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THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

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THE

FISHING& FREE

December 2015 – Issue 123

Angus

PAPER

HUNTING

Beefs Up

NEWS

Fra nk

Da vey w

ith a

dark antle

nd. rdla o i F m red 10 pointer fro

25kg groper - story pg 35

 Rottweilers of White Island  Midnight Monsters  Christmas Cracker  X-BOLT TESTFIRE

s a m t s i r h C y Mer r Ev e r y o n e !

THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

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MARINE ELECTRONICS With Sean Ryan sean@fluidelectronics.co.nz

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support warranty. This means if there is a failure, the manufacturer pay us to go to the vessel, determine the fault, and where it is a warranty issue, we can get a replacement unit dispatched before we leave the vessel. Installed in Nelson and covered Worldwide! Support is also vitally important. With the number of features on modern electronics, you don’t want to buy something and have no back up. Your support needs to start from the time of purchase to well past the sale. Good support can save you hours of stress; a text from a frustrated boatie at 9.00pm might only be a two minute fix from us and that includes my one finger texting! Although we are a small company, we can bring additional support to the mix. Through Navico, we have a New Zealand based technical support line that is available from 9.00am to 7.00pm weekdays, for those times you can’t reach us. The get smacked with all sorts of queries, and they have a great helpful attitude. Secondly, we have an international support network of technicians who work around the clock. This is really important for our customers because it brings peace of mind; they know that if anything goes wrong, they have someone watching over their shoulder. Give this serious thought before you purchase. Have a wonderful, safe, and festive season - and a prosperous New Year.

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Electronics are a very important part of our boating culture and, traditionally, many look to purchase or upgrade at this time of year. With the silly season upon us, it is not silly to keep one question front of mind when making important purchases - “What happens if something goes wrong?” Despite huge advances in technology, failures do occur, but it’s not the going bad you want to remember. To borrow a famous quote, “It’s the putting right that counts!” Warranties and support play a vital role in the world of modern electronics. However, more often than not, little thought is given to this at the time of purchase. Warranties can vary markedly between manufacturers, from the time period they cover to what is included in the fine print, and the manufacturer’s interpretation. Time periods can cover one, two, or three year periods, with the ability to extend those periods out to seven years for some products. The extensions can bring a number of benefits, including options of replacing a failed unit for the latest comparable model at a greatly reduced cost. The fine print is turned to when a unit fails and covers what is included and what is not. If it is to be returned to base, often it is at the owner’s cost, and if it is user error there may be additional costs involved. Being a technical dealer for SIMRAD and B&G equipment, anything we install over the value of $3,000 has an on board

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A glimmer of silver

Movember Magic

Trevor Isitt

The start of the salmon season can be fickle and hard to gauge, with unpredictable snowmelt discolouring the waters, and even leaving rivers not fishable. In these conditions, you never can be sure if early fish aren’t slipping past and making a run to the high country. It certainly adds to the mystique and anglers often rely on sightings from whitebaiters to get the juices flowing. I was whitebaiting at the mouth of the Rangitata in late November when I decided the water looked good for salmon, so decided to do a bit of prospecting to kill time. I grabbed the rod off the bike: it was equipped with a brand new virgin reel, and I had smuggled some new lures from the shop. The little 17g lures were new to the market and they looked good, so I set up and had a few casts into a promising reach. On my sixth cast of the season, the new lure proved irresistible and this 14lb salmon signalled

that the run had begun. After six casts and a fish, I went back to my baiting. Reports suggest the season is running later this year, with only a few fish caught at the time of writing. And surprisingly, most are in the 10lb category; generally we’d expect to see bigger well conditioned fish come through early. I have heard of one weighing 18.5lb being caught at the Rangitata Mouth, so there is hope yet. However, with all the work being put in at local hatcheries, a good return of released stock will be a welcome sight. One thing is certain though, luck favours the busy so get out and get a line in the water. If you want to know the name of the new to the market lure that caught my salmon on the sixth cast, pop in and see me or the boys at Hunting & Fishing Christchurch City.

Olly McPherson

Trevor reckons the season holds a glimmer of silver.

Ollie reckons fishing light on Shimano was WÜrth it!

STORY

I had the Würth New Zealand boys come down from the North Island for a Friday business meeting then Saturday fishing. I had always bragged on about the Nelson snapper fishery, having caught numerous 20lb fish. They always joked about my Photoshop skills and believed I was showing them the same fish each time! I knew the boat ramp would be chokka so picked them up 4.00am to beat the rush. Having just taken possession of my new DNA 570XHT. I was chomping at the bit to give her a good run and show her off. We headed out and set up at Spot X. The North Island boys got stuck in to the spiky dogs, red cod and carpet sharks while, on the other side of the boat, we focused on the

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target species. All of a sudden I was hit and, with the adrenaline flowing, I knew it was a good snapper. The fight begun in earnest. I was using 15lb line with a light Shimano bait runner 4-6kg so knew I had to take my time and let it run at will. After a brief 10 minute fight, I saw colour. Sure enough it was a good snapper. It weighed in at 22.7lb and was a personal best. We ended up keeping three snapper, one kahawai, 180 scallops, two dozen oysters, and two flounder, which were also caught in the dredge. We had plenty to go around between the four of us and not a setline on board. We need to look after this amazing Tasman Bay sport fishery for our children. Set lining is no challenge so let’s go back to the basics reel fishing Nelson.

600

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TESTFIRE:

PENN SPINFISHER V STANDARD SERIES Jason Neute

f you are in the market for a good solid spinning reel, I recommend the Penn Spinfisher V. I have used a number of models extensively and would describe it as the robust all-rounder with no makeup - it’s designed for big fish, not looks. It is perfect for serious situations where it has to take the hard knocks without bruising easily. The Spinfisher V is versatile, with models from the 3500 to the grunty 10500 with 20kg drag, so there is something for all fishing applications: soft baiting, canal fishing, salmon fishing, slow jigging, mechanical jigging, stickbaiting, surfcasting, and even bottom bouncing with bait. The little 3500 is ideal for softbaiting, freshwater spin fishing, and canal fishing. I use the 4500 for slow jigging and straylining, and have dealt to some big fish with them. The 5500 loaded with 50lb Penn Rainbow braid I use for mechanical jigging, while I use the 6500 spooled with 50lb Super X Penn braid for chucking around Sebile lures: Bonga, Stickshads, Flatshads and more. Matched with a 7’2” 10 -15kg Reload rod, it is the perfect light surface combo for casting stickballs for big kingfish and would be ideal for albacore over the summer. The new SSV7500LC surfcasting reel is also proving popular because of the long cast spool and leveline oscillation, and comes into its own on big beaches where you need that extra distance to get past the breakers. I do a lot of fishing and have really put the standard model to the test, and have to say it is mint. A feature I like is the water resistant design that prevents corrosive saltwater getting into the gearbox and drag system. I also enjoy Penn’s little innovations like the rubber gasket to stop superline from slipping, and the line capacity rings so you always know how much line is left during a tough battle. The Spinfisher V is an outstanding performer; robust and indestructible.

Jason believes being appropriately kitted out leads to success.

Big fish are no match for the new Penn Spinfisher V.

THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

Horsing around with bucking crays Norman Holtzhausen

Packhorse crayfish are difficult to find but easy to catch because they tend to be out in the open, rather than in deep cracks like rock lobster. They also don’t seem to retreat when you approach them so, once you find them, they are pretty much in the bag. All that is required is a solid one-handed grab to latch onto them; with a sturdy dive glove to protect you from the short but very sharp spines that cover the back! Packhorse cray should perhaps be called ‘buck-horse’ crayfish because they kick furiously once grabbed, so you have to hang on.

cray. And yes, I thought it would go over 2kg when I got it, but on the other hand a legal red rock lobster is probably just under half a kilo in weight, so this is

roughly equivalent to four of them. The legal minimum size for packhorse is a tail length of 215mm, and this one had a tail length of just over 250mm.

I collected this “baby” 2.1kg packhorse in about 15m of water in Rosalie Bay, on the south-east of Great Barrier Island. It is only the second one I have ever seen in the wild; both on the eastern side of Great Barrier Island. Taste was excellent, at least in this size, and there was a meal for three of us (with leftovers) from the one

This baby packhorse was more than a mouthful for this fishing paper reader.

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Rottweilers of White Island Mark Pandelidis

STORY Brady with a good specimen.

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ith the forecast finally coming right at the eleventh hour on the Saturday of Labour Weekend, the plan was put into action. The legendary White Island was to be the backdrop of an attempt to get my brothers their first kingfish, while good mate, Brady, and I were to have our first crack at stickbaiting. It was a 4.00am start and took an hour and a half of driving before

we approached the island and the call was made to troll a couple of Rapalas. I hardly had time to set the drag before the line screamed off my Shimano Talica 12 reel and Chris got his first introduction to the power of these amazing fish. He likened it to having tug of war with a Rottweiler, as it had him scrambling about the boat while trying to get it under control. These fish give as good as they get! After a serious tussle it was weighed, photographed and released. At 16kg it was a respectable first fish and had

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Chris buzzing. Michael was up next and with a repeat performance, a second solid fish was landed, photographed and back swimming. Then there was a sudden explosion around us as kingfish started smashing the surface, but they weren’t feeding on baitfish. Tell-tale brown patches of ink scattered around the boat showed these fish were feeding hard on squid. This meant a change in plan - time to give stickbaiting a go.

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Chris was buzzing after being bitten by a White Island Rottweiler.

With my Shimano Saragosa 10000 rigged up on my Shimano Tcurve Stickbait rod, my first cast had kings chasing and knocking the stickbait clear out of the water. I hooked up on the second cast and oh what a feeling. With a longer lighter rod than my jig rod, even a smaller king had me struggling to get it under control. Brady also hooked up to a quality fish. After landing and releasing them, more kingfish continued to boil up, busting the surface and we continued to take turns catching fish after fish. Most were just rats but it didn’t take away the excitement of watching these aggressive fish smashing bait and lures on the surface.

I decided to throw out a softbait on my Shimano Sustain 5000 and was pleasantly rewarded with a beautiful trevally weighing in at just over 4kgs. Unfortunately for him, we had brought lemons and soy sauce in anticipation… The bigger fish soon disappeared so we headed out deeper to the pins to have a jig and mix it up a bit. The guys picked up mechanical jigging pretty quickly and it wasn’t long before we were pulling fish in one after the other. Unfortunately the monster kings eluded us, but we had an amazing session and cruised back exhausted and sore, but already planning the next trip back to this special place.

Mark with the unlucky trev.

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Trout and salmon beckon keen anglers

Christin Breuker with a fine spring creek brown.

Don Rood - Fish & Game National Communications Manager

Imagine a clear stream with a trout sitting just back from a riffle, actively feeding. As you watch, it rises and sips down an insect floating past. Excitement and anticipation make you fumble your first cast, but the second fools the fish and you hook and land a beauty with only the forest and mountains as spectators. It is a dream that lures anglers from throughout the country and around the globe, all eager to savour the world’s best trout fishing. This year’s Christmas holiday break provides the opportunity to find out what all the fuss is about and have your chance sampling the cream of international freshwater angling. To make it easier to give it a go, Fish & Game has introduced a much broader range of licences, including licences allowing holiday makers to fish for three or nine days. These two new licences – the short break and the long break – are a perfect match for new anglers to try trout fishing during the Christmas holiday break. F & G already has a single day licence and after surveying people on what they wanted, introduced the three and nine day licences. We want aspiring anglers to get out there and have a go. Hopefully they will taste success and put fish on the table for dinner.

Keen anglers are being urged not to forget their families either. While new licence categories have been introduced this season, the popular family licence is still available. This premium licence allows parents or grandparents to take their children or grandchildren fishing together, all on one licence. Fish & Game places great emphasis on providing children with the opportunity to go fishing. To ensure they have that chance without placing a big financial burden on their families, children get the best value licence of all; If they are under 12, it’s free. The cost of other licences is also excellent value. The one day licence has actually come down in price, as have the licences for people wanting to fish in only one region, or older anglers who have been loyal, long time licence buyers. New Zealand’s trout fishing is acknowledged as the world’s best. Foreign anglers scrimp and save to come here for a once in a life time trip, yet Kiwis get world class trout fishing for 27 to 34 cents a day. Compared to a round of golf, or other recreational activities, that is a bargain. Fish & Game’s new licences are available on line (www.fishandgame.org. nz) and in accredited sports shops and other outlets.

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10 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

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Captain’s Log: Beam me up spotty

The Columbus Syndrome

Remember the uprising when Maori tried to claim the seabed and foreshore; it just about led to a civil war and sparked racial outrage. Kiwis rallied and sang the war cry, “Hands off - it belongs to all!” And just when I believed the Crown had secured it for the masses, I find that it is now under private ownership and my communist shares aren’t worth a damn. It turns out that a minority group has collared the seabed and the only ‘race’ element is a rush to catch all the fish for themselves. A handful of enthusiastic recreational fishers who have not long since reached sexual maturity, and number not more a handful, are claiming title to vast tracts of the seafloor by calling it ‘My Spot’. They suffer a rare affliction called the ‘Columbus Syndrome’, whereby they pull up to a spot, catch a fish, and immediately form the belief they actually discovered it. They then go to extreme lengths to keep ‘My Spot’ a secret so that nobody else can come along in the future and catch the fish they have previously caught there. Just the other day a mate went for a fish in Tasman Bay and pulled up to a spot with no fences, locked gates, or trespass signs. He was 200m away from the nearest boat and was later gutted to learn that he’d been slagged off around the traps by his nautical neighbours for fishing in their spot: it turns out that this ‘My Spot’ can be pretty big - roughly the size of Google Earth! How times have changed. When I came back from overseas and fished Tasman Bay in the eighties, I pretty much had it to myself. I started a radio show, which ran for 21 years and promoted fishing to everyone. Later came The Fishing Paper with the mantra, ‘Informing, Entertaining, and Encouraging to fish! Prior to that, on a busy day, there might be six boats out in the whole bay and they were old guys with ‘frost’ on their heads. Of course there weren’t as many fish back then but we pretty much fished the whole bay and we always caught a feed. None of the bay was owned by enthusiastic young fishers yet to be born so, since the old guys have since died, it poses an interesting dilemma. If you apply the ‘Columbus’ Syndrome’, doesn’t that put me first on the scene? So if you are fishing anywhere in Tasman Bay and you are hooking into the fish, give me a call with the GPS marks: after all, it does appear that you are fishing ‘My Spot!’

18lb 3oz rainbow - a Twizel tiger!

