ISSUE 73
November 2017
The
Northland Issue
www.nzfisher.co.nz
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CONTENTS 6.
HUNT FOR THE 20LB SNAPPER
12.
ABOUT / Short and sharp, NZ Fisher is a free e-magazine delivering thought provoking and enlightening articles, and industry news and information to forwardthinking fisher people.
FISHING THE BAY OF ISLANDS
22.
EDITOR / Derrick Paull GROUP EDITOR / Colin Kennedy ART DIRECTOR / Jodi Olsson CONTENT ENQUIRIES /
TWENTY TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL DEEP WATER DRIFTING
Phone Derrick on 021 629 327 or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES / Phone Derrick on 021 629 327 or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz ADDRESS / NZ Fisher, PO Box 47794, Ponsonby 11144 WEBSITE / www.NZFisher.co.nz
28.
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EXTREME 885
Cover Image: Jo Davis with her long sought, hard fought first ever 20lber
36.
LEGASEA UPDATE www.nzfisher.co.nz 3
baby boss SMASH THE SNAPS
Slow pitch jigging has taken Japan by storm, we have tested and enhanced these Japanese lures, making them irresistible to most fish species.
Irresistible to snapper and most fish species • Made from Zinc for increased hangtime and toughness. • This state of the art jig can be used as a slow pitch lure as well as several other techniques. • The edges of the lure create its unique swimming and vibrating action that triggers an attack response in most fish species. • Bright holographic colours on one side with natural fish design on the other draws attention to the lure from a distance. • Pre-rigged with 1/0 stainless steel jigging hook and heavy duty PE assist cord. • Available in 20 gram.
RI G
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COLOURS: Ballistic Blue, White Warrior, Orange Assassin & Shady Lady.
4 www.nzfisher.co.nz
www.catchfishing.co.nz
D
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ITH
1/0 JIGGING H OO K
EDITORIAL
‘S
ummertime, and the livin’ is easy’
need is action!
- oh yes, summer’s here
Early indications
(at least in spirit!).
(somewhat
At the time of writing this editorial
anecdotal) are that 2017/18 will be a
our spring fishing is absolutely on fire
bumper snapper season for us - already
with fish of generally solid proportions
the spring work-ups and spawning
showing up along both coasts inshore
areas are producing significantly more
and out in the deep. While we have seen
and notably larger fish than the last
some incredible results for those fishing
couple of years. This is exciting and
sliders and micro-jigs, but this month we
encouraging, but I must remind our
want to look at how the big fish can be
readers that the last time (2011-12) we
found while drifting - not always easy, but had such an exceptional year we were so productive if you get it right! We’ve immediately confronted by a reduction also bought you an excellent suid piece - there’s still time this season, so get out one of these warm nights & give it a go!
in our daily allowance. Now, I’m confidently informed by a source within the fisheries system that
On the political front it’s been pleasing
there’s much better rec catch data now
to see immediate and positive action
and the averaging out of catch over a
from our new government and the
period of years will reduce the risk of
new Minister of Fisheries (since the
another knee-jerk reduction, but please
announcement that MOI will be
let’s not take the piss!
disestablished in favour of a separate Fisheries, Forestry and agriculture ministry. It appears that our new leaders have a clear and, to Quote the PM, relentlessly positive path to resolving our shared fisheries issues. We have lamented the lack of action for 9 years and been
When you’re out for a fish keep what you need but don’t just keep caching because you can. Fish are a finite resource and we all want there to be some left for next time, the time after or the first time our grand kids want to get out for a fish!
quite concerned by the seemingly non-
Whatever you do, make sure you get a
existent space between industry and MPI
line wet, it’s starting to get warm and the
on the direction of our shared fisheries.
fish are out there waiting!
We now have a PM and Minister of Fisheries saying the right things - all we
Derrick
www.nzfisher.co.nz 5
SNAPPER
Hunt for the 20lb Snapper BY Jo Davis
6 www.nzfisher.co.nz
M
y quest to catch the holy grail of snapper fishing - the mighty 20lber, began many
years ago. Has it been an obsession, something that takes over your life, where you are not able to function or do your regular activities? Noooooo
It had been a long time between drinks
way, it has never stopped me from
with Rob, however, and I didn’t start
fishing regularly! Okay, so let’s agree to
fishing with him in Houhora until 2015.
call it a healthy obsession!
