March 2023 - Issue 210 - The Fishing Paper and Hunting News

Once, Twice, Three times a lady

Laura Bell

I’m not usually one to share things like this, but if it makes someone else who has had major health issues believe that they can get out on the water and live a full life again, then I’m all for it!

A bit of a back story— excuse the pun—last year was a real roller coaster for me and my family. After developing debilitating pain in one of my legs, an MRI revealed a cyst in my spine. I was referred to a specialist

in Wellington and was told I would need to have the cyst removed, and also would need to have a spinal fusion with rods, screws and a

healthy 36 year old, this news was absolutely gutting. Hence why the month of January will be one I will never forget!

As a family, we absolutely surgeon, prior to my op, if I would be able to go on

a boat again and would I yes, eventually. We joked about my back holding up if I managed to hook a 20 pounder. He just laughed. Well, he gave me the go ahead to get out on the water as long as it didn’t cause me any pain. We

conditions before heading out the Sounds with the kids. Eight weeks after my op, we ventured out and caught a couple of pannies and a kahawai that was quickly chopped up for bait. Next drop, with a wee chunk of kahawai, bang! With encouragement from the family (don’t go too hard out! Watch the line! Careful of your back, etc ) I landed a 25 pounder! It was a pretty emotional day, that’s for sure!

The next two trips out were pretty epic too, with two more beauties caught. I managed to catch three snapper over 20lb in three weeks! We released them, apart from the 25 pounder

because he was pretty exhausted by the time I got him to the boat, so he came home to go on the wall.

I'm still not allowed to lift

anything heavy, hence the couldn’t bend to lift them off the deck so my other half had to lift them up and give them to me for the photos—

‘Justin Case’ nabs Grady’s salmon

I have had a stunning season on the trout; they have been absolutely smashing the cicada. However, a fresh in the river in late February turned the talk from brown to silver— the Marlborough’s Wairau River are closed lipped, the braided river can’t keep a secret for long and whispers of salmon soon emerged.

I always carry my salmon rod strapped to the outside of my vehicle while trout times.

I used to catch salmon back in the day, when I was a snot-dribbler living in Canterbury. Us kids used to Waimak’ back in the early

lol.

Next on the list is a kingi, but I think I might have to wait for my back to heal a bit

90s, with pilchards hanging would soon snag the ‘straight up’ anglers, causing a hell of a mess. A few caught on to our technique but it resulted in so many punch ups, Fish Shame. It was a good ‘blood sport’!

Anyway, in the last week between the two bridges— between Tuamarina and Renwick—and was tempted to drag a Black Magic lure through a few holes. My salmon rod doubles as a snapper set so rigged light with thin braid and 15lb

shock I got when it was hammered and the little reel started melting line. The salmon must have only arrived in the river with the overnight rains because it was fresh and feisty. There was an anxious moment when my chocolate Lad TJ, so used to swimming with trout, decided on an upgrade

to retrieving salmon. I few sharp commands diverted a bad outcome and silver was soon in hand for me. The salmon was in such good condition—in the pink you might say—I vacuum bagged it so I could enjoy salmon steaks for sometime to come.

Ben Grady

Ben with a sliver of Wairau silver

Our People—Sean Garwood, Nelson Former skipper turned maritime artist

Sean Garwood is genuinely nostalgic for his years as a deepsea fisherman—a career that started in 1978 and spanned a total of 27 vessels. He is happy he went to sea and worked with absolutely wonderful people and there is not a day goes by he doesn’t think about fishing.

The love for the sea, context, started young.

Garwood grew up in Fremantle, Western Australia, and accompanied his dad at work on pilot boats and tugs

“It was a boy’s dream,” he says.

Garwood’s father was also a painter, who held sell-out exhibitions across Australia.

“He was a very accomplished marine artist, with commissions from major shipping companies and even has one of his paintings hanging in the Australian War Museum.”

Garwood drew inspiration from his father, who was soon able to give up the sea and paint full time.

Coming up 16, school took a backseat to working on an Italian cray boat, drawing ships in Fremantle harbour, and sailing.

Prior to the Garwood family moving to New Zealand in 1979, three trawlers arrived from Holland as deck cargo on a heavy lift vessel: the Tangawai, Ikiwai and the Galatea

Garwood was enthralled watching the ‘super trawlers’ being unloaded and fortuitously met the vessels’s skippers: Brian Hardcastle, Johnny Gay, and Brian Kenton—who encouraged

the lad to stay in touch.

“I subsequently worked with all three of them!”

Motivated to pursue a career at sea, he wrote a letter to Peter Talley, receiving a courteous handwritten offer of assistance.

His maritime career was launched with Skeggs in Nelson aboard the Waihola but many vessels followed: Challenge, and the Galliard.

What followed was a from Timaru to the Gulf of Carpentaria; from exploring for orange roughy is South Africa to catching orange roughy on the Challenger settled down in Nelson with Sealord on the Aoraki and the Rehua new-build Aorere

All this time, Garwood was drawing and turning handdrawn charts into artwork.

draughtsman’s paper and depths were recorded and charts became 3D in a way.

“I must have been a bloody nerd because most of the crew were down the pub and I would be at home

In 2004, he discussed with his wife Ligliana the idea of

Lesley Hamilton (Abridged)

becoming a full-time artist.

“It was a huge gamble considering we had two young daughters, but we backed ourselves and got on with it.”

Garwood started off with painting still life subjects, nostalgia, and country sport.

“This taught me valuable lessons with the classic medium of oils. Painting is a process which evolves over many years,” he says.

In 2015 Garwood submitted a proposal to Antarctica New Zealand to visit, sketch and photograph the historic huts of Shackleton and Scott, with the aim to stage an exhibition in 2017.

Garwood says the Antarctica trip was life changing.

“I was alone in Shackleton’s hut—it was three o’clock in the morning, and broad daylight—a moment to wooden buildings are a treasure trove of early Antarctic exploration. Symbolic of the arduous journeys of the Shackleton and Scott expeditions. They are also the birthplace of Antarctic science. It was a privilege and a very humbling experience.