Tackling the tigers of Twizel Tyler McBeth

The Twizel Hydro canals are THE place for those seeking to catch monster trout in New Zealand. I’d fished the Ohau canals a few times before, catching plenty of salmon up to 9.5lb, however the large browns and rainbows eluded me. On this day the weather was overcast and warm with little wind. The canals were a milky blue colour, ideal to float fish because my rig wouldn’t be as visible to the trout and salmon. My baits were a gourmet of huhu grubs, worms and shrimps. I started fishing at the

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Ohau. After no luck at the confluence, I moved up towards the salmon farms and changed to soft bait with an 8/16th of an ounce jig head. On my second cast I hooked a very angry rainbow trout that was soon peeling line off my spool and jumping dangerously close to the wires attached to the salmon farms. I managed to side strain and bully the fish away from the snags, and after plodding around in the margins of the canal, the plump rainbow trout graced the net. At 9lb 3oz, it was a personal best and my first rainbow trout, and was released to live another day. I had no more takes on the soft baits so changed my float so I could cast further out. I landed a few more heavy trout, the best at 12lb 12oz. Then half-way down the swim, the float pulled down confidently. I struck and was hooked into a fish in a completely different league than the others. Long fast runs and making sudden

dives down to the bottom of the canal, where I felt the line grate on the weed beds. I eventually got the fish into safe territory, as it sat deep just under the weed bed in the margins. After close to 15 minutes of playing the fish, it surfaced, a long streamlined rainbow. I managed to scoop the fish in the net. The lean trout weighed 18lb 3oz; a photo and the fish was put back. I went back to the same area the next day and there were already a group of people fishing there. Funnily enough, they were fishing with a bubble float. I moved down from them and cast out. After a dozen casts and a couple of missed bites, I had hooked up. An acrobatic fat rainbow trout jumped clear out of the water several times before attempting to seek refuge under the salmon farms. After a hairy battle, the fish was in the net. The rainbow, about 9 -10lb, fought very well for its size. When the people next to me left, I took their place and,

within a few minutes, hooked a fish, which felt very heavy and began slowly running down the canal. It eventually turned and after a careful battle, graced the net. It was another rainbow trout of 16lb 12oz, which was a deep bodied fish with a small head. I caught a few more trout, including a stunning, fat silver coloured brown covered with spots, which I hooked in only one foot of water. It created a large wake on the surface as it slammed my bait. The brown trout weighed 10lb 4oz and had an oil slick coming from its mouth as I released it, probably from all the pellets it had been feeding on. Then the one that got away: I lost a fish I couldn’t budge, which swam to the bottom of the canal in one run, then slowly moved under the salmon farm. My line was grating on the salmon farm before snapping me off. One lost but I left feeling thoroughly satisfied with the large fish I caught.

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11 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

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STICK YOUR OAR IN HAVE YOUR SAY…

Mail your letters to Stick Your Oar In The Fishing Paper, PO Box 9001 Annesbrook, 7044, NELSON email: editor@thefishingpaper.co.nz

Hugh upsets again! Dear Ed, Hugh Shields letter ( Nov Issue) seemed intent on placing the blame on any decline in the Marlborough Sounds blue cod on recreational fishers, has he swapped camps yet once again? I, like many others, reckon there was little wrong with the fishery in 2008 when Labour’s Jim Anderton closed it, trying to ban recreational fishing. Fortunately fisher persons kicked back and a change to blue cod and netting was introduced. Most anglers would have accepted and supported sensible regulations due to spawning in those areas. What was the reason behind a ban on recreational fishing while commercial and customary ran riot? Not to protect! The National Government then introduced the slot rule. It must have been one of the dumbest regulations ever, forcing fishers to target females and release thousands of cod that were wasted on shags, barracouta, and dying after capture. Little is known of where cod spawn. No one knew, except for a few kite flying suggestions. Seven years down the track, still nobody knows. What little research that has been done has been discarded or classed as not scientific. Ministers Heatly, Carter, and Guy have carried on this

wasteful practice so don’t blame recreational fishers, BLAME THE GOVERNMENTS for the decline. They have managed to camouflage the situation by setting up and creating interest groups (Mr Shields included) to discuss and delay changes. The Ministers mentioned went to M.P.I. for advice no doubt, well who is M.P.I. responsible to? Heads should roll! Or shall we stay with the three monkeys: I see, hear, or speak nothing? Bruce Walton Blenheim

Hugh doesn’t shag about! Dear Ed, When the Marlborough Sounds blue cod rules review concluded, there was the usual round of political posturing and back slapping. Local papers were adorned with photo opportunities of Nathan Guy with newly elected Kaikoura MP, Stewart Smith, who claims to have influenced the process. The Minister acknowledged, “The sterling work of Smith.” MPI thanked the Blue Cod Management Group for their efforts. The Council of Outdoor Recreation Associations of NZ Cochairman, Bill Benfield, paid tribute to sterling, persistent efforts by the Marlborough Recreational Fishers. Dr John Leader, spokesperson for the

Marlborough Recreational Fishers Association, acknowledged the sterling work of MP, Stuart Smith. And so the circle of blowing smoke up is completed. God give me strength. Nothing like a little bit of political claptrap for a bit of comical light relief. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the Wellington representative on the Marlborough Sounds Blue Cod Management Group, Allan Davidson, resigned. “My work here is done. I’m sick of all this time wasting. I’ve got better things to do with my time.” Away from the politics, what can recreational fishers do to ensure the new rules assist with rebuilding the fishery? Firstly, use big hooks, circle or mutsu type, 8/0 or bigger, with BIG baits to ensure you don’t catch small blue cod. Learn how to handle undersized blue cod carefully and release without killing them. If you are plagued by lots of small cod, you are probably fishing in a nursery area, so MOVE! To ward off shags, take a bucket of rocks with you and THROW ROCKS AT SHAGS! Shags have learnt to identify fishing boats as a source of food. They now need to learn fishing boats are a source of DANGER! NOTE: Don’t hit them or kill them, it is illegal to kill native birds, just scare them away.

CRIMPTOON To minimise deaths of returned undersized cod, try keeping them alive on board your boat, in an aerated live bait tank or bucket of water, and release them, en masse, after you have scared the shags away. The principle of, ‘safety in numbers’ will ensure more survive. Only time will prove whether the new rules succeed in rebuilding the Sound’s blue cod fishery. It is the responsibility of all recreational fishers to play their part by fishing sensibly and sustainably. Hugh Shields (Abridged) Wellington.

hand I will not repeat what I have been told. Could you glean some facts for us fishermen and let us know first hand what the proposals are. Merv Holland Ed replies: Sure can. Ecan were most obliging and with little to go on, offered this explanation: Hi Crimpy, Not sure I can get to the bottom of this. Best I can guess is that Lake Georgina and surrounds

is scheduled for some work to control wilding pines NZ’s no 1 pest problem. I understand that there are some concerns from the likes of campers and fishers who take advantage of the shelter afforded by the trees, and there is some consultation planned before anything happens to ensure all the impacts are weighed up. Kim Drummond Ecan

Lake Georgina scuttlebut Dear Ed, I have recently heard some details of changes to be made by DoC and Ecan that will affect fishing and camping at Canterbury’s Lake Georgina. As my information is second-

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NG FISHI THE

R PAPE

HUNTING NEWS

Published by Coastal Media Ltd

261 Paton Road, Hope PO Box 9001, Annesbrook, 7044, NELSON

Ph 03 544 7020

www.thefishingpaper.co.nz

Editor

Daryl Crimp 021 472 517 editor@coastalmedia.co.nz Sub-Editor

Mike Brown Administration & Sales

Annette Bormolini 021 028 73393 annette@coastalmedia.co.nz

Graphic Design

Patrick Connor

production@coastalmedia.co.nz Deputy Editor

Ron Prestage rgprestage@xtra.co.nz Printer

Inkwise

Contributors

Aaron Houghton

Daryl Crimp

Jake Williams

Ron Prestage

Jason Neute

Sean Ryan

Ivan Wilson

Poppa Mike

Trevor Islitt

Dave Duncan

Olie McPherson

Kim Swan

Norman Holtzhausen

Frank Cartwright

Mark Pandelidis

Dave Dixon

Don Rood

Chris West

Tyler McBeth

Ant Corke

Bryce Helms

Anita Aitchison Ian Hadland Andrew Claridge Lyndsey Bishop Brian Fensom Marco Salewsky Dave Strachan Alister Arkell Mark Roden

The Fishing Paper & Hunting News is published by Coastal Media Ltd. All editorial copy and photographs are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions or comments expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the staff, management or directors of Coastal Media Ltd. Unsolicited editorial, letters, photographs will only be returned if you include a stamped self addressed envelope.

12 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

Surf secrets from southern shores

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Jake with a nice southern ele.

Jake Williams

There’s nothing more satisfying or exciting for many southern shore based anglers than hooking into a decent rig or elephant fish. But for many anglers new to surfcasting or new to targeting these species, they can seem difficult and at times almost impossible to catch. I’ve found three key factors to consistently producing these fine fighting- high quality table fish. Number one: have the right bait. Rig, instead of sharp teeth like most sharks, have almost smooth crushing diamond patterned plates, and elephant fish are much the same. So whilst you will occasionally catch these fish on standard baits such as pilchard and squid, their diets mainly consist of crustaceans like paddle crabs, tua tuas, prawns and other shellfish. For me, the number one bait will always be paddle crab. Small ones, whole or large ones cut in half, hooked through the leg sockets are

absolutely deadly. Elephants will take paddle crab also, but fresh tua tua wrapped with bait elastic has always been a reliable bait, worthy of the time it takes to gather them. Whole prawns, either raw or cooked are also worth a shot, or good to have as a fall back. Number two: conditions. You’re not going catch fish every time you go fishing, so you want to make sure you have the best chance and one of the most important things to pay attention to is

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the conditions. Rig are highly active close inshore when the waves are big and messy, stirring up the bottom. However, it is these conditions that can drive elephant fish away, so try to get in-between too rough and too calm. I’ll never fish on a sunny day for these species; in my books it’s a waste of time. Overcast days are better - overcast evenings with an incoming tide are the best. Rig are about in pretty much all surf conditions, so fishing a day with fairly clean water and not huge swell will produce both species. Number three: location. I’m often asked (living in Christchurch)

where the best beach to catch rig or ele’s from is. The answer? All of them. They all hold fish, you just have to find them. Channels and gutters in the surf on sandy beaches are MAGNETS for these fish, as they cruise in and out of them looking for exposed shellfish and crabs to munch on. If you fish a spot on a beach for an hour or two in good conditions without a bite, move 200m down the beach, and so on, until you come across something. This isn’t as important with steep gravel beaches, as the fish cruise the entire length, so something’s bound to swim past your bait. Something to remember is that these fish are largely nocturnal, and some of the people who consistently catch large rig fish all night long for them. Elephant fish have much smaller mouths than rig, so using any hook above 5/0 is out of the question. (These are just personal preferences, but they work.) I find 4/0 circle hooks are best, as they hold a nice sized crab for a big rig to come and smash, but also hold a succulent tua tua bait for an elephant to come and suck up. These fish put up a decent fight on any surf gear and can be caught inside harbours, sheltered bays, and beaches along the entire length of the country. They are absolutely superb from the moment hooked to consumption, and it’s even awesome to watch these fish swim away once released. Anyone who has not yet caught, or not yet tried to catch one of these fish is surely missing out!

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Jake about to release a rig.

13 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

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The McKenzie Country hydro canals are a unique fishery and popular destination for those chasing a feed of salmon or that elusive ‘trophy’ trout. Once a hidden gem, increased pressure has made the fish both wary, and educated, so a change in approach is often needed in order to entice a hit. The evening change of light is when predatory fish are most active: once the sun sets, the ‘mood’ of the canals changes as small trout and salmon huddle the banks in water barely an inch deep, sheltering from marauding predators. This is when the big boys come out to play.

MIDNIGHT MONSTERS - canal night fishing

The right kit for midnight monsters.

Bryce Helms

Softbaits Softbaiting at night is my favourite way of targeting monster trout. When done right, results can be spectacular. A recent trip saw six fish over the 20lb mark landed in a single session! Appropriate gear is critical in achieving success. The rod must be sensitive enough to cast light weights and feel the slightest touches, yet powerful enough to keep large fish out of the many obstructions. I recommend the C.D. Extrasense Nano and

the Okuma Nano Matrix Canal, both 7’9 high-modulus nanocarbon designed in New Zealand specifically for canal fishing. Go for a lightweight quality reel with a smooth, powerful drag to maintain the kit’s sensitivity. The little Okuma RTX 25 has performed brilliantly for me, dealing to many fish over the 20lb mark and a couple over 30lb! This should be spooled with 4-8lb braid, attached to 1-2m of 10lb fluorocarbon leader.

The choice of softbait is crucial at night because visibility is limited, so you need plenty of action, plenty of lumo, or ideally both. The Savage Gear Soft 4Play is my go-to bait for both day and night fishing, mainly due to its stunning swimming action. The Roach and Perch patterns have been brilliant during the day and over the change of light but, once the sun sets, the Lumo pattern really comes into its own for both salmon and monster trout. This bait has the brightest, longest lasting glow on the market, and is responsible for almost all of my trophy (20lb+) trout over the last two seasons including my best at 33lb. The technique is very similar to daytime softbaiting: cast on an angle upstream, allow the softbait to sink to the bottom, and then twitch slowly and erratically back to the bank. The weight of the jighead and angle of the cast depends on assessing current strength, which becomes second nature with experience. Any tap or pause on the retrieve should be met with a short, firm strike to punch the hook home – sometimes the fish will absolutely monster the bait, other times takes can be extremely subtle. Fish often hold around salmon farms where there is plenty of opportunity to break you off, so move up and down the bank when required. Getting the rod, reel and even yourself wet is often inevitable when threading over and under the salmon pen anchor cables. A good net is essential, and be sure to handle these huge fish carefully when releasiong them. Night fishing the canals is an absolute ball and there is nowhere else in the world where fish of this size and quality are so accessible. The fishing is just starting to heat up, so get yourself some lumo softbaits and get to the canals this summer!

14 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

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Muppet monkey and five good snapper Brian Fensom

s predicted, snapper have drifted into the shallows with the onset of spring, but there the predictability ends. While schooling up for spawning, they can be on again off again, with just as many anglers missing out as those scoring big time. After three or four forays with limited success, a change in circumstances turned the tide in our favour. I’d planned the usual 4.00am start with crew, Mark Cotton and my son, Troy, but a dodgy weather forecast had us rethinking things. Regrouping at around 6.00am, we checked the conditions to find it still blowing 22 knots, gusting 26, but it was supposed to drop, so we adopted ‘gentleman’s hours’ and went to sea anyway. We got our arse kicked initially, but persevered and anchored up, setting the berley 3m down; the slop pumping up a good trail in no time. Between us we used an array of rigs: ledgers, flasher rigs, stray lines, and soft baits. It initially proved hopeless, largely because the boat was swinging too much in the wind; the berley was

Photo credit. Mark Cotton

being spread everywhere and it was impossible to present good baits, so I put a drogue out. This immediately slowed the swing dramatically. We soon started picking up snapper: schoolies in the 3 6lb range. It didn’t matter what bait or rig was in the water, everyone was getting a taste. The bite time was late and long. We caught the first at around 8.00am and the last at eleven. However, not all went smoothly: I had a bad trot where I dropped five good snapper. The odd one came in but I just couldn’t seem to make them stick. Mark was a pleasure to fish with and went to great pains to restore my confidence and settle me down: “Interesting… I really thought you knew how to fish!” “Muppet - you should’ve had that one!”, and “Huh, call yourself a fisherman - Muppet!” “Muppet, Muppet, Muppet… !” Get the drift? People close to me, know me as a calm, placid man not easily fazed or upset by such banter! (Editor’s note Tui’s moment!) So I quietly ignored his barbs and silently planned how I could slip sulphuric acid into his coffee next time we were out! Then poetic justice. My rod bent hard and the reel screamed. All the fish had been hard fighters, peeling line in multiple runs, but this one was clearly the biggie of the day. I run my tension loose, but with good gear and a bit of skill, it came to the net after a few minutes. The

moment the tension came off the line, the hook popped free of the snapper’s mouth! Close call. It was the last fish of the day, the biggest, and it got ‘the monkey off my shoulder!’ The Muppet monkey, that is. It also broke that unfortunate run where I lost five fish.

akers d a w n b rge C l u b F is h in y Stor

Brian went head to head with this 11lb snapper.