15 years had passed since his last big
It started with my mother packing five-
catch. In quick succession, I had made
year-old me and my twin brother into
some six trips with one goal in mind. I
the Holden on our way to Castlecliff
witnessed many trophy fish coming on
wharf in Whanganui with a couple of
board, but none of them hooked to my
handlines, chunks of gravy beef and lots
rig! I was beginning to think I was jinxed
of expectation. Herrings were the catch
but set out yet again in October with
of the day, and a successful catch was
fishing gal pal Bev Rickett.
mostly dependent on a knowledge of the
The forecast was good, but the water
timetable for the offal release from the
was a dark green, so not ideal. Bev’s
freezing works next door.
hope of a good stray line session with
Fast forward quite a few haircuts and life
huge baits was quickly discounted by
getting in the way, and the obsession
Mr. Parker and even worse we would be
is still real! I have fished with Snapper
soft baiting which is not her thing at all.
Sorcerer aka Rob Parker for over 20 years.
First throw and we both hook up, mine
He has caught Fourteen fish in the 30lb+
being a solid 10+ lber to start off. I was
mark in this time and countless 20lbers,
feeling pretty confident at this stage
so he is the real deal.
but containing it just in case.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 7
SNAPPER
21 lb Houhora beauty
After some 15 minutes Rob guides the fish close to the boat and to everybody’s
After several more fish in quick
amazement (and I hate to admit: my
succession, things go quiet, and we
disappointment) it is a horse of a fish
move further out to the 40-metre mark.
well over 25lb. Rob released him to fight
As this was a ‘mates trip’ we allowed
another day as silence fell. I know I was
Rob to show us how its really done and
thinking that was it, that was the big fish
drop the odd line in with someone still
for the day and again the trophy snapper
mumbling about straylining. Rob then
had eluded me.
hooked a fish which took a bit of line but
After picking my lip up off the floor, we
he labelled it another Houhora panny.
were back into a steady stream of fish
For the uninitiated, a Houhora panny is
until my fishing buddy hooked up a solid
usually a 12 to 16lb fish and common
fish. It’s hilarious fishing with Bev as
as muck! All of a sudden this fish really
she is very animated, she exhibits what
came alive and it was looking bigger than
can only be described as a ‘bedroom
anyone thought.
performance’ of grunting and moaning
8 www.nzfisher.co.nz
for 20 minutes and lands another 20lber.
When I got the fish to the boat, we
This fish was not going to survive the
could see it was a nice fish and close
40m haul so was into the slurry after
to the prize but yet another 19lber to
plenty of pictures of her PB and a new-
add to a very long list for me. I couldn’t
found love for soft batting. My heart sank
be disappointed though and it had
a little further. Two 20+ snapper down
been another magical day in one of my
and there was no way I was going to fulfill
favourite places in New Zealand with
that dream on this trip.
damn fine company and some very
Ten minutes pass and I’m retrieving my
respectable fish.
soft bait lethargically when something
But wait, there’s more!! C’mon, the
grabbed it. This fish did not muck around
story couldn’t end there right?? While
and took off like the proverbial freight
playing the soft bait game all day
train. Could this be the one – I was so
Rob had been sending out the odd
worried about losing it that I played the
pilchard on the big stray line set with
super cautious game and let him run as
no interest at all, so had bought it back
much as he pleased. There was no chance
in. Forever the optimist I had insisted
of being busted off here, so it seemed like
on sending one more pilly out there
the ploy of a trophy fisher.
just in case and left the rod in the rod holder as I went back to the softbaits.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 9
SNAPPER
And then it happened – the rod
Rob scooped him into the boat where
(almost of game rod proportions) bent
we could see his magnificent colour,
right over like it had been snagged on
boff head, and an impressive tale girth.
Aotearoa and the line was going to
But better still, this was 21lb of prime
snap at any second. I went to grab the
Houhora snapper. Yeah, boy!!
rod and struggled to get it out of the
We headed for shore with a couple of
holder as this THING was going off and
super chuffed Fish’n Chix and two trophy
managed to get into position to began
fish. I feel somewhat relieved to get
the fight of my snapper life.
the hoodoo off my back as it were and
My previously broken arm, another
will probably be a little more relaxed
fishing trip story, was giving me plenty of
out there now although I have another
gip but the adrenalin was running hot, as
trip booked with the Master in early
were the nerves, and I was screaming like
December so I guess next stop is 30lber
a demented thing as I managed to inch
glory – the obsession is real, people, the
him closer to the boat.
obsession is real!
10 www.nzfisher.co.nz
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FISHING & DIVING
Fishing the Bay of Islands
12 www.nzfisher.co.nz
FISHING SEASONS • A world-renowned striped marlin fishery takes up residence off-shore late summer through to autumn. • At the same time, a tuna fishery, especially albacore and skipjack tuna can be accessed even by small boats
R
ecognised as a world-class fishing
and kayaks. • An all year round inshore snapper
destination, despite the close
fishery peaks during spring and
attention such a reputation
early summer.
attracts, the resilience of the Bay of Island’s marine habitat continues to provide both local and international fishers with memorable fishing experiences. Also, the bay is sheltered from most weather by the extensive Cape Brett peninsular and countless islands.
