The Fishing Paper & Hunting News December 2018 Issue 159

THE

FISHING & HUNTING FREE

December 2018 Issue 159

 Kaikoura salmon fever  West Coast snapper  Bow is the go

PAPER

NEWS

Back Beach Beauty Jaimee Mercer’s story page 7

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2

THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

MARINTEC Dave James Radio Gaga This month we look at marine voice communications. It may not be the sexiest of boating subjects but this equipment is an essential part of safe boating and can literally be the difference between life and death in a disaster situation.

Mobile cellular phones can be great for keeping an eye on the weather, calling mates and handy with access to a myriad of cool apps but mobile phones do not provide effective ship-to-ship safety communications or fast effective access to rescue services. Cellular coverage and reception is also patchy at sea.

boating ask a local boatie or Coastguard, they will know where there is no or little VHF coverage.

Handheld VHF radios are restricted to a maximum of 5W power output and have short antennas. While they are practical to use, they are restricted to relatively short communication distances.

For this reason, we recommend a 25W fixed mount VHF radio be installed on your vessel, where practical, with an external antenna. The higher power and longer antenna will contribute to your ability to communicate much further ranges than a handheld version.

In an emergency you may have very limited time to get a distress alert out and with a mobile phone you may only get the chance to make one call, if you are lucky and you may get their voicemail instead!

That said, Maritime NZ has a NZ wide network of high site repeaters for Emergency channel 16 reception. This means even some handhelds would get through on CH16, depending on location.

We see mobile phones as a worthy backup comms device - especially if a waterproof phone or a regular phone stored in waterproof bag - but for your primary voice communications you should have at least one VHF marine radio on board. Marine VHF operates at a frequency of approximately 156MHz.

Both handheld radios and fixed mount radios are relatively inexpensive these days and we recommend a minimum of one fixed VHF and at least one waterproof handheld radio as an auxiliary backup.

VHF radio waves travel in a straight line and will not bend over landmass or over the horizon to any great extent. VHF aerials must be in sight of each other, line of sight, though in some marine areas of NZ, repeater sites are installed on hills or mountains to provide much greater coverage.

VHF radios have excellent coverage in most NZ coastal regions. Many inland waterways are less reliable. Before going

It is ideal if each person has a waterproof handheld VHF on them, preferably attached to their life jacket.

We recommend this because you may not be able to access the vessel’s fixed VHF if it is damaged in a capsize or disaster situation. Modern handheld VHF are now available in ultra-compact sizes, so it really is no bother to have them permanently attached to your lifejacket, which you should always be wearing.

Be sure to remember to add the task of charging your handheld radios and

testing to your routine before heading out. They will be no good to you if they have flat batteries!

With a VHF radio, calls can be received

by Maritime NZ, the Coastguard and nearby vessels, which may be in position to give immediate assistance. A VHF marine radio also helps ensure storm warnings and other urgent marine information broadcasts are received.

You’re in safe hands

Knowing how to use a marine VHF radio correctly and with confidence is vital in the event of an emergency. To operate a maritime VHF radio, you are required to hold a VHF radio operators’ certificate, unless you are transmitting in an emergency or in distress. Courses are only a few hours long and give you the confidence of knowing how to use a VHF radio in an emergency. Online courses only cost $85 and are available at Coastguard Boating Education.

A call sign for your boat is the best way of making sure each radio transmission is individually identifiable. It is registered on a national search and rescue database. This means search and rescue authorities can access information about your vessel to help locate you faster in an emergency. Call signs only cost $45 and are available at Coastguard Boating Education or the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment.

While not mandatory for recreational users, it is recommended you get your VHF radio and antenna systems inspected annually so you know they are working soundly.

Check out the https://www.maritimenz. govt.nz/ website for further information and advice to help you prepare.

Next month we continue a similar theme, as we take a closer look at distress communications.

Wishing you all happy safe summer boating!

Gordon Neilson is one of the team of experienced operators who monitor your radio calls around the Top of the South.

At Marlborough-Nelson Marine Radio they are all geared up to keep you safe for the summer season. If you have a VHF radio you’ll hear their operators taking trip reports, broadcasting the weather, navigation reports, and generally being on hand for boaties.

The service extends from Kahurangi Point in the West to Cape Campbell in the east and across the Strait.

The VHF channels are monitored from 7.00am every day, so if you’re heading out for a day on the water, give them a call on the radio and let them know your plan. Most important – when you’re due back. It’s a great system and it works well.

Crucially, if you get into trouble, an operator will get you help and your call will be heard by other boats in the area. Your cell phone is fine as a back up only. Remember a phone call will only be heard by one person – and that’s if you have a signal.

Operators don’t clock off until 10pm each night, so you have fifteen hours coverage every day of the year. It’s all about Safety at Sea. Civil Defence role In the event of civil emergency, VHF radio plays a vital role. Brian Paton is the Civil Defence Emergency Manager for Marlborough and has a close working relationship with Marine Radio. The VHF communications owned by MNMR will be available for use if needed.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR RADIO CHANNELS

FOR MARLBOROUGH AND NELSON? Channel 01 – Mt. Stokes.

Coverage from Cape Farewell in the south to Cape Egmont in the north, and the east from Cape Palliser to Cape Campbell.

Most of the Marlborough Sounds, Golden Bay, Tasman Bay , Wellington and Cook Strait. At times. This channel may be workable outside these perimeters.

Channel 04 – Drumduan.

Covers Tasman Bay and the western d’Urville area. Permanently linked to both channels 60 and 65. This means that any transmission made on channel 04 is heard simultaneously on both channels 60 and 65 and vice versa.

Channel 60 – Mt. Burnett.

Covers Kahurangi Point in the west, all of Golden Bay and the western side of d’Urville Island. Channel 60 is permanently linked to channel 04 (and subsequently to channel 65) so any transmission made on channel 04 is heard on channel 04, 60, and 65 as well.

Channel 63 – Mt. Kahikatea.

Covers Queen Charlotte Sound, Port Underwood, Cook Strait, south to Cape Campbell, Kapiti and Mana and also parts of Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds. This channel is good for Wellington approaches but not good within Wellington Harbour. (Mariners are advised to cancel Trip Reports at Barrets Reef buoy).

Channel 65 – Paradise Reserve.

Covers Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds, Havelock, d’Urville, western Cook Strait, parts of Tasman Bay, Golden Bay and large sections of Queen Charlotte Sound.

Channel 66 – Mt. Stokes.

Coverage area is similar to Channel 01.

This repeater is for commercial users only and is not operator monitored.

Channels 01 and 63 are linked for the marine forecasts only and one operator monitors both channels.

Channels are monitored 0700 hrs to 2200 hrs all year round.

THIS VALUABLE SERVICE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

Become a member of the Marlborough-Nelson marine radio association.

Your subscription goes a long way to funding this amazing boating service Email for a membership form today

marineradio@xtra.co.nz

The Fishing Paper & Hunting News proudly supports Marlborough-Nelson Marine Radio Association

O f

Issue 159 3

Outbreak of salmon fever

Joy Williams with a touch of Kaikoura silver

Bryn Williams

It was difficult to believe what was going on around me. I’d only been down the beach 20 minutes and had seen a bag limit of salmon caught to my left and right.

Hearing of success all over town, it was obvious.

Something fishy was going on. Literally.

Two weeks prior and the Kaikoura salmon fishery was experiencing one of its most quiet periods in a long time.

The feel wasn’t there. An empty beach told the story of how unproductive the

fishing had been. But, things changed fast.

Eleven pounds of silver caught people’s eye one day. The next day, five or six salmon up to 10lb had fishermen blowing cobwebs off their gear and sharpening their hooks. Then followed a week-long run of salmon that spread a fever through most of Canterbury.

I met an angler named Davneet who was only five casts into his new season before catching his first

Jacob Ford had the magic touch

Kaikoura salmon. On the same day, I had a mate drive up from Cheviot and buy a new fishing licence, only to christen it a few hours later. We had locals fishing in their lunch breaks and tourists debating whether there was enough space in the campervan for a salmon rod. Upwards of 20-25 salmon caught a day, it was something I had never experienced before and had only heard about from the ‘good ol’ days’ of salmon fishing.