15 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

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16 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

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Redtails for trophy rainbow Lyndsey Bishop

I met Paul Spicer a couple of years back and we have had countless confabs about the ins and outs of tackle methods, design and effectiveness. Paul and I hit the canals to try our various weapons out on the many monster rainbows and browns there. Being envious of the many remarkable catches Paul has made, I was excited with the prospect of setting a higher goal for my own record. We headed off early and I was there to learn from the master. The day proved hard going fighting against a brisk nor-wester and strong water flows amid clear water conditions and bright sun. We were up against it! Fishing with a mix of Paul’s hand-tied Hair Jigs, then to our new soft plastic Wicked Shads, then Sassy Grubs, it took a while to see some action. We eventually ended up at a spot known to hold some rippers and soon Paul was into his first for the day, at about 12.30pm! Hard runs and deep dives combined to result in a highly respectable 19lb rainbow in lovely condition coming to the net. Some quick photos and release and plenty of smiles of satisfaction ensued. We shifted across to another couple of known hotspots and against all odds in clear conditions, continued down to near a favourite spot from my previous trips there. I chose a rod I have had built, a 1 to 2kg rated 7 footer, just brilliant and appropriately named ‘Insanity.’ I told Paul, I was going to be a little sporting and try for a salmon now the trout were not doing their thing for me. On went our own design Redtail 16gm spinner in

scales pattern. I was impressed the light rod handled the comparatively clumsy spinner so well. Paul called out, there was a trout heading my way. The very next cast and early retrieve went to plan but came to an abrupt thumping halt. Feeling like I had hit a log, the following headshake and run told me otherwise. Keeping the pressure on, the trout drew closer while staying very deep. A few more long minutes and the fish revealed its true size, albeit in a rather angry fashion. Leading it to the net, Paul lifted it with tail hanging, up onto the bank, for the joyous ceremony that follows such event. I couldn’t believe my eyes, this was the biggest trout I have ever caught. The scales tipped at 20 1/4lb and doubled my previous best weight trout. I have always had ultimate faith in the Redtails to deliver when many other lures don’t. I stumbled across them a few years ago and fearing the prying eyes of trade competitors, we bought the supplier’s entire stock. We selected the colour and

Lyndsey with his PB ‘nugget’ of a rainbow taken spinning!

pattern mix, went with the same weight as before, and this is the end result. What a way to test them for the first time! Jean has caught her best salmon at the canals, a 15lb on a Redtail, and it seems the tradition of Redtail success will be hard to top. NZ Agents for these great products is: Tacklesave, a division of HST Fishing (Hot Shotz Tackle) www.tacklesave. co.nz

Your Canal Fishing Experts

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TURBO CHARGE YOUR VHF

Membership of the Nelson Marine Radio Association gives you use of channels 28 and 60 - instantly converting any VHF into a mighty communication tool that reaches into virtually every corner of Tasman and Golden Bays, plus well up and down the West Coast, out into Cook Strait and into Pelorus Sound. With membership you get: • Enormous peace of mind - for you and the family • Convenient, easy contact with other members’ boats everywhere - to chat, compare notes, pass on messages. • Three daily bulletins of weather (5 sea areas), tides, navigation and safety notices • Friendly operators who - within reason - will pass messages to and from onshore contacts • Log-in service for trip and position reports.

Download the app for FREE and take The Fishing Paper & New Zealand Hunting News wherever you go! Nelson Marine Radio Association - owned and operated by boaties, for boaties - JOIN TODAY! Private members $58; commercial $74 p.a Join your fellow boaties in maintaining this vital facility Ph 03 528 7629 now.

17 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

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Marlborough Watercraft has summer sussed The Fishing Paper team attended the grand opening of Marlborough Watercraft in October and, while the event was well attended with good sales on the day, it nearly ended in divorce for Crimpy and the ‘Home Accountant’. It was the perfect outing for boys and girls who like toys, with plenty to see in terms of top brand models, Stabicraft, Haines Hunter, and Yamaha, but one standout was the new Yamaha Waverunner series. Owners, Pete and Ange Walters, had a range on display and one fully kitted as a mean fishing machine, and it was this that caught Crimpy and Daniel’s eyes. The modern jetski is a far cry from the annoying mosquitoes of yesteryear, far more versatile, and at a price point that brings them into the range of the entry-level boatie, young single adventurer, family, and enthusiastic fisher. Compact and easy to store, tow, and launch, the Waverunner can be fully equipped with esky, rod holders, electronics, and anchor to become the perfect fishing machine. Capable of speeds up to 80kph, the Yamaha Waverunner is perfect for maximising time spent fishing: get in and out quickly, and enjoy more productivity because travel time is minimised.

Kayaking with Chris West

While kayak fishing is popular at the lower end of the market, Pete believes the Yamaha Waverunner and jetski fishing offers an incredibly cost effective and exciting alternative at the next level, and they are cheap to operate. “And the beauty is, while not fishing - they are an amazing fun plaything for the whole family to enjoy,” says Pete. Crimpy and Daniel agree and want one and who in their right mind would stand in the way of boys wanting a little fun? With Yamaha finance and insurance packages available on site, your summer is about to get a whole lot more exciting and productive. Give Pete a call now on (03) 578 0569, or check email petew@mwcraft.co.nz Go to www.mwcraft.co.nz for more great deals.

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FLOTATION The amount of flotation in different PFDs varies. Different countries have different standards that manufacturers must meet, and these can vary from around 55N of buoyancy, to over 75N. Take a look on the label on the PFD to see just how much buoyancy it offers. A common question people have is, “if this PFD offers 70N of buoyancy, how will it hold me up. I weigh 100kg?” Most people will be close to floating naturally when swimming without a PFD. Wearing a PFD gives you enough additional flotation to easily stay afloat and will keep you floating in rough water when additional buoyancy is required. SIZING The main measurement used when deciding which size will fit is your chest measurement. Measure your chest under your armpits and this will correspond with the sizes given by the manufacturer. Some brands offer women’s specific models. These are usually shorter in the torso and feature a different shape for the front panel.

The Crimpy’s plead for an early Christmas present!

From

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

PFDs, also known as buoyancy aids, are an important piece of safety equipment. They keep us afloat in the water, as well as providing a useful place to carry extra gear. Here are a few things that will better help you understand what to look for in a PFD.

ck ar New sto

STRAPS A PFD should have enough straps so you can

tighten the PFD and ensure that it remains in place on your torso. A well thought out design will allow you to fit the PFD securely without needing to over tighten the straps. These straps need to be webbing as this has no stretch. WHEN TO WEAR A PFD Always! You cannot predict when you may capsize, so always wear your PFD. Trying to fit a PFD when you are in the water is challenging at the very least. Put it on before you hit the water and then remove it after you have landed again. Not all PFDs are created equally. Take a look at each model and decide what is important to you. Choose wisely as you spend a fair amount of time wearing a PFD. You want to know that your PFD will be as comfortable after two hours, as it will after two minutes. Listen to the recommendations of others, but be aware that PFDs are a personal thing. What works for one person make be less than ideal for the next person.

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Fish Profile – Blue cod Only found in New Zealand and not a member of the cod family, blue cod belong to a group of fish called sand perches and were originally dubbed coalfish by Captain Cook. It is distinguished by a long, tapering body ending in a blunt tail. The body is very round and the larger fish have a real boof-head. The adults carry a greenish-blue colouration, which can almost appear black in some cases. Juveniles are lighter and have a brown colouration along the flanks. Often referred to as rats of the ocean, blue cod are not rated by sport fishers, but can put up a dogged fight on light tackle. Size varies depending on location, sex and fishing pressure, with the larger fish found in the South Island. Large cod can grow bigger than 60cm and reach weights in excess of 5 kilos, but 30-40cm is a more common range. Any fish in the 2-3 kg range is considered a beauty.

Distribution They are found right around our coastline, but the waters south of Cook Strait and around the Chatham Islands hold the heaviest populations. They tend to be territorial with dominant males being in control of their own patch,

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which makes them susceptible to ﬁshing pressure. Any areas of reefs, rocks or foul ground provide suitable habitat for this species and their range extends to depths of more than 150 metres. They are voracious feeders and will basically swallow any living organism that isn’t nailed down.

Targeting Blue Cod Because of their aggressive nature, blue cod are easy to catch and can often frustrate anglers because they will attack baits ahead of more sought after species. They have a habit of spinning as they take a bait; especially the small ﬁsh, and will often leave a rig looking like underwater macrame. The standard two-hook ledger rig, ﬂasher rigs, softbaits and slow jigs are most preferred. Absolutely any bait will do – even cheese.

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Food Qualities. Blue cod have a white to pinkish flesh that flakes easily and has a sweet delicate flavour. Bleeding cod after it’s caught makes it even whiter. It is superb fresh, but doesn’t freeze well. Will handle any cooking technique, but really is best lightly fried over a moderate heat.

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Christmas Cracker Great lures with amazing ﬁsh catching abilities.

Innovative Lures is the Danish lure manufacturer producing top quality lures that have added new enhanced strike-generating features. The lure range covers the whole fishing range from saltwater to river mouth fishing to freshwater for trout , salmon, and coarse fish. From the beginning the company laid down three rules:

1. Only develop products with a genuinely new element

2. Ensure a high level of quality that does not disappoint 3. Products must catch more ﬁsh

Fishing Stocking Filler

If you are looking for that perfect gift for the fishers in your life, why not create a fishing stocking full of sinkers, line, flasher rigs, catch bags, boots, fins and heaps more. At Deep Blue Diving Co Ltd they can help you fill your stocking. Come in to their new shop on 251 Blenheim Road, Riccarton, Christchurch. Open Mon - Fri 9.30am to 5pm, Sat 10am to 3pm. There is ample car parking in the front.

The New Zealand range currently caters for:

1. Traditional trout anglers with spinners and wobblers, from 3gm to 25 gms, and soft ﬂies 2. Salmon anglers with spinners and spoons, from5gm to 40gm 3. Coarse ﬁshermen with softbaits, spoons, and surface lures 4. Saltwater with surface lures, spoons, and softbaits

All the lures come with VMC hooks and split rings

Free shipping on orders over $500 and applies to in store items.

To kick start your stocking - ﬂasher rigs, sizes 3/0 to 7/0, at only $3 each. Deep Blue Diving, best price on ﬁshing and diving gear!

Innovative Lures are available through Reel Blue Sports

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Email enquires to Reelbluesports@gmail.com or phone 027-777-3-222

Phone: 03 332 0898 – Cell 027 666 8911

“Hold on, mate! Is that ﬁsh legal size?”

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Introducing the New Zealand designed and made, innovative multi-fish measuring tool, Size It Right. Make sure your day’s catch complies with MAF’s sizing regulations with this ‘all-in-one’ stainless-steel tool that no fisherman should ever be without! Designed for a variety of fish species including snapper, tarakihi, blue cod, butterfish, paua, scallop, oyster, and crayfish (male and female). Simple, effective, durable and affordable. RRP $59 (with fillet board). Great Christmas present for the fisho in your life. .95

Available from all good tackle/dive stores, or from Paul on 029 964 4444 – email: sizeitright@rmprojects.nz

K-2 schoolboy tough

Is that school bag starting to split apart on you? Not even though the year and it’s starting to show wear? Problem solved!

The price you see, is the price you pay

Andrew & Wendy Neame run Outpost Supplies and import military surplus from the British military, along with other outdoor clothing and equipment. The company was started by Gareth Edwards, who, after serving many years in the British Armed Forces and then working in the harsh New Zealand outdoors, was keen to ﬁnd hard-wearing, reliable, comfortable outdoor clothing and equipment at a reasonable price. He was disappointed with the quality to price of what was on offer and set about changing that, starting Outpost Supplies NZ Ltd with the aim of bringing New Zealanders high quality, low cost outdoor clothing & equipment. Andrew & Wendy bought the business from Gareth as he went off to Australia to live. Outpost Supplies is dedicated to providing an affordable option for quality military & outdoor clothing and equipment. IT SHOULDN'T COST THE EARTH TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS. We can also source stock at individual request for customers. This is very popular.

Customer satisfaction with the products and price is extremely high. By buying bulk at trade prices and having no retail outlet, we pass the savings on to our customers. Outpost Supplies NZ 2014 Ltd, is very much homegrown and run by a husband and wife team dedicated to providing customers with high quality goods and a high level of service. Phone on 021 063 4450 or email: info@outpostsupplies.co.nz – www.outpostsupplies.co.nz

46lb Kentiki - Long-Strong-Electric Kontiki Looking to have a family ﬁshing experience without the hassle and cost of running a boat, worrying about the windy weather, seasick children, then invest in a Kentiki Kontiki.

Daniel Crimp has been trialling this K-2 bag all year and not one split seam in sight. There is no greater punishing test that daily abuse from a typical schoolboy: jampacked, not just with books, but soccer and rugby balls, clothes, boots, boys’ junk, and a huge heavy lunch box. Boys show no mercy and take no prisoners, so this bag is thrown, dropped, kicked, shunted and dragged everywhere.

Kentiki was developed over 30 years ago by Ken & Dot Smith through their love of ﬁshing off the beach with family and friends and over those years they have perfected and reﬁned the product to be very family and user friendly.

All packs are made in New Zealand and come with a threeyear guarantee and range in sizes L $119, M $99, S $79. Daniel has the large one, a great investment for a lifetime bag.

The price for this model is $1650 GST inclusive, and comes complete with ﬂag, strobe light, three 9 amp/hr batteries, auto battery charger (three port), two sinkers, steering chains, lid spanner, DVD and basic instructions. Freight charges extra, at cost.

Daniel’s only comment was that is was a little stiff when he got it but it has softened over time. He is pretty sure that once he has ﬁnished school, this will end up his hunting day pack that’s no faint praise!

Available from www.k2antarcticproducts.co.nz Ph Marie 0220 740 319 - email k24u@xtra.co.nz

For another stocking stuffer idea, buy Something to Aim For and get the WildFoods Cookbook for FREE!

The 46lb Kentiki has a powerful big electric outboard motor to get you through those strong currents and high surf.

We take pride in our workmanship and are committed to outstanding customer service. We invite you to look through our website and if you choose to purchase, or even just call for a chat, you will receive personalised service from us, the manufacturers.

Available from Kentiki. 33 Turoa Road Wanganui - Ph 06 343 7905 email: info@kentiki.co.nz

= $39.95 Normally $75

email admin@coastalmedia.co.nz or phone 03 544 7020

Check out these awesome gift ideas deeper FishFinder Wireless Fishﬁnder for smartphones

Nelson Motorcycle Centre

The Fishes of New Zealand

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deepers’ Smart Imaging technology provides crystal clear images of the fish targets and bottom structure with amazing detail, straight to your smartphone or tablet. Fish are vividly revealed as clearly defined targets and separated from other bottom structure. Specially designed to fit into your tackle box, so you can take your personal fish finder anywhere you go. You can use it in places most others can’t, like from a kayak, from the beach or wharf, or float it down the berley trail to see the action. For more information - www.kilwell.co.nz

Editors: Clive D Roberts, Andrew L Stewart, Carl D Struthers. Published by Te Papa Press 4 Hardback volumes in slipcase. $250 Comprising thorough and accessible descriptions of each of the 1250+ species found in New Zealand waters, this book introduces many newly discovered and identiﬁed specimens, and over 140 species new to science. Each species features diagnostic, taxonomic, distribution and biological detail, accompanied by richly produced photographs, maps and illustrations. It reveals the history, diversity and biogeography of the region’s rich freshwater and ocean life and is an indispensable reference for researchers, conservationists, professional and recreational ﬁshers, and anyone interested in the aquatic biodiversity of New Zealand.

