so is crucial to the wider health of the coastal ecosystem. It is considered an ecosystem engineering seaweed, because it creates high biodiversity, with fish and other small organisms sheltering and living amongst it. While there are encouraging signs of a lot

of baby kelp appearing in some areas, it is di cult to re-establish because bull kelp is a broadcast spawner; the male and female plant spawn and fertilise over a small breeding area—30m— and only breed for six weeks per year.

Ecologoically, red algae is very good for pāua, being highly palatable and rich in sugars and proteins. There are also other challenges to recovery: gravel build up, sedimentation smothering habitat, heatwaves and ongoing reef erosion: dry denuded rocks are experiencing accelerated erosion. As a consequence, uplifted reefs are largely unvegetated.

Niwa scientist Dr Robyn Dunmore looked at subtotal changes and recovery, highlighting a number of challenges to recovery of this area: gravel and sand movement, lack of adult supply, di erent wave climate, marine heatwaves, turbidity levels increasing due to erosion and runo , and fish grazing. Large areas of bare rock still exist but there is also recruitment of brown algae and invertebrates at some locations. Others show a decline in bull kelp and corresponding increase in red algae.

Pernicious e ect on fishery

In summary, Professor

David Schiel of Canterbury University said that change is still occurring post earthquake and will for a while longer. He said stressors have changed; formerly mostly stormdriven waves but now sedimentation, low light in water column a ecting algal growth, increased shoreline temperatures, increased occurrence of heatwaves and human impacts from vehicles, illegal fishing etcetera.

He said we need to be aiming for resilience and recovery, and challenged the recreational sector to change dramatically.

“Recreational fishing is still largely unregulated and has a pernicious e ect on the fishery!” Professor Schiel said. There is no control of total rec catch, daily bag limits equate to a potential 450kg per person annually and there is little if any rec accountability.”

He said we need to decide if we are mining pāua or fishing it.

“The total lack of recreational reporting needs addressing and changing immediately.”

Overall the prospects for the fishery are excellent if the coming re opening of the closed area is carefully managed. The local community is looking forward to being able once again access their kaimoana resource when the Minister gives the re opening plan his blessing in 2021

Rig wrangling rodeo

Daymo coached Josh in his first rig rodeo

herd them into the shallows like sheep, manoeuvring my kayak like a sheepdog. I barked at my mates to come down and wrangle the damn things in the shallows.

It was only recently I discovered a new method I thought would not have been possible. It all started on a four day sea kayak expedition around the Pelorus Sound.

We had just set up camp and nightfall was upon us, but I couldn’t resist myself. had to paddle back out and gather a fresh feed of something. I launched from camp and just few delicate paddle strokes later I noticed a whole army of rig lurking in the shallows. My face lit up with excitement as I discovered I was able to

After some extremely explicit motivation and screeching, “They really don’t have teeth,” Josh had rig, and it was by hand! Stoke was high and dinner was sorted.

Eventually a second rig was herded in and caught then released unscathed. What a exciting as that until our last night at another location. A down the beach gave us the motivation to attempt to on dark. It was about 9pm

when Josh and I set off down the beach with head torches and hands ready to wrangle a wrangled. To our delight, we stumbled across numerous schools of rig lurking in the shallows, which quickly escalated into a full on rig rodeo; splashing, thrashing and spear tackles that could make an All Blacks signing. It was each man for himself during the commotion. We take home for our families so the next six were caught and released—just for future practice if the opportunity arises again.

The next evening some and the rest was shared out amongst friends and family. is gone, the story lives on.

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Daymo Nuhaj

Over the past 18 months, the Fiordland Marine Guardians have put considerable e ort into investigating fishers’ concerns about fisheries sustainability in the Fiordland (Te Moana o Atawhenua) Marine Area. Universal among these concerns is the decline of the overall fishing experience; the lack of good recreational fishing data to support e ective management; and biosecurity threats due to pressure from climate change and increasing human interaction.

The black hole in recreational fishing data is, indeed, a major stumbling block to maintaining and improving the fishery for everyone to use and enjoy, including future generations.