Fortunately, this unpredictable run of salmon coincided with the school holidays, leading to a number of young anglers landing their first wild salmon. For young angler Jacob Ford, his first salmon was extra special. Weighing 7lb 3 ounces, Jacob’s fish fell to a silver and green ticer and was one of five fin-clipped fish caught that week. When speaking with Jacob he said that it put up a good fight, especially when it sensed it was nearly caught. Luckily his old man was there to help land the fish, and wild salmon was on the menu for dinner! To date, this was Jacob’s biggest fish,

although his ultimate goal is to land a big kingfish on a speargun.

In the weeks since this awesome run of fish, salmon are still being caught off the beach but not in such great numbers. If you are planning a salmon fishing mission to Kaikoura here are some key things to consider: The majority of salmon are caught close to shore. This leans towards the use of 8-9ft spin rods rather than the 12ft beasts that surf salmon fishing usually demands.

Using the correct lure weight and colour is also critical for higher success rate. Through experience we have found the silver and

green pattern to be most effective, and the optimum lure weight is around 40g.

This allows for a tidy 50 metre cast and imitates the small bait fish the salmon feed on. A red and silver pattern would be sensible too because most salmon this year have been gorging themselves on krill.

Ideal conditions consist of light offshore winds with an ocean swell under one metre, which often result in cleaner visibility when the blue water is pushed in close. Cleaner water makes lure fishing in the ocean more effective and we experience a much higher salmon catch rate when the sea is calm.

When choosing where to fish, follow the cleanest water. Often the railway station beach produces salmon, as it is tucked out of the wind from the south. If the prevailing wind is coming from the north, try your luck towards the Kowhai River heading southward toward Christchurch. Utilise the peninsula as your natural windbreaker!

If you need any other information or advice, check out the Kaikoura Salmon Enhancement Society’s facebook page, who post regular updates on the fishery. All their hard work is great to see!

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4

THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

Henderson’s turns 20!

Daryl Crimp

This December marks a milestone for Blenheim family owned business, Henderson’s, as the team proudly celebrates 20 years trading. Started by local identity John Henderson, the store always reflected his eclectic nature and the warmth of his personality, and became an icon of Marlborough’s retail industry.

The store has gone from strength to strength after John’s girls, Lana and Tamzin, took over in February 2017. They have spent a lot of time updating and increasing the range of fresh and salt water tackle, saying that key changes have come about by listening to customers.

“If a rod or reel is fishing well, we will order more in, and if a customer has a favourite lure, we will ensure we always have them on hand,” says Lana.

the Kenepuru on a day out with the Penn Fishing rep, and and both trying a day of bait-free fishing at d’Urville Island with Ryan from Local Knowledge Charters.

Being independently owned and operated allows the Henderson’s crew the ability to match demand as products are released, tested, and requested. Listening to their customers also means the shop will be open 8.00am-4.00pm Saturdays and Sundays through December and January.

Keeping in the tradition founded by John, a very accomplished fisher and outdoorsman, Henderson’s remains a go-to place to visit for current local knowledge and fishing tips.

Visitors to the region would be well-placed to pop into Henderson’s on Grove Road to update on what’s hot and stock up on gear that will help turn summer into success.

The girls have been putting their own skills to the test too: Tamzin catching her first trout at Lake Argyle with the guidance of new staff member Sam, Lana landing her first kingfish in

Pan-Donna-monium Steven Ngatai

Henderson's wish to thank everyone for their ongoing support, and look forward to a busy holiday season.

Donna finally got her very own snapper My wife Donna had never caught a snapper, apart from the one’s I’d speared while free diving and attached to her hook while on the bottom. According to her, those cheeky little snapper don’t count. So the pressure was on to make an honest woman out of her.

Back Row: Sam Hayman, Ross Laybourn, John Baker Front Row: Lana Wilson, Tamzin Henderson

Henderson’s, taking care of your fishing & boating needs for 20 years

With the stars aligned, we left Picton for a day of fishing in Grove Arm, a very beautiful part of the Marlborough Sounds and the occasional haunt of snapper. I set up the straylines using 6/0 Black Magic hooks and got the berley trail pumping. I was running a Salmon Burley on the surface and another 3m up from the bottom; all bases covered.

Donna was armed with her Shimano Lipstick and I was using a Shimano Backbone Elite rod — both rigged with Shimano Baitrunners.

Donna was first to feel the action, her reel

exploding into song so suddenly, it took us both by surprise. She was like a kid in a candy store, but my excitement for her was short-lived because I suddenly had a more pressing problem — my rod was also doing the dance of the snapper. However, I was left in no doubt that the priority was Donna’s snapper, so I passed my rod to Mr Rod Holder, hoping I wouldn’t lose my fish in the process.

Once her fish drew close to the boat, it was pandemonium. Donna was so damn excited I think she stunned the fish into submission.

And yes, she was very delighted with her first legitimate snapper, so much so, all I heard for a week was, “Are we going fishing again tomorrow?”

Now she wants a kingy — now that’s going to be fun!

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Issue 159 5

A detective on horseback

Trevor Alty

Surfcasting involves a bit of detective work, especially when just coming out of winter. I follow several online surfcasting Facebook sites to see who is catching what and where, and I regularly take a spin along Westport’s North Beach looking for clues. My best mates there are seagulls. Most of the time I hate them, bait stealing mongrels, but on these occasions they lead me to good evidence. Either dead fish washed ashore, or fishermen’s discarded heads and frames.

On this trip I hit the jackpot. Obviously a kontiki set: 15 spiky dogs but three good snapper frames and one rig frame. A forensic examination indicated the snapper to be around 10lb.

That’s good because I like to target rig or snapper.

I’d also noticed North Island West Coast surfcasters are starting to snag big snapper, ‘horses,’ as we in the game call them. I have always wanted to snag me a ‘horse’ and join the ‘club.’

The snapper must be over 20lb and caught off the beach on surfcasting gear.

Now for phase two; scout the beach at low tide looking for holes or gutters that will hold fish. These possies can come and go overnight but generally stick around for a week or two.

Sunday, 28 October, Westport North Beach, good conditions, 1.30pm — two and a half hours before high tide, which is my preferred time slot.

I use an old Solaris Rod and an Okuma

Long Cast Reel spooled with Ultima Distance 12lb breaking strain line, with home-salted bonito bait on a 4/0 recurve hook. I prefer light line to achieve more distance in the cast. This is finished off with a tapered 60lb shock leader. End tackle was a one hook pulley rig, with an Imp Release Clip, which keeps it streamlined and adds distance.

Biffed the line out, drag set light, into the rod holder, and back into the 4x4. An hour passed without the least bit of interest but that’s fishing.

Check the bait to see if the paddle crabs have visited.

Just as I gripped the rod to lift it, over she went like a runaway freight train and line zinged off at a great rate.

“Don’t panic Captain Mannering,” came to mind.

I slightly tightened the drag to slow the runaway.

Remember, I’m using 12lb breaking strain so must be gentle, but a benefit of light line is I have plenty to play with. I gave the runaway his head and let him go for it.

Go he does and takes over a 100 metres and then just stopped dead in its tracks.

Bugger! I thought, ‘stingray’, because that’s a typical stingray trick — go for it, stop, and hug the bottom. I gave him a nudge and awoke the sleeping giant. He was off again but changed tracks and headed north. Off up the beach I went in hot pursuit. We both settled down a bit; I guess he needed a rest and so did I. We were 20 minutes into our little tussle, so time to get some line back.

Now I had him in the waves, which was handy.

In came a wave, more line to me, Mr Fish. I was positive he’d be beached. All I needed to do was get some shock leader on, which was fluorescent orange and not far off visiting my spool — one more wave, and I had some on at last. Then I had

him in the wash and saw a bloody big, red tail waving at me. My ‘horse’ had arrived.

All those years of surfcasting and here he was at my feet.

The gaff was in the car so it was a keel haul for the last few metres. In came that final wave, a bit of a walk back, wave receded, and he was high and dry.

He was flapping about but the ‘horse’ had been tamed and corralled. I did consider just a pic and release but the hook was too far down, which was a bit sad. So he came home with me. He then became a she, weighed in at 21lb, and I finally joined ‘The Club’!

Detective work done.

Tightened up the drag a tad and yep, I’d turned him but that was a double-edged sword. He gave, I took, and then it was reversed, he took and I gave. Each time I was gaining on him. Another 10 minutes of coming and going and I was getting him in close. Strange I thought, almost every stingy I have caught has breached at some point but this fella hadn’t.

Maybe it’s not a stingy.

Maybe, just maybe it’s a bloody ‘horse.’