How To Use An Echo Sounder/Fish Finder.

• Background to echo sounders • Understanding the sounders and how they work

Peter and Sue welcome you to Sprig & Fern Tavern Motueka and Sprig & Fern Tavern Mapua.

Proudly serving a range of award winning beers, ciders, local wines, and great food: a variety of platters - pizzas - burgers - salads - mussels - crispy potatoes - steak & ﬁsh meals, including gluten free and dessert options. • Families welcome

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• Off licence - riggers - (2 litre plastic bottles) can be purchased until 10.00 pm • Outdoor areas at both venues Opening hours:

John Adams $69.50 A simplified explanation into understanding echo sounders/fish finders covering:

- experts in selling and servicing Suzuki farm bikes. PERFORMANCE WITH FUNCTION AND STYLE The KingQuad 400 was extensively tested and refined on New Zealand farms, and is equipped with an economical fuel-injected 376cc motor, which, when coupled with the almost unnecessarily large 16 litre fuel tank, will have you spending less time at the fuel pump and getting more 'k's between fills. $ Of note is the sealed waterproof LCD digital instrumentation Special on LTF400F - normally 13,495 inc GST. $ that includes speedometer, odometer, trip meter, clock and Three only at 11,995 inc GST fuel gauge. With long travel anti-roll suspension, a twin shock rear end and a low centre of gravity, the KingQuad provides you with an all-day comfortable and stable ride. Other features include easy to use gate-style shift control for easy selection of Hi, Lo and Reverse, plus a torque-sensing limited slip front diff that will find grip where it’s needed, and selectable 2WD or 4WD through the 5-speed manual transmission. Also standard are powerful front discs and enclosed rear drums, delivering reliable, all-weather stopping. Take advantage of their on farm service technician who will come to you within the Top of the South Nelson region for only a $36+GST gate fee. 172 Rutherford St, Nelson. Phone 03 548 3786

• Fish detection and dead zones

Motueka 2.00pm - late Phone: 03 5284684

• Interpretation of images

Mapua Monday - Friday 2.00pm late Saturday and Sunday 12 - late Phone: 03 5402553

• Setting and tuning the sounder

crew@boatbooks.co.nz

•

www.boatbooks.co.nz

•

09 358 5691

Recreation destination

Paintball… golf… cafe… one place… new management!

Discover the beauty and tranquility that is REDSTONE GOLF PARK situated just 5 minutes from Wakeﬁeld in sunny Nelson. This magical nine hole golf course is a ﬂat, challenging adventure!

If you’re wanting a bit more adrenaline in your day then ARMAGEDDON PAINTBALL is the answer. This premier paintball facility offers three ﬁelds of paintball mayhem, including a post apocalyptic town known as Purgatory. If you just want a low-powered adventure, try Splatmaster - the paintball game without the sting! All this fun and family adventure is complemented by our new ONE SHOT CAFE - a fully licensed facility offering great homemade food, cold beverages, and barista coffee. New owners, Wayne, Kenny, and Heather Stockdale have a long history in the Nelson and international Paintball Industry. Heather is a fully qualiﬁed chef and has years of experience in catering. Watch this space for your accommodation needs, as we will have camper van sites available and a B&B in the near future. Wayne, Kenny, and Heather invite you to one of Nelson’s best kept secrets and newest recreation destinations.

Phone: 03 541 8452 email: paintball.nelson@xtra.co.nz visit: www.armageddonpaintball.nz

For another stocking stuffer idea, buy Something to Aim For and get the WildFoods Cookbook for FREE!

Safety tips for your pets at Christmas

With the Christmas holidays fast approaching here are a few tips to keep your dogs, cats and wallets safe: • Cats love tinsel and, believe it or not, will eat it – keep these things out of reach to avoid life threatening intestinal blockages.

• Ham and even the bone can cause pancreatitis, requiring hospitalisation, and, in some cases, can be fatal. • Chocolate is poisonous to dogs. Dark is more toxic than milk chocolate. This can be fatal if left untreated. • Fruit cake – Raisins are toxic to dogs

• Heat stroke - leave dogs at home rather than taking them out in the heat of the day in your car – even with the windows open your car can heat up to 40 degrees in ten minutes and your dog cannot cope with this heat. • Avoid exercising your dog in the heat of the day. Dogs don’t know when to stop and heat stroke often kills them.

We provide 24/7 care – call 03 5441200 Have a safe and Merry Christmas from the team at Town & Country Vet!

= $39.95 Normally $75

email admin@coastalmedia.co.nz or phone 03 544 7020

Christmas Cracker Quality built chillers at great prices

LOCHMARA

Each chiller comes with a set of four tiered, free-standing, adjustable, powder coated shelves, along with one meat rail attached to the ceiling, commercial grade vinyl and a drain.

To get your chiller in time for Christmas call today!

Depart Picton 9am or 12.30pm. Depart Lochmara at 2.45pm or 5.00pm. $59 (peak) per adult. Children ½ price. Lochmara café is fully licensed and open from 8.00am till late every day. Bookings required for dinner only. • Includes use of kayaks and ﬂying fox • Take the native bush paths, with information panels on native ﬂora and fauna • Learn about our conservation projects, including gecko and kakariki breeding programmes and the wildlife rehabilitation unit • Hand-feed native kakariki parakeets, eels, pigs and chickens • Visit the art spaces and follow the sculpture trail • Walk to the Queen Charlotte Track (2 hour return) Come on over in your own boat. We monitor VHF channel 63. Check our website for various specials. Come and visit for a few hours, a day, or stay the night. www.lochmara.co.nz or phone 0800 562 462

Dometic 240v and 12v Vacuum sealer

Vintage Tin Signs - The Perfect Christmas Gift

The Dometic vacuum sealer operates on 240v and 12v and is ideal for outdoor and home use. Vacuum packed food eliminates freezer burn and wasted food, locking in ﬂavour, colour and nutrition. The Dometic vacuum sealer provides the options of automatic and manual vacuum sealing - the latter ideal for sealing juicy foods and liquids like soup.

The range is huge. You can choose from cars to ﬁshing, to vintage garage signs. There is a theme to suit any ‘Man Cave’, shed, bach or bar.

New Zealand Chillers and Coolrooms Limited is a Hauraki based company supplying portable chillers and coolrooms throughout New Zealand, with a range of sizes available for immediate sale.

Additional meat rails and accessories are available for purchase.

Chillers are now available for purchase on permanently attached trailers.

For chillers custom made to your speciﬁcations, information on chiller trailers, and an obligation free quote - visit our website www.nzchillersandcoolrooms.com or contact shaun@nzchillersandcoolrooms.com or phone on 021 389 198. Delivery options are available throughout New Zealand.

Keeps food fresh for up to 5 times longer - an ideal Christmas gift!

Vacuum sealer bags are available in 8" and 11" rolls, which are BPA free and food grade quality. The sealing function provides the ﬂexibility to make the bags to the size you need .The bags are microwave and simmer safe, and are supplied in rolls 6 metres long.

A magic must-do Marlborough Sounds experience.

If you are stuck for Christmas gift ideas then these signs are the perfect choice.

Come on in and check out the entire range. There are heaps of themes.

From only $30, these signs make amazing gifts, but hurry, they are going fast. Available from Ellis Street Auto, Ph 03 542 4035 104a Ellis Street, Brightwater, Nelson

Available at Hunting & Fishing stores countrywide, and other retailers at RRP of $329 inc gst (excludes Coolpower 36 heavy duty battery) - the ideal Christmas present for serious ﬁshers and hunters. For more details contact your local retailer or visit www.dometic.co.nz

R R Fisher & Co Ltd Super Lube Aerosol has it covered

Super Lube Aerosol with Syncolon (PTFE) is a multi-purpose lubricant, safe to use on anything that slides, swivels, rolls or squeaks. It withstands temperatures from minus 40°C degrees to more than 200°C. Super Lube Aerosol with Syncolon (PTFE) is a synthetic, heavy-duty lubricant which is compatible with most other lubricants. Applications:

INDUSTRIAL - Bearings, conveyors, chains, pumps, open gears Automotive - Calipers, chassis, door hinges and locks, shocks and springs, bonnet and boot latches MARINE - Zips, winches and pulleys, inboard and outboard drives, prop shafts, rollers, sail tracks HOUSEHOLD - Windows, locks, garage doors, lawnmowers, pool pumps, sewing machines, appliances, tools, toys RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING - Fishing, bicycles, roller blades, weightlifting equipment and ﬁtness machinery

Stop fouling this summer

The Propwell Propeller Coating System is formulated as a fouling release coating for propellers and running gear that marine growth can’t bond to.

Propwell stops marine organisms settling and growing on metal surfaces below the waterline, improving vessel performance by up to 3 knots and fuel efﬁciency by as much as 10 percent. Easy three-step application process. Each Propwell kit includes: cleaner, primer, clear coating, a brush, cleaning cloths and protective gloves. Everything you need for the job. Kits start from $299 (inc GST).

Beneﬁts:

Propwell is a safe to use, eco-friendly product with a long service life. It does not contain any toxic substances harmful to the marine environment.

RR Fisher, PO Box 10055, Phillipstown, Christchurch. Ph 03 377 0025 or fax 03 377 0086.

To ﬁnd your local dealer contact Lighthouse Marine Equipment Ltd, 09 448 2761, info@lhmarine.co.nz or visit www.lhmarine.co.nz

Super Lube Aerosol is synthetic with Syncolon (PTFE) is non-toxic and odourless. It won’t stain or harm wood, rubber, leather, plastics, fabrics and paint, and it’s completely water resistant even saltwater. Super Lube Aerosol won’t drip, run or evaporate. It repels dirt, dust, grit and grime and prevents rust and corrosion while reducing friction. This provides longer machinery life, with the added bonus of reducing maintenance. Trade enquiries welcome.

For another stocking stuffer idea, buy Something to Aim For and get the WildFoods Cookbook for FREE!

Propwell is available from selected dealers nationwide.

= $39.95 Normally $75

email admin@coastalmedia.co.nz or phone 03 544 7020

Check out these awesome gift ideas Circle M Brand - industrial outdoor clothing The resurgence of wax cotton clothing and the outback look has seen the rise of Circle M Brand, a New Zealand company that designs, creates, tests, and manufactures quality industrial outdoor clothing in Otorohanga. Circle M’s commitment to quality and design is reﬂected in its use of only the ﬁnest fabric, and the distinctive range of clothing to keep those outdoors warm and dry.

With the simple philosophy - make what people need - Circle M Brand has the ideal Christmas gift for the hunter in the family, and satisfaction is assured because Circle M has been proudly tested by hundreds of hunters in the bush, throughout the country.

Oztent - hassle free camping

For the ultimate in quick, easy, hassle free camping don’t look any further than the Oztent range. Spend more time ﬁshing, boating, exploring and enjoying the outdoors and less time erecting your tent. Amazingly, it takes just 30 seconds to erect, making this tent a dream to use. And what’s even better, the Oztent packs away in less than 30 seconds as well.

Available in ﬁve sizes, the Oztent has a number of innovative options available, including easy zip-on panels to close in the front awning, a caravan connector that allows the Oztent to be attached to the side of a caravan or motorhome, and an awning connector that connects two Oztents together - awning to awning.

View our range of excellent quality, New Zealand made oilskin wet weather clothing, canvas goods and western saddlery, all custom made on site using only the ﬁnest materials available - www.circlembrand.com Mention this ad and we will ship free throughout New Zealand.

For more information on the Oztent range, which includes furniture and sleeping bags, call Heatrite on 0800 109933, email sales@heatrite, visit www.oztentnz.co.nz or call into the showroom at 83-85 Bourke Street, Palmerston North.

Get yourself a dinghy for summer

Outdoor Supplies Online

Dinghy’s & Outboards provide a wide selection to satisfy your dinghy and outboard requirements, as well as a huge range of accessories to make your boating experience even more enjoyable.

They have the largest range of dinghies in New Zealand: alloy, fibreglass, inflatable, and plastic. Check out the lastest Kimple Alloy Dinghy Priced from $2395 (see image). Dinghy’s & Outboards also stock outboard engines (2 Stroke and 4 Stroke ),boat hooks, engine accessories, fish finders, flare kits, flushettes, generators, life jackets, rowing accessories, tanks, tow rope,tubes, water skiing accessories and kayaks. They stock market leading brands, including:

Smartwave, Mac Boats, Promarine, Parsun, Honda, Mercury, Minn Kota Trolling motors, Tohatsu, HK Trolling motors, and Kimple Alloy Dinghies. SERVICING OF YOUR AVAILABLE OUTBOARD’S ON-SITE or TRY THEIR MOBILE SERVICE THEY COME TO YOU

Shop online at New Zealand’s No 1 outdoors website www.outdoorsupplies.co.nz

User friendly shopping, with competitive prices on thousands of products, and backed by the trusted name of Collings & Bradey.

Includes Ridgeline & Hunters Element clothing, boots, headlamps, knives, ﬁrearms, reloading products, binoculars, airguns, tents, sleeping bags, optics, riﬂescopes, packs, torches, target shooting and duck shooting accessories, plus thousands more products.

Ridgeline Top to Toe (8-Piece) Pack - Olive/Black .................................................................................. $97 Ridgeline Top to Toe (5-Piece) Pack - NZ Fern Camo Colour ................................................................ $115

Ridgeline Top to Toe - Womens (6-Piece) Pack ...................................................................................... $97 Ridgeline Kids Little Critters (6-Piece) Pack - Olive ............................................................................... $87

Call Jared - 0273384680.

Ridgeline Kids Little Critters (6-Piece) Pack - Buffalo Camo .................................................................. $97

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The Fishes of New Zealand

Go Karting and Laser Tag

Editors: Clive D Roberts, Andrew L Stewart, Carl D Struthers Published by Te Papa Press 4 Hardback volumes in slipcase. $250 At last – a comprehensive reference guide to the fishes of New Zealand and an absolute must for the bach, the home library, or school. This is THE perfect Christmas gift for the fisher in the family. Following decades of work by Te Papa scientists in partnership with NIWA, The Fishes of New Zealand accurately catalogues all fish species found in New Zealand waters in this impressive ‘one-stop’ reference shop. Four beautifully produced volumes are attractively laid out, extensively illustrated, and easy to navigate. Each species features diagnostic, taxonomic, distribution and biological detail, accompanied by richly produced photographs, maps and illustrations. A great reference tool for researchers, conservationists, professional and recreational fishers, students, and anyone interested in the aquatic biodiversity of New Zealand. Available in bookstores. Incredible value – 11 kilograms, 2,008 pages, 1,262 species, 245 families, 140 newly described species, 800 colour photographs, and 1,000 illustrations! www.tepapapress.co.nz

For another stocking stuffer idea, buy Something to Aim For and get the WildFoods Cookbook for FREE!

The perfect gift idea for the whole family

Booking a session at Pro Karts Nelson is the ideal gift to give you your man, child or a family friend. Situated at Tahunanui, Nelson, Pro Karts is centrally located for fun and adventure for all ages, 3 and above.