If you have the privilege to

fish regularly in Fiordland, regardless of where, what, or how, your input is vital to building a shared understanding of the current health of key recreational fish stocks like blue cod/ rawaru and hāpuku. We also want to hear about your wider fishing experience in the Fiordland Marine Area.

Your opportunity to contribute to this important work is coming up next month via our online survey between 20 January and 10 February 2021.

The Guardians will consider these survey results alongside the outcomes from two focus groups. We will present our recommendations to

the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Hon. David Parker, in June 2021.

O the back of our first workshop, Amateur Charter Vessel operators established a voluntary code of practice that aims to move fishing e ort to the outer fiords and reduce fishing in the internal waters with the industry, promoting a culture of only ‘fishing for a feed’ to eat onboard. Our advice to the (then) Minister of Fisheries, Hon. Stuart Nash, about this sector, has led to a commitment by government to trial electronic reporting (and possibly position reporting) for ACVs. Operators from Fiordland will be invited to take part in a trial of the new system to ensure it is e ective and easy to use.

Rec fishers showing o their catch in Fiordland. Credit S. Logie.

Fiordland has always led the way with community-driven initiatives. We are committed to working collaboratively with you to give these fish stocks the protection they require over the next 20+ years.

If you receive e-mail updates and newsletter from the Fiordland Marine Guardians, you will be sent an electronic link to the survey on 20 January. The same applies if you hold a current Clean Vessel Pass for the FMA.

• Not on our e-mail list? Contact us at info@fmg.org

• The link will also be available via our website fmg.org.nz and advertised in the February edition of The Fishing Paper & Hunting News

Let’s look a er this incredible place so future generations can enjoy it too

We encourage you to fish for a feed, not for the freezer.

As a group, we’re responsible for managing and caring for Fiordland’s precious marine environment. Before you set o , make sure you know the “where, what and how” about fishing in Fiordland. Clean your vessel and gear so you don’t take any unwanted visitors with you.

Connect with us at FMG.org.nz

Photo courtesy of Jon Clow, Guardian

Fiordland Marine Guardians

PISTOL SHOOTING

Brian Bishop

with for the table and range

Pistol whipping ACC claims

shooting. Shooting sports are a great alternative to more traditional sports. There are some parents now stopping their kids engaging in contact sports due to injuries, primarily concussions.

‘sporting injuries’ and it’s not easy. While there is abundant information on team and individual sports, not for the life of me could I shooting.

Rugby, both union and

league, netball, football, touch and basketball—lots on them and, hell, they have even teamed up with

also working with cycling, mountain biking and snow sports on this. The top 12 individual sports covered with cycling, hell even dancing but still no hunting or shooting. Must be there somewhere, because they gave $50million to the arm’s buyback to lower the

make the list for laceration, No, but cycling and rugby did. And yet there are holders in New Zealand.

some shooting sports. All ages and genders compete together and no one cares what religion or faith you are. Some do have different categories but, as a whole, we compete side by side. Then there is discipline; to compete

Gypsy wastrel writes book

Many many years ago, when Crimpy embarked on a life journey as a freelance cartoonist, raconteur and play a part in the launch of what was to be a colourful career was an indomitable character and Coast radio announcer, Ivan Wilson.

“While he interviewed me at the drop of a hat on my latest book, venture into media, or quirky escapade, Ivan was always far more than just another

spirit in him and realised he too was descended from that ignoble lineage of wastrels,

It was many years later and the creation of The Fishing return the compliment and act as a small catalyst in unleashing Ive’s talent on the unsuspecting, uninitiated and ill prepared. After a bit of ‘badgering’, Ivan agreed column—a whimsical and revealing a very distinctive, unique and engaging writing style.

Ivan possesses ‘an eye for a good story’ but very much has his own style of delivery—a key to the

success of any professional writer.

“To be able to deliver quality work on demand, month after month, is the mark of a true writer and not many can sustain that level,"

A natural succession for any writer with ambition is the production of a lasting piece of work or book and, in completing this milestone, Ivan offers a substantive showcase of his writing in Fishing, him the impetus to write and became the catalyst for

the hands of someone who lacks discipline and maturity doesn’t work. Obviously this would be a safety issue very seriously, for obvious reasons.