• Hapuku and tarakihi can be targeted from mid-winter until high summer. • Kingfish and kahawai fishing on and off for much of the year but peaking late summer thru autumn. • Apart from a seasonal restriction
The result is a winter playground for
on scallops, while both oysters and
boaties with options a-plenty in all but
mussels are available all year, they are
the most severe of northerly gales.
at their very best during spring.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 13
FISHING & DIVING WIND DIRECTIONS - FISHING OPTIONS The prevailing wind direction for the region is south-westerly. However, during high summer, prolonged periods of eastnor-east may also occur. This latter cycle is more often than not associated with inclement weather. Open sea conditions may be unsafe if not unfishable.
NORTHERLY QUARTER Primarily NW from this quarter and short-lived, the Kerikeri inlet right out to the Ninepin and including the Mangonui aka the Te Puna inlet are the safest bets. Even the Black Rocks and the lee side of the main islands should be considered,
• Trailer boats
especially Moturoa Island.
Any of the concrete launching ramps found in the north-west of the Bay, viz:
• Rock fishing
Waipapa Landing, Rangitane, the Doves
Consider Marsden Cross and Whale Bay
Bay Marina or Opito Bay. Note the well-
as well as the lee sides of the Russell
marked and obvious Brothers and Slain’s
Peninsular and sheltered headlands west
Castle rocks at the junction of the Kerikeri
of Rawhiti.
and Te Puna inlets. For those based in the Paihia region, after launching at Opua
• YakYaks
Marina or Waitangi, in addition to the
Launch from Opito Bay or Te Tii Beach
aforementioned locations, Nobbys Is, and
and work the Te Puna Inlet. Also try the
the Brampton Reef may be well worth a
inside of the Russell Peninsular as well as
visit. A Rawhiti launch may provide access
inside the Island cordon. Check out the
to the lee sore of En Island and the very
Cocked Hat fouls out from Opito Bay.
fishy Albert Channel.
14 www.nzfisher.co.nz
EASTERLY QUARTER Weather from the easterly quarter most often settles in as Nor-East. Because
• Rock fishing
there are few opportunities to find cover
Marsden Cross, the Waitangi Golf course
when it blows from the east, an easterly
or Tapeka Point.
is often regarded as an excellent time to stay home. The prevailing diurnal on-
• YakYaks
shore wind during high summer and also
Rawhiti, Russell or Opua. Try also Te Tii at
the direction most often associated with
the top of the Te Puna - Mangonui Inlets.
serious gales and tropical storms, on the rare occasion an NE wind is benign,
• Trailer boats
fishing can be hot. Both before and after
Consider departure from the ramps at
such a blow-up, fishing can be very
Rawhiti, Russell or Opua. Depending
good, especially along the open rocky
upon wind and sea conditions, a Kerikeri
coastline. And during summer, it always
inlet launching may also be possible.
takes an easterly blow up to bring the
Safe fishing under these circumstances
game-fish-laden blue tropical waters
can be found in behind the outer string
in close. On occasion, this 21 to 23°C
of islands, as well as up the Te Puna inlet
tropical aquarium can rub along the
and Veronica Channels towards Opua and
entire northeastern coastline.
the Waikare Inlet.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 15
FISHING & DIVING
SOUTHERLY QUARTER
• YakYaks
Wind from the south and the fish close
All sheltered waters west of the Russell
their mouths. While a dominant south-
to Rawhiti road as well as the Waikare
south-east cycle often provides the most
Inlet and Veronica Channels. There are
settled weather and calmest seas, the
also several opportunities along the
fishing can be diabolical. Apart from early
southern shore of the Kerikeri Inlet. First
winter morning winter hits on tarakihi
is via public land at the very end of Inlet
and hapuku, the balmy seas of a southerly
Road, then there’s Quinces Landing off
cycle can be disappointing. First and last
Wharau Road, and finally, the very end
light for snapper fishing or drifting during
of Wharau Road itself.
the day may break the drought.
• Trailer boats
• Rock fishing
The Cape Brett peninsular running north
Starting from Rawhiti, anywhere along
from Rawhiti provides good cover during
the lee shore of the Cape Brett Peninsular. a southerly cycle with sections of most Check out especially the headlands of
islands as well as the upper Kerikeri
Oke Bay or the Rolls Royce of rock fishing
channel also supplying cover. Best shots
locations beneath the lighthouse at Cape
are the cement ramps at Rawhiti and the
Brett. Takes a full day walk to get there
Opua Marina. The Tapeka Point ramp
and you have to be in very good shape.
might also be worth a good look.