“They call it ‘the white silence’. It is so quiet it is deafening almost. The wind came and was funnelling down the kitchen range chimney, it was quite haunting but very spiritual. You could feel the presence of Shackleton and his men. It was so powerful because inside the hut the artifacts are so well-preserved due to the air being so dry. For example, there is still jam on a piece of bread that is 110 years old but looks like you could pick it up and eat it.”

He gained enough material to spend two years in his studio painting his Antarctic series and a subsequent exhibition in Christchurch. New Zealand Post later featured the paintings on postage stamps.

Then his agent suggested he change his focus to marine painting.

So, in 2017 he started preparing for a 2020 exhibition—the most comprehensive visual survey of New Zealand’s rich and diverse maritime history ever assembled by a solo exhibition.

“The research involved has been extraordinary. I have met such generous people who have loaned me rare books, shared their memories and advised me on technical issues for some vessels. If it wasn’t for them and the inspiration they gave me to paint each vessel, it would have been very

Garwood is disappointed in the lack of recognition given to mariners in New Zealand.

“For a country so dependent on shipping from colonisation to trade, there is very little in way of raising the public awareness of our maritime success.”

I asked Garwood about his techniques for painting the ocean, as marine painting is genre to master.

He explained that a lot of successful maritime artists in the 1800s and 1900s ‘served before the mast’. They had a knowledge of rigging and could paint by instinct.

“You have to be technically correct when painting a ship, but not so technical that you lose the poetry of the painting.

One of the most important aspects is the connection between the vessel and the water.”

There is a saying that you must know the ocean to paint the ocean.

“To experience the

ferocious great Southern Ocean in all her glory will always remain in my memory. One could never properly interpret these scenes from books or photographs. You must feel the ocean beneath your feet and watch how a vessel reacts to her ever-changing moods. When you have that experience, the interaction between the vessel and the ocean comes out in the painting naturally,” Garwood says.

Garwood says it is not surprising that classic marine paintings are becoming extremely rare.

“There are a number of reasons, including the time involved in creating these works. Ship’s rigging can be extremely complex, especially square-rigged sailing ships. It requires careful planning and draftsmanship, that few have the required patience, knowledge, and ultimately the dedication for,” says Garwood.

“My days of going to sea may have passed. However, I am extremely grateful that I now have the opportunity to time at sea and document our rich and diverse maritime history. I feel that my painting career is paying back now to a part of my life that I was extremely fortunate to have and never took for granted,” Garwood says.

Sean Garwood’s work can be seen here: Sean Garwood or at https://seangarwood. co.nz/

Sean Garwood at work in his studio photo credit Lesley Hamiliton

Path Of Legends, from the Antarctic collection

Yellowfin skipper du jour

And what a day to be skipper.

We escaped to Rarotonga in August and found ourselves on the charter boat Akura, as you do.

We were trolling along the edge of a reef, hoping to entice a predator of some sort. With a squeal the reel suddenly dumped line and I was in. A short while later I on board—stoked.

The skipper turned the bow out to sea and we headed for deeper water, aiming to wasn’t lucky enough to get one because I had suddenly become skipper du jour—the real skipper was kept busy out the back helping the other three guys with their pleased though, because a highlight for me was putting my good friend John onto a

Then we had a pleasant interlude watching humpback whales, so the burner for a bit. It was an awesome experience, shared with some great people.

Chris Gurnett

Freezing for snow trout

Sam Boothroyd

With snow blanketing the Mackenzie district and the weekend starting to creep up on me, I started

some of the impressive lakes this area is renowned for. My main issue was accessing areas due to the snow covering most of the backroads but, with a she’ll be right attitude and a strong desperation to wet a line, I found a likely area that looked relatively easy to access.

Saturday morning, I cranked up the heating and started driving, watching as the sun crept over the mountains. So far, the road had been pretty good, it was only as I turned off onto the smaller backroads that the snow started to make

after a rather scary and, in

some places, a pretty slippy drive, I arrived at the lake. Stepping out into the crisp air I couldn’t help but grin at the beauty of the place and crunched my way down to the lake's edge.

After only a few casts, my rod suddenly buckled as my reel simultaneously started screaming. Several minutes later a beautiful 4lb brown was in the net. After a couple of quick photos and very cold hands, I watched back into the icy depths. My day was already made but it wasn’t over yet.

As I crept along the lake's edge with bitterly cold just ahead but in order to get to within casting distance

apparent I was going to

have to wade. That prospect wasn’t exciting, even with my gumboots. However, I

the water I went. All was well as I snuck around some

I was within casting distance

I was soon indulged with my attention away from the water level on my gumboots. The water rushing down to my toes was beyond freezing but I persevered, and it wasn’t long before a beautiful 6lb lake trout graced my net.

decided it was time to head back before my freezing what an awesome day on the water.

Bottom dwelling blue cod are opportunistic carnivores with a voracious appetite who will eat almost anything that comes their way. The mix of flash, bait and movement of our Snatcher® rigs makes it hard for blue cod to resist

Snapper Snacks® are a versatile rig which can be fished from the shore as they’re great for casting. The flowing skirts create a lot of movement in the surf, enticing nearby fish

Rigged with abrasion resistant Tough Trace and PTFE coated KLT® recurve hooks, our Snapper Snacks® are great for all levels of anglers. From kids learning to fish, to anglers like Aaron who are chasing their PB

Brianna Govier - Blue Cod caught in Tasman Bay 6/0 ‘Original Snapper Snatcher®

Jayden Emtage - Kingfish caught on Opape beach 5/0 ‘Chartreuse’ Snapper Snack®

Aaron Kent - 17lb Snapper caught out of Raglan 7/0 ‘Pinky’ Snapper Snack®

Seeking out Squally’s shallow secrets

just smile on you. And there was quite a tribe of us to smile on. Joining Tracy, me and our wee son Hamish on our summer sojourn in Okiwi Bay, were good friends Sam Rentoul, his daughters Amelia and

Ryan Pigou

Olivia, and Scott Cameron with his kids Anareia, Elijah and Evangeline. Okay, honours list out of the way, let’s get to how the action unfolded over a two-day period.

