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One step at a time Page 2
• Competition Time - find how to win on page 11 • Growing Innovation in Commercial Fishing • DawnBreakers Fishing Club - Open Day • Living vs Life Quality
One Step at a Time
Crack! The old girl crashes shoulder first into the steep face before lying still, momentarily stunned. She tries to rise. Tries to compose herself, control the wayward leg, but it does not respond. There will be no walking away from this.
It’s not a gummy red hind or fat fallow doe, which lays helpless upon the cold, damp soil. It’s not a grey saggy-titted sow scu ing in the logging slash as it attempts to right itself. It’s me and as pain and frustration collide like opposing waves, I howl in that guttural way only women do.
I awkwardly shuck the pack of possum carcasses o my back before carefully standing on my good leg. Slowly, tentatively I put weight on the other. Down I go again, sliding in the dirt – wailing and helpless.
Dearly Beloved is nearby and mortified. He wants to help but cannot, there’s no point o ering a shoulder on this steep, slippery face, littered with logging debris. No piggyback. No consoling the woman who’s expressing herself so fluently in sailor-speak.
Grateful for the tattered old canvas chaps that protect against the mud, the blackberry prickles and the sharp sticks, I shu e and slide o the hill. This is how a wounded animal feels as it tries to escape danger, tries to drag itself into a safe place to hide.
My ‘place to hide’ is Beloved’s ute, but, once I finally get there, I cannot get in. Face striped with dirt, tears and snot – hands blackened with ground-in soil – knee entirely useless and oh-so-painful. Beloved lifts me bodily onto the passenger seat. Its only early morning but our day is ruined.
Worse, it's mid-winter, our busiest time of the year for both work and play – potentially, that is now ruined too.
First things first though. Home. Getting out of the ute – s l o w l y.
Kim Swan
Getting up the steps – backwards on my butt. Getting my mud-caked boots o – “ooh Holy Macaroni Batman,” that hurts. Getting in the door – hmmm, how to get from seated to standing – strong arms, hauling myself up the doorframe.
It’s a Sunday so, ultimately, Urgent Care is the goal. Dearly Beloved does the day’s chores in short time, while I try to transform from dirt-ingrained and tear-stained to clean and presentable. The shower cubicle is my enemy, that 20-centimetre lip in the doorway is almost insurmountable – I try till I turn blue – it’s an ugly scene!
A week on and ‘Cabin Fever’ has me firmly in its grip. I’ve got the crutches sorted. Modern crutches are so much better than the old ta-tink, ta-tink models. They’re quiet and don’t pinch. Dearly Beloved is away for a couple of days but his ute is here – unlike mine it’s an automatic, and, with care, I can get in and out of it if I assemble the crutches just right.
The Fishing Paper & Hunting News
Like a naughty child, I scheme. A hunt - I think I can, I know I can. What could possibly go wrong? Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?
Late afternoon and it’s raining lightly. Game animals hungry after months of winter hardship begin to move from bed sites to feed
zones. The day is calm and still, all is silent, they believe they are safe from human predation.
A young boar fossicks in the long rank grass above the creek. Somewhere in the dense root sward is an evasive worm, maybe two. A movement in his peripheral vision catches his attention. He pauses, lifts his dirty snout high, tests the air for unwelcome scents. He listens intently but all he can hear is the rush of creek water over rocks and the vague tinkle of rainfall onto vegetation.
He goes after that worm again, finds it, devours it with relish, tail swishing. As he moves from one clump of grass to another, he notes an unusual feature in the landscape, it wasn’t there before. He pauses, sni s, listens – nothing. Still, he’s suspicious and wary.
The boar moves away from that new and unusual feature, which now appears to be moving.
I am moving! I’m trying to organise crutches and rifle. Trying to weightbear on one leg. To shoot. Will the recoil, albeit minimal, make me lose my balance?
Wet scope, suspicious pig moving away through the pine trees, poor light – am I making excuses even before I miss?
My hurried shot strikes a little too far back and the young boar somersaults down through clumps of rank grass whilst snorting loudly.
Flip, flip, flip and then a splash. Then, nothing.
Aah bugger. There’s a defunct fence between me and the boar - a hump of soft road spill - large rocks hiding in knee-high grass - but I owe it to him to get amongst it and finish what I started. So, I do, mincing and shu ing and grimacing with pain as I go.
A rapid clacking of tusks upon grinders tells me the boar has noted my approach. He’s ready to defend his position but it won’t come to that. I’m not here to torment him. He passes from this world before he has time to work his saliva into a foam, his bright blood colouring the creek below a dull sky.
Hmmm, if shu ing over here was done at snail’s pace, getting in the creek and extricating my quarry most certainly won’t be a sprint. The gutting and nutting and getting from B back to A will take some creative thinking too, but I’m out here, in the rain and grateful I have somewhere to go and something to do –especially when that ‘something’ is hunting, solo and successful. This speed bump on life’s fast track is not the end of the road - I will be back, one step at a time and enjoying everything our great outdoors has to o er me.