GO KARTING

Pro Karts offer three different go karting options: our New Sodi Pro Karts for everyone 12 years and over, New Sodi Fun Karts for anyone, adults and children 7 years and over, and our Two Seater Go Karts for kids 3-8 years of age and an adult.

LASER TAG

Come down to Pro Combat located at Pro Karts and play Laser Tag - the outdoor version of Laser Strike and Lazer Force. It is similar to Paintball but with no pain, no mess, no masks, and no additional costs. Laser Tag is perfect for all ages, females and males alike. PRE-BOOK and SAVE!

Gift vouchers available. Book now! Visit our website www.prokarts.co.nz or call 03 548 5278

= $39.95 Normally $75

email admin@coastalmedia.co.nz or phone 03 544 7020

22 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

www.thefishingpaper.co.nz

New Advanced Archery Nelson

Nip out, rig up, rig in, job done Andrew Claridge

Andrew with his favourite fish - the rig.

New Zealandâ€™s leading bowhunting and target shooting outlet has expanded, with a new store franchise opening in Nelson. Advanced Archery NZ principals, Carol and Kevin Watson, said that with the growth of the sport, they are thrilled that the business can now better service the South Island with a dedicated outlet. The store is owned and operated by Scott & Jo Edwards from their home at 245 Westdale Rd, near Mapua, and will be opened for restricted hours initially, or by appointment. Scott, an avid bowhunter, is available for tuition, gear tuning and maintenance, troubleshooting, and personal fitting of bows. While Advanced Archery Nelson will initially carry a smaller range of product than the Auckland store, Scott says everything available from the Advanced Archery website will be available through him. He encourages established bowhunters or newbies keen to give it a go to contact him and take it from there. Scott & Jo - 0274 353 196 - nelson@advancedarchery.co.nz - www.advancedarchery.co.nz

Rig, or lemon fish as they are commercially referred to, has to be one of my favourite fish to target. For the land based angler, they are great fighting, superb eating and, in spring and early summer, can be found close to town in the shallows of Nelsonâ€™s sandy beaches. Many are probably not aware these fine sporting fish are so close, right under our noses in fact, but it is a real bonus because you can shoot out for a quick fish before or after work. Recently, I shot out after work with my workmate, Doug Clifton, and arrived at our spot about 8.00pm. After catching a few fresh crabs for bait, we baited up on a single 6/0 hook ledger traces and started fishing. As soon as the light went down the rig came on the bite. After keeping one good size fish each, we released all the others. We packed up around 10.00pm as it was back to work the next morning.

Doug Clifton with a solid rig taken in the evening close to town.

Scott & Jo join forces with Carol & Kevin to bring Advanced Archery south.

23 HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2015

www.thefishingpaper.co.nz

The stag that died twice

HUNTING NEWS

Ian Hadland

“So you just walk into the bush, shoot a deer, hack meat off it, carry it out and feed it to the family?” “Yep,” I replied to Charlie across the bar leaner, trying not to look smug. “That’s amazing, you’re a legend, mate”. At that point I stopped the wide-eyed Charlie and told him most people could do it with a bit of skill and a measure of luck including him if he put his mind to it. Turns out Charlie had a gun licence and had shot a few ducks but never a deer. He didn’t own a high powered rifle but was keen on changing that. “Tell you what, Charlie,” I said in a beer fuelled moment of generosity, “you buy a gun and I’ll take you hunting!” A month later he was on the phone: “Ive bought a 308.” There was a long pause before I remembered the drunken commitment I’d made and replied “S’pose you want to go hunting now?” It was getting on for mid March when I made good on the promise and invited him on a swift overnight meat trip to a DoC block in Southland. On the way he talked the prospects up and I did my best to talk them down. Hunting is always guaranteed, harvesting venison is not, especially if you are paired up. I had to be clear about that. We started the climb to the tops enthusiastically, but that soon abated when the heavy pack and the reality of hours of fruitless bush stalking started to bite Charlie. The five-day-a-week gym bunny was sweating like a gypsy with a mortgage and fading. “Lets make camp here!” I suggested. His pack hit the ground with a whumph and he collapsed next to it. “How do you do it you fat bastard?” he gasped between poorly aimed squirts of his water bottle. “Ah, it’s all in your head Charlie. After a feed and a break, you’ll be good for the evening shot.” We pitched the fly and rolled out the bags while the ‘dehi’ tucker did its thing in boiling water. Charlie stood back and admired the sparse accommodation.

Charlie with the stag that died twice.

“I gotta get a photo of this. No bugger will believe this - a tent with no ends!” Charlie was on a voyage of discovery and there was something new to see or learn at every turn. After checking that Charlie had a headlamp, we climbed the slope and broke out onto the tops as the last of the autumn sun dipped behind the ridge. I encouraged Charlie in front, to look into a small basin I had shot deer in before. The green grass covered soak in the bottom of it had been a freezer filler for a few years now. He dropped to his knees and looked up with eyes bulging like a flounder, “There’s one down there!” He looked again and said, “And it’s got blimmin’ big antlers”.

I looked through the binos. Charlie was half right; it was a deer but the miserable five pointer didn’t quite stretch to ‘large antlers’. The stag was sitting, so I had Charlie crawl to a nearby sapling to make the 120m shot. He refused my suggestion that standing the deer up with a noise would improve the area he could shoot at. He was worried his first deer might vanish in an instant. Fair enough. I readied my rifle in case of trouble and told him to take his time and fire when ready. The end of his Savage .308 bobbled about and eventually discharged. When I looked, all I could see was a stag on its feet, running uphill in our direction. “Finish him Charlie!” He had already reloaded and, when the stag stopped 80m away,

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24 HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2015 broadside, dropped it with a solid hit just behind the shoulder. A stupid grin swept his face. His first deer on the first day of deer hunting. I reached over to shake his hand and in the process, saw movement in the basin below. It was the five-pointer kicking its last, right where it was sitting. Charlie’s first shot had been good and he had shot a separate stag with eight points on the ridge in front of us as well. That’s two stags on the first trip! We dragged the beasts together and I dressed one out while Charlie followed crudely with his blunt knife on the other. Headlamps were required to complete the job and we crashed back down to the fly camp with the legs and backsteaks. Charlie was knackered and mustered all his remaining energy to unzip his sleeping bag and fall into it. “Cripes, that’s meat that’s earned mate, and that’s gotta be the toughest day I’ve had.” I awoke to Charlie staring at the meat and 8 point head hanging in the tree. “Did that really happen? I thought it was a dream!” “No it’s a bloody nightmare,” I swore at him for shooting two stags that we now had to lug down the hill. We boned out all but the hindquarters and loaded the packs. After topping up with the overnight gear, Charlie queried whether we would make it back to the truck alive. “Better to die trying than to halve the load and make a second trip,” I replied. I lightened the head by removing the jaw and, with that attached to Charlie’s pack, heaved the hindquarters on top. I slung my set of hindquarters up and said, “Righto gym bunny, jog that lot down to the truck!” The next couple of hours we alternated between plodding and stopping, with the

www.thefishingpaper.co.nz

Blow It!

Kim Swan

’ve got wind. Got it wherever I go, it’s following me like a bad smell.

The wind I have flows up between my shoulder blades, riffles through my hair, then bounds across the flat afore me. Finally, as a parting farewell, it whips its way through the forest of Douglas Fir trees on the boundary fence, their bowing branches synchronised as a Spanish wave. I try to kid myself into believing the tail-wind is angling just far enough to leeward it won’t alarm any game animals, which intend to come down that very same fence line to feed on the lush spring grass on the flat in the evening. I lean on the wooden boundary gate and count to a hundred. “Come out, come out wherever you are?” Then count to a hundred again. And again. “Something, anything, please come out.” A pair of paradise ducks drop in. They come directly over my head. I hear the whistle of their wings despite the wind. After settling their feathers they begin to argue between themselves about the large new gate fixture. She quarrks and he gizaunks, just suspiciously enough to alarm any game animal with no sense of smell. Determined, I stand my ground. For over an hour I shift my weight from foot to foot, barely a discernible movement so as not to disturb the damned ducks. Silent and still, I scan the grassy edges and the game trail hoping to spy a pig or a red deer. It’s an hour wasted. I can’t stand the boredom any longer. I turn my back on the boundary fence, throw a rock at the ducks then point my nose into the bum-sniping wind. It’s time to make my own luck, to cover ground and hunt around before nightfall steals my vision. Charlie can’t believe how easy this vensin hunting lark really is.

Cover ground I do, zigging and zagging to counter the wind as it circulates up, down and around the ridges and gullies and flats. Brown on green. Cut the quick-fast, apply the brakes!

latter becoming increasingly longer. Both knackered, we eventually made the truck. Charlie gingerly lowered his pack, as if it might explode, and folded up next to it.

“Well, you made it,” I grinned. “You’re a legend, mate!” He nodded vaguely, before mumbling, “All I could think was, if that fat bastard can do this… so can I”.

The evening light is fading fast but I have spied, with my experienced eye, a dirty-brown that captures my attention. A quick look through the 10x binoculars magnifies the subject and confirms my hunch. A mud-caked stag is feeding hungrily near the forest edge. Hold on, wait a tick, here comes another. Two ravenous stags.

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25 HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2015

www.thefishingpaper.co.nz

BA’DOOM - BA’DOOM - BA’DOOM. Not five seconds later my heart rate has doubled and that fist-sized bunch of muscles in my chest is hammering so hard I can hear it audibly. I may be experienced but I still get a burst of adrenalin when I sight quarry I want to harvest.

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I’ve got wind again. Katabatic wind. It flows

A quick look through the 10x binoculars magnifies the subject and confirms my hunch. A mud-caked stag is feeding hungrily near the forest edge. downhill, in my favour. I keep the katabatic flowing directly onto my twitching eyebrows as I wriggle and weasel, making my move towards a convenient pile of old earthworks near a derelict fence. The soft hump will make a perfect rifle-rest and give me good shooting angles. Wriggle, wriggle, wriggle - lying atop that audible BA’DOOM to dull its boom-box racket. Pile reached, rifle readied, I aim at the big boy closest to cover. Finger the trigger, close my eyes, flinch - open my eyes, observe the stag’s reaction and consider him dead on his feet, despite the fact he’s running away. The second stag is alarmed but doesn’t know where to flee. I shoot, miss. Shoot, miss. What? Why? A vibrating top wire on the fence in front of me discloses its dirty little secret. Aha, deflection! I draw myself a little taller, lift the rifle a little higher and shoot again. This time the second stag rears over backwards. Both big boys are

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down and kicking their last. Not five seconds later my heart rate has halved, the boom-box silenced and a sense of calm prevails.

Now it’s the brain which goes into overdrive. It registers in full the consequence of my actions. Two large animals downed means two large animals which need retrieving. As per usual I’m all on my lonesome, dark is closing in and the truck is far away. My heart has a workout ahead of it yet, along with every other muscle I have.

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Over the past couple of months, I have had great pleasure evaluating a new range of torches that represent remarkable value-for-money, are available in a variety of sizes, and feature easily interchangeable LED ‘pills’ that change the colour of the light for a multitude of purposes. Sternhelle torches have an adjustable beam that can be zoomed between a wide flood, through to a bright spot, and feature aspherical lenses, rugged type-3 anodized housings, luminous tail switch, and reverse-polarity protection circuitry. I’ve seen a lot of torches in my time and the Sternhelle range is up there with the best. Sternhelle torches are available with the following choice of LED ‘pills’, which are also available as separate items for extending the versatility of the torch: • White: bright white light for general purpose use • Green: bright green light for prolonged use and night hunting • Red: red light reduces light-blindness, and is ideal for hunting spookier animals • IR 850: suitable for all night vision systems

• IR 940: suitable for digital night vision when 100% covert observation is paramount. Ideal for security, surveillance, and hunting very spooky animals A remote tail-switch is available for rifle mounting for hunting and pest control. Choosing a green or red pill provides the shooter with a stealthy option for shooting with the aid of a normal telescopic riflescope. This is an extremely cost effective way of night hunting without having to invest in night vision gear. When fitted with a IR850 or IR940 pill, the torch emits a powerful ‘invisible’ light, that can be used with night vision goggles, monoculars, binoculars, and riflescopes. I recently tested the Sternhelle Search-Pro with an IR850 pill and a Pulsar Recon X-850 night vision monocular in the Marlborough Sounds. This combination enables me to illuminate a headland 2km away, making this combination a serious option for marine safety, search & rescue, and maritime law enforcement. It would also be perfect for spotting deer at long distances. For more information about the Sternhelle range of torches, visit www.foco-optik.com.

26 HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2015

www.thefishingpaper.co.nz

Happy hog huntress

An unplanned mission

Anita Aitchison

I was so excited to go pig hunting, waking up to the alarm clock ringing at 3:30am. We soon piled into the ute and headed up Ronga Road, releasing the dogs as we arrived at the hunting spot. They sprinted about excitedly and raced to the bottom of the paddock where they waited for us. We crossed a few creeks, had to climb up a very steep hill where I gripped onto the grass to pull me up, and then we got to the dogs. We pushed on until we got to a flat piece up the hill where we noticed pig rooting. All of a sudden the dogs bolted up the hill and all hell broke loose. A pig was squealing murder and giving the dogs a real workout, not happy to stay put at all. In a flurry the pig and the dogs came charging down the hill. In hot pursuit, we followed and splashed through the creek below. Then we heard the pig squealing again and the dogs barking; they had caught a pig. That’s when Phil grabbed the pig’s legs and stabbed it in the heart! He gutted the pig and put it on his shoulders, carrying it through a river. Then he puts the pig down and we dragged it under the fence to the ute. I was so happy I had caught my first pig.

Dave McDonald

With daylight saving in full swing, Clint and I decided to go for a quick hunt after work. He wanted to check a clearing where he’d perviously seen deer, deep in the forest. I stayed on the farmland with my Webley & Scott twenty-two, happily shooting rabbits. Clint eventually ran into a mob of deer in the fading light and studied hard to see if there was a stag present. With none visible, he selected a small animal for meat and his Sako .270 barked at it in the gloom. Throwing it over his shoulder, he started the long haul back. Pretty soon it was pitch black and with no moon and few obvious tracks, he was in trouble. The sound of surf ahead told him he was going the wrong way, so he dropped the carcass, marked the small trail with a scrape, and retraced his steps. I was back at the car and getting worried; it was very late and cold, so I climbed a nearby hill and texted a few people that Clint may be lost.

Retreating from the surf, he eventually came to another track, which led him to a lake, and in the distance he could see the farmhouse lights. Relieved to be on familiar ground, he boxed on and arrived back at the car totally exhausted and without the deer. We decided the best thing was to sleep the night, so I climbed the hill again to text that Clint was safe. By the time I’d returned to the two-seater soft-top Capri, Clint had commandeered the dog blanket, so I was left in my shorts and light camo jacket. We shivered all night but we weren’t going home without that deer. We rose at first light and I went for more bunnies, to warm up, while Clint went in search of his deer. He found he had taken a wrong turn in the dark and followed a newly formed motorbike trail. We eventually arrived home in time for lunch, bedraggled but elated to have succeeded in our unplanned mission.

Anita is one happy hog huntress.

27 HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2015

www.thefishingpaper.co.nz

TESTFIRE: TESTFIRE: BROWNING COMPOSITE STAINLESS STALKER .223

Daniel with his first red deer taken with his new Browning .223 X-bolt. Daryl Crimp

OVERALL APPEAL:

inline, creating smooth feeding consistently.

