NZ Fisher Issue 74

ISSUE 74

December 2017

New Territory?

Get ready to explore!

Live-Baiting for Game 101 www.nzfisher.co.nz

“Honda provides me with reliability, fantastic fuel savings, quietness on set, low emissions and incredible harmonics which pull the fish. We’re now saving around 40% on fuel from one of my previous boats running like for like horsepower engines” Nicky Sinden ADOS Addicted to Fishing

“The choice of Honda engines was simple. Our experience with Honda reliability and support has been outstanding. The power is incredible, because the engines are hardly working, the economy is amazingly good.”

Captain Phil Barchet Blue Water Adventures

“With a heavier hull on the new boat and a large array of pumps and electronics the big powerful 3.6 litre V6 with a 90amp alternator was the logical choice” Tony Orton Offshore Adventures

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL HONDA DEALER TODAY

www.hondamarine.co.nz/find-a-dealer

CONTENTS 6.

10.

PROSPECTING FOR NEW GROUNDS

14.

BAY OF ISLANDS MARLIN MAGIC

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

EDITOR / Derrick Paull

18.

GROUP EDITOR / Colin Kennedy ART DIRECTOR / Jodi Olsson CONTENT ENQUIRIES / Phone Derrick on 021 629 327

THE INAUGURAL LEGASEA GALA DINNER & AWARDS

24.

LEGASEA UPDATE

or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES /

DB EXPORT NZ FISHING COMPETITION LUCKY ANGLER PRIZE TRIP

28.

32.

QUICK LOOK AT THE NEW FREWZA F18

34.

NEW TRICKS FROM AN OLD SEA DOG

38.

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 This is a GREEN MAG, created and distributed without the use of paper so it's environmentally friendly.

Please think before you print. Thank you!

Cover Image: I’ve been chasing my first kingfish for almost a year now and finally landed my first catch last Saturday and it was amazing.

Even though the first one was not a keeper, it put up a great fight and was such a blast to pull it in. The second one I hooked, my first keeper, took me just over four minutes to land. I had been jigging for three hours non stop and was hurting bad but there was no way I was going to give up.....WORTH IT! I’m suffering from stiff shoulders and swollen forearms but will happily do it again. What a rush! - Ross Glenn

READER PICS www.nzfisher.co.nz 3

EDITORIAL

O

n December 4, the NZ Initiative

scientist cum gun for hire found a

released their much-publicised

well funded and ultimately unhealthy

report on the future for

benefactor in the NZ Initiative. From

recreational fishing in New Zealand.

The press picked up the highlights including (and focusing on) the call for a general saltwater fishing license to fund and administer the ‘uncapped’

my standpoint, the report (as did its predecessors) were formulaic and designed to fit the predetermined outcomes set by the finders.

recreational fishing public and ‘preserve

“Find ways to constrain the rec

our depleted fishing stocks’.

catch, quieten their voice and most

I’m always pleased when there’s

importantly, ensure here’s a plausible

mainstream coverage of fishing issues

case for proportional shares in the

in Aotearoa, but I’d be lying if I said

fishery”. i.e. stop recreational fishers

this sort of conservative, big-business

from ever increasing their access to the

funded claptrap was of any value. Dr

fishery irrelevant of how many anglers

Randall Bess, former MPI staffer and

there are or fish in the sea.

4 www.nzfisher.co.nz

The most significant issue I have is that

catch flooding social media; we, as a

the report, published as if it were a

recreational fishing cohort, take a total

scientific paper, has more holes than a

of around 1.6% of all fish landed in

flounder nets set on oysters. There’s no

Aotearoa’s waters each year.

critical analysis of the options presented

Thankfully the headaches above have

(and most of those are only offered on

not been the only highlights for me this

‘research’ into the sources Bess wanted

month. I’m pleased to announce the

the results from), and none of the

arrival of my newest (and kick-arse-est)

options has been peer-reviewed or so

new Frewza F18 Hardtop. This boat has

much as offered to scientists or experts

been a real journey, one that effectively

in the field to comment on before being

started with our last boat and we’ve

presented as fact.

managed to create a rig that fills all our

The irony here is the comment

needs, can go where we want and just

passed by peers from this sector’s

looks cool. This time we added a little

refusal to accept any of the science

flair, and I’m stoked we spent the time

offered (and peer-reviewed) by the

getting it right. We took some sound

Simmons et el’ report on historical

advice and went through a design

catch dumping and over-catching,

process that delivered a great result -

despite its scientific credentials.

so much so that I’m keen to share the

So, let’s have a robust conversation

process as I believe it’s worth the effort.

about recreational fisheries

We’ll be profiling our Honda powered

management, let’s allow ourselves

Frewza in the next issue, but there’s a

to consider all the options. What

few intro pic’s later in the issue.

delivers benefits and what is a barrier to the sustainable enjoyment of our fishery? Let’s not for a second forget that despite pictures of the fish we

Tight lines!