The safety record on shooting ranges in New Zealand is outstanding and we have no intention of letting that slip. Pistol New Zealand works hard to help the different clubs and the disciplines shot. We have who are like our referee. They have two main jobs:

Stuart Graham

From boyhood roaming

Brunner, Fishing, a thread is entertaining and, at times, provocative. Touching on a variety of subjects including mentors, techniques and

of life’s great constants, affording well-being and giving one a positive outlook. It’s a great read and will also be the perfect

to make sure the rules are applied and followed but also, and most importantly, oversee safety of all at the range.

If you are looking for a lifelong sport, which requires skills and dedication and maybe that same lifetime to master, then give shooting a go. There’s no chance of bashing yourself about and

club and have a look—you have nothing to lose and heaps to gain.

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Author Ivan Fishiing, a thread

about in the manner of a Jack Russell terrier pretending an air of respectability, but then it cocked it’s leg and let the region have it. There was

slips and wind to blow the beans ‘n’ greens right out of the ground.

Then came a morning when the rain retreated, we took the daily dog walk and although our sky was still overcast, the mild air

smells of damp vegetation, so we began to ruminate

Domestic responsibilities precluded a full- on trip with the boat to the lake, so a visit to matey Garth’s secret spot X came to mind.

Out to the garage to

hat from the boat and slide them into the car. Off up the valley in nice sunshine we went and once in situ at spot X, gumboots went on and we ambled down the track to the place where…..nah

my way along the river bed, noting the river was still dirty, but there was a patch of water I thought might hold

Rising waters intrude on the paddocks making a larger fishing area

in slightly cleaner water. This was the place Matey had described after a previous visit, as having sticking out of the water

I see, but persistence brought a touch as I moved up the the precipitation again just as I was starting to have fun, so on went the parka and further up the river I went, looking for the non existent

the reach is quite changeable and of course trout move about, so a full creel might not always be a given. Have to re-visit in different didn’t stop play though, so back towards town where the whitebaiters operated and with a low tide, no baiters in sight, it was a out into a channel.

and in spite of exploring what cleanish water there was, the session came to an end with a feeling of vague

dissatisfaction as rain began again. But hey it’s not always about catching the things

With that in mind, a couple of days later Garth and I headed to Brunner because the sun shone and it looked like a good day. Whatever a day looks like, you still can’t see the wind, but we sure felt it. The easterly swung to full on the windometer and we were looking for sheltered

seen, one spat the dummy after a visual take, the other rose with a splash in the shallows near the boat.

The waters had risen,

terrestrials available up in the paddocks to widen the trout menu. And of course we ran aground in our usual tradition, so before we could park the rod and lift the oars, the wind quickly thrust us sideways, with enough force, to send Silver Frog far into the shallows.

Suggested to Garth with his longer legs he could hop over the side and push us out of the mud. Unprintable

the wind blew us off the lake….think I’ll have to eat

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of arriving, there were shots

after another wallabies kept leaping out from under us and as quickly as we were spotting them, they were tumbling down the hill, as small lumps of lead pummelled through them. These were early signs that it was going to be a great trip.

We had been granted permission to hunt on a farmer’s land way down south where wallabies are a huge problem. They eat enormous quantities of grass and plants that otherwise would be used to feed valuable sheep. They also destroy land and defecate everywhere.

Wallabies breed like rabbits and are considered one of New Zealand’s biggest pests.

As we were doing pest control on private land, this meant we were able to use thermal and night vision gear to attack in the dead of night, when the wallabies are most active.

On this trip I was armed with the pulsar AXION XM, a lightweight and compact handheld thermal imager. It is designed to

Wallaby wobbles

be a cheaper option for hunters, who are looking at getting a thermal but do not want to break the bank. This wallaby hunt was set to put it to the test.

With my new thermal equipment and the excitement of a kid in a candy store, I grabbed my gear and set off up the farm road while Dad and Rick stayed perched around was ‘too cold’ for them.

I thought.

It was a crisp winter night with no clouds and not a breath of wind—perfect. We had been tipped off by the farmer that there was a group of wallabies coming out into the feed paddock so I approached carefully, cautiously lifting the thermal to my eye. I was wallabies to be hopping around but the screen lit

Animals were emerging from every matagouri bush.