A nicely balanced lightweight rifle with good ergonomics, nice form, balance and excellent function. The Dura -Touch armour coating is soft to the touch, aesthetically appealing and doesn’t feel ‘cheap’ like some plastic stocks. It carries modern lines, making it stylish and appealing to young hunters, while sliding into position and fitting nicely. Textured patterning on the pistol grip and forestock ensure non-slip gripping and the palm-swell enhances the fit, as does the rounded forestock with moulded planes either side for thumb and finger purchase. The influx recoil pad adds an ultra soft touch, absorbing what little recoil the .223 presents, and completes the comfort package.

R E S U LT S :

F E AT U R E S : Touted as ‘innovated and all new’ and ‘pushing the boundaries’, the X-bolt does possess some premium features and is remarkably well-finished in all aspects - right down to the engraved gold logo on the trigger guard. Features that appealed to me were the: X-BOLT FEATHER TRIGGER™ A new three-lever system made from hard chromed steel, adjustable from 3 - 5lbs with a stated factory setting of 3 1/2lbs. Mine tested just over four pounds so I had gunsmith Robbie Tiffen take it back to 2 1/2lb to suit my personal preference. As claimed, the trigger is clean and crisp, with no creep at all and negligible over travel - a delight to use.

I am more than impressed with this little rifle, which I have kitted out as Daniel’s first centrefire rifle for small game, goats and deer. While some might argue that it is too light for deer, the 1-8 twist allows for heavier projectiles, but my main aim is developing good shooting skills and accuracy at this stage. So how is it shaping up.

ON THE RANGE: I am still working the barrel in but, out of the box, obtaining sub MOA five-shot groups at 100yds (0.7”), consistently, with Hornady 55g soft point.

I N P R AC T I C E : Daniel loves it and quickly acquired a confidence that has seen his field handling become proficient. He recently shot his first red deer in the wild and has accounted for two fallow and four goats over three outings - all one-shot kills, with all but two being neck shots out to 140m. Have I discovered any negatives? Yes! It’s such a sweet little shooter, it looks like I have to stump up for another one if I want to shoot one again!

ACTION The action is machined from a solid block, which adds strength, while the 60° lift ensures quick, smooth cycling with plenty of hand clearance from the scope. Bolt travel is tight and smooth, and engagement to half cock is precise, and silky through to full cock. I was brought up old school not to rely on safety, so use half-cock a lot. A nice addition to the toptang safety of the X-bolt is the bolt unlock button that allows the bolt to be fully opened while the safety is on. This means you can switch to halfcock when necessary and still use the safety. MAGAZINE, RECEIVER AND BARREL Designed for optimum accuracy, the X-bolted features a fully floating barrel that is bedded front and rear of the action. The receiver is low profile to shave off weight and to keep the scope closer to the centre line of the barrel. The composite moulded five-shot rotary magazine feeds the cartridges

5 shot group 100yds.

28 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

A Cockney, a Kiwi, a hippo and a load of bull

BEST BY TEST

Lorain Day and Brett Avison at home in Havelock writing books.

Daryl Crimp

It is unusual to have two authors in the same family but then, Brett Avison and Lorain Day don’t conform to the norm. The husband and wife tag-team recently held a joint book launch in their new hometown of Havelock but, while the wine flowed freely and the nibbles vanished with alacrity, it was definitely a ‘chalk and cheese’ affair involving a Cockney, a Kiwi, a hippopotamus, and a load of ‘old’ bull. The couple celebrated the launch of Brett’s fifth children’s book, A Hippo Lives in Havelock, and Lorain’s seventh, an historical account of New Zealand’s iconic angus stud, called Te Mania. Ironically, Brett, an English immigrant, has lived in New Zealand longer than Lorain, arriving three months before she was born in 1954, so claims to be more Kiwi than his Kiwi bride. He never showed an interest in writing, while Lorain built a life around books, becoming publisher for Harper Collins before retiring in 2010. During her career she worked with many top authors, including Margaret Mahy, Joy Cowley, Celia Lashlie, and Nigel Latta, and was instrumental in developing the writings of lesser mortals like Daryl Crimp (knew I’d get my name in lights one day!). At age sixty, while watching his three-year-old great nephew playing

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with his digger, Brett said the words suddenly started to flow, prompting him to write A Bigger Digger. With the benefit of Lorain’s professional expertise, A Bigger Digger was picked up by an international publisher and Brett went on to become a hugely popular children’s author, developing a series that has sold over 90,000 copies worldwide. “It is good that I can offer him professional advice,” says Lorain, “but he is an author in his own right. He has that Cockney love of words and is a natural storyteller.” Brett has since been picked up by Bateman’s New Zealand and has another two books due for release next year. However, Lorain is reluctant to accept the title of author and, ‘having worked with so many real authors’, sees herself as ‘a bit of a fake’. But she does find the process of writing a book pleasurable. “My career certainly prepared me for the writing process because I knew what was required.” So when she was asked by Bill Honeybone at Bateman’s to write the story of the Wilding family, she agreed, mainly because it was in ‘her area’ (she initially confused it with Te Mahia in Pelorus Sound). Lorain

reoriented her map and visited the Te Mania station in North Canterbury, but wasn’t expecting the impact it would have on her. “I fell in love with the place and realised there needed to be a book written about it but it needed to be written by an author who was prepared to spend time with the family,” she said. And she did just that, conducting interviews, asking countless questions, and recording volumes of conversations. Lorain’s modesty and humbleness aside, the result is the work of a very talented author: a beautifully crafted, quality book, with an absolutely engaging storyline - a compelling read. Lorain and Brett now live together in Havelock where they write books separately, while enjoying the climate, coastal location, and tremendous sense of community. Both are actively involved in local voluntary work, and Lorain keeps her professional hand in with ‘One Day Literary Services’ providing editing, writing, publishing and consulting services to ‘a selected few’. It’s chalk and cheese from the corporate Auckland life they left four years ago… and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

New Jellybean jig rig Black Magic’s very successful Jellybean lures are now available on a jigging rig for lake fishermen. Rigged on 12lb fluorocarbon for extra strength and abrasion resistance, each rig has three different coloured Jellybeans in either a ‘light’ colour or ‘dark’ colour combination. Simply let your rig sink to the bottom and then wind it in a little. Move your rod tip up and down slowly to utilise the natural swimming action of the three paddle tails. Their action in the water is very enticing to large freshwater fish and having them on a pre-tied rig makes them a particularly effective option that is easy to use.

29 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

Harbour Views Dave Duncan

www.thefishingpaper.co.nz

A rather freaky catch Marco Salewsky (14-years-old)

By Dave Duncan

The gift of safety It kind of feels like Christmas; unpredictable winds, wet weather, hot weather, dry weather! Christmas brings all sorts of everything and sometimes that’s where the problem starts and where restrictions are needed. For example, take a swimming pool inflatable dinghy or kayak. It would make sense to restrict it to the swimming pool, right? I mean, what loose unit would take a child’s inflatable dinghy out across the harbour? Well, last Christmas someone tried and wasted a lot of ratepayers money and time in the rescue. Lifejackets make wonderful Christmas presents for young people, but please ensure it’s not a case of, “For when she/he grows into it!” Make sure the lifejacket or PFD fits and has a crotch strap that gets done up. If you care, you will. We are sure there will be an eruption of paddle boarders and kite surfers on the water over summer. If that is you, please ensure you know the rules. Do not kite surf inside the black buoys on Tahunanui Beach and do not go paddle boarding without a proper PFD. On a positive note, the Harbour Master’s office is running a safety awareness campaign and staff look forward to giving those in the right gear a coffee or a 12c a litre fuel discount voucher. Over summer, there will be a period of very high and low tides, which brings stronger currents and, with the tide against the strong wind, higher than usual waves. So, if you have just received some marine tools, even the humble but fun bucket and spade, always check the weather, check the tides, watch the waves, and keep unwary young people within arms reach. Make sure good memories are the only ones to keep of the day. Going boating? Look out for us, we will have a checklist to remind you of what you should have at sea. You should also be aware that, as of 25 December, the government has ratified or approved the Nelson City Council infringements for action. Don’t let your behaviour cost you money. Go no more than 5 knots within 200m of the shore, within 50m of another vessel or swimmer, and within 200m of a vessel displaying a dive flag. Go no more than 3 knots within the marina. The by-laws are available both on the Port Nelson website and the Nelson City Council website. No knowledge is no excuse. Your safety and the family’s safety, that’s our shared job. Let’s do it right . If in doubt – don’t go out!

Marco with his amazing catch.

On the last day of October I went fishing off the wharf at Port Charles, Coromandel. I put a live bait sprat on my hook with a little sinker and cast it out. After a long time waiting I got that strong pull on my rod. It was fighting hard and next minute I saw a strange looking thing coming up to the top of the water. Man I got scared just looking at it! It looked like a big long snake. I did not want that thing to get to close to me at all.

I pulled it up on the wharf and it strangled itself to death with the fishing line. What a relief! It was 1.80 metres long but I had no idea what I’d caught. It was my most unusual catch ever and none of my friends had ever caught anything like it. Later on I searched the internet and discovered it must be a sand snake eel. which can grow up to 2.5m long. They have a pointed tail for burrowing into the sand and spend most of their time completely buried in the sand with only the eyes and part of the mouth showing, waiting to lunge at a passing meal. They can burrow very quickly through the sand and like other eels can move just as fast backwards as forwards.

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30 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

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From Sinker to Smoker

Fou studies the simplicity of a pulley rig prior to his West Coast trip.

By Ron Prestage

Fou’s going west! My friend, Fou Lim, rang to say he was planning a surfcasting trip to the West Coast and wanted my advice on what gear to take and where to fish. My favourite West Coast surfcasting spot is Mokihinui, the scene of the annual Mokihinui Fishing Competition, so this was the area I steered him to. Mokihinui is a good location for fishing and as a base for day trips to other areas such as Karamea in the north and Punakaiki to the south. Fou likes to keep things simple, so the design of my pulley rig appealed to him. Pulley rigs are easy to cast and will catch a variety of desirable species including snapper, spotted smooth hound and kahawai, with a lot depending on the baits used. Snapper will take good quality squid, rig will take crabs and prawns, and kahawai love cut baits of fresh yellow-eyed mullet.

Further advice to Fou included the need for a lengthy surf rod, ideally fourteen feet long to keep the line above the first few rows of breakers, a solid steel rod stand that can be hammered into the stony beaches, and the use of 5-6 ounce breakaway sinkers. I gave Fou a pulley rig to take with him and copy, along with a detailed diagram showing strengths of monofilament and hook size to use. To toss out the heavy sinkers, he will need a shock leader of roughly three rod lengths, with its strength based on ten pounds per ounce of sinker used. Those piffling little dimpled sand anchors are hopeless on the West Coast! The main line needs to be at least 20lb and the spool full to improve the cast and accommodate a big fighting fish if Fou is able to hook one. In the Mokihinui area there is good fishing along the Gentle Annie Beach, north of the

river, and also on the accessible beaches between Granity and Mokihinui. Be warned though. There is nothing gentle about Gentle

Annie Beach. It is a steeply shelving beach with a vicious undertow! TAKE CARE THERE. Fou is also a trout fisherman so I suggested he got advice from the Seddonville Hotel about where to fish. Seddonville is a few kilomtres up the road that turns right off the main highway near the Mokihinui River Bridge going north. As Fou will be camping in his SUV, I suggested he stay at the Mokihinui Camping Ground or the Seddonville Motor Camp to be handy to the fishing. Other necessities I advised Fou to take on his West Coast trip included insect repellent, sunscreen, wet weather gear and a small bait casting set with flasher rigs. This is handy for getting fresh surfcasting bait in the form of yelloweyed mullet that frequent the lower reaches of the Mokihinui River. Lace the flasher rigs with fresh mussel from the mussel rocks at Nikau, a few kilometres south of Mokihinui. The last two hours of the incoming tide is usually the most productive fishing time, especially when this coincides with dawn or dusk. Hopefully Fou’s trip will be the same time as the fishing competition and he can pick up some of the prizes on offer.

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31 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

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32 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

Mondo Travel

Presents

TFP TRAVELS

Whale whisperer reads paper Amateur beachcomber and whale linguist, Johann Jung, is third cousin twice removed to famous French marine biologist, Jacques Cousteau, and says he shares a similar attraction to marine life. “Especially sashimi and coconut crab,” he told The Fishing Paper via satellite from a remote island near Tonga where he is currently undertaking research. Johann has developed an international reputation because of his ability to talk to whales and was recently contracted by conservation groups, Whale for Habitable Oceans (WHO) and Whale Telepathy Fraternity (WTF), to determine why the false killer whales off Tonga sound miserable. WHO and WTF said Johann is a very unique individual who they refer to as ‘The Whale Whisperer’ and they are hopeful he’ll get the ear of the whales. Johann is modest about the title

Johann Jung whale whisperer.

but acknowledges that ‘The Whale Whisperer’ is appropriate: “You certainly shouldn’t shout at them - an angry whale is not something you want to be in the water with!”

years and to date, none have answered him.

www.thefishingpaper.co.nz

CHALLENGES + IDIOMS OF COARSE FISHING Strategies for match fisxing… er, fishing Fishing matches is far different from a pleasure session. In a pleasure session you can try whatever you like: new baits, new location, new floats or rigs, as this is the time to experiment. During a match you need to convert every bite into a fish in the net. This is where you put trial and error into practice, giving you every advantage, which equals more fish in the net. After all, it’s the person with the most weight in the net who wins. Once you have drawn your swim, good or bad, you have to decide how to get the most from it; long line, short line, do I have cover so I can fish close, or do I need to find some extra depth? Look for signs of fish, fizzing, bubbles or fish topping on the surface, as they quite often tell you where they are, helping you to decide where to begin. When your lines are chosen and the starter whistle has blown the all in, you should begin by slowly building up your lines never heave a load of bait in off the cuff, as it will more than likely clear out the fish to the guy next door. Quietly and subtly start off with two balls of ground bait, or three to four smaller balls if you can get away with it, as smaller balls make less noise. You can

Aaron Houghton

always put more in when you need to but you can’t take it out if you over-feed it. Start at dead depth or one inch over depth. Three maggots or a single corn are safe starting baits. If that’s not working try two maggots, four maggots, double corn or bread squeezed onto the hook. Chop and change baits until you find what they want. It may be as simple and small as a single maggot. Is the lake towing to the left or right? If it is then you may need to increase to two inches or three inches of line on the bottom, or go slightly heavier on the float size to get bites coming your way. You need to keep that bait still on the bottom. Once you get onto them you need to keep the momentum going. Keep the feed going in, otherwise they will move on. A small ball every fish or second fish, will keep them coming for you should they be stacked up. This is where you really begin to learn to read situations, apply your knowledge and build your skill base. Get a mate to join in also so you have someone’s backside to kick. It really is a great way to spend a day.

While beachcombing on his idyllic island he stumbled on to a copy of The Fishing Paper and decided that he’d like to be in it.

Johann said that he has been “I thought WTF, and WHO would talking to whales for over twenty read about it!

Johann talking to a false killer whale off tonga.

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Match fishing requires a new set of tactics.