We anchored in Squally Cove in 10m, next to a

mussel farm, and set the berley in place: a mesh bag containing mussel meat and lowered to a depth of 3-4m. We were using running rigs with two hooks per line and a mix of pilchards, squid and anchovies for bait—the anchovies ultimately proving a real hit with the trevally.

almost immediately and it was exciting to catch them in quick succession. The kids had a ball battling the feisty around. Then a big kahawai put up a good show, but the highlight was a thumper of a trevally.

morning to early arvo but, regrettably, had to pull the pin because Okiwi Bay is tidal and we needed to get the boat back on the dry with reasonable ease.

Leaving knowing that a school of trevally was

lurking near only fuelled our enthusiasm.

Next morning, we hit the water much earlier, determined to capitalise on the bottom and we were, again, straight into the (anchovy munchers). After a good deal of excitement

suggested we drop the lines to the level of the berley— 3m or so—where we could see trevs attacking the berley bag; big ones at that.

We dropped the little kids’ lines over and they nailed themselves, darting around, pulling line and setting the kids squealing in delight. Tiny rods bent over, the tips nearly touching the water—it was exciting stuff and I’m not sure who got the biggest thrill, the kids or the adults! The total bag for two 14 snapper, 1 kahawai,1 gurnard and 18 trevally. A fabulous and fantastic weekend.

Olivia Rentoul gives a lesson in catching 'schoolies'

Hamish Pigou joins in with the Trevs

Amelia Rentoul was a class act at catching snapper

Fishing is a hard days' night

A Star—Yeah Nah!

My dog Pearl is on heat but she’s not all-consumed by her sexual needs; she’s subtle, selective and a little bit crafty. Three out of the four male dogs, which share premises with her, are not even aware she’s currently locked away like Rapunzel, nor why.

Chop knows. He knows exactly where she is and why she’s there.

Pearl might be ‘hot’ but this summer morning is degrees—with dew on the grass and a gentle nor-east breeze—who’d believe a midsummer dawn could be this cool.

Indeed, it’s so cool I’ve allowed my canine-Rapunzel to let down her hair. She waits eagerly in the dog box while I go and get her hunting buddy. Chop can’t believe his luck, he thinks he’s getting visiting rights, while his three competitors miss out. The fact his true love is in the dog box and I am wearing hunting attire, does not register.

My dog box is a two-bay affair. Pearl is on one side and Chop on the other.

Thwarted—for now—Chop is the dog version of the cocky guy across the room from a beautiful blonde. He’s trying to catch her attention, talking

himself up with such fervour he must regularly lick his lips to clear the spittle from the corner of his mouth.

When we reach our destination, I release Pearl and collar her up. Chop scratches frantically at the dog box door and, when like a porn star ready for the big show.

By now you’re thinking I’m a tad silly (or perverted), but both Pearl and I know a little something about Chop. Flirting and foreplay are his limit. He can’t get hitched nor tie the knot.

All geared-up, we tootle off along the forest track. Everhopeful Pearl leaves a scent trail for potential mates—a pee here—a pee there.

Chop sniffs and drools, his jaw clattering with excitement, his eyes glazed. He thinks his only problem is me. Every time he attempts a quick-hitch, I look him in his good eye and raise index, not middle—palm forwards, not back. That watching, and consequences could be dire if he should continue his attempts at copulation.

Into the forest and heavy cover where I cannot maintain eye-contact

Kim Swan

and Chop becomes very animated. Every time Pearl attempts to venture away to hunt, he quickly tries to shepherd her behind a tree. He repeatedly attempts to sweep her into his arms and whisk her out of sight. With one eye on her and one eye on me, he can barely see where he’s going!

Pearl has had enough and so have I. Just one word,

Chop’s willpower wilts and his pink lipstick retracts. He follows me dejectedly, while Pearl makes good her escape and is gone with the wind.

Somewhere out there the old girl detects a sniff of pork. Perhaps a fresh trail in the metre-high rank grass or the wind-borne farts of a slumbering mob. Her tracker-trail, a red line on my receiver, steadily crosses contours and increases in length. Meanwhile, Chop begins to stress—Pearl might be doing the hard yards but whining—“Where is my

Chop’s love has obviously found the source of the scent, but her quarry has heard her stealthy approach and is running for its life. The pair of them are accruing mileage—up, down, straight-lining west,

circling east, crossing their tracks and mine too. Back towards the ute, up a side gully and then comms are lost.

So, I began hurrying. Chop, he knows I know where his love is. He knows magic emanates from the receiver in my hand. He’s beside himself, watching me, then bolting off in front, listening intently. She’s out there, his damsel in distress and he will save her. He’ll show us both he is worthy, just lead him in the right direction and he’ll prove himself, oh yes, he will! Pearl’s catch is not a big

pig, but it was smart and athletic and has been well and truly earned on this cool summer morn. You wouldn’t believe those facts if you’d seen Chop arrive on the scene. It’s his hero-moment. His Eugene to her Rapunzel, his Rhett to her Scarlett.

Brisket-stuck, the porcine athlete runs one last race before slowing for all time. Chop releases his hold and rises from the bloodied grass—he piddles on a pine tree and struts with bob-tail high. With one eye on Pearl and one eye on me, he’s today’s star in every respect.

YOU WANNA TOTALLY ESCAPE STRESS? GET A BOW & ARROW

Pearl lies exhausted, her muscles a-tremble. She coughs and retches as she inadvertently swallowed and inhaled half a kilo of rank grass-seed as she sprinted for kilometre after kilometre. Her ears and her eyebrows are torn and bloodied. Her paw pads are worn bare, and one claw is broken and jutting sideways. She hurts from head to toe.

Chop struts by—“Look at me ladies, I am the star, oh yes I am.”

Pearl looks at me, brief eye contact, just a millisecond in which time we unanimously agree, “Yeah nah.”

Pulsar brings game-changing news to IWA

Pulsar have lead the global market in the design and manufacture of high quality, affordable night vision and thermal imaging optics since 2011. This year at the IWA Outdoor Classics 2023 Pulsar are launching a new range of products. Even though these products are several months off arriving in New Zealand, it is exciting to see what is coming up and get your wish list started.

Merger LRF XL50

If you prefer the comfort of exploring with two eyes rather than one, you must try out the extended line of Pulsar Merger thermal imaging binoculars.