I threw my pack down, leant over it, and switched on the spotlight. A horde of eyes peered up at me and I let loose, my trusty Browning X-Bolt .223 making light work of them.

After getting a total of 23 on course to achieving my goal of 100.

We had only planned to stay three nights, so the next day we set off early on Dads’ Honda 700 Pioneer. Going up and over the mountains, shooting wallabies left and right as they popped up.

I was impressed with the practicality of the AXION XM. It was easy to use and I could quickly put it in my pocket when the time came to pull the trigger. Even though it is small, I was still comfortably spotting animals out 500 metres.

We hunted throughout the day, spotting thousands of wallabies and even an old and a young chamois buck feeding together. I fought the urge to bag a beautiful chamois because the farmer had made it clear they were off limits. Instead, I sat quietly and watched them as they drifted over the cloudy ridge and vanished for good. With empty stomachs and darkening skies, we turned the bikes around and shot back to camp for some dinner, before heading out for another night hunt. During the day we had explored some new parts

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Daniel Crimp

of the farm, which gave me and hunt them at night, as I now knew where it was safe to shoot. With this new knowledge I bagged another 32 wallabies before calling it a night.

The next day and night followed the same pattern of early starts and late nights. I was able to push the limits of my Browning X-Bolt .223, by shooting wallabies out to 310 metres.

On the last hunt of the trip I managed to surpass my goal, ending the hunt with a total of 110 wallabies. The farmer was stoked with our efforts and so were we. As a group, we took out a total of 220 animals. A large amount of them were shot during the night, which meant we relied heavily on the pulsar AXION XM to spot our animals. The AXION XM performed great; It was easy to use and you could comfortably slip in in your pocket when walking or shooting. Even with a small battery it was able run for hours at a time, and I was also able to spot animals with great ease, even when they were hidden amongst the thick matagouri.

At a substantially cheaper price this thermal is perfect for any hunter with a limited

budget. Of course due to the price difference there are compromises. However, the that its minimum setting is

that were close, and hard to hold it steady when driving along bumpy farm roads, but this poses no issue when stalking slowly on foot.

Overall, for the price, you can’t beat it. It’s a great product that I would recommend to any hunter.

Book collection up for grabs

In Reefton in the sixties, there was an abundance of game just at the back of the family farm. I could sell a hare, hawk’s legs, deer skins, eye teeth and possums. Skins and tokens were sellable. Wild pigs and even stoat skins were valuable.

10-12 years of age with

.303 through the Auckland Weekly for 5 pounds—brand new fully wooded. My income from venison went up considerably.

My father owned an old .303 but the home guard repossessed it. When he got it back, it had the wrong bolt, which made it an exceptionally dangerous

too much oil on the trigger it would go off when you closed the bolt, but it still enabled dad to shoot the biggest 12 point stag at the back of the farm.

Wild pigs were in abundance also at the back of the farm. With deer and pigs abounding, I was able to buy a number of different

for shooting pigs.

All my spare time was for

One memorable event

was when my friend Bob (Reefton) with the dogs. We got 8 pigs over 100lbs each, creek. We had seen up to 20 pigs sheltering from the weather.

My hunting areas included South Westland, Waihope, Marlborough Sounds, Nelson Paporoa ranges.

My grandfather was a keen

The biggest eel jointly caught with my brother was 27 lbs but my grandfather’s

over 60lb in the Inangahua. With this passion for blood, I was always on the look out for a good read on

have enjoyed looking back and re-living many of my memories through my book collection. Some books I’ve read two or three times, like

helicopter hunting. I’ve collected around 90 books of fantastic tales, often about the toughness of hunting in the earlier days where rugged men had to battle the mountains and the elements to get that big head.

Now my years have crept

John Buckland

up on me and my health is not as good as it was, and the hills have got steeper. I’m

hope whoever buys these books will derive as much enjoyment from them as I have and be inspired to create your own adventures. I’m selling all my collection in one bulk lot and will

accept offers over $1900 for the lot.

For more details you can contact me at home on 03 547 9342 or my cell 021 075 2270 or email k.j.c.buckland@xtra.co.nz

The rivers and the hills are

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The last Roar for both of us

The election had some very good results and some very bad results.