Trev saddled this and rode it home

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THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

A fallow in my sight

Daniel and son Kershaw share a special moment

Kershaw Peat (8 years)

My older brother and sister shot their first deer when they were eight and my Dad told me I could shoot my first when I turned eight.

I’ve shot goats, rabbits, and I’ve gone hunting for birds but never a deer.

After I turned eight Dad

asked me if I wanted to go shoot my first deer and I said yes, but later I didn’t want to.

It was already organised with Dad’s friend, so we got ready and went later that day.

When we got there, we climbed a big bank through the bush and walked about a

Kershaw Peat following in a family tradition hundred metres till we could see some deer, but they were too far away to shoot. If we walked straight through the paddock in front of us we would scare the sheep away, which would also scare the deer, so we went down the hill through some gorse bushes. Then we walked

Irish jig catches trout Fishing the Ohau Canal with Patrick Noone, I came across the unluckiest fish I have ever met, and I made its acquaintance in the most unlikeliest of fashions.

I hooked this thing but it was in no mood to be sociable, promptly running downstream and around an old flow gauge post in the canal. Then it continued with the current and I had to wonder if there was any hope of me

Dad pointed out a buck

At this juncture I was distracted by a father and son duo in the distance.

Clearly by the excited shouts and theatrics, they’d hooked a trout and it was quite an occasion for them. In fact, they were attracting an attentive little audience and Paddy, being the generous soul he is, abandoned me and went to their aid.

The old gentleman was quite ecstatic

that was lying down so we waited for it to stand up. A little bit later, Dad left to get his jersey to rest the back of the gun on, then it stood up and it was side on, so I lined it up. It took me about twenty seconds to shoot, it ran a little bit, then it fell on the ground dead. I was so

happy, same with my Dad. We went back down to the ute and drove up to the deer. Dad put it on the back then we went home to show Mum. Dad said my shot was perfect and the antlers are now in my room.

The unluckiest fish

Pete Connolly

stopping it.

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closer and back up to the top of the hill but we were still too far away, so we went back down the hill walked a little bit closer and back up the hill again. We were close enough this time so we crawled to a nearby gorse bush.

when Paddy netted the beast but his euphoria was somewhat short-lived.

“It’s yours, it’s yours,” Paddy was shouting back at me.

The old chap had cast across my line and retrieved my trout, something I had no show in doing with the line wrapped around the post.

I ran down to claim my prize, doing a wee Irish jig along the way.

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Issue 159 7

Marfells Beach Fishing competition rigged Quad Bike Fishing Group Front cover story

behaviour since the earthquake event.

Andrew Claridge

Over a period of time we have been given a lot of information about the beach, this has been provided by scientists, experts, and anecdotal.

When assessing this information as to the quad bike use along the beach, we consider our impact as being minor based on our CoP. Every tide will wash away evidence of our use.

It was a Sunday and the weather and tides were too good to turn down an opportunity to head down to the Back Beach in Nelson for an evening surfcasting.

Voluntary Code of Practice -Mark Wills Since establishing our CoP, we have, along with others observed those who have signed up to the CoP are abiding by the CoP to a good level of compliance.

Along with some of my co-workers from Nelson & Richmond Hunting & Fishing, Jaimee, Hayley, Laura, Jyles, and Doug, we took down some of the latest surfcasting gear from Shimano. Shimano Ci4 big Baitrunners matched up with Shimano Carbolite SW 14’ Surf rods.

Our target was rig, which are particular eaters and mainly have a strict diet of paddle crabs and other crustaceans (prawns work pretty well too if you can’t get any paddle crabs!). So our crab pot was in the water harvesting our bait for the evening and it wasn’t long until we had enough bait to get our rods in the water.

Once we baited our rods we cast out into the channel and waited. After a bit of banter on the beach we heard the Shimano Ci4 Big Baitrunners screaming out ‘zzzzzzzzz’— a solid fish was on the line and Jaimee was hooked up first. It was a feisty battle but played well, resulting in a ripper rig! It was pushing that 20lb

The other observations made is that others who are not associated to our group are now becoming educated and following our track, which keeps them from the upper beach area.

The group’s position now is that it is encouraged to educate more people to follow a good practice in utilising the beach, and offer the following points to further responsible practice: All vehicles must travel below the high tide line.

Hayley Hall nailed this fine rig on sunset

mark and gave the girls line honours, catching the first fish of the evening.

The night progressed on and so did the fishing, with a few more solid rig being brought to the shore.

However the night wasn’t over and it was tight, three fish to the boys and three to the girls. The boys needed to pull something out of the bag; not only was it three all but the girls had the bigger fish. Suddenly, Laura’s rod bent over and the line screamed off for the last fish of the evening, making it 4-3 to the girls and them

claiming the win.

We released all the rig caught to hopefully grow even bigger. When targeting rig we like to use a fairly basic ledger trace consisting of one hook around 6-7/0, 100lb trace, and plenty of bait cotton to make sure the crab doesn’t come off when casting. If you’re after any tips and tricks for surfcasting the Nelson region, come in and see the team at Nelson or Richmond Hunting & Fishing!

Time for rematch I’m thinking.

SEPT 1ST 2018 - 28TH FEB 2019

THE BOAT

NZTA speed limit on beaches is set at 50km, voluntary limit rounding Cape Campbell set at 25kph from 1km north of the lighthouse to 1km on the south side of the lighthouse.

Only travel on the beach in daylight hours around the period of low tide other than for the purpose of launching a boat.

All vehicles must give right of way and allow a maximum separation from all other beach users.

No vehicles are to access private land without the permission of the land owners.

Vehicles on rock shelves must avoid rock pools and marine growth.

Passing birds and seals should be done quietly and carefully with maximum separation.

All pots will be removed from the beach after use; these can no longer be stored up in the dunes.

All rubbish to be removed and disposed of responsibly.

We do not support camping outside of the designated camping area.

A written CoP hand-out, along with local history and education on the importance of good vehicle

References Noted: David Shields; “that a storm will do more damage to a beach than quad bikes will ever do” W Parson; Bird numbers are the same as what was observed 50 years ago.

NZTA speed limits Sally Neil; quote points in letter Utilising below high tide mark does not destroy ecological values. (quote someone) Quad bike foot print; a study of a TRX 500 weighs a total of 293kgs, calculations show that a quad bike has less ground pressure than an average 88.67kg male has. Average male has 23 square cm foot print, comparison is a male produces 2.463kgs per square cm, verse a quad bike producing 0.706kgs per square cm.

As the local quad bike fishing group, we are seeing our CoP being abided to, we would like ECPG to acknowledge that the CoP that we have introduced is now adopted by the ECPG as an acceptable CoP that will be further developed as the management strategy for along the east coast is developed. Having this CoP endorsed by ECPG will give our group recognition in what they have achieved which in turn will give better compliance all round and followed by others.

With the adoption of the CoP we can put our concerns aside and participate in an open process without the thoughts that we are being targeted as the bad guys that are not wanted.

The CoP we have provided is for the local recreational fishermen to access and utilise the fishery and not for 4x4 vehicles nor two-wheel motor bikes or other forms of transport i.e. horses.

We understand our access along the beach is to fish and provide sustenance, 4x4 and two-wheel bikes are seen utilising the beach as either a recreational activity or sightseeing. We are willing to share or CoP with others so they to can set their own best practice.

ENTER AT WWW.SHIMANOLMS.CO.NZ

THE EXPERIENCE

THE FINALISTS

8

THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

PISTOL SHOOTING

Brian Bishop

Screw up at Nationals!

The ultimate combination of lure and rig!

On 22, 23 and 24 November the New Zealand IPSC National Championships were held in Rotorua. This was our final event for 2018, with the bonus of being the last selection match for those wishing to secure a place on the New Zealand team for the 2019 Australasian champs to be held in the Philippines. We had competitors from five overseas countries and the rest from New Zealand.

On Thursday we all met up and the usual eyeing up of friends and competitors began, with the regular bull and joking being thrown around whilst waiting for the big event to begin. Three to watch were: Aaron Manson who has been doing very well but has never won the Nationals, Ramel Maligro, the standing champ who has held this position for several years in Open, and Ryan Ainsworth who is always in the mix. So, who was going to finish on top?

Speaking for myself, whilst I had hoped for a good competition, things did not start well. A screw had come loose on my sight and I had missed spotting it, DAMN. The loss of points on the first day put me out of the placings, although I managed to push through and fight back but it was too little too late!