16 www.nzfisher.co.nz
WESTERLY QUARTER Any time the wind blows off-shore is good for fishing. A sou-west is the dominant wind of the region, and during high summer, east coasters fail to recognise that it is, in fact, a sea breeze arising from the Tasman. This is why a summer sou-westerly always collapses at the end of the day. This is very good for dusk and evening fishing. With most
“
of the Bay of Islands in the lee of a westsou-west wind, both sea conditions and fishing are good for both the inner and outer Bay. • Rock fishing
The Russell Peninsular fromTapeka Point via Long Beach through to Paroa Bay. • YakYaks Same as for southerly conditions. • Trailer boats Launch anywhere. The Waitangi ramp
would have to be the most popular in the Bay for all weather conditions. Rawhiti can get you closer to the action quicker. • Target Species Apart from the very seasonal striped marlin fishery, the two major reason fishers visit the Bay of Islands is to catch either snapper or kingfish.
Any time the wind blows off-shore is good for fishing...a summer sou-westerly always collapses at the end of the day. This is very good for dusk and evening fishing. www.nzfisher.co.nz 17
FISHING & DIVING KINGFISH BEST LOCATIONS Cape Brett and environs, as well as Hanson’s Reef to the north-west of the Ninepin, are the two most highly regarded habitats. More sheltered habitats include Kingfish Reef, Bird and Onslow Rocks as well as the Whale Rock - Red Head region. Further down the priority list, one would have to include The Sisters, The Ninepin, The Black Rocks and Capstan Rock.
By spreading the message, a berley trail will always strengthen the chances of success. There are three basic methods of live bait deployment: 1. Dead slow and drift trolling about 5 to 10 metres behind.
TECHNIQUES The technique that has been most favoured over many years is to deploy live baits to appeal to the predatory
2. Drifting the live bait out under a balloon, and 3. Hanging the fish of a weighted, single-hook ledger-style rig
instincts of the target species. While dead
The last few years have seen a remarkable
baits and well-deployed plastic baits will
uptake of Japanese-designed knife-style
be taken on occasion, by far the most
extra long jigs. Imitating an injured fish
successful strategy has been the live bait.
more surely than smaller jigs, when
This traditional method requires an
deployed radically/vigorously as in
initial bait-catching session with jack
‘speed-jigging,’ this style of jigging is fast
mackerel or kahawai the most likely
replacing the more traditional live bait
targets. Remember that the bigger the
technique. A much busier method of
bait, the bigger the kingfish, so while
fishing, success rates when employed
a large kahawai may seem excessive,
over correctly identified schools of
although your strike rate will be reduced,
kingfish are so high that most are
the chance of a 20kg plus kingfish will be
released to meet fishing regulations and
proportionally enhanced.
to ensure the fishery survives.
18 www.nzfisher.co.nz
SNAPPER The two regions of Red Head-Ninepin and
The seasonal behaviour of snapper has
Roberton Island-Capstan Rock provide
not been well documented. In essence
more exciting snapper fishing than all
there are two snapper communities:
others combined. Having said this, trophy
one a migrant community that winters
snapper can be found almost anywhere
off-shore in deep water but returns to
and at almost any depth and anytime.
ancestral spawning grounds every spring,
Other possies of interest include Cape
the other a resident community that
Brett and the Albert Channel as well as
occupies a defined territory.
the Black Rocks and the Brampton Reef.
As serial spawners, migrants mingle with
While most fishing strategies can work at
locals, and they all start to spawn once
times, stray-lining with whole mackerel/
the water temperature settles above
pilchard squid baits or their plastic
18°C. In heavily fished locations, resident
equivalents is the most proven if a trophy
snapper are often fished out over winter
snapper is on the menu.
and are only replenished when spring
By spreading the message, a berley trail
migrants take up vacant habitats.
will always enhance the chances of
Another pattern worthy of note is
success - the thicker, the better. The Rolls
the tendency of some snapper to visit
Royce of snapper catching strategies is to
shallow estuaries during autumn. During
deploy fresh bait captured in situ, alive
this cycle, snapper can even be caught
but wounded and bleeding.
amongst the mangroves. Typical fish
“
weigh in the one to three kg range.
Trophy snapper can be found almost anywhere and at almost any depth and anytime. www.nzfisher.co.nz 19
“
FISHING & DIVING
The Bay of Islands are chock-fill of fat mussels. Late winter finds them in great condition and well worth the effort.