After introducing the Merger LRF XP50 last year, this year Pulsar are back with imaging device with a new and powerful 1024x768 pixel resolution XL Lynred sensor.

The classic binocular design of the Merger is easy to use and delivers outstanding image clarity. The new Merger LRF XL50 binoculars are true all rounders.

for scanning and target acquisition and high image quality and detail apply across the whole range of

2.5x up to 20x, retaining enhanced detail, clarity, and contrast throughout the range.

They also launched the LRF XQ35 featuring a high sensitivity 384x288 pixel resolution 17 µm microns and NETD below 25milliKelvin thermal imaging sensor in combination with the fastaperture F35/1.0 germanium lens.

Krypton 2

More compact and versatile.

The second-generation Krypton is more compact, lightweight, and fully adapted to the hunter’s needs. It features advanced image quality in full-HD multicolour mode and a high-quality Europeanmade Lynred thermal imaging sensor that offers exceptionally crisp, sharp, and richly contrasted thermal imaging in all weather conditions.

The Krypton 2 FXG50 features a high sensor

resolution of 640x480 pixels @12 µm. In combination with the powerful fast aperture F50/1.0 thermal lens, it offers ultimate detection capabilities.

The more compact and lightweight Krypton 2 FXQ35 offers high sensor sensitivity with its 17 µm pixel pitch and NETD of less than 25 milliKelvin. Its sensor resolution is slightly lower –384x288 pixels – compared with the FXG model

Poerua perambulations

and so began a rather weird day.

Another boat was already there, so we started in a corner we rarely explore.

Even with good presentation, they rocketed out to deeper water.

We began to think it was skunk time but decided

Matey is all concentration

to keep trying. What is

but didn’t take—was this to

It was nice to be in an environment amongst the trees, with their feet in the clean, clear water where trout could be readily sighted. Then I latched onto one and, when closer to

visible outside its mouth.

Uh! Weird. The thing had somehow lassoed itself with the leader, so was played carefully, until it got away.

Then I had the bright idea to have lunch. When all else fails, break out the sarnies and the tricky devils emerge while you’re diverted by comestibles. They didn’t, but after refreshments, we slowly

previously good to us.

Then it began to get tricky. Late winter, early spring

and jetsam into where we were, plus the trees not driven anywhere, were still yer back, cast, ugh, too late. Wonderful hookups on kahikatea, kowhai, beech, remnants of a 1953 Humber 80.

had an awful job quelling its enthusiasm and he noted, this.”

Thermion Duo DXP50

The modern way of

The Thermion Duo DXP50 with its exceptional thermal imaging detection capability and the magic of full-colour daytime observation, this scope opens a new page in Pulsar’s history.

After trying out the Thermion Duo DXP50, you’ll see it is based on the proven solutions and components of

– the Thermion 2 XP50 Pro. Except that it comes with the turret that works as a 4k fullcolour channel for daytime hunting.

you’ll be able to locate game and reveal its trophy qualities under any weather conditions – rain, fog or frost. Switching between the two channels is fast and simple. Just a click of a button and you can enjoy high sensitivity thermal imaging or the precision of daytime digital in eye-

catching full-colour mode. New Concepts

Also being launched at IWA is a new concept by Pulsar – an upgradable thermal imaging monocular line – Telos by Pulsar. Telos is designed to be timeless.

imaging devices on the market offering the option of technical upgrades.

Become a Telos owner and you will have the chance to improve your device in the future and always have a product that is relevant and cost effective.

new line is the Telos LRF XP50 then a non LRF model. Both will be equipped with the best European-made Lynred sensor a 640x480 pixel resolution 17 µm microns pixel pitch. For more new products and availability in New Zealand please visit our website: www.advancedoptics.nz

Eventually, he got his conditions had changed in our favour or perhaps it was the location and while we still scared the tripe out of more strikes. I got one that spat the dummy, then hit another and this creature got busy with moves straight out of a knitting pattern book. It went into snags underwater, then had the temerity to go right around a tree. I

became a tree hugger as I got Matey to put the boat against the trunk, which I embraced and passed the rod back to myself to free the line. Next, it went through the tentacles of a long dead sunken log. Got the thing under control, then moved onto a spot where Matey said, “There could be something mooching in those shadows over there.”

Bang, he was right, and I said, “It’s not big.”

I was wrong, as it put up

10 minutes before I got it into the net. Then it was Matey’s turn for a very good it but, horrors, the net burst its bottom. He quickly suggested I roll it up when it’s back ‘in’ the net. That pounders each, plus our threes, it was a successful end to our weird and wonderful day.

Net result

The Pulsar Thermion Duo

• High quality European made thermal

• Accurate 1000m laser rangefinder

• Superb image detail

• 2x - 8x magnification

• Wide field-of-view

• Fully waterproof

• Quick-change battery

• Tough Mg alloy housing

• Video recording and streaming

• Free firmware updates

• Three year warranty

PULSAR The professionals choice $3,999

The Adventure begins!

If you’ve ever passed through Cooptown, on the Akaroa highway, you know you’re in for a bit of a crawl to the “Hilltop”. Boasting stunning views of Akaroa Harbour; the “Hilltop” is a relatively famous stopping point for refreshments and a feed.

The Mahindra S6 pulled itself, and 1500-odd kgs of GLI camper trailer and gear, to the top with ease. It can

only boast a 2.2 mHAWK turbo diesel but with a 6-speed box it was dropped into second only once, and

Leaving the “Hilltop”, my family and stay on the high road until the Little Akaloa turn-off where the road down rapidly drops 750m. It’s narrow, steep, undulating and windy with a few washouts to dodge.

The ute and camper sat nicely, no surprise bounces or tugs and no swinging around. You have an upright seating position which is comfortable and lets you see exactly where you are on the road. Bloody good for towing round the many tight corners.

The braked camper trailer always felt comfortable. Out

the ute’s “descent control” which pulled it up a bit but, in the end, I preferred the electric brake system on the camper plus the ute brakes.

A previous trip in a Mahindra included crossing untracked sand dunes. In 4WD you’d feel the Eaton diff-lock kick in as needed and in this, it just kept going.