Mastering the Art of the Jig - Jig Fishing Secrets
Jig fishing is a technique that can transform an ordinary fishing trip into an exhilarating experience. Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned pro looking to refine your skills, there’s always more to learn when it comes to jigging. In this blog, we’ll dive into some valuable tips and interesting facts that can help you up your jig fishing game.
The Jig Fishing Essentials
Before we get into technique, it’s crucial to understand your gear. Jig fishing revolves around a specialized lure called a jig, which has a lead sinker with a hook moulded into it, typically covered by a soft body designed to attract fish. Choosing the right jig for the conditions you’re fishing in is key.
Tip 1 : Choose the Right Jig
Matching your jig to the conditions is essential for success. Water depth, current, and the species you’re after should all influence your choice. In deeper waters with strong currents, a heavier jig is often necessary to reach and stay in the strike zone. In shallower, calmer waters, a lighter jig will work better, allowing for a more natural presentation.
Tip 2 : Master the Art of Presentation
How you present your jig is just as
important as the jig itself. Fish are more likely to strike if your jig mimics the movement of their natural prey. This is why slow pitch jigging has gained popularity—it allows for a more varied and lifelike presentation that can entice even the most cautious fish.
Tip 3 : Experiment with Colours and Sizes
Don’t be afraid to experiment with di erent jig colours and sizes. Fish can be finicky, and what works one day might not work the next. Sometimes, a small change in colour or size can make a big di erence, so it’s worth trying out di erent combinations until you find what works.
Tip 4 : Know When to Set the Hook Timing is everything in jig fishing.
Suppressor range 222 through to 30-06
41mm diameter 9” Hybrid “Cleanable” Spartan
• The first is suitable for 22 Hornet through to 243 including, 222, 223, 22-250, 243.
• The second suppressor is suitable for 6.5 through to 30-06 including 6.5 prc, 270, 7mm-08, 284, 280, 308, 7.62 x 39 etc (not including 300 PRC or belted magnums).
• 9” in length (230mm), sits 4” forward & 5” back over the barrel (this is a “fixed” length and cannot be changed or added to)
• Weight 360 – 370grams (alu internal muzzlebrake 5-6,000 rnds)
It’s important to know when to set the hook. If you set the hook too early, you might miss the fish entirely. Too late, and the fish could spit the jig out. The key is to feel for the weight of the fish and strike at just the right moment.
Conclusion
Jig fishing is a dynamic and rewarding technique that, with the right approach, can lead to incredible fishing experiences. By choosing your jig wisely, mastering your presentation, and experimenting with di erent options, you can take your jig fishing to the next level. So the next time you’re out on the water, put these tips into practice and enjoy the thrill of the catch. Happy fishing!
Tightlines
Interesting Facts
1. The Versatility of Jigs Jigs are among the most versatile lures available. They can be used in both freshwater and salt-water and are e ective for a wide range of species—from trout and perch in lakes and rivers to hapuka , kingfish and snapper in the ocean. Their adaptability makes them a staple in any angler’s tackle box.
2. The Science of Jigging Jig fishing isn’t just an art; it’s a science. Understanding fish behaviour is crucial to successful jigging. Fish tend to be more active at certain times of the day, and their feeding patterns can be influenced by factors like water temperature and moon phases. By paying attention to these patterns, you can time your jigging sessions to increase your chances of a catch.
3. The Impact of UV Jigs UV ( ultra violet ) jigs can be incredibly e ective in deep or murky waters. These jigs are coated with UV paint, making them more visible to fish in low-light conditions. This can give you an edge, especially when targeting species that dwell in darker depths.
4. The Evolution of Jig Fishing Jig fishing has come a long way, with techniques like slow pitch jigging and vertical jigging becoming popular among modern anglers. These innovations have opened up new possibilities, allowing us to target species in deeper waters and more challenging conditions than ever.
• Colour - Black The 41mm 9” suppressor is most suited for those who like to clean their suppressor.
We have two multi calibre suppressors available in the hybrid model and this is possible because the hybrid ba e system has tight tolerances allowing the small ranges of calibre. The hybrid ba e system also lowers the risk of stray bullets and bullet strike www.GUNWORKS.co.nz
The indexed rotating clamping system has 3 angle adjustments 12˚, 20˚, 25˚ always keeping your knife in the same place
Summertime Pigeon Hunting
One of the best decoying birds in New Zealand is the feral pigeon. The way they commit to motion in the decoys and come in flocks to hit them. The fact that you get one easy shot, any follow-up shots are challenging with the speed and manoeuvrability of this species. With Spring and Summer almost here the best time to get out there and find them is approaching.
On a market garden in South Auckland, my best man Cam organised a hunt when I was up visiting family. This was a di erent pigeon hunt for me as we were up at dawn. The pigeons were coming onto the feed just after the sun was up to get a full belly of seed. It was a beautiful warm summer morning with a touch of a breeze to know which way the pigeons were going to come in from when committing to the decoys.