OTHER SEAFOOD HAPUKU Hapuku and groper fishing is at its peak from August through until October. They can be targeted on most of deeper pinnacles labeled where you find kingfish and on numerous areas of deeper foul off Cape Brett. The most productive technique is probably using live mackerel
FLOUNDER
fished hard on the bottom, but jigs can be
The Waikere and Te Puna Inlets have
useful if fished on solid marks.
reliable flounder fishing for those in the know.
MUSSELS The Bay of Islands are chock-fill of fat
OYSTERS
mussels. Late winter finds them in great
Oysters are everywhere up the inlets.
condition and well worth the effort.
Looks for an exposed mud bank at low
Remember scuba gear cannot be used
tide and be prepared to get wet. If
for gathering mussels. Any rock exposed
this method is not to your liking fresh
to the swell in the Bay will produce the
oysters can be bought locally from
goods. Best spots are the Black Rocks and
places like Ben’s Oysters on the road
foul around the Nine Pin.
between Paihia and Opua.
20 www.nzfisher.co.nz
DIVING If diving for the table is your thing, then
Freediving is very popular in the Bay of
put crayfish and scallops on the menu.
Islands, and numerous locations like Bird
Crayfish can be found in most places, but
Rock and Piercy Island provide excellent
the best diving is probably on the coast
spearing opportunities.
between the Ninepin and the Cavallis
The Black Rocks is a popular but very
or the Eastern side of the Cape Brett
dangerous location to dive. Filled with
Peninsular. Scallops are plentiful inside
silt-laden caverns, many divers have
the main island group and in a few other
found themselves lost here and there
locations but stay within the season and
have been fatalities. Snorkelling for
within the other fishing regulations.
mussels is worth a look, however. Area Fishing Map - Bay of Islands Download a larger area map HERE. ď‚&#x;
www.nzfisher.co.nz 21
FISHING TIPS
Twenty tips for Successful Deep Water Drifting
BY ?
22 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Y
ou are ‘out wide’ and drive over a pin holding fish on its downcurrent side on 40 to 60 metres
of water. Reluctant to anchor in such a depth, how do you present your bait to the fish showing on the sounder and keep that offering in the bite zone for as long as possible?
2. Use a stray-line rig that allows the
1. For a start, unless there is little or no wind, you will need a decent sea anchor to slow the boat’s drift speed.
ball sinker(s) to sit directly on the leading hook which is placed through the ‘nose’ or eyes of the bait.
3.
I recommend the Whangarei-based
There will often be fish higher in
John Hewinson Canvas Ltd’s product
the water column above the pin, so
– it is not the cheapest, but is very
slow the bait’s descent by thumbing
effective and solidly constructed.
your overhead reel’s spool or lightly
Depending on the wind and current
running the line coming off the spin
situation it’s possible to fish baits,
reel’s spool through your winding
soft-plastics, and slow-jigs after
hand’s fingers.
attaching the sea anchor to the bow or stern (be aware that waves can ‘flop’ over the transom and into
4.
the cockpit in the latter situation,
To prevent the sinkers from sliding
though). If fishing from a twin-screw
up the trace, thus twisting around
launch with a dedicated skipper, the
the mainline on the descent, pin the
motors can be used to hold anglers
weights in place with a toothpick or
over the zone beneath the fish.
tie a rubber band around the trace.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 23
FISHING TIPS
6. If fishing for records, ensure both hooks are fixed – snooded – onto the trace, as a running keeper hook is
5. Use a double-hook rig, so your
illegal under IGFA rules.
7.
whole bait (squid, pilchard or piper)
If unconcerned about IGFA
is attached head-first and swims in
requirements, use a keeper-hook
a natural but erratic manner when
rig with the rear hook knotted on
moved or retrieved. The back hook
and the second hook allowed to
is often placed through the fish just
run free on the trace. This method
near the anal vent, while the top hook
allows various-sized baits to be
goes through the eyes. The same rig
easily accommodated. Place the back
is useful on a small live-bait such as
hook in the rear of the bait (whole
a jack mackerel or koheru, except the
or cut) and then just twist the trace
top hook tends to be placed through
around the keeper hook’s shank to
the soft tissue just in front of the
hold it firmly before placing the hook
bait’s eyes.
through the eye or nose of the bait.
24 www.nzfisher.co.nz
8.
11.