There’s a 4WD test track up in the North Island, with one section that’s particularly challenging. On test day,

only Mahindra had a crack at it. The auto reviewer/writer was blown away, as were the other manufacturers who chose not to damage their reputation.

Clearly, this ute a standout, all-round performer and a safe bet for family and friends to explore the more remote parts of Aotearoa.

The GLI dual fold camper is next level, with hi-tech solar/lithium power system

for water pumps, lighting, brakes, audio system and more.

Opened up you have a double bed at either end and a seating/eating area in the middle. The mattresses are damn comfortable; we’ve had a great sleep almost every trip. Although a couple of night caps might’ve helped!

There’s nothing like sleeping under canvas, sure but you feel more connected to nature which is what it’s all about. GLI use the top grade of canvas; superbly stitched with heavy duty zippers. We don’t often put up the attachable awning, but when we do it adds sleeping space for another four.

There’s also an additional room for toilet and shower, and plenty of windows all with insect screens and and wind protection. Packed down its compact, and with a roof rack as standard was perfect for holding the TAKE THE TAKACAT!

out, it was a bit choppy nearer the heads. Not a problem. The TAKACAT just did its thing, pushed along by the short-shaft Parsun 15hp (the maximum hp rating for the 3.4m model). Stable and responsive, this boat is a heap of fun that can pack down into a couple boot of your car. Using the

hand pump, it takes less that 10min to get the tubes and for that.

We have the quick hitch wheels so two of us can pull it down to the slipway with ease.

Once the winds drop off later in the month the sea will get clearer, and we’ll and to get a few paua. Can’t wait!!

www.glio road.co.nz

www.takacat.co.nz

www.burnsco.co.nz

www.avoncity.co.nz

The Mahindra looked right at home down at the waterfront

COOKING with CRIMPY

Pan seared venison on a potato and kumara rosti with roast beetroot, feta whip and quince glaze

Might sound a bit fancy but it’s easy to put together and is a great balance of seasonal produce.

Ingredients: Lemon juice

Potato/Kumara Rosti

Roughly grate a large spud and a kumara, season and fry in pan until cooked

Roast Beetroot

Cut small beetroot into quarters, oil & season - cook in hot oven for 30 minutes

Feta whip

Combine feta cheese with lemon juice and

Venison & Quince glaze

aside then add quince pate to pan juices

Salmon with Roa Capsicum Sauce

4 serves of salmon fillet

Sea salt

Cracked pepper

25g melted butter

Olive oil.

Remove any pin bones from the fillet with a pair of tweezers.

Grease the base of a baking tray with oil and lay fillets skin side down. Bat the top of each fillet with a little melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Bake in an oven preheated to 200C for 10-15 minutes. Stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Sauce

2 red capsicum

Olive oil

2 cloves garlic boiled until soft

1 tsp fresh grated ginger

Salt and pepper to season.

Place the capsicums under a hot grill, turning occasionally until the skin blackens and blisters all over. Place in a sealed plastic bag and allow to sweat for a couple of minutes. Run under a cold tap and peel o the blackened skin. Scrap away any seeds and place the flesh in a blender.

Process to a paste and then gradually drizzle in olive oil until a liquid consistency is achieved. Add finely chopped garlic, ginger and a seasoning of salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble in an arty fashion and dig in.

Seafood Sustainability Awards 2020

Finalists: Scott and Maaike McNeil

We take a look back at previous winners and nominees of the Seafood Sustainability Awards.

Wellington based seafood company Awatoru (Three Rivers) was recognised in the 2020 awards for its market innovation.

Awatoru (Three Rivers) is an artisan fishing and wild food supply company that takes pride in supplying small-scale, sustainably-sourced seafood to quality restaurants and eateries.

Awatoru caught the attention of judges at the inaugural Seafood Sustainability Awards in 2020. A finalist in

the Market Innovation and Value-Added award category, the Kapiti Coast-based business, run by Scott and Maaike McNeil, directly supply some of New Zealand’s leading restaurants, with fish sustainably caught on their own small boat.

“We are really grateful to have been nominated last time and be among all those big companies,” says Scott.

“I’m a terrible cook but I love feeding people. I love catching and supplying and wanted to do it commercially. I knew that once I started this, I would do it forever.

“We pick the species, like tuna and kahawai, allowing us to be totally independent of large fishing companies, and keep the fish as pristine and perfect as we can.”

That transparent, personal approach appeals to top restaurants and younger chefs keen for a closer working relationship with their suppliers.

“People are more aware of sustainable fish now and younger chefs are more likely to be experimental and try di erent species. At one point, we couldn’t give kahawai away, but its appeal grew over time.”

Awatoru have now expanded to serve restaurants across New Zealand but continue to have a loyal client base in the Wellington region and work closely with chefs to

supply a carefully curated list of seafood such as albacore tuna, yellowbelly lounder, and seaweed.

“Following COVID, we had a good season and restaurants bounced back, especially owner operators who want to deal directly with fishers. We have to maximise what we get in terms of return for catch. We’ve made alterations like with a roof on our boat and we are always thinking of other species that are easy to get a quota on."

He says the hard work to get to this point has been worth it. “We’re in this for the long haul.”

The Seafood Sustainability Awards 2023 will be launching soon. Look out for further updates on our website: www.mpi.govt.nz/ seafood-awards.

Fisheries Round up, 2023

People taking cockles from a closed beach, undersize and excess pāua and green lipped mussels cop thousands of dollars in fines over summer.

Summer brought large fines to some recreational fishers who broke the rules there to ensure sustainable fisheries into the future.

“It’s like burning money –you wouldn’t do that, and yet not following the rules in many situations has a similar result,” says Fisheries New Zealand, Acting Fisheries Compliance Director, Niamh Murphy.

Looking back over summer, in December a 42-year-old Auckland woman was fined $750 for taking 221 cockles from the closed Cockle Bay at Eastern Beach, following an appearance in the Manukau District Court.

A 31-year-old Blenheim man was fined $1,000 in the District Court for being in possession of 47 excess pāua, taken from Little Waikawa Bay. The man was diving with a friend and the pair were entitled to a total of 10 pāua  – they had 57.