Aaron, Ramel and Ryan

the target before they disappeared; only a few managed to pull this off. I have to say that this stage was one of my highlights and I scored the second highest here.

At one point there were steel plates at close to 30m away to be shot one handed, while on another you had to stand on a platform on springs giving an unstable footing. Latched doors and lots of running, adding to moving targets, tested our mettle. In one case, two targets swung down simultaneously and were gone so fast, it meant you had to be extremely quick to get your shots placed on

The prize giving on Saturday night showed how close the placings were, with Aaron taking over the title of New Zealand IPSC National championship by taking out first place, then Ramel second, and Ryan third.

Whilst my result wasn’t as good as I hoped for, it looks like it will be enough to secure a place on the New Zealand team for the Philippines, I just need to wait for the official invite now. (And tighten a few screws - Ed) If you would like more information on joining a pistol club, email me at: bish.co@xtra.co.nz

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Black Magic rigs have long been recognised as market leaders. From the iconic Snatcher range (flasher rigs) to the Squidlys, Longreach surf rigs, bait catchers, and many more, these rigs have caught hundreds of trophy fish over many years.

With the growing popularity in slow jigging, they have gone back to the drawing board and developed an innovative new style of rig, one that can be called the ultimate combination of lure and rig. It’s called a Snapper Snack. Results from tackle testing have been spectacular with a range of species, some big fish and a higher than normal rate of double hook ups.

The new rig is similar to a Snatcher rig in that it is a two-hook ledger style, but it has some key differences that make it truly stand out. The first thing to note is that there’s a skirt on each hook that is a combination of rubber “silly legs” and long tails, much like you see on many slow jigs. These give a very enticing action in the water particularly when you lift the rod tip, slow wind or simply when there’s current flowing. Each skirt combination is either luminous or high in terms of UV content. There’s also a highly effective luminous tube over the eye of each hook, adding to the attraction.

them ideal for all anglers, whether they’re young, beginners, or experienced and mad keen. The rig itself is produced with 80lb monofilament leader, so it’s designed to handle tougher fish.

The best results so far have come when a small strip of bait is applied. This adds scent while the skirts do the rest. Although much of the early tackle testing has been done from boats, there is a good level of excitement amongst the surf fishermen as well.

Snapper Snacks are in store now and they are definitely worth trying on your next fishing trip.

Secondly, they’re rigged on the new non-offset KLT hooks that have a PTFE coating. This not only assists penetration, but it means the hooks last longer due to higher corrosion resistance. They are a step up in strength too and anglers can choose between KLT3/0 or KLT5/0 hooks. These hooks are self-hooking, which makes

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Issue 159 9

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10 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018 Trusting your tyres

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Each tyre is designed to do different things, but all are equally capable of achieving their high mileage target, and peak performance, for their tyre life.

The SRX is designed for high performance SUV applications, like the Toyota Prado or Ford Everest, driving the roads of the Marlborough and Tasman regions. Excellent performance in the wet gives an overall great performing tyre with low road noise.

LTZ is Coopers answer to low profile, high performance all terrain driving. Designed for vehicles with the low profile tyres that still want that tough look and tough performance. The LTZ also comes factory on the new Holden HSV Sportscat!!!

AT3 has been redesigned and is now made in 3 different construction types. 4s, Lt and Xlt. The 4s has been designed as an all terrain that feels like a passenger tyre but has the performance off road. If you were towing, or had a light load and didn't want the SRX road tyre, this would be the ideal tyre for you!

The LT and XLT are of light truck construction.

Designed to handle those big loads and tough roads.

The AT3 is the tyre for towing, gravel roads and light off road driving.

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D’Vine Intervention This is fun, or so I try to convince myself. Hell yes it is!

done a quick obedience training session with it and taught it to, ‘Sit, Stay!’

Well actually, yeah-nah.

I was the only idiot out here, others more intelligent than myself stayed in bed cuddling their pillows. As far as pig hunting goes this day was not ideal. No breeze to carry air scent. Persistent heavy drizzle annihilates any ground scent and the clouds, which mope sulkily at knee height, obscured my vision.

Still, we’re there, the young dogs and I and I wasn’t going home till we found a grunter.

Now said boar sat firmly on his haunches and fended off any further attempts at education.

The three metre high pine trees, row upon row, thousand upon thousand, are like snowflakes - from a distance they look identical but up close every one of them is different. Indeed the only thing identical about them was their sparkling attire on a day like this one.

Each generously clad in big hunter-dousing droplets.

After two hours we’re saturated and flagging. I was resigned to wet undies.

Sleeves hanging low, I held a twisted jacket cuff in either hand. At every other step I squeezed the cuff like an expert dairy maid and a dribble of rain-water squirted from between my fingers. It just kept coming, from tree upon tree to me!

Eventually my GPS tracker indicated Gus has worked his magic but my enthusiasm is short-lived. Actually my enthusiasm runs down my sleeves and dribbles between my fingers just like tainted water.

It’s not that Gus hadn’t done well. He has. He’d found a coloured boar, he’s

One would think I should be grateful at this outcome but no, my bottom lip

was dragging. The rifle is redundant. Aside from a scope awash with flotsam and jetsam there is no clear target. The pig and both dogs were holding closequarters court amidst the biggest blackberry patch in Marlborough and every time I crashed a track towards the melee, I’m met with porcine aggression - the pointy end, with the pointy teeth!

Round and round we went.

My crash-tracks like wheel spokes, the dogs worked a smaller circle within. Then for some reason little Jenna and the angry boar are face to face and fighting fiercely.

I’m astounded. Such bravery from my wee dog. Gus was quickly at her shoulder and the battle was truly epic.

Kim Swan

When the boar had enough and repositioned himself, I made a tunnel so the dogs can clamber out of the vines. Gus was grateful and wormed out to catch his breath and grab a drink. Jen wouldn’t budge. Silly pup.

So brave in the face of Boris yet too soft to push through prickles. I encouraged her

face of danger. She had to.

There was no escape and if Gus hadn’t come to her aid and driven the boar back, Jen could have been killed.

but she wagged her tail and stays put.

helplessly in the centre of an impenetrable blackberry patch. She would never dream of barking for help and without tracking gear, I would never dream of looking there.

I widened the prickletunnel and grabbed Jen by the collar, intending to lift her out over the worst of the vines. No go, she wouldn’t come.

She could do nothing but stand wagging her tail.

Wound tightly around her belly is a twisted rope of vines. A combination of blackberry and gidgee, the tether is impossible to break.

Attempting to wriggle free pulls it tighter and tighter around her.

With the boar watching on, I carefully sliced through Jen’s tether with my hunting knife. Now I know why she fought so valiantly in the

That GPS tracker, the one I love to hate, if it hadn’t told me where the dogs were I may never have found Jen. A quiet little dog tangled

Still, the tether was cut now, the belly-dancing dog freed and her opponent was still practising his ‘Sit, Stay,’ in tight cover.

With renewed enthusiasm we annoyed the boar from every angle till I could grab a hold of his blunt end and tip him toes-up. As his heartblood spread and diluted in the wet, Gus, Jen and I slumped into the trampled mud, the bond between us shared and reinforced.

Teamwork has prevailed.

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Issue 159 11

The Lodge at Te Rawa a must visit Frank Gasson

n On our way to the outer Pelorus Sounds we stopped at The Lodge at Te Rawa, in Wilson Bay to pick up bait and ice and fill the boat up with petrol. New owners, Rob and Anne Brabazon were very welcoming, and we stopped for a coffee.

Imagine a freshly ground perfectly made cafe latte in the middle of the Sounds at 8.00 in the morning and the carrot cake, gorgeous! We loved the food so much we had takeaway hot cheese scones and BLT sandwiches for our lunch on the boat.

It had been a while since we had been in Te Rawa, so we did a tour of the newly renovated bar and restaurant.

It’s a really cozy bar with cold draught beer, a fantastic selection of malt whiskies, and a choice of a good few rums. That sold us on a stop on the way back from our trip to the Outer Sounds after our crack at the big snapper.

The stories of the fights with the giant snapper are for another day. The rest of this story is about late next morning boating back into Te Rawa for more of that coffee. Well one of us had a coffee, the rest of us decided it’s never too early for a wee Drambuie, while waiting for the chef to cook our catch and serve them up with some hot chips. The view from the deck at Te Rawa is just fantastic. The deck is right on the water, and it was so quiet and peaceful that all we could hear were the tuis and the odd sheep from the farm next door.