33 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

The year of the gurnard

Coastlines

By Ivan Wilson

Fishing the floating stalk

Daryl Crimp

This season appears to be the year of the gurnard, with reports of good catches around the Top of the South. The Outer Pelorus has been producing steady catches of really big spring gurnard, while regular gurnard hot spots, such as Okiwi Bay and Delaware Bay, fished consistently through the winter. Local Nelson fisher and Dawnbreaker’s Fishing Club committee member, Brian Fensom, said Tasman Bay has a few surprises up its sleeve. “While prospecting for spring snapper recently, we starting getting good colour, but it was red and not gold!” Brian said that both the set line and rods have been coming up with good catches of big plump gurnard and they appear to be well spread out. “We got some on the set line in 20m and also a few beauties in around 10m on the rods.” Brian said the standard ledger rig with squid has been working well, but they will also take flasher rigs, oily baits and in particular, fresh shellfish. “Slow jigs or soft baits dragged across the bottom will also catch them,” Brian said. Gurnard are a much underrated fish, colloquially referred to as ‘carrots’, but, to many, they are a top rated table fish. Canterbury fisherman, Daryl Morris, said they hooked into some good action off south side of Blumine Island in Queen Charlotte Sound in mid November. He, partner Kate Morris, and Chris Hall were fishing off Ollie J when Kate caught this nice 48cm specimen on ‘an old rusty hook, 6oz sinker, and a tiny little scrap of squid.” Kate would like to point out that Daryl only caught a spotty while Chris caught the smallest blue cod ever seen, so she won the fishing competition the others didn’t know they were having!

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Brian with the big gurnard

“This is starting to get a bit ho-hum!” He of the F word and I were at a lake just east of Darfield, wringing one last day out of our old licences before the new season dawned. I knew what he meant but was reluctant to use such a term to describe our brilliant day. It was simply amazing out there. We arrived to a millpond just after daybreak, in went the boat to create the first of the day’s ripples and the Osprey’s beak was set towards some known spots. Old favourite flies wafted out around the edges but the odd fish spotted didn’t like what we had on. “Let’s change,” I said. He of the F Word put on a nymph and in short order, bang, he was in. Nymphs it was then. The odd rise here and there quickly became consistent – a good hatch was happening. Natural nymphs emerged to shuck off their sub-aquatic skin and, after a few moments, flutter off the water on their final ephemeral journey. It reminded me of another lake, where I watched a lone damsel nymph swim fish-like towards me. It went straight to a reed, climbed up through the surface tension out of the water, with no hesitation between the two elements. You could readily call yet another wonder of nature. The two of us had managed to match the hatch and we began to get good takes. So how did it all become, “a bit ho-hum?” See the rise, fly out,

swirl, take, lift the rod, play, net, release. See the rise, fly out, swirl, take, lift the rod, play, net, release. See the rise… oh you get the idea! The thing was, we were doing our favourite type of fishing, which I have come to call a floating stalk. Working to a fish you’ve sighted is more fun than chuck it and chance it don’t you think? Then the fun really starts: trout heads for a sunken snag, out to deeper water, under the boat, round the prop, or around one of the many trees standing in the water. Two on board helps when it gets like this – one plays the fish, while the other works on the oars to manoeuvre the boat. Doesn’t always work but it helps to pass the time. The other thing we do is swap places from fisher

to rower, when a fish is netted. We can waste a whole day doing this when the weather is right. Often both can fish without hooking each other’s extremities – well not often anyway! So there we were, sun shining, birds calling, just the merest breath of wind, great water clarity, Mount Te Kinga looking wonderful, the twin upthrusts of Mount Alexander further over,and fresh green tinges in the bush – perfect conditions, nobody else around us, PLUS an elongated rise going on and on. Ho-hum? Yeah right! Oh, is that a Tui in that tree over there?

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34 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

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TIDE CHART - DECEMBER

DECEMBER 2015

Cast Back in Time Catch ‘Em When You Can Can Dave Strachan

Back in 1983 I did a fair amount of fishing, chasing salmon and sea-run trout up from the Rakaia Mouth. It was a good year for the salmon and in those days the daily bag limit was four per angler. It was pretty good going to get your limit but not unusual – and on occasion you got a real lucky break. I favoured an incoming tide for the salmon and then the ‘run off’ – just as the tide turned – for the sea-runs. I was using zeddies and, over two days, caught this good haul. The biggest was around 20lb and all the trout were in good nick, so it was quite a feed. By today’s standards some might argue it was a bit of an overkill, but I’ve always looked after the old fishermen around our parts, so the feed was greatly appreciated. I’d bought a canning machine from the States, so put it to good use. We ‘jarred’ a few too, so there were a few old codgers wearing a happy grin for quite some time.

Dave and Gaye Strachan just doggone happy with the catch of days bygone.

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

0:01 0:49 1:38 2:29 3:23 4:20 5:17 6:10 0:40 1:25 2:07 2:49 3:30 4:12 4:55 5:40 0:18 1:09 2:03 3:02 4:04 5:09 6:12 0:49 1:44 2:36 3:26 4:13 4:58 5:42 0:20

Russell

2.3 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.1 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 2.2

6:09 6:56 7:45 8:36 9:30 10:26 11:21 12:13 6:58 7:43 8:26 9:07 9:49 10:31 11:15 12:01 6:27 7:18 8:13 9:12 10:15 11:19 12:21 7:10 8:05 8:57 9:45 10:32 11:17 12:00 6:26

Burgess Island (Pokohinu) H-0:24 L-0:24 Mangonui H+0:33 L+0:45 Ngatehe Point H+1:40 L+1:41 Tryphena H-0:29 L-0:29

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

12:28 13:15 14:04 14:53 15:44 16:36 17:26 18:15 13:01 13:46 14:30 15:13 15:56 16:41 17:27 18:14 12:49 13:40 14:33 15:30 16:30 17:30 18:30 13:19 14:14 15:07 15:57 16:45 17:32 18:17 12:43

2.4 2.3 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 2.3

2:03 2:52 3:44 4:41 5:42 0:32 1:29 2:19 3:05 3:46 4:25 5:03 5:41 0:08 0:50 1:35 2:25 3:19 4:20 5:27 0:18 1:24 2:26 3:22 4:13 5:00 5:44 0:15 0:56 1:37 2:17

3.1 2.9 2.8 2.7 2.7 1.1 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 3.3 3.3 3.2 3.2 3.1 3.0 3.0 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 3.4 3.3 3.2 3.1

Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

3:17 4:09 5:04 6:02 0:47 1:42 2:32 3:18 4:01 4:42 5:21 5:59 0:30 1:10 1:53 2:39 3:29 4:27 5:30 0:20 1:25 2:28 3:27 4:22 5:13 6:00 0:38 1:22 2:05 2:46 3:29

8:14 9:02 9:55 10:54 11:59 6:45 7:43 8:33 9:17 9:56 10:34 11:11 11:48 6:21 7:02 7:47 8:36 9:31 10:33 11:42 6:36 7:44 8:45 9:39 10:28 11:13 11:56 6:26 7:06 7:46 8:27

0.7 0.9 1.1 1.2 1.2 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.4 3.4 3.5 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.9 0.9 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.5 3.6 3.6 3.6 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.8

14:27 15:18 16:13 17:13 18:14 13:03 13:59 14:46 15:28 16:08 16:46 17:24 18:04 12:27 13:09 13:56 14:47 15:45 16:48 17:55 12:51 13:57 14:57 15:50 16:39 17:25 18:10 12:36 13:16 13:57 14:39

19:02 19:47 20:31 21:15 21:59 22:44 23:30

2.1 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2

19:04 19:57 20:53 21:51 22:51 23:51

0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4

19:28 20:23 21:15 22:04 22:51 23:36

2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

3.2 3.0 2.9 2.8 2.8 1.2 1.1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.5 3.5 3.4 3.4 3.3 3.2 3.1 3.1 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.4 3.5 3.4 3.3 3.1

9:24 10:16 11:13 12:13 7:00 7:55 8:45 9:31 10:13 10:53 11:31 12:09 6:38 7:19 8:01 8:47 9:38 10:36 11:42 6:37 7:44 8:47 9:45 10:38 11:28 12:14 6:45 7:28 8:10 8:51 9:34

Anita Bay H+0:26 L+0:27 Hokitika H+0:10 L+0:10 Whanganui Inlet H-1:05 L-1:05

0.6 0.8 0.9 1.0 2.5 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.1 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.7 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.2 3.3 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.7

15:40 16:35 17:33 18:33 13:13 14:08 14:57 15:41 16:22 17:01 17:39 18:18 12:47 13:27 14:10 14:58 15:52 16:54 18:01 12:50 13:56 14:57 15:54 16:46 17:36 18:23 12:59 13:41 14:23 15:05 15:50

2.8 2.7 2.6 2.5 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.0 2.9 2.9 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.2 3.2 3.2 3.0 2.9 2.8

Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

5:47 0:44 1:32 2:23 3:16 4:11 5:07 6:01 0:20 1:05 1:48 2:30 3:11 3:53 4:35 5:19 0:10 1:00 1:53 2:50 3:53 4:57 6:00 0:29 1:24 2:16 3:06 3:52 4:37 5:21 0:15

Auckland 0.5 3.0 2.9 2.8 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.8 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.1 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 3.1

12:18 6:35 7:24 8:17 9:13 10:11 11:06 11:56 6:50 7:35 8:18 8:59 9:40 10:22 11:06 11:51 6:06 6:57 7:53 8:54 9:58 11:02 12:02 6:59 7:54 8:45 9:34 10:21 11:06 11:51 6:04

Coromandel Harbour H-0:21 L-0:15 Mansion House Bay H-0:15 L-0:04

20:48 21:39 22:34 23:33

0.8 1.0 1.1 1.1

19:11 20:02 20:48 21:30 22:10 22:48 23:27

2.9 2.9 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.3

18:45 19:30 20:19 21:12 22:10 23:12

0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.8

19:01 20:04 21:02 21:56 22:45 23:31

3.2 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.4

18:52 19:34 20:16 20:59

0.5 0.6 0.7 0.9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Kawhia H+0:24 L+0:00 Opononi H+0:05 L+0:02 Patea H+0:34 L+1:00 Pouto Point H+0:41 L+0:36 Whanganui River Entrance H+0:19 L+0:28

Westport 2.9 2.7 2.6 2.5 1.0 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.0 2.9 2.9 2.8 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 3.2 3.1 3.0 2.9 2.8

0.5 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7

19:02 0.6

Port Taranaki

Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

18:45 19:35 20:25 21:17 22:10 23:02 23:53

Houhora Harbour Entrance H+0:39 L+0:28 Marsden Point H+0:00 L-0:04 Port Jackson H-0:37 L-0:36 Tutukaka Harbour H-0:15 L-0:14

Ahipara Bay H-0:15 L-0:15 Onehunga H+0:49 L+0:46 Otaki River Entrance H-0:20 L-0:20 Porirua (Mana Cruising Club) H+0:03 L-0:11 Raglan H+0:31 L+0:14

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 2.4 2.4 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.4 0.5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

19:29 20:20 21:07 21:51 22:32 23:11 23:50

2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.0

18:57 19:39 20:25 21:15 22:11 23:13

0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6

19:08 20:13 21:13 22:09 23:02 23:51

2.9 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.2

19:08 19:52 20:35 21:19 22:04

0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.8

Greymouth H+0:00 L+0:00 Karamea H-0:35 L-0:35

18:22 13:06 13:55 14:46 15:37 16:29 17:20 18:09 12:42 13:26 14:09 14:51 15:34 16:18 17:04 17:52 12:40 13:31 14:26 15:23 16:23 17:23 18:23 12:59 13:53 14:45 15:35 16:23 17:09 17:54 12:34

Wellington

Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

3:54 4:45 5:34 0:10 0:57 1:42 2:27 3:12 3:58 4:43 5:30 6:16 0:49 1:39 2:27 3:16 4:05 4:55 5:47 0:26 1:20 2:15 3:12 4:09 5:06 6:02 0:46 1:41 2:34 3:26 4:16

Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

3:20 4:11 5:02 5:53 0:35 1:24 2:13 3:00 3:46 4:31 5:14 5:57 0:26 1:11 1:57 2:45 3:35 4:27 5:22 0:06 1:02 2:00 2:59 3:57 4:53 5:47 0:24 1:15 2:04 2:51 3:38

0.6 3.1 3.0 2.9 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 3.3 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.1 3.2 3.2 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 3.1

19:13 20:04 20:56 21:49 22:41 23:32

0.7 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9

18:56 19:42 20:26 21:10 21:54 22:38 23:23

2.8 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.1

18:42 19:35 20:30 21:29 22:30 23:30

0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5

19:21 20:16 21:09 21:58 22:46 23:31

3.2 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.2 3.1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

18:38 0.7

Mahurangi Harbour H+0:02 L+0:12 Thames (Rocky Point) H-0:17 L-0:12

0.5 0.6 0.6 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6

10:02 10:53 11:42 6:21 7:07 7:52 8:36 9:22 10:09 10:59 11:51 12:43 7:04 7:52 8:40 9:29 10:19 11:10 12:01 6:39 7:33 8:29 9:27 10:27 11:27 12:27 6:57 7:50 8:43 9:34 10:23

Bare Island (Motu 0 Kura) H+0:21 L+0:20 Cape Palliser H+0:10 L+0:10 Castlepoint H+0:20 L+0:18 Porangahau Riv.Entrance H+0:00 L-0:01

21:55 0.7 22:51 0.8 23:49 0.9

3.2 0.6 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.3 3.3 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.3 3.2 0.6

1.8 1.7 1.7 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.6

16:32 17:20 18:05 12:29 13:14 13:58 14:42 15:27 16:15 17:05 17:56 18:46 13:35 14:26 15:15 16:02 16:49 17:36 18:23 12:54 13:49 14:45 15:43 16:42 17:40 18:37 13:26 14:22 15:15 16:04 16:50

9:37 10:28 11:17 12:06 6:43 7:34 8:23 9:11 9:58 10:44 11:29 12:13 6:41 7:27 8:14 9:03 9:54 10:45 11:39 6:19 7:17 8:17 9:16 10:14 11:10 12:03 6:39 7:30 8:19 9:07 9:54

Akaroa H-0:42 L-0:44 Kaikoura H+0:17 L+0:16 Rakaia Mouth H-0:46 L-0:46 Timaru H-1:13 L-1:15 Waimakariri Mouth H+0:10 L+0:10

2.4 2.3 2.3 2.2 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.4 2.3

15:52 16:44 17:35 18:25 12:54 13:42 14:30 15:15 16:00 16:43 17:27 18:12 12:58 13:43 14:30 15:19 16:10 17:03 17:56 12:34 13:30 14:28 15:25 16:21 17:16 18:10 12:55 13:45 14:33 15:21 16:09

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

22:34 1.7 23:23 1.6

0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.2 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6

5:43 0:30 1:19 2:09 3:01 3:54 4:48 5:40 0:06 0:52 1:36 2:20 3:02 3:45 4:29 5:14 6:02 0:46 1:39 2:37 3:39 4:42 5:45 0:17 1:13 2:07 2:57 3:46 4:32 5:17 0:01

Tauranga 0.2 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 1.7

12:10 6:31 7:19 8:08 8:59 9:52 10:45 11:37 6:30 7:17 8:02 8:46 9:29 10:12 10:56 11:41 12:28 6:52 7:45 8:43 9:43 10:45 11:47 6:44 7:40 8:33 9:23 10:11 10:58 11:42 6:01

East Cape H-0:45 L-0:41 Tairua H-0:03 L-0:03 Waipiro Bay H-0:52 L-0:58 Whakatane H-0:23 L-0:06