Also, in December, a 26-year-old Taranaki man was fined $2000 in the Hawera District Court for being in possession of 37 undersize pāua he took from the Pihama area. The man’s 33-year-old fishing partner

was fined $2500 for being in possession of 48 undersize pāua, taken from the same area.

The minimum size for pāua in the Taranaki area is 85mm and the daily limit per person gathering the shellfish is 10.

In January, a 43-year-old man from Cape Runaway was fined $1,000 in the Gisborne District Court for his part in taking 92 undersize pāua from Lottin Point at Hicks Bay. The man’s 29-year-old colleague was fined $1,000 last year in the Ruatoria District Court for his part.

And in February, a 58-yearold Mamaranui man was fined $600 in the Dargaville District Court for taking 257 green lipped mussels from Maunganui Blu . The daily limit per person is 50 greenlipped mussels.

“We can all do our part in looking after our local fishery or fisheries we visit by following the rules. To find out how, download the NZ Fishing Rules App wherever you get your apps from and protect our kaimoana for future generations,” says Fisheries New Zealand, Acting Fisheries Compliance Director, Niamh Murphy.

If you become aware of any suspicious fishing activity, call us on 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24) or email ncc@mpi.govt.nz.

Estuarine degradation: the real reasons

The recent Nelson City Council legal action on boat access at Delaware Bay supposedly hinges on the environmental damage wreaked by boaties who are only launching and retrieving their boats.

The adjacent local government neighbour of Nelson City Council is the Tasman District Council, of which I was an elected councillor 2010-2013, 2013-2016. Tasman District undertakes ecological

assessments of territorial estuaries every ten years and these reports show some interesting trends.

Right now, I’m looking at a State of the Environment Report; Tasman Coast: Waimea Inlet to Kahurangi Point—Habitat mapping, Ecological Risk Assessment, and Monitoring Recommendations, from August 2012.

Anyway, what is really interesting about this 2012 report is that it shows that

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local estuaries (and most probably all around the country) are being exposed to excessive sediment deposit build-ups through poor land management practices such as forestry, farming, and urbanisation. There is too much to list here in this article but the report’s executive summary noted that, “The health and productivity of the coastal habitats, including its extensive estuarine systems, are a cornerstone of the region’s quality of life and vibrant economy, production to tourism”. The summary listed the key coastal issues as: excessive muddiness and, to a lesser extent, nutrient enrichment of estuaries and embayments; elevated disease risk in estuaries and embayments, particularly after heavy rain; habitat loss through sea level rise, and ecological change through sea temperature and acidity change.

These issues are probably common to the Wakapuaka Estuary and wider catchment too, which also drains into Tasman Bay and has

in the form of exotic forestry, farming, and development. The 2012 Wriggle report observes under 4.2 Fine Sediments (Muds) that, “In New Zealand, deforestation and catchment development have resulted in land erosion with consequent

loads accelerating the coastal embayments. Such prematurely aged estuaries and embayments, and a degraded ecosystem that reduces human use and ecological values”. For example, the report shows under the title “Excess Mud Destroys Coastal Habitat in Tasman” that “50% of Tasman and Golden Bay estuaries are excessively muddy (greater than 10% with soft muds). Waimea is the most affected at 55% soft mud, and Waitapu and Motupipi have approximately 25%”. Who knows what the muddiness level in the it is a sure bet that a few recreational boat users are the least of the problems associated with the health of

the estuary. The last massive August 2022 alone, likely had more environmental impact on the estuary than all human boat launching efforts since before the beginning of time.

Here’s a challenge to Nelson City Council: Why not do the job you were elected to do and protect the estuary from real damage and harm, instead of picking on recreational boat users who actually value

No mock rig fight

As soon as the clock hit 5.00pm, I raced out of the beach for a quick after-work perfectly with the setting sun and the wind had dropped off completely—a perfect evening to chase big Tasman Bay rig.

Upon arrival, I was shocked to see almost 40 other

as me and were already set up with lines in the water.

the estuary and want to enhance the environmental, recreational, and community values for the future.

With Environment Court action underway the Delaware Bay Access Group Incorporated needs all the help it can get. Please donate generously to the Legal Defence for continued boat launching and retrieval rights for all.

Bank Account Number

06-0958 0210014-00

The indexed rotating clamping system has 3 angle adjustments 12˚, 20˚, 25˚ always keeping your knife in the same place

Seeing as I was behind the 8 ball, I wasted no time in gathering some paddle crabs with the trusty crab pot and some fresh venison bones. Only moments after setting up my second rod, a reel started screaming. Unfortunately, it was the bloke’s beside me! He eventually hauled in a nice 15lb rig. Others continued to pull them in for the around 10-12lb, while my perfectly presented paddle crabs didn’t even get sniffed by a rig.

I sat for a bit longer, changing to fresh bait every now and again but still no luck.

By now the tide was coming in and covering the

beach at an alarming rate. This combined with the sun rapidly fading meant I didn’t have long before I went home with my tail between my legs. The ocean was like the last of the sun’s light as I packed up my gear and mentally prepared for Dad’s mockery when I returned empty-handed. With one

rod in and put away, I baited rod and lobbed it out.

Before I could get the surf caster in the sand spike it bent over and nearly launched me into the drink.

Straight away I knew what it was and I knew it was big. The rig went on run after run, peeling line so fast I

thought my reel was going to

After a solid battle, the beast began to tire; I coaxed him in shallows then went in for the kill, grabbing its tail and dragging it up on the sand—game over.

I headed home with a mocking from Dad. I can’t ask for much more.

Daniel Crimp

Daniel with a thumper of a rig

Recently, the government released its strategy for initial engagement and support for iwi, hapū and whānau applicant groups seeking recognition of their interests under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 (the MACA)

Takutai Moana refers to the area from the Mean High-Water Springs (MHWS) to the outer limits of the 12-nautical mile Territorial Sea.

Foreshore and Seabed Act

It is important to understand that the MACA’s original purpose was to replace the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 (the 2004 Act).

The 2004 Act was prompted by a 2003 High Court decision regarding seven of the eight iwi at the top of the South seeking resolution of procedural di culties in obtaining permits for commercial aquaculture ventures.