I won’t talk about the two referendums because they’re done.

The party vote results were like referendums in their own way, and those results still tell us something.

referendum on how the Government handled

but it kept the virus out. Some of us think that’s because we’re an Island nation with a young, spread out, population who follow instructions too easily and borrowed too much money,

up anyway.

There was another has the government treated

citizens. National have stood by, content to go through the motions of weak opposition. New Zealand First were often part of the problem.

referendum result was a groundswell of support

caucus and I feel a great responsibility to use this support effectively. We’ll have some new advantages.

When I was a lone

Parliamentary question a month. Ten times more MPs mean we get to ask ten times more questions. There are lots of changes like that, for example we’ll have a member on nearly all the select committees instead of just one.

Then there’s the quality of

representation. I have done my best to stand up for this community on principle, but I’ve never claimed to be part of it. Now the cavalry has arrived. Nicole McKee is a hunter. She’s a national rep for shooting. She’s an award winning spokesperson for better representative for the if you genetically engineered

Now, we have work to do.

A big thank you to Annette and Daryl and The Fishing Paper & Hunting News readership for all your support.

We hope you won’t be backwards about coming forwards to talk to us any time.

TIDES OF CHANGE

Poppa Mike

The secret WW1 diary of Kiwi

Tra ord No 25/469

By Ian Tra ord Penguin

RRP $38

Reviewed by Poppa Mike

After a life farming in the backblocks of the Waioeka Gorge, Alick asked his son Harvey to recover the secret WW1 diaries he had hidden away in the attic many years earlier.

“They are dynamite,” was his only comment.

Many years later these diaries came to Harvey’s son Ian, who immediately recognised the literate love of words, the raw and emotional content to such a degree that it was “not for the fainthearted.”

The next 36 chapters are the exact reprint of Alick’s diary. So well written, it gives you the feeling you were there beside him throughout.

As Alick tells his story, the reader also gets a blow by blow history, “as we enter the eerie Somme battlefield and halt to conduct a short ceremony in honour of our dead comrades and dear friends. As far as we can see is truly a picture of shame and sorrow. A ravaged devastation of black tree stumps. An absolute mess of shell holes spill into one

another. Old trenches, saps and barbed wire are smashed to pieces. Wooden crosses fashioned from wreckage dot the stark landscape, soldiers’ little private spots on sacred ground. Thousands of men from both armies lie here without graves, remaining where they sank into the evil mire of mud or were buried by explosions. Bones of men have been exposed by recent rain. A truly gruesome battlefield.”

The descriptive and emotional power of his writing made it hard for me to stop reading. As I read, I sensed the allies were winning, so I wanted the book to end so the war would end. Not only was Alick hating the war but he increasingly lost all respect for the Hun, “the old church has been used as a billet, with straw strewn about, three feet deep. Priests’ robes and insignia are lying on the floor like dust rags and the altar is smashed and insulted. The donation box has been broken into and anything else with gold, silver or brass, along with paintings, has been looted. Human shit is spread all over the clergy house.”

A few minutes later, Sergeant Tra ord found himself promoted to the position of Company Sergeant Major. Somehow he survived to see the Hun driven out of France and eventually forced to

surrender. At this point the reader is treated to much contrast - French and Belgium citizens rejoicing, praising and thanking the allied troops. The reader gets to ride through the chapters of rejoicing. It is a huge relief when Alick finally arrives alive in England and eventually home to New Zealand and Waioeka Gorge. Sadly his younger brother Ray’s body remains somewhere in France.

Grandson Ian has written the last few chapters outlining Alick’s postwar years - a delightful yet drama filled story to round o the life of a great man, including a few treasured photographs. For a whole range of reasons this turned out to be one of the best ‘real life’ non-fiction books I have read. Certainly one I will be rereading. I am sure you will feel likewise.

Cou a’s Cut: Coutta

Not a bad place after all

I really didn’t know what the subject was going to be this month but to be fair, I very rarely have any idea until I sit down and start typing. A lot of people including ‘Lynne the Ruthless’ have told me over the years that is my biggest problem. I let loose without having any idea what I’m talking about. Admittedly it’s got me into a fair bit of strife but I have come out a bit scarred but still walking.