Deep water pins are a great place to
Three key rules of drift fishing,
target big snapper, so use at least 60-
regardless of the scenario, target
80lb trace (Black Magic ‘Tough Trace’
species or your terminal tackle set-
has served me well, but other similar
up, are ‘relocation, relocation, and
products should also do the job).
relocation.’ This strategy is made
There may also be hapuku or kingfish
necessary (and possible) by the
around, so the extra-heavy trace is a
water’s tidal flow catching the line
bonus if one gets hooked up.
like a long thin sail, leading to the bait constantly lifting. In response,
9.
anglers need to let line out regularly in a controlled fashion, so the bait
On arriving at your spot, make a dummy
drifts back down into the bite zone
drift while you get your gear set up to
again (usually the few metres of the
see which way the wind and current
water column closest to the bottom),
takes you in relation to terra firma.
accompanied by occasional winding to
10. Once you have established the drift, make sure the track line shows on
remove some of the bowed line and improve contact with the bait.
12.
your GPS and make a note at which
To make the most of each bait drop,
point you get the bites/fish, then
cast slightly ahead of the boat if you
concentrate your efforts through that
can. Then, when your line assumes
location repeatedly.
more than a 45-degree angle after adopting the lifting and dropping method described earlier, wind your bait up and start afresh.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 25
FISHING TIPS
13. Overhead-type reels are far better for deep-water drift fishing than spin reels as they enable more direct control to be maintained during the bait’s descent and allow the angler to continually adjust the rig’s depth and location once down in the strike zone.
15. The lighter the weight of lead sinker used when stray-lining with baits, the more naturally the bait will act as it
14.
drifts down. However, your rig also needs to get down into the strike zone,
Braided line is suitable for deep water
so use just enough sinker weight to
drift-fishing as its thin diameter
achieve this. You’ll find the tidal strength
means less water resistance. Also, as
varies over each phase, and that it pays
contact is more direct, it pays to rig
to adjust the weight occasionally.
up with circle hooks so when the bait starts receiving some attention, it’s possible to merely wind up quickly,
16.
taking the slack out of the line and
Use a variety of terminal tackle on
hooking up, as opposed to giving the
the initial drifts – baits, jigs and soft-
hell strike. Be aware that if you and
plastics – to determine which ‘flavour’
your crew are using a combination of
appears to be doing the business.
mono and braided lines, the braid will
Have these pre-rigged and ready
cut through the mono if they cross
to go, so time is not wasted while
when under load.
changing terminal tackle.
26 www.nzfisher.co.nz
19. When fishing in deep water, you are playing for keeps – fish pulled out of 60 to 80 metres of water invariably ‘blow up.’ Popping the gut that’s been forced out of the fish’s mouth is a
17. Should inexperienced anglers be on board, set them up with a ledger or flasher-type rig with circle hooks
death sentence, so you may as well keep the fish if it is a legal size.
20.
attached to a reasonable amount of
While snapper may be your main
weight. They will be able to stay in
target over a deep-water pin, other
touch with the bottom more easily.
tasty species such as tarakihi and red snapper may be present. It pays
18.
to occasionally vary your tactics and drop down a rig suitable for these
If the bite peters out, but you know
other worthwhile species – a ledger
the area is holding fish, drift some
rig with smaller re-curve hooks, or a
distance over any sand/mud adjacent
pre-tied flasher rig such as a ‘Tarakihi
to the foul. Quite often the fish will
Terror.’ Don’t be surprised if bigger
be holding here, away from the pin.
fish are attracted to such offerings.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 27
VESSEL REVIEW
Extreme 885 BY Grant Dixon
28 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Tony says the focus with the boat was
F
to give his clients all the advantages ew people get another shot
a big boat offers, yet be as simple as
at ‘fine-tuning’ a sportfishing
possible to operate single-handed.
trailer boat. Grant Dixon checks
out Tony Orton’s second Extreme 885 Centre Cabin charter vessel (a rebadged 850), noting several refinements over the first version.
With over 17 years in the charter business, much of it skippering and managing big boat operations overseas, Tony has refined his Extreme 885 Centre Cab operation, so it’s user-friendly for
When Tony Orton and Bea Bagnall set up
both him, as a sole operator, and his
their Offshore Adventures fishing lodge
anglers. Consequently, when given a
and charter business, they aimed to
chance to set up another Extreme 885,
produce a top-notch service that was as
he especially concentrated on the boat’s
simple to run as possible. Their booking
fishability, ease of access to essential
sheet, littered with repeat business, is an
tackle and gear, and to enable a simple
indication they have got it right.
clean-up procedure.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 29
VESSEL REVIEW
There are two apparent changes at either end of the boat. The transom
The cockpit sole has been raised
has been extended by around 40cm
to ensure the gunwales are at the
either side of the motors so anglers
optimum fighting height for anglers
can more easily keep their lines clear
using spin reels while complying with
of the props and fight their fish. At
survey requirements. As a centre cab,
the sharp end, the forward casting
the boat is full walk-around, with just
platform has a raised rail to provide
two easily-negotiated steps from bow
stability when tossing surface lures
to stern. Any cleats that might collect
about, with the SeaDek underfoot
line or toes are recessed.
providing particularly effective grip.