The decoys got put out where Cam had seen the birds coming in the previous mornings with a couple of Mojo doves and the whirly machine to give the motion of a flock of pigeons. The whirly machine is a car window wiper motor with two pigeons attached to the end of a metal rod that goes round and round. A quick hide was set up in some bushes giving us some good concealment and having the wind and the sun to our back was also a bonus.
Once the birds started flying they came quick and thick but decoying well. I had a bit of the red mist descending early on taking too long to clear and for me to focus on one bird rather than the mob coming in. But Cam and Rhys were making up for it with some great shooting on them.
We had pigeons coming into the decoys for what felt like flock after flock for the first hour. This could give some duck hunting open mornings a run for their money without the worry of bird limits.
As the large flocks slowed up we had a few pairs and smaller flocks come in which allowed for some spectacular shooting from Cam and Rhys with one crossing pigeon 75 steps from the hide.
After a quick couple of hours of hunting in the paddock, the pigeons had stopped flying. They were likely resting up after getting their full. If
Gareth Faulkner
we had time an afternoon shoot would have been possible. But with other commitments for the rest of the day, a tidy-up and count had to happen.
We ended up with 48 birds picked up which was a great morning out hunting the feral pigeons. You can scout pigeons just like hunting ducks in a paddock. Find the pigeons in the paddock they are going into, and get permission from the landowner. You can use your duck mojo to get the motion or pick up a few decoys from your local retailer to support them. If you are in the Canterbury region feel free to hit me up, I am always keen to shoot some pigeons.
Health and Welfare as you age
Learning the difference between living and having quality of life took me quite a few years after I retired from full-time work.
It’s been a tough month for those of us who live on the coast, two of the old identities passed away in quick succession. One saving grace I suppose is that they did so suddenly and peacefully but that was little consolation to grieving families and close friends. Both of those blokes were my mates. We have known each other for over fifty years and shared good times and bad. Both were aged 70 or just over and had been stricken with various ailments over the past decade, but nothing that seemed life threatening at the time. Both had been hard workers in their younger days, were reasonably fit and healthy in their retirement, and then – boom. Gone.
And I and others of a similar demographic are left sitting there wondering who would be next. So I figured it was best not to die wondering and I set o to get a medical check-up at the local clinic. Living at the end of the Bay means a lengthy drive into the nearest town but that was easier and less stressful than confirming the medical appointment – “might fit you in about two weeks from now” was the message. I was glad I was not urgently in need of treatment
A silver ghost rushed past the edge of the reef flicking up sand as its powerful tail swept the bottom like a broom. This fish was on the hunt, and out of the gloom something bright pink appeared, its scent was correct so it must be fine? Without a single question the morsel went down the hatch and that would be this fish’s final mistake.
On a particularly calm winter’s day I was enjoying some good weather, and just like you have read above fooled a rather large fish into eating a bright pink piece of crab scented bait. Fishbites, as they are known, catch a huge range of fish for me and today, my slow morning had been saved.
As per usual the lighter of my two set-ups had been taken, and I was losing line quickly. The reef looked like it might threaten to break my thin line which was being torn right across it.
To my surprise the fish angled up and opted to try and slacken the line to remove the hook, but I speedily
– the closest hospital is over two hours away and their emergency department routinely has 8 to 12 hour waiting times.
But I persevered and obtained an appointment to sit down with an earnest young technician who hooked me up to a bundle of wires leading into a small white machine linked to a laptop computer. He pumped up the cu around my upper arm – I breathed steadily – the machine emitted a few beeps and the laptop screen lit up with bar graphs and the like. After ten minutes of that carry-on the technician announced that unfortunately I have a problem and need to see a doctor immediately. It was my brachial blood pressure –too high he said. He also gave me a polite lecture about the need for more frequent aerobic exercise and a recommendation that I should eat five or six fish meals each week. It’s all about the omega-3 apparently. That is good stu for our hearts. There is always plenty of work to do around my bach and I reckon I am doing a reasonable amount of aerobic exercise most weeks, but the big challenge might be keeping up with half a dozen meals of fish. I
like mine fresh from the ocean and the way the sea has been recently there has been no chance to get a hook or a net in the water. But I do have a big jar of triple strength omega-3 capsules and I suppose I can cut right back on the sugar and salt if it means I get a few more quality of life years. I have been o bread for ages now because I used to be a glutton for hot crisp toast slathered with vegemite and jam and I was starting to look like Buddha for a while there. Eat a little but often is the new approach, supplemented by no bread, no cakes (yes, it’s hard to
Whopper Warehou Blair
caught on, winding up to meet the fish as it rose to mid water.
After more thumping tail kicks and a couple more headshakes, it was o again this time o to my left, threatening to wrap up in my second rig. This fish was all over the place!
As I got a small resemblance of control, I got a glimpse of the fish,
Whiting
it’s a big trevally, awesome! No wait, it’s got a huge band behind its head! It’s a massive warehou!