The 2003 decision stated that Māori customary rights to the foreshore and seabed could exist as a matter of law, and that the Māori Land Court had jurisdiction to hear such claims. The

What is the Marine and Coastal Area Act?

decision did not state that such rights exist, as they would have to be proven in Court in accordance with tikanga.

Tikanga commonly refers to customary law, but with a broader function that includes all aspects of human behaviour. Tikanga is considered flexible and adaptable to di erent circumstances.

The 2003 decision created fierce public debate concerning access to beaches being threatened if Māori had exclusive rights to the foreshore. This concern had little or no connection to the narrowness of the decision that claims to Māori customary rights could be heard by the Māori Land Court.

The 2004 Act vested ownership of the foreshore and seabed in the Crown, guaranteeing access for all and providing general rights of navigation and boating with no e ect on the public’s ability to fish.

Enactment of the 2004 Act split the Māori caucus in the Labour Party and led to formation of the Māori Party with the commitment to replace that Act. A primary point of contention was that

the 2004 Act took away the legal rights to have Māori interests determined in the Courts.

The MACA

The MACA replaces Crown ownership of the foreshore and seabed with the ‘Common Marine and Coastal Area’ (CMCA) incapable of being owned by freehold title, except those areas already in private ownership.

This is in line with legislation that regulates physical resources the government does not own, such as fish stocks and the continental shelf.

The MACA ensures public access for all to the CMCA and protection of navigation and fishing rights, except in wāhi tapu areas (defined areas of significance, such as burial grounds).

Like the 2004 Act, the MACA includes tests to apply to claims for protected customary rights (PCR).

A PCR must have been exercised since 1840 in accordance with tikanga. A PCR does not include, amongst other things, an activity regulated under the Fisheries Act 1996.

The MACA also includes

tests for recognition and protection of customary marine title (CMT). A CMT may exist in a specified area if exclusively held and occupied since 1840 without substantial interruption, or subsequently received through a legitimate customary transfer, in accordance with tikanga.

PCR or CMT tests can be heard in the Courts or negotiated directly with the Government. However, there may be cause for concern where the scope of the MACA applies to local authorities.

For example, local authorities are prohibited from granting a resource consent for an activity that will, or is likely to, have more than minor adverse e ects on the exercise of a PCR (with some exceptions) unless the PCR group gives its approval.

Also, a CMT includes the right to give or decline permission for activities being carried out under a resource consent in a CMT area (with some exceptions) and the right of CMT groups to create a planning document.

While the 300+ MACA applications likely mean that

PCR and CMT processes will span several years, especially those with overlapping areas, it will be important to remain informed as they progress.

Fish Mainland maintains a watching brief on the issues that could impact on South

Island recreational fishing and the marine environment. Please show your support by becoming a member for free and making donations via our website or bank account no 03-0823-0101056-000.

Cou a’s Cut: Coutta

Cou a cops a gender bender

Quite a few years ago, before I became the sensitive and politically the local Police Trout Fishing Competition.

One year was a bit touch

prize giving was always held in the Police Bar. These bars are a thing of the past and Lynne the Ruthless thinks this should have happened years ago, in fact, she feels a bit hard done by that police wives these days don’t have husbands who frequent the places.

On the occasion I’ve mentioned, I could not attend the bar due to being banned for three months due to some minor indiscretion, I didn’t even remember the next morning. I even won it one year when an 11-pound rainbow made the fatal mistake of yawning when it swam past my lure and totally accidentally hooked itself. The same year, due to perfect lure presentation and skillful angling (her version), Lynne the Ruthless won the much smaller than mine. Much, much smaller I might

add.

Back then, the prize was a pink rod or something similar, nothing over the top. Then, one year while I was still far less sensitive than I am today, the women and some wives got together and put together a substantial women’s prize. I thought bugger this, sexism has no contest, so I threw together a ‘blokes’ prize.’

At the late notice, I couldn’t get hold of a blow-up doll but there was some blokey type stuff in it, if you know what I mean. Well, some of the bloody women had got wind of my ‘blokes’ prize’ and it wasn’t particularly well received. In fact, it went over like a cup of cold sick.

So, where am I going with my neck out again to a distance where a lot of people will probably want competition should have a

An entry should be an entry, irrespective of gender and age. The prize pool should

so if a male, female or a kid should be rewarded for it.

I can say along with many people, I have never cheated say, hand on heart, if Lynne in a contest, she has hooked, played and landed it. My only involvement would be putting a landing net underneath it.

We all know, however, in some cases this doesn’t happen. I know and I’m sure others do; some women and kids have weighed in caught by a male member of the crew who knew it would not win a prize in the main section. Sorry, very sad but very true.

So, if we are going to have competitions, let’s have fair competitions. There are women competitions, kid competitions and if this government stays in, I’m sure there will be transgender competitions in the future. So long as there is a level care what they are. Spot ya next month.

You don’t have to be an AC/DC fan to enjoy this book—or even a lover of rock or celebrity. For a

this is one of the rare exceptions where I’d put money on a bet that it will appeal to all walks.

Why?

Because it’s a cracking good read, a page turner, captivating and a bloody good story.

Brian Johnson, lead singer of the perennial ageing rock band and host of his autobiographical TV series

Brian Johnson’s A Life on the Road, is a natural yet masterful storyteller with a delightful turn of phrase. While this is autobiographical, covering his early years through the euphorically serendipitous

catapult into rock folklore, it contains all the elements of a good novel: triumph over tragedy, rags to riches story, the underdog element, joy, euphoria, fear, frustration and sheer grit laced with determination—all grounded in working class tradition.

It’s an inspiring feel good read that will leave you wanting more and likely make you an AC/DC fan—if you are not already one of the millions.

The whisky kingfish

Lucas Hamilton

Rebuilding a boat is a big undertaking, and Dave and I can attest to that. We spent four long years working on our Haines Hunter V16, but the end result was worth it. It wasn’t just about the boat, it was about the bond of friendship and our shared going. So, when our friend Tom

needed a hand with a project, we were more than happy to help out. And, as a thank you, he gave us a a condition: it couldn’t be opened until we caught a began our quest for the

We went out on a few

luck wasn’t on our side. Three failed attempts and for it. But we didn’t let it discourage us. One evening after work, we decided to try jigging at a known

persistence paid off. After a couple of hours of fruitless jigging, I managed to hook and land a 12kg beauty of a

The moment we opened that bottle of whisky was a special one. It was a reminder of the determination and perseverance that led to our success. And the taste of that thrill of the catch, made for an unforgettable experience. always hold a special place in our memories.”