Derrick www.nzfisher.co.nz 5

FISHING TRIP

Prospecting for New Grounds Rewards are where you find them

BY Shannon Neho Fishing Kings

W

ith a fantastic forecast and

Fishing has changed immensely since

time on our hands, we

lure fishing has become the most

headed up the Far North

prevalent form of angling for most of

to the beautiful Rangiputa harbour

us, especially with the new range style

exploring new grounds catching fish on

from Catch NZ has perfected.

new Catch lures.

I was introduced to lure fishing seven years ago by good mate Brendon Hawker, former captain and owner of Innkeeper, based in Tutukaka (before moving his charter

This year I’ve been lucky enough to join the Catch Fishing Pro team. Thanks to John Donald and Jason Kemp for bringing me onboard and trying the new gear from Catch!

overseas to Exmouth, Australia).

We started our trip headed to Rangiputa

I’d learnt a lot from Brendan and

with my boat BLACKOUT and my

never looked back. So much so that

teammate Jason Kemp, a well-known

seven years on, that’s all I fish. No

pro kayak fisherman, to target some

dirty old baits and getting home to

snap’s over the sand and along the reefs

scrubbing the berley off the boat!

out from Puwheke and Houhora.

6 www.nzfisher.co.nz

After that, we just kept pulling them I usually fish Bay of Islands or Bream Bay

in every drop but they weren’t getting

in Whangarei, so Rangiputa was new

any bigger, so I decided to do more

grounds for me. I did a lot of prospecting

exploring further south following the

around some foul but there was a

100m contour line on charts hoping

constant wind blowing through, and

we would find another reef.

we were drifting too fast. Around Staffa

Thirty minutes of scanning the bottom

Rock, we struggled with the wind, plus

on high chirp and I saw a little reef with

the fishing was slow, so I made the call

a compressed ball of bait 30m off the

to head out wide northeast. We cruised

bottom. I told Jason to rig up the other

at only 15 knots as it was a bit rough.

Catch lure, a 300g pink joker, and I

I started scanning around the 120m

slammed the boat in reverse holding us

mark, looking for sign or reefs. I found

on the sign.

some good sign on a random reef

On Jason’s first drop he hooked and

using the Lowrance sounder we drop

got peeled from a massive king. His

down the new Double Trouble 300g

400gram jig rod was so bent, but

jig from Catch and on the first drop

tragically the line snapped on the reef,

Jason hooked a nice 12-kilo kingy.

and he was dusted.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 7

Jason grabbed the other jig rod with

fighting way harder than this one had.

the gold Double Trouble lure with the

We carried on jigging using the Double

Catch overhead jigset rod, and I put us

Trouble and Joker jigs to catch some

back on the mark. Jase immediately

nice king’s between 14 to 20 kilos. Most

hooked-up again, but this time he was

were released, with a couple destined

ready. He had a battle on his hands and

for the smoker.

finally pulled the kingy up from 120m

After that, the fishing dropped off,

deep. I pulled it into the boat; it was

so I made the call to head inshore to

a beautiful 20kg fish. He was gutted

explore the beaches around the 18m

he lost the other fish cause it was

mark, scanning the bottom for snapper

8 www.nzfisher.co.nz

“

I turned my back on it, and Jase yelled to me, “Bro, your rod is bent!”. I grabbed it, and the line started peeling fast.

and this time I had my Lowrance set on

I turned my back on it, and Jase yelled

medium chirp so it would show longer

to me, “Bro, your rod is bent!”.

arches on the sounder.

I grabbed it, and the line started peeling

I found some good sign, so chucked

fast. I loosened the drag off a bit so the

out the sea anchor and set the drift to

snap could run but as there was just

cruise along the coastline.

sand under us, I knew we were safe. Six

Out the back of transom, we had two catch micro jigs in the rod holder with kaburas dropped to the bottom while Jase was casting ahead with the Boss

minutes later I finally got the snapper, and it wouldn’t fit in the net! I got it in the boat and took a quick couple of photos before we weighed it.

and small Double Trouble jigs. Every

It weighed in at 23.6lb. I was stoked,

lure was going off; it was crazy! All the

but I quickly released it. I marked on

rods were bent over, and reels were

the sounder where I found it and kept

screaming in no time.

working that area pulling up 15lb

We hooked some nice snapper and even a nice big trev. The kabura has to be the best lure I’ve ever used; the

plus snaps every time. It was epic! We released any fish over 10lb and just kept nice pannys for a feed.

snappers love those crazy little pieces

We made a wee video - check it out

of lead! There was a gold 80g kabura in

here! Doing the hard work scanning

my tackle box I haven’t used yet, so I

new grounds might take a bit of time

thought I’ll give that a try. I rigged it up

but its worth it, if you don’t try new

and dropped it to the bottom and gave

territory or explore new areas, you’ll

it one wind up and left it there.

never evolve as a fisherman! 

www.nzfisher.co.nz 9

GAME FISHING

Bay of Islands Marlin Magic

BY Naomi Peterson

10 www.nzfisher.co.nz

“

At 10.10am, . after only about 15 minutes of being in the warmer water, Peter saw the marlin come into the spread...