Since it’s the end of the year, it’s a pretty good time to have a look at what’s happed during it. Putting it rather mildly, this year for me and I would say a lot of others has been a bitch of the highest order. I suppose it started when I had my second knee replaced in February. That took me off the water for close to a month. Things then looked up. On the Ruthless’ suggestion I bought a new boat. I had a six metre hardtop I could easily handle on my own but it was getting to be a hassle. I bought my

over a couple of weeks when we all got locked down. My boat gets parked just outside our front door and morning coffee deck. The weather in the month of lockdown was

as close to bloody perfect as you could hope for.

Things went from bad to worse, when after lockdown the skippies had been and gone leaving me with an empty bait freezer. The staff who work in tackle and bait shops should wear masks and carry sawn off shotguns. The cost of a second-rate skipjack tuna this year is after all, daylight robbery.

After lockdown things looked up a bit. While the duck season was put off a bit they gave us a date for opening. A mate and I had drawn a top ballot, where if you were a bit patient you could shoot your limit of green-heads. Okay, our limits are not like those take what we can get.

day things had gone back to had bugger all rain and the pond wasn’t a pond, just a hole in the ground. Never mind, there was a pump with its power coming from solar panels that would have put some

water in. That probably would have worked but some of the locals who get horribly confused on Father’s Day pinched it. Fish & Game were looking at replacing that but the thieves solar panels. No opening morning.

I thought things were going to get worse. While last month I mentioned Jacinda was going to throw the Greens a few crumbs, mood of togetherness and inclusiveness may have extended to her giving conservation to that bloody Sage woman. She didn’t, the sun came up the next morning and the snapper were still biting. We don’t live in such a bad place after all.

Alick

Testfire: Browning X-Bolt .223 Super Light

Stuart Graham

The .223 calibre is incredibly versatile and accurate, making it an calibre for a wide range of hunting, despite opponents expressing misgivings about its lightweight nature.

High on the list of virtues is affordability, with cartridges considerably cheaper than moderate to heavyweight calibres, accuracy, lightness and lack of recoil.

purchase and he is a great advocate of the calibre and the Browning X-Bolt in particular. He got Daniel into a Browning X-Bolt .223 age because he wanted to teach good stalking and shot placement.

and his success rate is

Daniel has consistently taken a variety of game over the years with the .223, from rabbits, hares, pigs and goats to chamois and large stags in the alpine environment.

complements this working section with crisp pull, no creep and a measured 3.5 lb pull.

The stock is composite in an imitation carbon

length before I made my

“Heavier calibres with noticeable recoils can put youngsters or beginners off and even create poor shooting habits, like has learned to work within

“An accurate lightweight calibre in the right hands is far more effective than a he argues.

With this in mind, I purchased the new Browning have used it extensively over the last six months.

Overview:

This sleek, attractive and weather-resistant bolt action

the composite stalker and slightly lighter, weighing 2.6kg. The barrel is freethreaded and comes in 1:8 twist.

X-Bolt refers not to the actual bolt but the fourpattern screws that hold the scope mounts on, meaning the bases are secure in all four corners.

The short action bolt is and features option of halfcock lock with the safety.

stock and the ‘feather trigger’

handed palm swell and textured gripping surfaces designed for all weather conditions. Finishing it off,

to the shoulder.

thermal sight but have since

introduced a QD Burris mount so I can interchange optical scope with the thermal. Since purchase, I have used it extensively in a variety of environments, shooting several hundred wallabies, over 50 goats, 20 deer, two wild pigs and many rabbits and hares.

highly accurate out of the box with Hornady factory

suppressor, which increases the overall length but doesn’t affect the balance. It renders it very quiet and makes it

ideal for pest and varmint control, as well as being a great little provider of meat for the table.

too has the frequency of headshots. The .223 has also proved very effective at range, consistently dropping wallaby out to 320m. I have to say the Browning proved value for many and is a delightful piece of kit to use: it feels good, swings up nicely and shoots tight.

The bolt action is smooth and precise

A lovely piece of kit

Nalder Protective Clothing was originally founded in response to the local commercial fishing industry’s need for hard-wearing waterproof clothing to withstand the rigours of fishing.