With the Roar approaching, many of you will be planning your annual trip into the backcountry to spend time with your mates and hunt stags. It seems every year at this time though, we hear of a tragic accident where one hunter has mistaken his mate for a deer and serious injury, or death has followed. Tragedies such as this are devastating, and it is particularly sad to realise they could have been avoided if the shooter had followed one vitally important basic rule of your target beyond all doubt.’

This rule appears common-sense and is easily understood. However, in the heat of the moment, it is sometimes unheeded and, alongside other contributing factors, has been the cause

Be Safe This Roar

Mike Spray NZDA

another thinking he was a deer.

Let’s look closely at this rule. To properly identify a deer, you must see enough of it. You should take the time to see the head, neck and shoulders of the animal all at the same time so achieved. This can often be challenging when hunting in bush environments. If you don’t see enough of the animal, then do not load

Be aware of buck fever, an emotion that can cause loss of control like that of a panic response. Also be aware that peer pressure from a hunting your decision making.

Visual illusion is where the brain can trick the eyes into thinking you have seen a deer when you haven’t. This is caused by you not taking the time required to see enough of the animal to

positively identify it.

colour or movement or any combination of these. Assume it is a human until you prove otherwise. It is important as you hunt to evaluate yourself. Are you fatigued, feeling frustrated or also lead to poor decision making.

to either search for animals or to identify an animal, as you could inadvertently

mate, endangering them. Use your eyes or binoculars,

of vision.

A wise hunter will wear high visibility clothing, especially for early morning and late evening low light conditions. Hi-vis is more likely to be easily

seen at some distance in open country and close in when hunting in bush environments. Hi-vis should automatically be associated with a human.

History tells us most hunting incidents occur within the same hunting

party, where separating, for whatever reason, can be the beginning of a tragic end. If you do intentionally separate from your hunting companion, make sure you discuss a plan so you and your mate cannot be mistaken for an animal by the other. Do not be tempted to deviate from the plan. If you separate unintentionally, cease hunting until you regain and

Even the most experienced hunter has made the fatal mistake of not identifying their target, which has resulted in them pulling the trigger on another person.

Most will say, I thought it would never happen to me, but it can, so do not be complacent and accept it could happen to you.

If you remain aware of all parts of Rule 4, to identify your target beyond all doubt when hunting, it will

possibility of something going wrong. Before leaving on your trip, have a gettogether with your mates and discuss Rule 4 and the other

so everyone is aware and on the same page. Set it up as part of the trip rules and all agree to commit to safety

NZDA recommends all hunters wear blaze for safety. Photo credit: Gwyn Thurlow

Always identify your target beyond all doubt so that you are 100% certain it is a deer and not a person.

Photo credit: Tom McCowan

PISTOL SHOOTING

Brian Bishop

The right clothing and footwear can make all the difference while hunting or range shooting, in both performance and safety. Whether you head into the hills or spend the day on your feet on some range, the difference between a good more than just how well you can hit what you aim at Last year at the World

Sure footing for safe shooting

IPSC Shooting Champs, our Open Team was privileged to get some sponsorship from Tactical Solutions in the way of clothing and footwear. I have been using some of their gear for a while, as because shooting, well it’s more than just about the case, as we were competing against the clock as much as against each other.

We were given some range shoes made by 5.11, which were more of a boot.

The boot had a good tread pattern and when I say good, aggressive is probably a

more accurate description, exactly what we always look for in range footwear, as we need to move both fast and stop suddenly over all kinds of ground. Being steady on our feet can make all the difference. Lost traction while completing a course

around different obstacles can cost us both in time as well the potential danger to anyone at the range. Picking the right tread

pattern is something that comes into our thinking and planning the same as any sport person, because range safety is always on our minds, which is one of the reasons that our safety record is as good as it is. I have yet to be disappointed with any of the clothing I have worn from 5.11, and their footwear range is particularly good and has stood up to all I have thrown at them.

The added advantage is

they looked smart enough for me to wear them at the closing ceremony, which was when we did our best to look presentable! To be fair, some did better than others here as well, but it’s hard not to look good in black with the silver fern on your shirt. Beats the hell out of the green and yellow of our neighbours. Thanks, Tactical Solutions for your sponsorship, I will continue to wear your gear

Africa

A proud team

Sinker to Smoker

Ron Prestage

Ninety percent of my surfcasting done here in the Eastern Bay of Plenty is under the cover of darkness.

What helps me most while

lights. They are a great tool to help with your night

detection or knowing if you’re hooked up and not

Vijay Nikora Raj has agreed to share more of his words of surfcasting wisdom. Here is his take on using rod tip lights for surfcasting through the night.

Tip lights surfcasting

constantly standing over your rod. Makes life much easier, especially if you are time.

The tip lights come in various colours. Blue, green, red, orange and pink. My two favourites are green and blue as my eyes can detect the bite much easier.

It’s a simple to use, battery-operated light, which works via a twist switch.

Easy to attach to your rod with a slide that is supplied and run off two batteries,

also supplied. LR44 round batteries.

From my experience though it is best to purchase a packet of the batteries for your tackle box as like anything, the supplied batteries won’t last forever. They do last a good few allnighters though.

I have found the best place to attach the slide holder for the tip light is directly above the second or third guide eyelet on your rod to prevent wrap around, causing a snap off and losing your gear.

The reason for placing the slide holder directly over the guide eyelet is no matter what, the line must go directly through the eye and has no way to wrap around

You can glue, bind or tape the holder to the rod. In my case insulation tape works best.

The holders/ slides come in two sizes as all rods are different sizes, so you have the option of a thinner for the likes of the Kilwell

Ready for assembly

Powerplays. Their top sections are usually thicker, so the larger slide is best suited.

throughout the country will stock these and they retail for around $16.99-$18 depending on the store.

Please follow me on my social media page for an insight into our trips around the country.

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Nga mihi Nui

Vijay Nikora Raj