W

ith the warmer than usual

Deskins had booked the charter, he

waters for the beginning of

had decided that big game fishing was

the month, hopes were high

what he wanted to do. Because it was

amongst marlin fishermen, all vying for

a two-day charter, they spent the first

the title of ‘first weighed marlin’ for the

day fishing for snapper and kingfish.

2017-2018 season.

This provided the family with fresh fish

The first couple of weekends of

for a delicious BBQ dinner that night

this month produced ideal weather

aboard the boat. The following day was

conditions, and anglers were out

set aside for trolling.

giving it a shot. There were even a

Peter and Helen have been running

couple of reports of marlin seen on

Grand Cru Charters since 2008,

the surface, free jumping, and of

initially in Tutukaka, and for the

hook-ups. However, the marlin were

last six years in the Bay of Islands.

happy to stay in the ocean, and none

Their 42-foot 2004 Capricorn Cruiser

made it to the boats.

‘Grand Cru’ had been on the dry

Peter and Helen Hadfield of Grand

dock having antifoul treatment and

Cru Charters were out on a two

a fixed windscreen installed, and

day overnight charter with a family

had only been back in the water for

holidaying from the USA. When Chad

about a week before this charter.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 11

GAME FISHING

Monday morning was the first day

Peter was running four lures – two

they had trolled for the season. They

long and two short - and the fish came

know the Cape Brett area well, and

in from the side and took the short

were cruising some hot spots in the

lure. Then it raced off to the side of

area. As they approached the Main

the boat, jumping and twisting and

Rock area, about 220m off Cape Brett

putting on a pretty impressive show

in stunning blue water, the water

as Peter cleared the other lines and

temperature changed from 20.9degrees

Chad got ready to get into the chair.

to 21.7degrees.

At this stage, Helen was at the helm,

They had picked up a couple of skippies

and had to put the throttle down to

about half-an-hour earlier, so knew

increase their speed to keep ahead of

there was bait around. At 10.10am, .

the marlin that was jumping and racing

after only about 15 minutes of being in

along beside them. Chad’s wife Angela

the warmer water, Peter saw the marlin

was impressed with the size of the fish,

come into the spread and take the black

and their children excitedly watched

and purple Zuker lure.

the fish jump close to the boat.

12 www.nzfisher.co.nz

With the lines cleared, Peter returned to the helm, and Chad got to work bringing the fish in. Chad and Angela

Paihia weighmaster Dick informed

have fished blue water for marlin

Chad that it’s tradition to jump off

before in Panama and Puerto Rico,

the wharf for your first marlin. So

with Chad, previously catching a

Chad in good spirits jumped off

sailfish and Angela catching a 120kg

the wharf, much to the delight of

Blue marlin in Panama in 2008.

watching spectators! The marlin

Today was Chad’s turn on the rod.

tipped the scales at an impressive

They didn’t expect anything like this on their trip with Grand Cru

235.8kg, and was the first weighed marlin for the 2017-2018 season.

Charters, Knowing all too well that

As Chad and his family were continuing

you can fish all day without catching

on their travels as part of their holiday,

a marlin, Chad and Angela thought

the fish was taken to be processed, and

that maybe a tuna or small marlin

Peter and Helen will enjoy it with their

would have been fantastic. After an

family and friends. Chad is having the

about four-hour battle in which Chad

bill and tail mounted, which will be

fought hard, the fish was at the boat.

shipped to the USA when it is done. For

Unfortunately, it died during the

Chad and Helen, it was a phenomenal

process. It was the first marlin for Chad,

day and one they will never forget.

and the biggest fish for the boat.

Although this is recognised as the

It took a bit of an effort to get the fish

first weighed marlin for the season,

onto the boat, but with the marlin

the NZSFC and club honours are still

safely on board and a few photos later,

up for grabs at the time this was

the crew headed back into Paihia for a

written. It is not recognised as a club

courtesy weigh for the Bay of Islands

fish because the angler wasn’t a club

Swordfish Club. Helen and Peter are

member. So if you’re reading this

club members. However, because

and the NZSFC title of first weighed

Chad isn’t a club member, there is

marlin for 2017-2018 is still open –

no club recognition for the marlin.

get out there and give it a shot! 

www.nzfisher.co.nz 13

CELEBRATING FISHING

The Inaugural LegaSea Gala Dinner & Awards A celebration of all things rec-fish

Scott Award Credit: Dave Adams 14 www.nzfisher.co.nz

BY Derrick Paull

W

Hunting and FIshing cheque presentation

e really don’t give thanks enough, be it the day to day things we receive and

Those codgers had a great idea, but

take for granted, the beautiful country

history tells us it was the intense

and surrounds we’re privileged to live

desire to make real change and the

in or even more mundanely, the great

smarts to engage a wide audience that

work being done by a bunch of often

Messrs Scott MacIndoe and

forgotten and almost certainly underpaid

Matt Watson brought to the table

contractors and employees of Legasea.