TIDES OF CHANGE Walk the ‘tiaki’ walk When you are starting to pack for your outdoors holiday, make sure you put your brains into gear before you pack anything physical.

So what is it that I am suggesting we need to pack into our brains, as I too will be spending a lot of times in the outdoors?

Awareness - that our population is growing, that our tourism numbers are growing (by 40% in the past 5 years), that many of our outdoor locations (including roads) are fragile places that need caution.

Change - that much has changed in the way we go out on the water, into the bush, to campsites and into remote locations.

A happy family at Te Rawa Lodge

After lunch Anne offered us use of the hot showers, which they have just for boaties. It was absolute luxury to be clean again after sleeping four-up on a 17-foot boat! Showered and in our clean clothes, we were ready for a wee whisky tasting of some of those top shelf malts. There are some stunners and quite a few we had never heard of. Don’t know if it was the whisky but as the afternoon passed, the stories definitely got funnier.

Then it was time to check out the rest of the property.

It is hard to tell from the outside just how modern and spacious the top two apartments are, with their kitchens and sitting rooms, and nothing prepares you for the view from the apartment

deck. It’s 30 something steps up to the apartments, but the whisky escalator made short work of those, and the view is just amazing.

The bunk rooms that are usually rented by us boaties are much cheaper than the apartments and they are in an original old Kiwi bach with a gas stove and a fridge.

It brought back memories of my youth, although we never had a view that good from the deck.

We had some great luck and a great day at The Lodge at Te Rawa with Anne and Rob. There are never any guarantees with fishing, but I can guarantee you a friendly welcome at Te Rawa.

(Frank Gasson lives in Auckland and travels once a year to Marlborough).

Nelson’s new Agents for

Poppa Mike

Government legislation in recent years (mainly through the Tourism Infrastructure Fund and the Provincial Growth Fund) has brought about many new cycleways, carparks, camping areas, sewerage systems. Earlier this year the Responsible Camping Working Group was established to improve the freedom camping system, making $8.5 million available. Just a few weeks ago the Government also released its draft Aotearoa-New Zealand

Tourism Strategy - a plan for managing sustainable tourism growth.

Several weeks ago seven of our largest tourism industry players got together and came up with “Tiaki - Care for New Zealand” , an approach to encourage international and domestic travellers to act as guardians of this country. Tiaki is the shorter form of Kaitiaki - the Maori concept of guardianship, the process of doing so kaitiakitanga.

It encompasses a way of ‘thinking’ about the way we treat our environment as well as a way of ‘interacting’ in our environment.

All these initiatives are already bringing many changes into our traditional outdoor recreational activities. For example, the Department of Conservation is now implementing a “pack it in pack it out” policy in many of their more remote campgrounds, just as is the practice in tramping huts. No longer will there be rubbish bins or recycling bins, possibly only composting facilities (check the website before you go this year).

The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association have also adopted a similar policy

in many of their motorhome camps. Meanwhile council and private motor camps around the country will continue to charge heavily for such a convenience.

Around the country various councils have already tightened up freedom camping bylaws, locations and enforcement.

New Zealanders must not think we are squeaky clean and sit back and blame the tourists. We need to walk the talk as responsible users of the outdoors, setting the example as ‘tiaki’ of our lands and waterways. Leave your campsite as you found it - no bottle tops, cigarette butts or tea bags around the campsite would be a good start. We also need to set good examples to our tourist visitors, and act politely yet firmly if we encounter breaches of “tiaki”. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all walk the ‘tiaki’ walk this summer.

what do

YOU

think?

EMAIL US

editor@thefishingpaper.co.nz

The Lodge at Te Rawa-Pelorus Sounds Accommodation Petrol Bait Cold Beer Hot Food Coffee Ice Cream Cook Your Catch Friendly Hosts Open Daily Wilson Bay, Pelorus Sounds See you there www.terawa.co.nz - facebook@thelodgeatterawa

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12 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

A bow is the go After a few long months of being unable to get out with the bow, I finally had a day to myself to get the Hoyt into the hills. Spring had finally sprung.

Getting up early, I headed up a small creek with a slight breeze in my face and after about half an hour of slinking from one grassy glade to the next, I was brought back to reality as a couple of fallow deer went ‘pronking’ off to the safety of the pines. BUGGER. Those little grey ghosts are hard to get.

Oh well, back to stalking even slower now and checking every little nook and cranny. After another thirty minutes I had made it to a small open basin that allowed for a bit of glassing, so out came the ever-present Swarovski binos. Good glass is invaluable when bow-hunting wily fallow. I eventually spotted a couple of fallow standing just under the trees, so hatched a plan: to get the wind right and get above the deer.

from where I had spotted them.

After a bit of a hike, I was coming round the last bend that would bring me out to a nice clear area above the deer, when I spied the rear end of a red deer feeding away from me on the track.

YES. New plan; GET RED YEARLING! Ranging the deer gave me 43 yds, which is outside my comfort range so I had to get closer. The wind was still in my face, so I inched slowly forward but caught a movement out of the corner

Karl Barlow

of my eye just below the deer on the track — another red yearling, and slightly closer at 21 yds! A great range but a bit of scrub was obscuring the vitals, so now it was a waiting game at full draw. I watched both deer, waiting for one to give me a clear shot and hoping the other wouldn't see me.

After 20 seconds, which is along time at full draw, the deer below stepped clear, quartering away from me.

I went through my shot sequence: aiming for the off shoulder, I levelled the bow, settled my 20 yd pin, relaxed

The deer spun down hill at the shot and I saw a huge spray of blood as it careened down hill for about 50 yds before crashing to the ground and expiring in plain sight. Wow, what a rush. Even though I saw my deer go down, I always follow the blood trail; its good practice because not all animals die where you can see them, so developing good tracking skills is essentials. Don’t just look for blood, but hoof marks in the soil, scuff marks, and broken foliage. It all helps draw a picture. In this instance, the blood trail was easy to follow and short, which is perfect for a bow hunter.

Upon inspection of the deer, the G5 had cut completely through two ribs, passed through both lungs, punched through the shoulder blade, and buried itself four inches into the earth! New favourite.

Its nearly three years since I took up bow hunting and

that was deer number seven.

It is still a huge buzz for me ( every time I get an animal b p with the bow. I still hunt with a rifle but my biggest a thrill comes from getting close with the bow, so any of you rifle hunters out there t wanting a new challenge — t p have a go with a bow.

Scan here and hear Karl talk you through his latest deer kill with the bow

Over the winter, I had Paddy Long of Christchurch do some upgrades to my bow: a new drop-away rest, and I tried a new broad head for the first time — the G5 Montec.

I set off up an old logging road that would help bring the plan to fruition. I would be out of sight of the deer for quite sometime so I hoped they wouldn't move too far

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my breathing, and gently squeezed the trigger on my release aid… and watched as my arrow flew true and hit the yearling clean in the engine room.

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Issue 159 13

Nuts and bolts approach for pāua

Storm Stanley - Chairman, Pāua Industry Council

Recreational and commercial fishers share a sense of frustration at the lack of responsiveness in our fisheries management regime. Sometimes it can take years, if ever, for a problem in a fishery to be addressed and then it’s often a generic ‘one size fits all’ management response rather than something that’s tailor-made for the fishery.

Fisheries New Zealand has limited resources and obviously can’t attend to every little fishery around the country all the time. We’ve calculated that if FNZ reviews stock sustainability and fisheries regulations at a rate of 20 per year (which is optimistic), it would take them 430 years to review every fishstock and regulation!

It’s no wonder we’re experiencing fisheries management inertia.

The regional pāua industry organisations (PauaMACs) are doing their bit to fill this gap by preparing and implementing fisheries plans to manage commercial pāua fishing in a transparent and responsive way.

Industry plans not big bibles

Industry fisheries plans are not long wordy tomes that sit on a shelf gathering dust – they are short, simple and jargon-free. The plans set out the actions that the pāua industry will take to manage commercial fishing activity in a region. For example, the Chatham Islands (PAU4) fisheries plan includes requirements for quota owners and commercial divers to collect data, spread their catching effort, close areas if they are under pressure, and adjust commercial harvest levels in response to a decision rule. Under the PAU4 fisheries plan, industry management measures will be reviewed and adjusted every year using a process

that involves community input – a giant step forward in terms of responsiveness, transparency, and local responsibility for fisheries management.