I scrambled to grab my net as the now unmasked blue warehou took o in disgust at seeing who was bothering its day. More line was ripped o the reel and plenty more of those strong tail beats kept me on my toes.
resist temptation), more modest consumption of alcohol, and a decent walk along the beach at least three or four times a week. We should all focus on quality of life because it is good for body, mind and spirit. To keep doing what you enjoy, be it travel, fishing, or even gardening you need to look after yourself. When I was a young kid I saw a sign on the side of a building which read “What You Eat Today Walks and Talks Tomorrow”. I took that to heart and maybe it is one reason why in my old age mine is still beating.
Rising to just below the kayak, the fish started a broad circle, trying every trick in the book to get the hook out, but the fight was over and I eventually slid the net under a very hefty, blue warehou.
I got hold of the fish and was quickly covered in the thick slime that the warehou species produce. The slime bath didn’t bother me too much however, as this fish pulled the scales down to over 4.2kg. It destroyed my personal best and saved the slow morning I was having all at once.
After cleaning some of the slime o my hands and the large amount across my lifejacket, the tasty warehou was dispatched and was chilled down quickly. I was looking forward to eating one in such great condition.
Moments like this always remind me of those times where if I wasn’t out there trying, I’d have never caught half of the fish I have ticked o my list so far.
Earning your stripes
I could have shot one more easily. One on the flats…. close to camp. One that could have been loaded on the ‘bakkie’ and retrieved without e ort. However, e ort is a spice that enhances hunting for me. That and the uncertainty of a di cult stalk.
The air was crisp but the brisk pace set by my PH Ryan soon had the lungs burning and residual lethargy squeezed from the leg muscles. We were scrambling for altitude before the sun brought a dozy feel to the day and soon found ourselves fighting loose shale as we sidled into an impressive blu system.
Ahead, a pack of dogs yipped and barked intermittently—except they weren’t dogs. Zebra. A herd of eight. We’d seen more from below, but some had scattered into the blu s above us. We scrambled closer to the yips and barks, our chief camouflage the rising sun at our backs. And then they materialised; stark against the rough mountainside with their iconic black & white livery reflecting the sun.
The most commonly asked
Daryl Crimp
questions I get, when non-hunters realise I hunt Africa, is: “Oh, how can you shoot those poor zebra (the old cute horses in pyjamas syndrome)? The follow up question invariably is: “You couldn’t bring me back a zebra skin, could you?” I’m not making this up.
A zebra skin certainly is the ubiquitous African souvenir—albeit it's bloody expensive—much like woollen sheep skins used to be the craze for tourists here. In South Africa zebra are prolific—pests in some areas—so populations need to be controlled. Hunting plays a small roll in managing numbers, as does hunting for local meat, but culling is still a major part
of animal management there. Consequently, I do have access to a ordable zebra skins and will be bringing a shipment in later in the year. If genuinely interested in purchasing one, email darylcrimp@ gmail.com
Back to the hunt.
Ryan muttered, “We can’t get any closer without exposing ourselves!”
Then busied himself setting up ‘The Sticks’—a fold out shooting platform. At 300m, it was a long shot for me—I normally like to see the whites of their eyes… and then stalk closer—but my customised Sako .300 WinMag was made for this. A real tack-driver with enough ‘clobber’ for big African animals, I’d
fitted it with a handcrafted walnut stock and good optics:Swarovski Z6i 2.5—15x44 ballistic scope. Any misses—driver error!
The boom of the unsuppressed canon scared Ryan ‘witless’, as he was unprepared for my quick shot. I’ve never been one to ‘worry the shot’ and the moment the cross is on target, I push the ‘loud button’.
The stallion lurched forward and broke into a death run well before the echo of the ‘Thwump’ returned to us. The Sako and the ‘Swaro were right on the money. Heart shot. Right where I’d placed the cross hairs. Death was swift and clean.
Now for the real e ort. No bakkie was going to scale these mountains so, after a confab with Ryan, Tracker Jimmy was chittering into the radio as he melted into the steep bush. An hour later, he returned with a ragamu n assortment of helpers from a neighbouring village and a huge canvas sling.
I could see I was going to have to tip big before the sun set on this particular hunt.
Optically Speaking September 2024 Ant Corke
Exciting new thermal for hunting, SAR and Coastguard Pulsar Merger LRF XP35
This month’s article is written onboard a boat named Mystie, in the majestic Marlbourough Sounds, on a fishing trip targeting carpet sharks and spiney dogs, with a few edible species thrown into the mix as a bonus. In the span of two days, we have experienced all four seasons with a combination of cold lashing rain, mist, gale force winds and bright sunshine; ideal conditions for testing out the new Pulsar Merger LRF XP35 thermal binocular.
Pulsar Merger overview
Pulsar Merger thermal binoculars have a proven track record amongst professional users, including Coastguard New Zealand, Department of Conservation and New Zealand Police. Quality conscious recreational hunters choose Merger in the knowledge that they are investing in the very best.