and with swift, decisive action bore

For five years this ever-changing

Legasea from the ashes of Option4

group of passionate and focused

and presented the NZ Sport Fishing

recreational fishing advocates have

Council with a public outreach arm

been grinding away and making

that now claims a larger database

progress on our behalf to bring

than its parent.

recreational fishing to the fore in the

It’s not easy to forget Matt Watson’s

eyes of the public, the ministry and

early video - his face has been so

our various Ministers of Fisheries.

widely publicised on our screens in

In the beginning, there were a few

the last decade, but it was the ‘cash

hard heads that had an idea to bring

register’ video provided the catalyst

rec fishing advocacy out of the dark

that got Legasea airtime and the

ages and into modern, public light.

momentum to grow.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 15

CELEBRATING FISHING

Matt Watson - Legasea Award Credit: Allysa

Not satisfied simply with lending his image and mana to the project, Matt setup and delivered www. freefishheads.co.nz - a complete website with the ability to change the way we (well, a fair few of us fair skinned fellas) dealt with our catch, introducing a new age of full utilisation and increased respect for our catch.

Scott has hardly been idle, sharing his time and his home with the often motley Legasea crew - ever the maven, looking for new opportunities to engage the community and persistently fronting our message of a fair go to the minister and his

Koparepare Wines

desire to protect our rights has led him to become more than just a figurehead but a mentor and true leader to many of us.

With these and many more thoughts in mind, it is no surprise that Mat should receive our first ever ‘Legasea Award’ for service to the organisation and the fishers of Aotearoa.

Scott’s recognition came in a slightly more circumspect manner. Behind his back, the LegaSea crew commissioned the creation of a magnificent hook carving and, presented by Scott’s longtime friend and ally Wane Wharerau, bought the house down.

bureaucrats - never letting go of an

On behalf of the NZFisher team, thank

opportunity to build our support

you LegaSea and in particular, Scott

amongst the community at large.

and Matt for your dedication and

Scotts tireless, borderline narcissistic

service to support our passion. 

16 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Partners, supporting and aligned organisations

PURPLE

Lou and Iris Fisher Charitable Trust

ORANGE

669C 669U

158C 158U

C76 M78 Y0 K47

C0 M64 Y95 K0

R71 G43 B89

R221 G89 B0

web #472B59

web #DD5900

New Zealand Angling &

Casting Association

14

GAME FISHING

DB Export NZ Fishing Competition Lucky Angler Prize Trip 18 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Jordan Smith

I

Hooked up

t’s not often you catch three solid, legal kingfish while you’re catching bait for the day but when you’re

lucky enough to win a trip of a lifetime, maybe more good fortune is hardly surprising!

We arrived at the OffShore Adventure

Jordan Smith was the winner of the DB

lodge in Mangawhai Heads the night

Export NZ Fishing Competition lucky

before and enjoyed a classic BBQ washed

angler prize for the 2017 season earning

down with a few cold DB Export Hop

him and a mate an Offshore Adventure

lagers before heading off to dream about

with Tony Orton, a set of the best

torrid tussles with some XXL kings at the

Shimano rods, reels and tackle and a six

‘Mokes’. I don’t know about you, but I

rack Bradley Smoker. Jordan chose his

always find it hard to get a good night’s

good mate Greg to share his adventure,

sleep before an adventure like this and

and we were also joined by Jono from

just before I’d landed the kingfish of my

DB to make a team of four plus Tony, our

dreams it was 5.15am and all hands on

captain and guide for the day.

deck for a quick breakfast.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 19

GAME FISHING

Greg

The sunrise which had turned everything The 8.85m Offshore Adventures

it touched a deep golden yellow

Extreme centre cab is powered by twin

combined with an ocean best described

Honda 250’s and is a dream machine

as oily, provided a spectacular start for

when it comes to a fishing platform.

stacking the live-bait tank. The real

Tony delivered the full safety briefing,

standout feature was the water clarity,

and then it was lifejackets on for an

and it wasn’t long before Jono spied

uneventful bar before heading up to an

several respectable kings patrolling the

area of foul looking for live-bait.

area a few metres down.

20 www.nzfisher.co.nz

while it’s important to emphasise these commercial fishers are doing nothing illegal, taking all that bait from Bream Bay and exporting it for bugger all you’d have to say is morally wrong and commercially dumb.

If those baitfish helped our kingfish and snapper populations I quickly said, “Are you thinking what I’m thinking Tony?” and sure enough, a very freshly caught jack mackerel went out on the top-water set. No prizes for guessing what happened next and as we caught a few more baits, three nice sized kingfish in the 90-100cm range were

grow, the economic opportunity from tourism and a fantastic recreational fishery is a quantum leap ahead than a dollar or two a kilo of baitfish. Isn’t it time we woke up as a nation and worked out how we can maximise the economic benefit from a fragile fishery

brought alongside – great practice for

while ensuring the biomass is restored

the next part of the day, and a couple of

and nurtured?

PB’s knocked over already!