The link between fisheries plans and the Minister of Fisheries’ responsibilities for ensuring sustainability under Fisheries Act is critical. Under a seldom-used provision in the Fisheries Act (section 11A if you want to look it up), any group can prepare a fisheries plan and submit it to the Minister for approval. Before approving a fisheries plan, FNZ undertakes a public consultation process. Once a plan is approved, the Minister must take it into account when adjusting sustainability measures for a fish stock – this provides a way of integrating the actions set out in the plan (which are the industry’s responsibility) with the wider management responsibilities of FNZ. It’s important to note that the pāua industry’s fisheries plans focus only on what the industry will do – they don’t place any constraints on other sectors such as recreational fishers. Although a fisheries plan is formally approved by the Minister, it does not transfer or delegate any authority from the Minster or FNZ to the industry.

Instead, it’s like an additional layer of more detailed management requirements for commercial fishing within the existing management settings.

Pāua canary in RMA coal mine The pāua industry is enthusiastic about the potential of fisheries plans to improve New Zealand’s pāua fisheries for everyone. For example, all the plans will include fisheries enhancement techniques such as out-planting (reseeding) and translocation. The PAU7 fisheries plan at the top of the South Island has a strong focus on protecting significant pāua habitats because habitat degradation is a major concern in the Marlborough Sounds. A useful and little-known fact about fisheries plans is that they are recognised under the Resource Management Act. A fisheries plan can therefore help ensure that activities managed under the RMA, such as forestry harvesting, aquaculture, or coastal subdivision, do not damage critical fisheries habitat.

We’re also enthusiastic about the opportunities that fisheries plans provide for better local community engagement,

including with iwi and recreational fishers.

PauaMAC4 developed the Chatham Islands pāua fisheries plan with support and input from a community forum. In Marlborough, PauaMAC7 is working with iwi representatives to develop a plan for the commercial fishery that will dovetail with the existing Iwi Fisheries Plan for the region.

Rec pāua people need voice PauaMACs are finding it more challenging to engage with recreational pāua divers when developing fisheries plans due to the absence of mandated recreational representative organisations. So if you’re involved in recreational pāua diving and have some constructive ideas to contribute to the management of commercial pāua fishing in your area, please contact the relevant PauaMAC. Fisheries plans are now under development at the top of the South Island (PAU7) and Kaikōura (PAU3), with the southern fisheries (PAU5A, 5B and 5D) to follow.

14 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

Consultation on changes to support the rebuild of the CRA2 rock lobster fishery

By Marty Bowers Senior Fisheries Analyst - Inshore Fisheries Management Fisheries New Zealand is consulting on rule changes for recreational fishers to help rebuild the CRA2 fishery, which covers the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Plenty.

Fishers around New Zealand can have their say on the proposed changes by filling in the online survey or by sending us an email.

The Minister of Fisheries, Hon Stuart Nash, decided to significantly

reduce the commercial and recreational catch allowances from 1 April this year to ensure a rebuild of this very important shared fishery.

The total allowable commercial catch was reduced from 200 to 80 tonnes and the recreational allowance was reduced from 140 to 34 tonnes.

Following the reduction in commercial catch, we need to consider what changes are necessary to make sure recreational catch stays within the new catch limit so the fishery can rebuild. Fisheries New Zealand is proposing to reduce the recreational daily bag limit from three to six lobsters. Extensive consultation with key stakeholders from all fisheries sectors and tangata whenua shows there is general support for reducing the recreational daily bag limit from six to three spiny (red) rock lobsters.

To assist with minimising illegal take in the CRA2 fishery, we also

want your feedback on whether you support the introduction of telson clipping – the requirement for a recreational fisher to cut one-third of the central/middle telson of the tail fan of a rock lobster on taking.

The actual level of black market trading from within CRA2 is difficult to accurately assess. The usefulness of telson clipping in this particular fishery as a tool to slow the illegal take is debatable but Fisheries New Zealand is keen for feedback on this.

It’s been great to see so many representatives from all sectors working with Fisheries New Zealand to help rebuild this important shared fishery. We’ve been working together to come up with solutions to the problems with the CRA2 fishery and it is clear all sectors need to contribute to the rebuild.

Consultation closes 19 December and any rules changes will come into effect by mid-2019.

In the meantime, we encourage you to fish sustainably over this busy summer period before any rule changes can come into effect.

Please take a look at ways you could support the rebuild of the fishery, be it through taking less crayfish or targeting other species. Think about fishing for a feed rather than the freezer.

For details on how to make a submission, or to fill out our online survey visit www.fisheries.govt.nz/CRA2

National Blue Cod Strategy

Blue cod (rāwaru) is an important, iconic fishery for iwi, for recreational fishers and for the commercial industry, especially in the South Island.

In recent years, the fishery has experienced increasing fishing pressure, which has resulted in a number of sustainability concerns.

Fisheries New Zealand has responded to these area-specific concerns as they have arisen.

For example, in response to sustainability concerns (resulting from recreational fishing pressure) raised in the Marlborough Sounds, Fisheries New Zealand lowered the recreational daily

bag limit in the area amongst other measures. However, we have become aware changing rules in specific areas can encourage fishers to shift their effort elsewhere, in turn, creating sustainability issues in the new target area.

Taking a national and more proactive approach to managing these issues is key to solving them. To help develop this national approach a group of fishing experts was assembled.

The role of the group was to guide the development of a blue cod strategy, with an initial focus on the South Island. They produced some ideas, which we then discussed with you extensively through online surveys and public information sessions over 2017 and 2018.

Your feedback was a vital component that allowed us to finalise the National Blue Cod Strategy. We are looking to launch the Strategy in the coming months and commence the steps to implement it. We look forward to seeing the Strategy improve the way this important fishery is managed.

For up to date information on your local fisheries sign up to the recreational fisheries mailing list by emailing us at recreationalfisheries@mpi.govt.nz or by visiting www.fisheries.govt.nz

KAIKŌURA–WAKATU QUAY AREA IS CLOSED The Kaikōura – Wakatu Quay area is closed until 31 July 2019, prohibiting the take of all species (fish, aquatic life, or seaweed).

The purpose of the temporary closure is to replenish the fish stocks, and support a traditional rāhui over fishing in the area.

This does not affect other recreational activities including snorkelling, diving, kayaking and boating.

The closure was requested by Te Taumanu o Te Waka a Māui Taiāpure Management Committee.

For more information please visit our website www.fisheries.govt.nz To check the rules visit fisheries.govt.nz/rules Download the free NZ Fishing Rules app by texting the word ‘app’ to 9889.

Issue 159 15

Worth the effort!

Mark Hubbard

Arriving at the river for the first session of the new season and wanting to get off the mark is probably an angler’s most exciting and nervous time.

It gets me every time, thinking of undisturbed pools, hungry trout and the chance of that special fish.

Number one for the season.

My chance came a few days into October, with settled weather and low flows my confidence was high. Meeting my fishing buddy Pieter at the location, we were across the open

As we scanned the pocket water while climbing up and over boulders, rocks and fallen trees, the fish were remaining well hidden.

Time for a quick bite before moving onto the first real stable pool we’d seen all day.

“The fish will be in there alright but probably lying deep on the bottom,” I said.

My how wrong I was.

Moving into position we scanned for shapes, shadows, any fish like disturbance. Then right in up against the bank a fish high in the water column was seen moving from side to

freedom, a lovely 4 1/2lber is number one for the season.

This guy was unmarked with stunning orange spots along his flanks.

As he is sent off, Pieter spots another, a little further upstream feeding the same.

A cast is put up and the fish reacts the same and the result is the same. Another great fish is landed, Pieter’s first for the season.

Fishing Mackenzie’s mega moon Patrick Noone

Further up as we came out of the gorge, we crossed the river as both sides had the potential to hold fish. It Patrick Noone has perfected the art of seducing big browns at night

Mark Hubbard worth the effort

It’s not very often I get to say I had a PB at the canals but on my last trip I did just that.

I made the trip down this time with Dylan Booth; I’m sure you guys have heard of him. He had asked to join me on one of my night missions and, although we had met on the canals in the past, this was the first trip we made together and a perfect opportunity to do it.

paddocks to the water in record time. Looking along the riverbank, we saw the boot marks of the opening day activity from those lucky few to get away on the 1st. We decided to chance our luck and make the effort to go through the gorge.

side, feeding hard.