18:48 19:28 20:08 20:49 21:32 22:18 23:08 23:59

0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7

19:35 20:23 21:11 21:58 22:46 23:35

1.5 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.7

19:12 20:03 20:57 21:53 22:51 23:49

0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5

19:32 20:25 21:16 22:05 22:52

1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6

Cape Kidnappers H+0:18 L+0:17 Cape Turnagain H-0:11 L-0:12 Napier H+0:38 L+0:37 Portland Island H+0:23 L+0:22

Lyttelton

0.4 0.5 0.6 0.6 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.3 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5

0.5 0.5 0.6 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6

Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

1:56 2:43 3:32 4:25 5:25 0:21 1:17 2:08 2:55 3:38 4:19 4:58 5:37 0:13 0:55 1:38 2:25 3:16 4:12 5:17 6:30 1:07 2:12 3:12 4:06 4:54 5:37 0:11 0:53 1:34 2:14

2015

1.9 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 1.9 1.9 1.9 2.0 1.9 1.9 1.9 0.3

18:18 12:58 13:46 14:34 15:23 16:12 17:01 17:50 12:26 13:13 13:59 14:44 15:29 16:14 17:00 17:47 18:37 13:18 14:11 15:07 16:06 17:05 18:05 12:47 13:44 14:38 15:29 16:18 17:05 17:51 12:26

0.3 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.6 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.8 1.8 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 1.8

19:08 19:57 20:47 21:37 22:28 23:18

0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4

18:37 19:24 20:09 20:54 21:38 22:23 23:08 23:56

1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8

19:28 20:23 21:20 22:19 23:19

0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2

19:03 19:58 20:51 21:41 22:30 23:16

1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.8

18:36 0.3

Gisborne H-1:19 L-1:12 Tolaga Bay (Cooks Cove) H-1:04 L-1:10 Wairoa River Mouth H-1:37 L-1:28 Whitianga H-0:05 L-0:10

Nelson

3.8 3.6 3.4 3.3 3.2 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 4.0 3.9 3.9 3.8 3.7 3.6 3.5 3.5 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.6 4.0 4.0 3.9 3.7

7:55 8:37 9:25 10:22 11:33 6:31 7:35 8:32 9:20 10:02 10:41 11:18 11:55 6:16 6:56 7:38 8:23 9:15 10:16 11:28 12:45 7:43 8:48 9:44 10:33 11:17 11:58 6:17 6:54 7:30 8:06

Croisilles Harbour H-0:18 L-0:02 French Pass H-2:00 L-2:00 Picton H-0:47 L-1:21

0.9 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.5 3.2 3.3 3.5 3.7 3.9 4.0 4.1 4.2 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.1 1.2 1.1 3.6 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.3 4.3 0.6 0.7 0.8 1.0

14:18 15:04 15:57 16:59 18:07 12:47 13:48 14:38 15:19 15:57 16:33 17:09 17:46 12:33 13:12 13:55 14:42 15:36 16:38 17:47 18:55 13:53 14:52 15:43 16:30 17:14 17:56 12:37 13:15 13:53 14:33

3.8 3.6 3.4 3.3 3.3 1.5 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.6 4.2 4.2 4.1 4.0 3.8 3.7 3.7 3.7 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 4.2 4.1 4.0 3.8

20:25 21:17 22:16 23:19

1.0 1.2 1.3 1.4

19:09 20:03 20:50 21:32 22:13 22:52 23:32

3.3 3.4 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.9

18:26 19:08 19:54 20:46 21:44 22:49 23:58

0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.1

19:59 20:57 21:51 22:40 23:27

3.8 3.9 4.0 4.1 4.1

18:36 19:15 19:55 20:38

0.6 0.7 0.9 1.0

ElaineBay H-0:29 L-0:40 Havelock H-0:15 L-0:35 Stephens Island H-0:30 L-0:30

French Pass times are Nelson less 2 hours, and are known to be unreliable. Boaties use them as a rule of thumb to determine the best times to navigate the pass.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

22:07 2.3 22:57 2.2 23:47 2.2 19:13 19:59 20:44 21:28 22:13 22:57 23:42

0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6

18:59 19:48 20:38 21:29 22:20 23:13

2.2 2.2 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.3

18:51 19:46 20:42 21:39 22:35 23:30

0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

19:03 19:55 20:46 21:35 22:23

2.4 2.3 2.3 2.2 2.2

Ashburton River Entrance H-0:42 L-0:44 Moeraki H-1:53 L-1:18 Rangitata River Entrance H-0:58 L-1:00 Oamaru H-0:52 L-0:54

Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

3:12 4:03 4:54 5:45 0:05 0:53 1:38 2:20 3:00 3:41 4:22 5:04 0:15 1:01 1:49 2:39 3:32 4:27 5:25 6:24 0:32 1:29 2:25 3:19 4:12 5:03 0:16 1:05 1:53 2:40 3:27

Dunedin

0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 2.0 2.0 2.0 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.2 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3

8:54 9:49 10:44 11:37 6:35 7:24 8:12 8:58 9:44 10:29 11:13 11:57 5:47 6:33 7:21 8:12 9:06 10:03 11:02 12:02 7:24 8:22 9:19 10:13 11:05 11:55 5:53 6:42 7:31 8:20 9:09

Bluff H-2:03 L-2:37 Port Chalmers H-0:12 L-0:49

Not for navigational purposes.

All times corrected for Daylight Savings.

2.0 1.9 1.9 1.9 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.0 1.9

15:40 16:32 17:24 18:15 12:28 13:15 13:59 14:40 15:20 16:00 16:40 17:22 12:42 13:29 14:17 15:08 16:02 16:59 17:57 18:56 13:01 13:58 14:52 15:44 16:35 17:24 12:44 13:31 14:18 15:05 15:53

Brighton H-0:25 St Clair H-0:52

Supplied by OceanFun Publishing, Ltd.

0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 2.0 2.0 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.4

21:20 1.9 22:17 1.8 23:12 1.8 19:03 19:50 20:35 21:19 22:03 22:46 23:30

0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2

18:06 18:53 19:43 20:36 21:33 22:32 23:33

2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.1

19:53 20:48 21:42 22:35 23:26

0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

18:14 19:03 19:53 20:43 21:35

2.1 2.0 1.9 1.9 1.8

L-0:58 L-1:03

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35 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

TIDES OF CHANGE By Poppa Mike

Island of desire a rare treasure The Cook Islands have 15 stars in a circle on their flag, representing the main islands. One of these is uninhabited most of the time because it lacks a supply of fresh water and is very remote, approximately 515 miles northwest of Rarotonga, the main island. This island was first discovered by Russian Lieutenant Lazareff in 1814. He named it Suvarov, in recognition of a famous Russian, Field Marshall Suvarov. Today the Cook Islanders call it Suwarrow, as their phonic alphabet doesn’t have the harsh ‘v’ sound. Very few people have visited Suvarov Atoll but despite this there is a long list of shipwrecks, buried treasure, adventurers, hermits and profit seekers. New Zealander, Tom Neale, spent six years living a lonely existence in this island paradise. His book, An Island to Oneself, tells his story. Others stayed for shorter periods. During WW11 several coast-watchers lived on the largest islet, Anchorage. One of them, Robert Frisbie, later wrote a book of his experiences calling it, The Island of Desire. One shipwreck in 1963 occurred while Tom was still living there. The large cruising yacht Tiburon had entered the passage and was safely

anchored inside the reef. On the third night, a wind caused the anchor cable to snap, pushing the yacht onto a coral head and sinking it rapidly. The family of three castaways spent several months with Tom before being rescued by HMNZS Pukaki. Suwarrow had long had a reputation as a Treasure Island, because of tales of Spanish galleons being shipwrecked on the reef centuries earlier. In Suwarrow Gold, James Cowan tells of settlement ruins where muskets, swords, doubloons, cannons and skeletons were found. In 1855 a trader, Livingstone Evans, chartered a yacht and went in search of the rumoured buried treasure. After a week of digging on Anchorage, he unearthed a heavy iron chest near the centre of the island. It was

opened in front of witnesses and found to contain gold coins. These were later sold for $US15,000. Even the infamous buccaneer Bully Hayes visited Suwarrow. In 1868, he found a group of marooned inhabitants on the island, took them on board his heavily laden vessel and to eventual safety. In 1978, the Cook Islands’ government recognised the importance of Suvarov Atoll as a bird and wildlife sanctuary, in particular the frigate bird and red-tailed tropicbird, and declared it a National Park. Two rangers live there for six months each year during the tourist season, ensuring anyone who manages to make the trip respects the island’s beauty and heritage.

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Angus beefs up

STORY

Alistair Arkell

While drifting and filleting fish threeyears-ago, we stumbled onto a rock that radically impacted on our fishing. It was in 350m out back of Great Barrier Island and didn’t look much bigger than a small house. We dropped our lines, as you do, and were surprised at what came up, so much so, we sneak out on the odd occasion the conditions are suitable. Being so far out, sixty miles from our boat ramp, it gets protected by weather, so holds some good fish and a nice variety. We have had groper up to 35kg, bluenose up to 30kg, bass up to 45kg, and some nice gem fish. A typical trip will see me, Dave Bowman, Johan Ferrari, and Angus Hume (front cover), overnight at the ‘Barrier’, where hook into some excellent night snapper fishing and attempt to get fresh baits for the rock. I prefer jack mackerel but anything fresh works; we even use snapper fillets if baitfish aren’t playing ball. Most of the boys favour the Okuma Makaria 50 matched to something like the CD 37kg Tournament rod, and we make our own terminal tackle: basic two hook ledger rigs with a 32oz sacrificial sinker. A couple of innovations we have found useful: attaching strobe lights at the swivel seems to greatly improve catch rates, and I tie one large recurve hook and one smaller one so that I can fish both small and big baits. The groper and bass will take anything, but the bluenose prefer a smaller feed. We don’t worry about tides - never look at them - because, being restricted to fishing weekends, we don’t have the luxury of being

Alistair with a thumper of a bass caught off the rock.

choosey. As soon as we get 5knot variable winds, we go for it and are usually done and dusted in a morning. It’s a magic little spot that always delivers and part of the delight is that it dishes up a mixed bag - you just never know what you are going to load up on.

36 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

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Congratulation Dave!

COARSE FISHING Dave Dixon

Mataura’s coal seams Frank Cartwright

NZ Coarse Fishing Champs - Day 2

Carrying one section point into the second day of the Nationals is always a great start but it’s a classic ‘game of two halves’ and another section win would almost certainly be needed to claim the title. What’s more, if anglers finish the weekend tied on section points, the tie-breaker is total weight and I was already giving up a head start to two top class anglers, Dave Russell from Auckland and Andy Deamer from Wellington. The draw would be important and I was very happy to pull out Peg 16, a good spot at the top of C section. However, this section had been the poorest of all on Saturday, being won with just 14lb, so my job was to just win the section and hope the other leaders tripped up. Arriving at the peg I noticed

Andy had drawn next peg 17 and six-times national champ Gary Bourne from Auckland had drawn 18. I felt I had the best peg but nothing can be taken for granted in fishing. My approach was the same as the first day, with both pole and feeder methods being used but this time I had an inviting far bank tree overhanging the water, which made for a perfect spot to cast to. I caught a few small rudd on the feeder then found a number of chunky goldfish lined-up on the pole line. Although genetically the same as pet goldfish, these are not brightly coloured but are brassy brown and look just like crucian carp. They are also heavy for their small size and a great weight-builder in a match. Soon I had a 3lb koi carp in the net and was on track.

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Surprisingly, the feeder spot under the tree gradually died and despite changing baits and tackle set-up the bites were coming too slowly to spend much time there. The pole line was also proving tricky and I had to switch rigs and baits several times to keep the fish coming. I suffered some quiet spells but worked the fish back and was rewarded by a couple more small carp. Andy and Gary were out of sight around a slight bend in the river and I couldn’t see how they were going. I only heard an occasional splashing sound from them netting fish so I was hopeful they weren’t bagging up! I could see Dave Russell further along the bank in B section and he seemed to be catching well. I knew if Dave won his section I would have to win mine and overturn a 17lb weight deficit from the first day. I was pleased to see 2008 champion Jason McMahon from Hutt Valley surge to the lead in B section with a number of big carp late in the match. With 40 minutes to go, I lifted into a heavy fish on one of my light rigs and I was not the

Selfie photo gives impression of 3.5lb trout being cuddled. It was not. It was smoked!

boss! Patiently, I let the carp circle around the swim but then disaster as it dived into a snag! I released pressure hoping it would swim out but it wasn’t budging. I heaved again as much as I dared and something slowly moved. It felt like a fish attached to a submerged tree but eventually it became just a fish once more and in another five minutes it was in the net. I quickly swapped back to my heavy rig and caught another carp as the whistle went. On the scales my catch weighed 34lb and with the rest of C section again fishing poorly I had secured the valuable one point. In B section, Jason’s big carp had toppled Dave’s net of small fish, meaning they both finished on three points for the weekend and with no one else in the match finishing on two points I had won - my fourth NZ Championship in 10 years.

I first went to Mataura in 1952 when it was a thriving little township with an excellent shopping area, a freezing works, a paper mill and a small open-cast mine supplying coal to the local community. Alas, retail shopping, the paper mill and the mine are all long gone, although the mine area was once a great place to shoot rabbits in the evening. I was quite partial to a good bunny stew, almost as much as a pan-fried brown trout! Southland has vast coal deposits throughout its province so it is not surprising there are a number

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of coal seams in the Mataura River and these are well worth fishing as they provide ideal trout habitat. A little north of Gore with the Hokonui Hills of illicit ‘moonshine’ notoriety close by, is a favourite destination of mine when I get to Gore on a fishing trip. I like to fish below the coal seams and cast up to the fast water area with a nymph such as a bead-head Hare’s Ear or perhaps a Purple and Grouse wet fly - a Southland invention with an impressive track record as a fish taker. There is good access to an excellent coal seam via Monaghan’s Road. Turn off the Gore-Lumsden highway and Monaghan’s leads you to some excellent water where I have had regular success, or alternatively cross to the true right bank and immediately upstream is some excellent dry fly water. Try a Black Gnat or similar dark fly even though trout may not be rising. Expect trout to be in the 2.5-4lb range. There are other coal seams worth fishing but as some are on private land, ask around for information on where they are located. The local sports stores are always a good start! Tight lines!

37 THE FISHING PAPER - DECEMBER 2015

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Are the kingies here yet? Are the kingies here yet? Mark Roden

For some people, Bathurst heralds the arrival of summer, for others it’s the A&P Show, but if you’re reading this it’s likely that the arrival of the yellowtail kingfish in our region is what you have been looking forward to. Just like the seasonal change, it doesn’t happen overnight; we get glimpses and then it’s gone again. It’s really about food. Yes, the water temperature and currents bring the food but the kingies don’t really mind the temperature as long as they have plenty to eat. They are fast growing, fast swimming fish. If you have ever wondered why they are not arriving at exactly the same place each year, It’s because they are probably not the same fish, they don’t know where they are, they don’t have a homing instinct like a trout; they just follow the food. Given that one of their primary food sources, the kahawai has almost been wiped out and that both Tasman Bay and Golden Bay sea floor has been turned to sludge – sorry turbidity (by the best commercial fishery management

system in the world – yeah right) it’s a wonder that we see these fish at all. We’re seeing big schools of small mackerel along the coast and we know there are squid in the bay so let’s hope there isn’t a commercial gold rush on either of

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