On our arrival, the first drop was a

An uneventful and pleasant cruise to

double hook-up with Greg and Jordon

the Mokes gave us time to chat and

on solid fish. Greg’s was a serious string

get even more fizzed up about the next

puller but being a big strong lad, he

few hours. The best news was that

easily won the battle with a nice king of

the further we went, the more the

around 20kg. A good start indeed.

conditions improved.

After that, the fishing was steady if not

The only damper on that part of the

spectacular catching and releasing a

day was seeing the purse seiners

number of good healthy kingfish over

working Bream Bay hard where they

the next few hours. Tony uses free-

are apparently targeting jack macs,

swinging, crimped circle hooks and

blue koheru and trevally. The word is

free-spools the bite, pushing the drag

the catches are being exported and

up once the kingfish is running. It’s an

www.nzfisher.co.nz 21

GAME FISHING

effective technique that works well.

of excitement, a mako with a healthy

The gear on Offshore Adventures

interest in some kingfish sashimi

is all immaculately prepared, and

turned up and decided to remove the

features top quality Shimano rods

propeller from one of Jordan’s kingfish.

and reels, so there’s no need to

It was a solid king too and while we

bring anything unless you really

landed the rest of the fish, it was time

want to. Tony’s a fountain of fishing

to call it a day as we had enough for the

knowledge and will share as much

table and it’s a fair old ride home from

as you can take in during your time

the Mokohinaus – even at 30 knots!

on the water. As we know, there’s

All in all, a fantastic day out and top

always something new or a new

marks to Tony Orton for turning on

twist on an old technique to learn.

5-10 knot variable winds and a great

Several reasonable snapper lurking

day on the water. Congratulations to

in the bait-schools couldn’t resist

our winner Jordan for being part of the

temptation and ended up on board.

DB Export NZ Fishing Competition and

Before we knew it, the sun was well

great to have Greg and Jono join us for

over the yardarm, and the day was

the day. If you’d like more information

drawing to a close. Just to provide a bit

on OffShore Adventures, click here.

22 www.nzfisher.co.nz

ABOUT THE DB EXPORT NZ FISHING COMPETITION The DB Export NZ Fishing Competition is an online fishing competition based on a measure and photo format. Anglers from anywhere in New Zealand can participate and win some fantastic prizes

is a parade of the all-time best of the best. At the end of the season – thanks to our amazing sponsors, DB Export, Shimano and Bradley Smokers, there are some great prizes for the longest fish of each species, and some spectacular lucky angler draws.

by photographing their catch on an official measure and entering online.

THE DB EXPORT NZ FISHING

Most importantly, once you have taken

COMPETITION LUCKY ANGLER DRAW

the picture of the fish on the measure, it’s your choice to keep it and share some of our finest seafood with friends and family or release it.

All you need to do is upload one eligible catch during the calendar month, and you’re also in the draw for some great Shimano gear or Bradley products.

Entering a catch is as simple as taking

It’s as easy as that. You’ll need to be

the photo on your smartphone then

registered at www.fishingcomp.co.nz

loading it at The DB Export NZ Fishing

and thanks to DB Export, that’s FREE -

Competition Website using the phone’s

just use the code DB EXPORT when you

web-browser, or on any digital device

sign up. You’ll also need a measure so if

including tablets and laptops.

you or your mates don’t have one; you

Leaderboards feature catches from

can order online or pick one up at any

around the country and a ‘Hall of fame’

Burnsco store nationwide. 

www.nzfisher.co.nz 23

FISHERIESUPDATE

Legasea Update Conservation through inspired leadership www.legasea.co.nz

24 www.nzfisher.co.nz

To achieve abundance and a fair go for future generations recreational fishing

W

must stay outside of the failing quota

hen LegaSea was first invited

system. We do not want a fixed quota,

to have input into The Future

managing recreational catch by an

Catch project by Dr Randall

overall allowance and individual bag

Bess, we were excited because the project was described as a well-funded study to improve recreational fishing.

and size limits are sufficient.

Since time immemorial saltwater fishing has been a part of our New

It didn’t take long to realise that this

Zealand lifestyle. In the old days,

was yet another attempt to upgrade

the primary objective of fishing

commercial rights to our fisheries and

was sustenance for the family.

remove the Minister’s discretionary

Over time, fishing has taken on a

powers that provide for our fishing and

broader significance. Fishing is now

environmental interests.

also a social event with family; it’s

It is vital to retain this Ministerial

competition amongst friends, and an

discretion because it is both a statutory

opportunity to take time out from

duty and a defence for managing our

work life or to spend precious time

fisheries in the best interests of all

outdoors with the young ones.