My offering was sent up, the fish co-operated nicely as a flash of white was seen as it took the nymph. Yells of delight as I tighten into a superb brownie. On netting the fish after many leaps for

turned out my side was the lucky side with another two being landed, while Pieter watched from afar.

We arrived in Twizel around 11.00am and decided to target salmon. We didn't have to wait long and the action was frenetic; we landed six fish in about 20 minutes but most of them were small so we moved to the opposite side.

First cast and I lost a nice fish around 10lb and the very next cast I got one

about eight. Dylan hooked up to a cracking fish of 13lb.

We continued to fish that spot for the rest of the day and all up we must have landed 30 fish before lying down for a couple of hours sleep.

We woke to a full moon and a sky full of stars. Most people don't like fishing on a full moon but I love it because you can see so much, even where your plastic lands, which is perfect for fishing along the cages.

Dylan took a back seat for the first 20 minutes as he wanted to see what way I fished but when I landed my 5th fish he was like, “OK, I’m getting my gear.”

I put him in where I was and moved down the canal a

Still a great adventure through a very tough section of the river, which in the end was well ‘Worth the Effort.’

little, where I quickly landed three more good fish — I just knew it was going to be one of those amazing nights.

I walked back to Dylan to see how he was going but he’d yet to hook anything. I threw a sneaky cast in front of him and hooked one straight away.

“What the hell are you using?” he gasped.

So I showed him and he switched plastics. Boom, he was smashing them straight away.

All up for the night we landed 28 fish and I managed my PB of 19 browns in one session, the best being 23lb.

Dylan got some cracking browns up to 20lb and a stunning rainbow of 22lb.

Stay tuned and tight lines.

Dylan was eager to learn how to catch large trout at night

Hoplophobia hop-lo-phob-ia, n. An irrational fear of weapons, generally guns, usually occurring as a result of a liberal upbringing, or the fact that the person is just a wimp in general. Rather than deal with the fear, the said hoplophobe will assign human characteristics to a firearm, ie., “guns are evil”, or, “guns kill”, to justify the fear, rather than deal with the core problem of being a sissy.

16 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

&

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Tin Signs

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With meat hunts in mind, now is the time to upgrade that old pack and get one specifically designed for Kiwi conditions and workload: the K-2 Hunter Pack.

The perfect gift for everyone For the Mustang, hunter, fisher, tractor, car enthusiast, man-cave and more, there is a sign here on display at our show room to suit everyone.

It is the only pack designed to support extra weight of meat without affecting comfort or its strength, with its heavy duty canvas construction and external frame for structural support and long distance comfort. Another design feature is the detachable 10 litre daypack, which is great for fly camping or to split the meat load with a mate. Unique 4.5l pockets take some filling, or can be zipped away flat against the pack when not required.

New stock arriving daily so visit us at: Ellis Street Auto, Ph 03 542 4035 104a Ellis Street, Brightwater, Nelson From only $30, these signs make amazing gifts, but hurry, they are going fast.

Of appeal to hunters will be the butt and hook for carrying the rifle.

Now available in olive/Brunswick green contrast.

Locally made for local conditions, the K-2 Hunter series comes with five-year guarantee. www.k-2antarcticproducts.co.nz

Never Be Lost

Partner Pacifier

The Garmin inReach was created with the outdoor enthusiast in mind.

The sales brochures will tell you that the SPOT Gen 3 gives you a critical, life-saving line of communication when you travel beyond the boundaries of cell service…

The Garmin’s inReach Explorer+ handheld satellite communicator will allow family and friends to track your adventures through the New Zealand based TrackMe Website, giving them peace of mind. With the inReach Explorer+ you are able to share your location, navigate and message for help if there’s an emergency. The easy to reach SOS button on the Garmin inReach when activated on the New Zealand based TrackMe network will go directly to the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre and not be forwarded from overseas so no time is wasted.

..which is true, however it is not just the SOS button that makes this device awesome, but the fact that family and friends know you're okay. This means you can adventure more and partners can stress less. But if the worst should happen, at the push of a button your Spot Gen 3, registered through the New Zealand based TrackMe.nz tracking provider, will send your GPS location to the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre.

The inReach Explorer+ works anywhere so you’re never out of range. The inReach will allow you to send and receive messages which is a game changer and in the real world means you can receive information that could save you time and effort and of course it adds to your safety. Explore more with the Garmin Explorer+

The rugged pocket-sized Spot Gen 3 is known by some as the Partner Pacifier, so you can adventure more and they can stress less.

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Book a holiday for next year

Culture

Come with me and see the highlights of Vietnam, from the North to the South, including charming & bustling cities, stunning Halong Bay, ancient cities of Hue and Hoi An. Spend time in the mystical Mekong Delta exploring the verdant rice fields, canals, narrow laneways. Vietnam will not fail amaze and thrill along the way. Both the natural beauty and the friendliness of the locals will make the experience unforgettable.

History Food Adventure

On the way, you can also explore the cultinary scene, wake up and enjoy breakfast like the locals, with our food tour. Make sure you burn enough calories to muster up an appetite, because Vietnamese cuisine is unlimited.

Prepare your empty stomach to try something new everyday before heading to Cambodia

s ’ p m i r C l y r a D

FLAVOURS OF

VIETNAM & CAMBODIA SEPT 14 - OCT 3 2019

For our Cambodia adventure tour, from the moment you step off the boat in Phnom Penh, often referred to as the tarnished pearl of Asia, you know you are certainly somewhere very different. Be with us through some of the most stunning scenery in Southeast Asia. The temples of Angkor will leave you breathless.

SMALL GROUP ESCORTED 20 DAY TOUR OF VIETNAM & CAMBODIA Email darylcrimp@gmail.com or Phone 021 472517 for the full Itinerary.

We look forward to sharing this adventure with you CRIMPY

Issue 159 17

Lowrance new Elite Ti2 series Lowrance has just released the next generation of its affordable fishfinder/ chartplotter Elite Ti2 bringing advanced functions from the premium HDS family of displays: high resolution sonar, wireless networking and Bluetooth call/text message display. Here is what is new: Active Imaging™ Sonar The big plus here is increased clarity and definition without any loss of range, so bottom definition, structure, and fish targets are displayed with unmatched quality.

A 3-in-1 sonar solution, Active Imaging combines Lowrance CHIRP sonar, with Side and DownScan Imaging™ allowing anglers to quickly search fish-holding structure, and enhances FishReveal™ with higher-level clarity and target separation. Simple to use, without the need to change frequencies while fishing in most conditions, the Active Imaging 800 kHz setting provides crystal-

clear detail with uncompromised range. For anglers needing to see farther than 120 feet, Active Imaging can also operate at the 455 kHz frequency.

Wireless Networking Now featuring full connectivity without the hassle of cable installation, Elite Ti2 offers anglers the ability to wirelessly share sonar and charting between two displays, as well as sync waypoint data, and the display’s network configurator allows for quick and easy set up.

Bluetooth® Calling and Text Notifications Offering greater convenience on the water, Bluetooth notifications on Elite Ti2 allow anglers to keep their phones stored in a safe location while still receiving incoming call and text notifications. Android features include incoming text message display and reply, new message and message template creation, and access to message history

and call logs. iOS features include display of incoming text messages and call log.

“Our Elite Ti Series has been a favourite among anglers, offering cutting-edge fish finding technology in a perfectly priced standalone unit, and with the introduction of Elite Ti2 we’re giving them even more to be excited about,” said Leif Ottosson, CEO and president, Navico.

“Active Imaging sonar, wireless networking of sonar and chart data and mobile messaging convenience, bring high-value performance from our top of the line HDS range to anglers at an amazing price.”

Lowrance Elite Ti2 is available in 7-, 9-, and 12-inch display sizes, and various charting and transducer bundles, ranging in price

from $1,509 to $4,179 RRP NZD. For more information about the all-new, Lowrance Elite Ti2, the complete line of Lowrance marine electronics, or to locate an authorised Lowrance dealer, please visit www.lowrance.com.

New HALO24 innovation in dome radars Lowrance has released a new, innovative pulse compression radar, HALO24, which combines the performance and reliability of Lowrance’s award-winning radars with the advantages of a new profile and lightweight design.