All Merger LRF binoculars are fully waterproof, fitted with 1000m laser rangefinder (I’ve measured up to 1400m against a tree canopy in clear conditions), dual AMOLED displays, precision ground Germanium optics and European made Lynred sensor that is acredited to MIL-STD-883 / MIL-STD-810 / TWS Qualified for proven performance, durability and shock resistance.
Optics
This is the first Merger XP to o er a wider angle 35mm f1.0 lens. The new lens produces an image with a lower magnification and a wider field-of-view than its 50mm stablemate. The Merger LRF XP35 35mm is ideal for general purpose use, and especially useful for rapid scanning in bush, forestry and from a moving boat in rough seas due to its high image stability.
Sensor
The Merger LRF XP35 is fitted with the same 17µm Lynred a-Si sensor as the highly popular XP50 Merger. These sensors o er the best NETD on the market, providing the user with outstanding fog, rain, smoke and foliage penetration. 17µm sensors are more sensitive than 12µm sensors due to having a larger surface area for gathering more
heat (LWIR).
Lynred pioneered a-Si (Amorphous Silicon) technology, becoming a leading supplier for defence and aerospace applications around the World, because their a-Si technology outperforms the older technology Vanadium Oxide (VOx) sensors, that the Chinese copied for use in static security cameras. Lynred sensors are classified as Dual-Use
was particulalrly impressed when viewing in poor weather from a moving boat in rough seas. Its lower magnification is a real bonus, though due to its advanced sensor, zooming in to a higher magnification still provided a good image. What it's not so good for If long distance clarity is more important than having a wide fieldof-view, the Merger LRF XP50 is
a better option, especially when scanning distant hills and mountains at 2km or more.
Conclusion
The new Merger LRF XP35 is a welcome addition to the range. Its combination of detail and field-ofview makes it a very good ‘General Purpose’ optic that will find favour with hunters, Coastguard and Search and Rescue.
Goods (Military/Civilian) and strictly controlled under several international arms treaties due to their high-end pedigree.
What its good for I have used the Pulsar Merger LRF XP35 for a few weeks now, walking and scanning as well as onboard a moving boat. Its wide fieldof-view makes scanning very easy, especially when using only one hand. It is smaller and lighter than its 50mm stablemates, yet retains all the same functionality. I
Pulsar Merger LRF binoculars are very popular for Coastguard use due to having exceptional imaging performance in adverse conditions.
Pulsar Merger LRF XP35 is ideal for hunting and marine use, due to its wide field-of-view, high performance sensor and waterproof housing.
Jail and Fines for illegal catch
An Auckland fish trader has been fined $360,000 and an employee jailed for 3 years and 7 months for both receiving and distributing thousands of dollars in illegally caught fish.
Sea World Limited which traded as Seamart and employee Marco Taukatelata (49) were sentenced on Friday (16 August) at the Auckland District Court on 2 charges under the Fisheries Act. Former company director Haihong Liu (43) was also sentenced on 2 charges under the Fisheries Act to 12 months home detention, including attempting to pervert the course of justice.
“Sea World was both a Licenced Fish Receiver (LFR) and a Dealer in Fish (DIF) which means it could legally receive fish from commercial fishers and distribute that fish to retailers. As part of our investigation fishery o cers found that between December 2018 and November 2019, this company acting as an LFR illegally supplied fish valued at over $348,000 to other seafood companies.
“None of this fish was properly recorded and was not reported as landed legally or received legally by Sea World. This was deliberate stealing by stealth that fell outside of the Quota Management System,” says Fisheries New Zealand director of fisheries compliance, Steve Ham.
The amount of fish taken included 38,202 kilograms of snapper, 2,761 kilograms of kahawai and 1,760 kilograms of grey mullet and the total cash benefit to SeaWorld was approximately $348,304.03.
“This o ending would not have been possible without the direct involvement of Mr Taukatelata or the assistance of Ms Liu. Our investigation found most of the 97 transactions conducted during the investigation period were made in cash. This was a deliberate attempt to hide the transactions and the motivation was financial greed".
“When we find evidence of illegal sales in fish – you can be assured that we will investigate and place the matter before the court".
“The courts response should send a strong message to anyone involved in dealing in black market fish, whether at a low level or commercial level – it’s only a matter of time before you’re caught,” Mr Ham says.
Along with the sentences, a transport truck owned by Sea World and $20,000 cash were forfeited to the Crown.
MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24)
Taking pāua, crayfish, kina, mussels, snapper illegally – costs some fishers thousands in fines
Over the past two months, a number of fishers have paid the price in fines for taking too many and often undersize shellfish, along with selling recreationally caught fish.
“There are consequences for failing to follow fishery rules and for some people, it will hurt their wallet. Our job is to protect fishing resources so that everyone can enjoy the opportunity to put fresh kaimoana on the dinner table,” says Fisheries New Zealand Director of Fisheries Compliance, Steve Ham.