New Zealanders, not just a handful of

Given the significance of recreational

corporate quota owners.

fishing, the Minister must remain free

The project’s third report has been

to both set aside allowances for our

presented to the Minister. LegaSea

fishing and to make sustainable catch

does not support the report’s

and allocation decisions.

recommendations to use current

The commercial wild fish catch is

settings as a basis for allocating a defined

over 400,000 tonnes per year while

proportion of each fishery for public

recreational catch estimates are a bit

use. Any such proportional allocation

over 10,000 tonnes, yet The Future

scheme is unfair because it takes away

Catch report focuses on possible growth

the Minister’s legal obligation to provide

in recreational catch as the major flaw

abundance for our kids’ fishing future.

in New Zealand’s fisheries management.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 25

FISHERIESUPDATE In the past 18 months, we have heard horror stories about tonnes of fish

It’s time for the Minister to wrest back

being wasted through dumping and

control of our fisheries, apply a good

discarding from commercial vessels. Even

dose of kaitiakitanga [guardianship],

the Ministry charged with managing our

and establish policies that will deliver

fisheries has admitted that discarding is

on the sustainability obligations

“the single biggest issue we face in our

we all have to our kids and theirs.

wild stock fisheries”.

Ministerial discretion must stay.

In 2014 the Director of Fisheries quantify the tonnages involved

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ANNUAL REPORT

but did say, “We suspect they

The LegaSea Annual Report has been

are significant to the point that

issued and is included in the New

they are impacting on stocks”.

Zealand Sport Fishing Council’s Fisheries

The Ministry’s failure to prosecute

Management Annual Report 2017.

those responsible for dumping tonnes

The report can be downloaded here.

Management admitted they couldn’t

of fish is a travesty. The promises of husbandry, efficiency and innovation

SUBSCRIBE A MATE

have long gone. They have been

To be successful we need people engaged

overtaken by the relentless drive by

and learning about the state of our

quota owners to squeeze a buck out of

inshore fisheries. Ask your friends, family,

our fisheries and sideline recreational

any fishing folk, “May I please have your

interests. Our precious fisheries are

permission to subscribe to the LegaSea

now a commodity and, much like meat

database?”. Then click here to enter

and milk, the priority is to export our

their details. If you want us to do the

finest products leaving Kiwis with the

data entry send us an email with the

leftovers. No thanks.

details. Easy as. 

26 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Call 0800 LEGASEA (534 273)

Subscribe at www.legasea.co.nz

Email us info@legasea.co.nz

Read more at www.facebook.com/legasea

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.

D

W

ITH

1/0 JIGGING H OO K

RI G

G

E

COLOURS: Ballistic Blue, White Warrior, Orange Assassin & Shady Lady.

www.catchfishing.co.nz

www.nzfisher.co.nz 27

FISHERING GEAR

New Tricks from an Old Sea Dog 2018 release due for the Everol Infinite reel

28 www.nzfisher.co.nz

E

verol, has recently developed

A world leading, ferrari inspired triple

the Infinite for ‘top shot’

drag consisting of three carbon disks

fishing for bluefin tuna and

and two stainless steel discs, not only

marlin around the world.

offer a very high drag of about 75lb, but

The Infinite has a compact body

also a remarkable graduation thanks to

slimmer than other models of the

the 240 degree travel of the drag leve

same class, a narrow spool integrated

All Everol reels are still hand made in

without sacrificing capacity, it can

Italy to exacting standards.

easily hold about 800 mt of 80 lb braid (diameter 0 About 30 mm).

The Infinite has harness lugs but there is no top bar for better hand access to the spool to lock it during the combat. With a ratio of 1: 3.7, the Infinite with full capacity

STATS: • 800m 80lb braid .30mm • Ratio 1:3.7 • Max drag 75lb • $1099.90 Incl GST 

retrieves around 95 cm per crank.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 29

FISHING BOAT

Quick Look at the New Frewza F18

I

t’s shiny & new and we don’t have

and of course a whole new name - Smoke

many trips under the belt but we’re

‘n Lures looks hot wrapped by fellow

so excited and keen to show her

Frewza Owner, Matt Doel Print Cave.

off before Christmas. Our new Honda

Even the design phase was exciting and

powered Frewza F18 is a beast - with

we couldn’t have done things without

upgraded hull, beast-mode Honda BF135

Matt’s team’s help. 

30 www.nzfisher.co.nz

www.nzfisher.co.nz 31

READERPICS WINNER!!

Logan - Albacore

Ashley (former NZFisher cover girl) Harris with a brace of local snaps caught from her dads new boat.

Deva Brown once again smashing some monster Hauraki snaps.

PRIZE!!

- Albacore 32 Logan www.nzfisher.co.nz

Mark Harvey with his new PB Puka landed on is own Frewza out the back of the Knights.

Kyley Harris with one of many fish he’s landed in the first month of new boat ownership.

Geoff ‘Karnage’ Bostock with a Hourhora red on a recent trip with legend Rob Parker.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 33

Shane Mankelow with a far, far north doozey.

Phil Fussel with a tasty Whangarei snap - an easy cacth within minutes of home.

Stephen Minty aboard his Frewza Spearmint nice king!

34 www.nzfisher.co.nz

William Ried with a massive (and so tasty!) JD.

5yr old Eden headed out at 4am to help Dad catch livebaits.