The ability to manufacture locally, adapt and customise their products has created a versatility that has made Nalder Protective Clothing popular and successful across a wide variety of industries. Whether it be adding knee pads for the horticulture industry, reinforcing hard wearing areas for construction, changing the fleece lining for more warmth or using a more lightweight material for the dairy industry, Nalder is very receptive to industry

Heavy Duty Cape

Description:

Double Front Bib

Description:

A heavy duty all round wet weather product for protection from the elements.

Industries: Nurseries, aquaculture, horticulture, fishing industries, construction, mining, dairy, marine & farming.

Customisation:

• Reinforcing to high wear places such as the crutch and knees

Hi visibility reflective tape for safety

• A range of colour options

• Lightweight material option

Fits over the shoulders and protects the back. Lined or unlined and are perfect for carrying game protecting you from blood and being scratched from branches. Available lined or unlined

Industries: Logging & recreational hunting.

Customisation:

• Orange or high visibility yellow material for logging

• Reflective tape for safety

• A range of colours options

• Fleece line options for the hunter

Gear Bags

Description:

Heavy duty bags that can be made in a range of sizes and colours.

Industries: Sports teams, boat crews, camping, hunting anywhere you need a hard wearing gear bag to carry items & clothing.

Customisation:

• A range of colour options

• Strap options

requirements and can accommodate change in real time.

This is achieved without comprising the quality, durability and guarantee of their clothing. All garments are double sealed, stitched and welded, so they simply don’t leak.

Nalder continues monitoring its gear in the workplace, seeks feedback and looks to improve existing garments where necessary. Another great feature of Nalder Protective Clothing is you are dealing with people not just a brand, so their response time is incredible—place an order and it is delivered in no time; just another benefit of dealing locally.

Read what we can do:

Short Sleeve Vest

Description:

Short sleeved fleece lined vest with collar, perfect for stopping the water from penetrating down the arm keeping you warm and dry. The advantages of having a short sleeves stops the possibility of sleeves being caught in machinery.

Industries: Logging, engineering, nurseries, aquaculture, horticulture, fishing industries, construction, mining, dairy, marine, recreational hunting & fishing—anywhere you are outdoors in cold and inclement weather, in your workplace or recreation.

Customisation Option:

• Fleece line options

• A range of colour options

Hi visibility reflective tape for safety

• A lined hood can be added in place of a collar

IN HOSTING FISHING TOURS

OF TWO TO SIX PEOPLE ALONG THE

RUGGED COASTLINE

•

If you live in the Bay of Plenty, or are heading there in early February, you might get a glimpse of the research vessel Kaharoa in the area.

NIWA will be in the Bay of Plenty conducting a trawl survey on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand to support its understanding of snapper abundance. The information from this survey will contribute to management decisions for these fisheries, including the setting of sustainable catch limits.

Scientists onboard the RV Kaharoa will be looking at how many one- and two-yearold snapper are in the area, known as the SNA1 fishery. Important information on the abundance of larger snapper and other species is also expected. The survey starts on 1 February through 14 February and will cover areas from the Mercury Islands in the north to Cape Runaway in the south/east.

Fisheries New Zealand’s Director of Fisheries Management, Emma Taylor says the survey will provide valuable information, which is used for stock assessments, and provides really good information for forecasting on future stock status under di erent fishing scenarios.

“We use this stock assessment information to determine what management actions are needed to ensure

the long-term health of the fishery. Results from last year’s survey showed positive signs that the SNA1 stock is improving and this year will help determine how well it is doing,” says Emma Taylor.

“This is an important shared fishery which is highly valued by the customary, recreational, and commercial sectors, and is the largest snapper fishery in New Zealand for both recreational and commercial fishers. It’s important that we continue to get the best scientific information to enable us to make decisions that will ensure the fishery remains sustainable for future generations.

This is the second snapper trawl survey this summer –the first was in the Hauraki Gulf and concluded in early December.

Similar surveys took place in

2019 and the information from these surveys will be used to assess the relative abundance of young fish over time, to see how juvenile snapper are faring.

“The main objective of this survey is to catch and study juvenile snapper, which would be caught by the fishery in a few years once they reach the minimum legal size. By getting an understanding of how many young snapper there are now, scientists will be able to build a better picture of the future productivity of the fishery.