Structurally, the only other change is
There are also two vertical rod holders
an upgrade in the hull construction
up forward so anglers can leave tackle
from 6mm to 8mm alloy, which has
rigged and ready to go, “If we spot a
added a little weight and stiffness to
kingfish boil-up, the anglers can get to
its performance. This is a good thing,
their gear quickly and start casting.”
especially in rougher conditions.
Underneath the platform is the
Tony says the difference in the hull’s
Savwinch, which stores and deploys the
performance is quite noticeable.
ground tackle, not that it gets much
Only the hull has been painted; the
use. The winch now has a stainless steel
topsides are coated in Nyalic, which
motor casing, which should reduce
Tony says gives excellent durability and
maintenance even further.
makes the boat easy to clean.
30 www.nzfisher.co.nz
The cockpit fishing area is designed around the practicalities of sportfishing. There are four tuna tubes across the transom, each with an adjacent rod holder. “When using jack mackerel or similar for live or pitch baits, each one has its own tube, so it’s ready to be instantly deployed without the risk of tangling other gear,” Tony says. The large live-bait tank positioned in the cockpit’s centre means it can be accessed from all sides. On top are a bait preparation and rigging area, with lockers on either side enabling all the essentials to be close at hand.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 31
VESSEL REVIEW
“When in the middle of a hot bite and there is a need to re-rig, you don’t want to be scrambling through tackle boxes up forward, you want everything there within easy reach.” The passenger seats have been enlarged to give more individual space when traveling. Under the port side is much of the safety equipment, while the starboard side is kept clear for client’s gear. “In the past, the angler’s kit has been thrown into the cuddy cabin, where it
The Extreme 885 Centre Cabin is
has impeded access to the toilet and
primarily a day boat, but there are
been untidy.”
a couple of in-fills and upholstered
Now the relatively spartan cabin
squabs if Tony, Bea and young son
space is used to store fenders and
Sami decide on doing an overnighter.
spare ropes. There are an additional
The only home comfort is an electric
13 spaces in the cabin-top rocket
flush toilet, with utilities such as a gas
launcher to complement the six at
cooker and refrigeration left out in the
the rear of the bait-station and five
name of simplicity. A roller door offers
adjacent to the tuna tubes.
privacy for those using the bathroom.
32 www.nzfisher.co.nz
The helm and navigator’s seating has been raised to allow maximum view over the lure spread when trolling, although this is also covered electronically. Tony has installed four Garmin Virb XE cameras at strategic points around the boat, hard-wired to the electric system, as well as relaying back to the 16-inch Garmin GP Map 7416 XSV sounderplotter screen. All the action can be observed and recorded for later playback (“So that’s what we were doing wrong!”). Tony says he has stuck with Garmin electronics for several reasons: clarity of the sounder picture, making it easy to interpret what is beneath; ease of use; and the performance in ‘auto’ mode.
Tony plans to run a dredge on one side and a daisy-chain teaser on the other, with bait or lure above or behind them, plus one other bait or lure as a shotgun. He says three baits/lures are ‘plenty’ to raise a fish, especially when teasers and dredges are deployed. Once again it is all about the KISS theory – Keep It Simple, Stupid! The outriggers have double halyards once again, giving some options depending on whether lures or baits are being run. The ‘riggers are controlled from within the cabin via
“The simple integration between
Rupps Tee-Top Bases, and the poles
sounder, plotter, radar, autopilot,
detach when not required.
and cameras makes the Garmin userfriendly – I mostly use it in auto mode, and it does everything I want.”
In the fishing department, the boat is fully loaded with the latest Shimano tackle, covering everything from
On the game fishing front, Tony has
swordfish through to baitfish. Tony had
installed two Shimano Beastmaster
a part to play with the refinement of the
9000 electric reels to run his teasers
Energy Concept range of rods, explicitly
from inside the cabin.
designed for New Zealand conditions.