Thomas Nehemia’s one-man haul from the wild west.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 35

FISHING for GAME

Drifting with Live Baits

Keep your options wide open, especially when they’re the best ones! BY Scott Tindale

36 www.nzfisher.co.nz

“

One of the things I love about fishing is the hundreds of ways it can be done.

You could say there are no rules to fishing, only the fishing rules.

S

mall boat game fishing in wind

Same as most small boats, our Ramco

over 12 knots is uncomfortable as

Red October drifts stern-on to the wind –

a rule; dragging lures and getting

something I miss in the launch – allowing

tossed around by the sea all day is likely

us to drift-fish in any sea conditions. The

to keep your chiropractor in steady work.

only battle is the initial run out wide,

And don’t think that just because you

once we have collected enough bait.

don’t have a big launch, it will be cheap;

However, we can reduce the

thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of dollars will still be tied up in your runabout and fishing equipment, and the high fuel costs will add up too, especially if you troll all day.

However, one of the things I love about fishing is the hundreds of ways it can be done. You could say there are no rules to fishing, only the fishing rules. So perhaps it’s time to try something different?

I thought we’d discuss drift-fishing with live baits for gamefish, as it’s worked well for us, not only saving fuel, but getting results, too. This concept is certainly not new, and with some trial and error, you can refine it to suit your boat and the equipment you have.

punishment by hugging the coastline as much as possible, sheltering in the lee until far enough upwind for the swing out wide. This also gives an extra opportunity for topping up on live baits for the drift down. Starting the day upwind makes it easier at the end of the day to get home and to the weighstation. Drift-fishing in rough weather is surprisingly easy on the body; no pounding, and stable and quiet.

Once in position at a suitable depth, we start our drift. Where? Birdlife, baitfish, sea temperature, tide lines, bottom structure and local knowledge all help determine this. While depths between

www.nzfisher.co.nz 37

FISHING for GAME

50 and 100 metres on the west coast,

stay on that side (until attacked). Set

and 100 and 150 metres on the east

this first bait long, about 30 to 40 metres

coast, can be productive, marlin and

back using a #18 rubber band. Tie it off

sharks can be attracted to the presence

to the outrigger, and with the reel in free

of bait almost anywhere. Again, there

spool run off an extra 20 metres of line

are no rules to fishing. We’ve caught

into the water as drop back. This is so you

marlin only metres from shore while

have time to feed additional line out with

sheltering from the weather.

minimal resistance if you get a strike.

The drift speed is quite important: too

If a predator is in the vicinity, the bait

slow, and the baits will cross over or

will start to get agitated. You will see

overtake the boat; too fast and they

the rubber band beginning to spring

will skip, die or bust the rubber bands

furiously. If you wish, break the rubber

holding the line.

band and hold the line between your

Adjust your speed and direction by using

fingers instead, but be ready to drop it if

a sea anchor in strong winds. We used

you feel the strike. Otherwise, wait for

20-litre buckets on ropes in the early

the rubber band to snap.

days to keep us drifting at around 2 to 4

Once the fish has the bait, pay out more

knots in the typical 15-knot-plus winds

line, dumping at least another 20 metres

we fished in. On calmer days we create

into the water. This provides sufficient

windage to help move us along. No wind

time for you to clear any other lines you

and you’ll have to start the motors or get

may have out and get ready.

the crew to row.

If the fish hasn’t felt any resistance, the

Two baits are usually set, one each on the

ratchet will click away slowly and then

outriggers, and if you’re keen, one deep

stop. This tends to signal when the fish

off the corner, in short. Kahawai are best

has turned the bait and is swallowing it

on the outriggers as they stay on the

head-first. Count to five slowly, move the

surface. Put one out at a time, and watch

lever to strike, and wind flat out until you

the first one to see which side of the boat

can’t get another turn on the reel. This

it favours. Once there, it will generally

removes any stretch or belly in the line

38 www.nzfisher.co.nz

and sets the hook. Now sit back and relax as the fish realises it’s hooked and makes its first run. Time to start the motor.

When drifting it’s usually not necessary to drive away unless the fish swims up to the boat to investigate or you are drifting too slowly. Unlike most other styles of fishing, you usually have plenty of time to react. It’s also

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO RIG LIVE BAITS

common to have marlin and sharks

The following items may not look like

investigate the boat before the bait.

fishing gear. In fact, you’ll probably have

My favourite live bait is a trevally of

to ask someone where to purchase them,

around 1 to 2kg. Their silver bodies

but they make live-baiting easier.

provide plenty of flash, helping to attract more attention, and they’re also very

Cotton string: for bridle-rigging the bait

hardy and swim deep. Run off the corner

to the hook: Store the string ball inside

they are like having a downrigger. Marlin love them, too. Another advantage is that if they survive the day, they make delicious sashimi; a bit of soy and wasabi is all you need for the trip home.

an empty plastic peanut butter jar. Drill a 1/8-inch hole in the lid so the string can feed out from the centre of the ball – a no-tangle dispenser. Pull out the required amount, double it over and tie a knot. Cut

You don’t need to be too fussy

off, leaving the tag-end hanging out the

about what you use as a live bait;

jar for the next time.