A 38-year-old Hastings man was fined $1000 in the Hastings District Court for taking 36 pāua from Kairakau beach in August last year. The man’s catch bag was inspected by Fishery O cers and he had
over three times the daily limit for that area at the time. All the pāua was less than the minimum size of 125mm in length.
A 36-year-old Rotorua man has been fined $2500 for taking 48 pāua o Wellington’s south coast in December last year. When Fishery O cers inspected his catch they found 41 of the pāua were undersize. The daily limit per person in this area is five and the man’s catch was over nine times that limit.
A 52-year-old Wairoa man was fined $1500 in the Wairoa District Court for taking 33 crayfish from Mahia 32 of which were undersize. At the time, the daily catch limit was 6 crayfish per person with a minimum tail width of 54mm for male crayfish and 60mm for female crayfish.
Lastly a 41-year-old Auckland man was fined $800 for taking 141 green lipped mussels from Muriwai Beach. The man was gathering mussels with another fisher who is yet to appear before the court as he helped gather a total of 282 green lipped mussels. The fishers were stopped by Fishery O cers in July last year. This area has a daily limit of 25 per person.
Government and industry work to grow innovation in commercial fishing
Supporting fishers to stay at the forefront of fishing gear and methods was the focus of a series of eight workshops recently held across the country.
This collaboration between Fisheries New Zealand, Seafood New Zealand, Moana New Zealand and the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen brought fishers together to share ideas on more selective and e cient fishing practices, with reducing environmental impacts.
Mark Geytenbeek, from Fisheries New Zealand’s Sector Support & Innovation team, a co-facilitator of the workshops says as an island nation, our oceans and fisheries are important to all New Zealanders.
“Our marine environment is of cultural significance to tangata whenua, provides food for our families and jobs in the regions, and it’s a place for recreation. We all want a healthy marine environment that continues to provide now and for future generations, and a key part of this is using the most e ective and e cient fishing practices".
Workshop attendees were presented with information about new developments and innovations for commercial fishing. Representatives from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) talked about fishing gear adaptions such as drafting gates in nets, di erent materials and escapement sizes and shape it has tested for innovative fishers from the North Island east coast and new gear technology being developed internationally.
Fishers also heard about FloMo – which is the name of new
Growing Innovation in
modular fish harvesting technology developed by Precision Seafood Harvesting. FloMo allows improved targeting by allowing small and unwanted fish to escape through strategically placed escape holes, and its design means fish that are harvested are in better, high-quality condition. Although still at pre-
development of FloMo from the get go so it’s no surprise they are among the first innovative fishers to use this technology.
“Like with all new innovations, a lot has been learnt along the way and it’s great to see this technology get to the point where it is ready for full deployment. We have definitely seen an uplift in product quality and the improved selectivity, like letting the little ones swim away, is better for sustainability of fish stocks and saves ine ciency in processing.”
commercialisation stage, developers and fishers alike are excited about the improved quality of the fish and increased selectivity.
Nathan Reid from Moana New Zealand says, “Our contract fishers have been involved in the
Fishers were also keen to know about how they can use data insights – from electronic catch and position reporting, as well as from on-board cameras – to help improve their practices. Nathan Hines a Timaru fisher felt the workshop he attended was ‘very good [and he] is looking forward to upcoming projects.’
For decades, fishers have been making adjustments to gear and methods to reduce fishing impacts on the marine environment, and focusing on adaptions that allow them to fish more selectively to avoid bycatch species and keep their catch sustainable. The workshops provided a valuable opportunity for fishers to share experiences with gear and technology innovations they’ve trialled, including what is working – and what isn’t.
"While there is no one size fits all innovation idea out there, the workshops were a great opportunity for fishers to talk about innovation that takes into account the behaviour of di erent fish species and the potential modifications to the fishing gear used", says Carol Scott from Southern Inshore Fisheries Management Company.
‘The workshops proved to be very worthwhile and promoted great collaboration between Fisheries New Zealand and industry. They were a great initiative for fishers to share their knowledge and hear what others are doing. We would like to see these run again in the future’ says Doug Saunders-Loder from the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen.
While there are challenges, fishers are positive about opportunities for the fishing industry to innovate more. ‘Collaboration within the industry and partnerships to bring in expertise and investment are going to be key to increasing innovation within the sector,’ says Ti Bock from Seafood NZ.
Some of the larger fishing companies are already exploring opportunities to test new ideas including the possibility of using artificial intelligence for more selective fishing. We’re pleased to hear the project team is looking to set up a platform for fishers to share information and ideas like this.
Our kiwi fishers have lots of great ideas but we’re a small nation and to bring big transformational change we need to be working together and these workshops were a step in the right direction.
Anyone interested in hearing more about innovation across the fishing sector should get in touch with FisheriesSSI@mpi.govt.nz.