“Between the autopilot and the
At the ‘blunt end,’ Tony has opted for
electric reels, I will have enough
two 250hp Honda four-strokes. With
control to be able to pitch the baits
much of his fishing done 50 kilometres
myself if necessary, allowing the
offshore around the Mokohinau
client to just worry about getting the
Islands and beyond, he needs to get
hook-up right.”
out wide quickly.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 33
“
VESSEL REVIEW
Tony has made the most of his opportunity and the available technology to offer his clients a sportfishing experience worthy of a big boat from a relatively modest-sized one. Tony says the boat tows well despite
While going up 100 horsepower, the
its size and weight and comes on and
fuel usage is less than when he ran two
off straight and true. The trailer has
200hp outboards, despite the fact this
been Corrosion X treated for longevity,
latest hull is slightly more substantial.
and a Carlisle electric braking system
It hovers on or around two litres per
has been fitted. This operates via
nautical mile in total for two engines.
the brake-light system and can be
The twin rig also gives him peace of
controlled by the driver, including
mind should a mechanical, or fuel issue
emergency braking.
occur with one of them.
Having had the chance to build on
“I had a dream run out of the 200s
what was already a great sportfishing
and don’t expect anything different
boat, Tony has made the most of his
from the 250s.”
opportunity and the available technology
The final aspect of the setup, while
to offer his clients a sportfishing
having no bearing on the fishing –
experience worthy of a big boat from a
other than the all-important task of
relatively modest-sized one. The result is
getting the rig to the water – is the
one of the best set-up trailer boat sport
Voyager Elite trailer.
fishers I have ever set foot on.
34 www.nzfisher.co.nz
www.nzfisher.co.nz 35
FISHERIESUPDATE
Legasea Update Conservation through inspired leadership www.legasea.co.nz
A
pilot scheme involving an
marae then coordinates the collection,
Auckland boating club and local
quality control and distribution of
marae is drawing widespread
this ‘Rangatira Kai’, chiefly food, to an
acclaim for its conservation gains and
appreciative local community in need of
the bringing together of different
high quality nutrition.
communities and cultures. The joint
Since September last year over 7000 kilos
project is underpinned by principles of
of fish heads and frames, and offal, have
sharing and caring for our environment
been collected from the OBC and other
and each other, and could easily be
fishing clubs, and shared with the marae.
replicated in other parts of the country.
With the generous support of a LegaSea
The Kai Ika Project involves LegaSea, the
Partner, Kiwi Sizzler, the marae now has
Outboard Boating Club of Auckland and
two smokers to cook chosen fish heads
Papatuanuku Kokiri Marae of Mangere,
and frames before distribution. Another
South Auckland. Until mid-2016 the
LegaSea Partner, Go Fuel, has donated
OBC had used a disposal service to get
freezers so that other fish parts can be
rid of their unwanted fish heads, frames,
stored before being shared amongst
and offal. Now, club members carefully
local community groups, youth clubs,
sort and refrigerate these fish parts. The
churches and hospitals.
Massive (Bait or dinner?) Squid
36 www.nzfisher.co.nz
The offal is a welcome addition to
the app to find someone in your area
fertilise the marae-based community
that will gladly accept the gift.
gardens. Prior to the Kai Ika initiative
This special partnership is enabled
Lionel Hotene, Valerie Teraitua,
by the ongoing support of many
their whanau and volunteer team
volunteers, Kiwi Sizzler, Go Fuel, the
had grown and shared more than
Guardians of the Sea Charitable Trust,
80,000 kumara to help wean south
OBC and Papatuanuku Kokiri Marae.
Aucklanders off fatty fast foods.
Kia kaha to all involved.
There is growing concern at the levels of obesity in the community
Fisheries Management Annual Report
and our Maori and Pacific people are
The LegaSea Annual Report has been
particularly vulnerable due to diet and
issued and is included in the New
economic constraints. This unwellness
Zealand Sport Fishing Council’s Fisheries
affects us all. Health budgets are
Management Annual Report 2017. The
chewed up treating preventable
report can be downloaded here.
diseases leaving fewer resources available for proactive care.
Subscribe a mate
The Kai Ika initiative provides a glimmer
To be successful we need people
of hope that with inspired leadership
engaged and learning about the state
we can learn to better utilise the fish
of our inshore fisheries. Ask your
we harvest from the sea. We can also
friends, family, any fishing folk, “May
conserve our marine resources by
I please have your permission to
taking fewer fish while sharing what we
subscribe to the LegaSea database?”.
don’t use with our community.
Then click here to enter their details.
If you have fish parts that others would
If you want us to do the data entry
enjoy please visit
send us an email with the details.
www.FreeFishHeads.co.nz or download
Easy as.
Call 0800 LEGASEA (534 273)
Subscribe at www.legasea.co.nz
Email us info@legasea.co.nz
Read more at www.facebook.com/legasea
www.nzfisher.co.nz 37
F
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