I have even caught marlin on blue maomao. As long as it’s lively, a hungry gamefish can be tempted.

Several advantages are gained by bridlerigging baits: the baits last longer, swim better, and can be towed at speed, while

It’s more appropriate to match the live

the rig exposes more hook and allows

bait to the speed of drift, with skippies

it to fold back along the bait when

for fast drifts, say, and yellowtail mackerel

swallowed. If fishing to IGFA rules, ensure

typically used for slow drifts. Experiment.

the bridle length is no longer than a

One day I’d like to try paper nautilus.

hook-length in front of the bait.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 39

FISHING for GAME A bait needle: This is used to thread the

“

It’s frustrating to have a firmly attached bait that’s swinging around a marlin’s mouth pull the hook free.

bridle through the bait’s eye-socket cavity.

Make sure the needle is blunt so the fish is not easily injured. Feed the needle through in front of the eye, wriggling your hand slightly to find the clear passage.

Hold the two loop ends, pass one loop through the other, and then tie a halfhitch in front of the nose. This prevents the knot tightening on the head. Attach the loop to the hook, ready to release.

Bait needles are simple to make from a 200mm-long piece of stainless-steel welding wire. Flatten one end and fold it over, leaving enough room to slip the string in. Alternatively, find the nearest Spotlight (a sewing supplies store), and for around $3, purchase a loop turner. These are also handy for

Zip-ties, waxed thread and heavy dacron:

making wind-on leaders.

I don’t like using these to rig baits, as they Darning needle and buttons: No, not don’t snap easily. It’s frustrating to have

for those clothing disasters! Again, a

a firmly attached bait that’s swinging

quick way to attach the bait. Here the

around a marlin’s mouth pull the hook

idea is to tie a string loop through a

free. Not so much of a problem on

button and tie off. Thread one end of

heavy tackle if the line is kept tight, but

the loop through the needle. Holding

should you let the line go slack, or you

the baitfish, push the needle up

are fishing light line and can’t put much

through the roof of its mouth, seating

pressure on, the weight of the bait can

the button. Remove the needle and

work against you like a hook remover.

attach the loop to the hook.

40 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Foam mat: Here’s a trick I learned after being told off for getting fish all over my new shirt after trying to hold one still to rig it. Using a sharp knife, cut a Docking rings: Talk to a farmer. These

piece of three-inch-thick foam rubber

handy O-rings float. Tied to a bridle of a

so it’s around the same size as this

pre-rigged bait, they allow you to have

magazine. Then partially split the foam

baits swimming in the tank, waiting to

lengthways down the middle, leaving a

be used. The ring is easier to grab (floats)

one-inch-thick ‘spine’. Dipped in water,

and prevents the bait swallowing the

it now can be used to sandwich live

string. They can be quickly slipped over

baits while rigging. Position the fish

the hook for despatch.

upside down in the foam to calm it.

www.nzfisher.co.nz 41

FISHING for GAME

Rubber bands, size 18: They have 100 uses, including flicking them at your

Berley: attracts everything (especially

sleepy crew. In this instance, they can

other boats, when they spot the birdlife

be used to hold the main line in position

behind you!). The pre-frozen stuff

until the strike. Wind the rubber band

creates a ‘window’ of calm water for

around the main line 12 times. Feed the

miles, and makes it easier to spot a fin,

loop at the rod end through the other

tail or a shadow lurking below. Watch

end and pull up tight. This can now be

any birds sitting on the trail. They too

attached to the outrigger clip or reel

can indicate a predator is lurking. The

handle. This allows the reel to be left in

freshly introduced part of the berley is

free-spool, with the ratchet on, and 20m

what attracts attention, so keep it flowing

of drop-back line in place.

consistently and with few gaps.

42 www.nzfisher.co.nz

Any gamefish crossing its path is likely

so sure it was that silly. In the middle

to follow the trail to the source, so live

of nowhere, baitfish have meatballed

baits swimming in a berley trail often

under us, marlin and sharks have circled

won’t last long. On two occasions we’ve

around, checking out the artwork

had marlin strike a berley bag. Not sure

and ignoring our livies. With plenty

who was the more surprised, the fish

of bill strikes and tooth marks in the

or us! We now tie off the berley with

paintwork, we were definitely centre-

heavier rope.

stage while drift-fishing.

Want to try something else? Spray-

So experiment and, most of all, be

paint the propeller with various dazzle-

prepared for a lot of action. Marlin and

coloured stripes or try painting baitfish

sharks hang out together, so it’s not

silhouettes on the underside of the

uncommon to hook up both at the

hull. Did it first as a joke, now I’m not

same time. See you out there. 

www.nzfisher.co.nz 43

F

Have you subscribed to NZ Fisher? It’s free!

Simply visit www.nzfisher.co.nz to get a copy of NZ Fisher delivered straight to your inbox every month!