Book Review : “Further O the Beaten Track”, subtitle “Epic Hunting Adventures on Land and Sea” by Dave Shaw. Published by Bateman Books. Price $39.99. Nicola Morris “There’s no therapist like Mother Nature"
Dave Shaw’s Further O the Beaten Track is an exhilarating follow-up to his previous work, O the Beaten Track.
This book takes readers on a thrilling journey through New Zealand’s rugged landscapes and underwater realms, blending the excitement of hunting and spearfishing with Shaw’s personal reflections and adventures. Shaw’s passion for the outdoors and
his respect for nature shine through, making the book not just entertaining but also inspiring.
Shaw’s storytelling is compelling, drawing readers into each adventure with detailed and immersive descriptions and the stunning location photography makes you feel like you are there alongside the team. For hunters there is an exposure to the sea and vice versa for fishers an exposure to the land – not a bad thing . A couple of pages on excesses at sea are unnecessary as they detract from the otherwise great impressions the reader will be left with.
This is a must-read for both fans of the shows and any hunters and divers who are keen to venture o the beaten track.
Whangarei Participants
Napier Participants
Since the outset, Fish Mainland has highlighted the failures of successive governments to address problems that inevitably arise in shared fisheries. Those where commercial, recreational and Māori (non-commercial) customary fishers have a shared interest, and they value their share quite di erently.
This failure perpetuates intersectoral tensions and conflicts, which, if allowed to worsen, could adversely a ect the management of fisheries to the detriment of all fishing sectors.
This failure is due, in part, to the public right to fish having remained poorly defined compared to the rights associated with quota holdings and Māori customary fishing rights. Ill-defined rights are di cult to protect and easier to ignore when pressure increases for use of the nearshore environment and fisheries resources.
The mismatch in defined rights has resulted in an imbalance in management objectives. Successive
governments’ objectives have focused on benefiting commercial fisheries and settling Treaty-based claims to fisheries resources. These objectives include clarifying roles and involvement in management processes and developing organisations to represent their interests.
Furthermore, conservation objectives for the nearshore environment, such as marine protected areas (MPAs), focus on reducing or eliminating fishing, recreational and commercial alike, even though other factors may pose greater threats to the marine environment or explain changes in the availability of fisheries resources.
On the South Island, this imbalance is currently playing out in the proposed Southeast MPAs, which could close longstanding recreational fishing areas, causing fishers to go further o shore to fish in riskier conditions.
While Fish Mainland is respectful of Treaty-based rights and
areas set aside for customary fishing, we are concerned about the former Government having made behind-closed-door deals with Ngāi Tahu to receive significant financial gain, while securing their ongoing access and ‘co-management’ of these MPAs.
Furthermore, a proposed Ngāi Tahu application for a mātaitai reserve over the Ruapuke Island Group (east of Blu ) poses another risk to recreational fishing.
Mātaitai reserves provide for Crown recognition of a special relationship with an area for Māori customary fishing and management.
In short, upon establishment of a mātaitai reserve, nothing changes except commercial fishing is banned. Subsequently, bylaws can be put in place to change recreational fishing rules.
Understandably, there have been several mātaitai reserve applications where local communities get behind them to address commercial fishinginduced localised depletion.
There are 45 mātaitai reserves in South Island waters with most in the Ngāi Tahu rohe (area). All these reserves have an average size of just 7 square kilometres, with the largest being 77 square kilometres (Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island).
The Ruapuke application, at 276 square kilometres, eclipses all these reserves as it is three and a half times larger than the largest reserve.
Furthermore, the Ruapuke application enacts a recent regulatory change that allows little or no e ect on commercial fishing upon establishment. Commercial fishers may have no direct incentive to object to a no-impact application. However, there is the risk subsequent commercial fishing constraints could be implemented.
The Ruapuke application treats recreational fishing quite di erently with proposed prohibitions on public take of certain species, reduced bag limits on other species and areas to be closed to fishing.
Fish Mainland considers the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries should decline this application based on it failing certain regulatory criteria, along with the applicant’s greed and insensitivity to the wider local interests.
We do not want mātaitai reserve applications to become a new threat to recreational fishing, which could cause further divisiveness within shared fisheries.
Instead, we need everyone, including Government, to work together to ensure fisheries sustainability and ongoing access to fisheries resources for all sectors.
Randall Bess
In August the Invercargill Pistol Club held their annual match. It has a reputation of having the weather to match its name and while this year it was clear, the mornings were cool. I think it was two years ago they had snow, I did ask and even suggested trucking some in, but they ignored me, which I reckon was kind of rude.
Twelve time stages over two days, eight on the first and four on the next. Numbers were down as the timing wasn’t the best with it being just over the week before we were due to fly out to Bali for the Australasian competition. While some flew to Invercargill, I drove down from Nelson, which was 2060 kilometres return trip. My squad had both Open and Production Optic pistols in it, which was fun as
Shiver n Shoot
it made us look at the challenges di erently, with some being much the same and others not so much.