Recreational fishers and others in the Bay are likely to see the Kaharoa (with a visible research banner) on the water while the survey is in progress.

Sinker to Smoker

Ron Prestage

For those attending the ten-day Mokihinui Fishing Competition now is the time to prepare your terminal ten days in a row, your rigs will need replacing several times as they soon get tatty and hooks get blunt in the tough, turbulent West Coast conditions.

The two rigs I use are the pulley rig and the single hook clipped down ledger rig. You can get a smooth long cast with these set ups on the end of your line and the bait is presented slightly differently with each of the two variations.

For the single hook ledger rig, make the backbone 120cm long and lock in the hook trace swivel at the 70cm from the bottom mark

using a couple of aluminium crimps and two lumo beads. This avoids having to cut the backbone. Make the trace about 50cm long so it will be under good tension during the cast.

In the pulley rig, the sinker trace needs to be longer than the hook trace. If the sinker trace is 60cm, make the hook trace 50cm. Sinker traces can be 60lb mono

breakout sinker with a builtin clip or some other similar device.

For hooks, I use top quality 5/0 main hooks and a long line knot. The key component in both these rigs is the clip down device and

A prizewinning snapper being presented at the weigh-in by Mike Lee last year

there are several types on the market. I like the simplicity of the breakout sinker with the built-in clip, putting an end to helicoptering baits. Basic breakout sinkers can easily be converted to clip ones with a piece of suitable wire.

The key component in both rigs

Baching boys and bu ers

Daniel Crimp

With an Antarctic front on the way and a full moon looming over us, good friends Sam, Finn and I headed to our bach freediving. Armed with newly earned restricted licences, we set off in a convoy, arriving layered in dust to winds so violent that they shook the house.

Unfortunately, weather conditions bunkered us in the house, dreaming about out on. After two days of shows we couldn’t wait any longer, so dusted off the kayaks and shot out to the closest mussel farm for the evening. The wind slowly quickly picked up—we landed eight massive gurnard between us before calling it a night.

On the third day I woke to the silence, no wind at all so I quickly leapt up to Within 10 minutes we were fed, in the cars,and heading to the free dive spot. Having never dived this area before we spent most of the day prospecting different coves and rocky outcrops, as well as crushing kina to try and attract some snapper, although that only started a feeding frenzy of voracious spotties.

After warming up in the sun, we relocated to the fourth spot—the honey hole: a long dense kelp forest in only 3m of water, teeming

were still yet to see anything good.

Until I heard Sam mutter something on the surface,

With that bit of motivation and my lack of experience, I raced up and down the weed line looking but with no success, whereas Sam, who was clearly more experienced, went super slow to blend in as much as he could, as well as just sitting on the bottom and waiting. Sam’s slow and quiet method paid off.

I heard him screaming so popped my head out of the water to see Sam holding a

round—we were ecstatic. Unfortunately, the celebrations were cut short when a wave caught me off-guard and launched me forward towards my dormant speargun that was on a rock.

The tip of my spear had lodged itself into the front of my ankle. I immediately sank like a rock; thankfully it was quite shallow and I was able to crawl my way up the rocks to shore. Unfortunately, this meant the end of my dive and potentially the week. While I made my way to the cars, Sam managed to bag another before swapping the frozen water for the warm spring sun.

Back at the bach, we brought out our inner doctors, cleaned my wound and patched it up. However it was still far too swollen best not to be disheartened,

We started early the next day, our last, because we

wanted to make the most of it. Despite the agonizing pain coming from my ankle, I threw my wetsuit on but, due to the swelling, I could determined to not let that stop me, so I got in the water and started hunting. With Sam out deep chasing the sun, I had the kelp all to myself. I was a lot more careful this time and went as slow as I could, trying not to spook one. Then. One of itself but, before I could even think about having a shot,

disappeared into the thick forest. I was gutted but kept going.

After missing out on grabbed a load of kina for Dad and headed in. It was then, while swimming into a big kelp clearing, I saw him. raised my speargun and so I struggled over to it and followed up with the knife. I was on cloud nine, having

Successful kayak fishing for large gurnard, Daniel all smiles