There was plenty of running and shooting with some targets up close and personal, others needed a slow approach and reach so required a bit more control. All this is what makes IPSC such
a challenge and a fun style of shooting as you never know what the next match or stage will need you to do.Once again, we had all ages and both male and female competing together without any special favours given or granted. Lots of banter came from some of the younger ones to some of the more senior and humbler members
of the squads.
While I was happy with most of the weekend, things fell apart when I had a reshoot. Plenty of people will admit reshoots often don’t go well, and this one went to the dogs fast and hurt more than I could a ord when wanting a good result. It’s just the nature of the game and keeps us going back to do better. Speed is the biggest challenge, or more to the point how fast we push it, go slow and hits are easy, but you can’t win doing that, too fast and hits start to go missing or spread out all over the place, and again you lose. I went too fast on my reshoot and sunk. I still managed a decent score, which wasn’t too bad for an old fella.
By the time this edition is out, the New Zealand Team will have travelled and competed at the IPSC Australasia Handgun Championships in Bali, and I trust all went well. I will have a report on this ready for October.
PULSAR MERGER LRF
PULSAR TELOS
Three models available to suit various
Hand-held thermal imagers now allowed on DOC managed land.
The Department of Conservation has recently announced that hand-held thermal monoculars and binoculars are now allowed
control and provides more meat. There is a model to suit all
The Pulsar Telos thermal monocular is the uncooled thermal to achieve <18mK
PULSAR AXION 2 / XQ30PRO
Pulsar Axion Compact Series thermal to last.
'X' marks the spot Coastlines
Do you have a favourite spot that you often head to?
Here on the Coast I have a mate who had a spot X, but he was rather reluctant to share it until one day he described how the main river was dirty and high and to escape the flow, half a dozen good brown trout had lined themselves up in a clean, nearby creek. He said, “they’d be sitters for you with your fly gear, a nymph would be deadly.” Naturally I was keen to know where this cornucopia of fish was and his description sounded familiar, so next time the river rose I hurried up there, but not a fish did I spy. Things change and one day might not be the same as another. Such is fishing.
This set me thinking about the many spot Xs I have had over the years, starting with my first one in the 1960s as a kid in Christchurch. I’d peered under a concrete bridge over the Styx River, where a shaft of late afternoon sunlight lit the water and to my untrained young mind, it just felt fishy. How did I know this, is it in the DNA, did I inherit something from ancestors in Scotland or Ireland? Whatever it was, the first cast under there with a small silver ‘ticer induced a “follow.” However, the thing couldn’t keep up with my frantic, amateurish cranking and another cast brought the same result. The light bulb over my head briefly lit up and I resolved to wind in more slowly, so on the third cast came the moment that committed me to a lifetime of fishing. A lively pound and a half brownie was
Ivan Wilson
winched out, making the location my first Spot X. Us young lads thrashed that wee stream over the next couple of years, with the fish getting ever smaller, as our treble hooks decimated the population.
The lesson in not plundering, but conserving fish stocks was learnt and has stayed with me across time. A transition to the fly was begun and eventually with a career that meant transfers around the country, there were new spot Xs to discover. One such place was in Southland, where I had my first posting to Invercargill and while there, I discovered a number of spot Xs, as it was a wonderful province for fishing. I had a cousin who worked on the Monowai power station, 115 kilometres to the northwest of the city, so while paying a visit, the opportunity was taken to wet a line in the Monowai Stream, draining the lake of the same name. The lake was raised around 1926 to provide power for Invercargill and the dead, drowned trees around its shoreline, remain as skeletonic specifics of that instance in history. The stream is
deep, gin-clear with tempting pools on the bends and a prospecting cast downstream into one of them with a streamer, evoked the interest and then a take, by one of the largest fish I’d ever caught. The 7-and-ahalf-pound rainbow gave a great battle and put the spot firmly into the X factor category. A fortnight later I was back and with a similar fly, took a larger rainbow of over 8 pounds and I am saddened to say I took both home. However, one of them provided some learnings, in that it was scientifically dissected on the kitchen table of a dentist friend, much to the dismay of his wife and we found it to be chockka with mice carcasses.
Our spot Xs are not always about the fish caught, sometimes it’s the atmosphere, scenic beauty and sense of well-being we get from just being there. Lake Brunner, a half hour or so from my Greymouth home is one of those places. It’s the
largest lake in the West Coast region, surrounded by mountains, bush and forest, with many “nooks and crannies” to make it attractive and provide sheltered water in the lee of headlands, if there is any wind. We’ve had wonderful days on the lake with plenty of fish taken or released, while other days when the fishing was somewhat slower, those taken were hard won but well appreciated. We’ve even had rare days when we’ve drawn a blank, but we’d buoy ourselves up with the thought that we’re out there doing it, enjoying the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. There are heaps of locations I could give X status to here on The Coast, but naturally some areas can change with time and what was, might not be any more. However, I’m sure you’ll continue to find spot Xs of your own and even if they don’t add weight to your creel, I hope they’ll also be places that lift your spirits. That is all important.
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