Boasting 60rpm high-speed rotation at distances up to two nautical miles – an industry first – the HALO24 dome radar allows for increased safety and improved performance. The extremely fast refresh rate is excellent for high-speed and shortrange tracking. Offering high-quality short, mid, and long-range detection capability up to 48 nautical miles, HALO24 is designed to process multiple ranges simultaneously for advanced, instantaneous Dual Range performance. In addition, the radar features integrated VelocityTrackÔ Doppler

technology that provides instant visual feedback on the motion of radar targets in relation to the boat — colour coding approaching vessels for high visibility, while de-emphasizing diverging targets. HALO24 also includes MARPA functionality, increasing situational awareness and decreasing the risk of collision.

“The HALO24 dome radar was designed with the latest innovations in radar technology,” said Leif Ottosson, CEO, Navico Group. “With our products, it’s vital that we offer something that no one else has — with the HALO24, anglers will get unmatched radar speeds, an easy user experience with multiple viewing modes, and an advanced feeling of safety with all potential hazards visible on screen.”

The lightest 24-inch pulse compression

JBL Club Marine MS8LW

JBL Club Marine Speakers are ready to take on your next outdoor adventure. These fully marinized speakers not only deliver JBL sound, but select models also feature RGB lighting to bring the sound to life.

Engineered to withstand sun, salt, sea spray, and wash downs, they feature sealed motor structure, UV resistant one-piece cast-polymer baskets, a sealed magnet and rubber surrounds. The polypropylene cone and balanced dome tweeter provide great bass, smooth highs, and lots of output to ensure every note can be heard loud and clear.

radar dome on the market, the low-profile HALO dome offers different power-level options ensuring highspeed radar coverage when and where it is needed. In a matter of seconds, the radar will boot from low-power standby to full functionality in any mode — harbour, weather, and bird. Incredibly easy to use, the radar will optimise up to 18 different parameters for each pre-defined mode ensuring the ultimate view.

dealers in Australia and New Zealand. An Ethernet-connected Lowrance multifunction display or radar control unit is required for operation, and a heading sensor and GPS receiver are required for MARPA target tracking.

The new Lowrance HALO24 pulse compression dome radar is priced at $3,599 AUD RRP/ $4179 NZD RRP and is scheduled for October 31 availability from authorised

For more information about HALO24 and other Lowrance marine electronics, or to locate an authorised Lowrance dealer, please visit www.lowrance.com

Infinity Kappa Marine 8130

BL STADIUM UB4100

Infinity's Kappa Marine loudspeakers leverage Infinity’s world class audio engineering and music reproduction with purpose-built marine loudspeakers that will survive the rigours of the harsh marine environment.

The lineup features the three most popular sizes for boats and watercraft. The 6-1/2" coaxial, 8" three-way convertible speaker system and 10" woofer have Plus One™ polypropylene woofer and midrange cones, Mylar tweeter domes (Except Subwoofer), one piece cast polymer baskets, sealed magnets, and rubber woofer surrounds for high SPL performance. Wind, water or engine noise will not drown them out. Speakers are UV resistant in a marine grade IPX3 (IPX5 from front) weather resistant and include RGB perimeter illumination and go through 300 hours of salt spray testing. And they're Infinity – ready to make amazing music on the water.

Whether it's a daily scrub down, a picnic in a quiet cove or an all-out race across high swells, Infinity has the right configuration for your craft.

The new JBL STADIUM UB4100 AMPLIFIED Powersports Soundbar is designed for UTVs, boats, and other personal and family vehicles built for fun and recreation.

Take the wheel or helm and experience the sound of powerful JBL rollicking sound. You can also separate the soundbar into two speaker towers to optimize sound quality for any installation. Bluetooth, 3.5mm, and RCA output jacks allow you and your friends to take turns streaming playlists.

Equipped with a built in GoPro™ shoe for an action camera, you’ll be able to relive and share your finest moments!

18 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

Working Group forming to improve South Island marine recreational fisheries Daryl Crimp

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The November issue (p.2) features an article titled, The Future Catch: Proposed actions to Improve South Island Recreational Fisheries, which outlines proposed ways to improve South Islanders’ voice to Government and other marine fishing sectors and interests.

body could potentially bring significant benefits and may be able to be established more easily than a national body”, says Randall.

Randall has met with multiple South Island fishing clubs and organisations to hear their views on forming a working group to explore establishing a South Island peak body. He has received several positive responses, including:

This proposal follows on from Dr Randall Bess’ research of recreational fisheries and policy recommendations set out in his final report titled, The Future Catch https://nzinitiative.org.nz/ reports-and-media/reports/ thefuturecatch/

“We consider it is essential to have a constructive voice for the recreational sector when addressing crosssectoral challenges. For this purpose, we think the peak body concept is worth exploring,” Larnce Wichman, on behalf of Te Korowai o Te Tai o Marokura in Kaikoura.

Central to these recommendations is the establishment of a professional, well-funded organisation (peak body) to represent recreational fishing interests and engage constructively with others to improve fisheries now and for the future.

“In principle we support establishing a recreational fishing peak body,” Nathan Faithful, President of the Green Island Fishing Club.

Randall is now working with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to advance this work.

TNC is a non-government organisation, operating in 72 countries, that has experience working collaboratively with various interests and government.

The current recommendation for a peak body is similar to what some South Islanders proposed in 2010. Despite gaining widespread support amongst South Islanders, the 2010 proposal faltered when considered by some North Island interests and the then Ministry of Fisheries.

“The lesson learnt in 2010 is that a South Island peak

“I have witnessed many changes affecting the recreational fishing in Tasman Bay over the last 20 years. Personally, I believe a peak body to support the interests of recreational fishers would be beneficial to all of us in the long term,” Michael Stump, President of the Nelson Dawnbreakers Fishing Club Inc.

“Having a voice for recreational fishers is difficult to achieve but, if successful, the rewards could be felt for generations,” Ross Megget, President of the Canterbury Sport Fishing Club Inc.

“When resource sharing is a concern, it is important to have a peak body mobilising recreational fishing interests to provide Government and others with the best current advice,” Brett Bensemann, President of the Tautuku Fishing Club Dunedin & Haast Inc.

“Only through constructive engagement as ‘one body’ with the government, other fishing sectors, and interested stakeholders will we ensure the ongoing success of recreational fisheries,” Mike Harding, Secretary of the Akaroa Harbour Recreational Fishing Club Inc. "The Fiordland Marine Guardians respect the work that The Nature Conservancy is doing to get this important discussion going around the country, and its focused efforts on the South Island,” Rebecca McLeod, Chairperson.

Based on the level of support to date, TNC is prepared to convene a working group to explore a South Island peak body and is continuing to discuss the makeup of a working group with fishing clubs and organisations.

The current thinking on working group composition is to have one recreational fisher from each region

(Nelson/West Coast, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Canterbury, Otago and Southland), with those individuals likely having membership in a fishing club.

In addition, South Island Iwi would be invited to put forward two representatives to ensure the working group takes account of their recreational fishing interests.

Another important component would be the inclusion of two additional South Island fishers who do not have any affiliation with fishing clubs or organisations.

According to Randall, the intent is that the working group process would be transparent, and feedback from individuals not on the working group would be considered throughout the process of drafting recommended components of a South Island peak body.

Randall anticipates the working group meeting over two days on two occasions, starting in early 2019, with TNC providing secretariat and logistical support, resource people e.g. Co-founder of Western Australia’s Recfishwest https://recfishwest.org.au/ and a professional meeting facilitator.

EMAIL editor@thefishingpaper.co.nz

GET INVOLVED IN YOUR FISHING FUTURE

Super Liquor wish everyone a safe and Merry Xmas

Call for expressions of interest in South Island working group

HERE’S

HOW

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is seeking expressions of interest from South Island recreational fishing clubs and organisations as to their interest in forming and participating in a working group to explore the establishment of a South Island peak body.

It is envisioned the peak body would work collaboratively with the recreational fishing sector and others to achieve sustainability and other positive social, cultural and economic outcomes.

TNC is also seeking expressions of interest from South Island fishers who do not have any affiliation with fishing clubs or organisations and want to participate in the working group.

Since a significant number of fishers are women, women are encouraged to express their interest in being on the working group.

TNC asks that questions along with expressions of interest in participating in the above described working group be forwarded by 7 January 2019 to Randall - randall.bess@tnc.org 027 314 4084

Issue 159 19

Kingi Kakes with Fennel Mayo This dish makes use of leftover cooked fish and while measurements are not crucial, use more fish to mashed potato ratio and enough fresh breadcrumbs to create a slightly moist firm dough.

COOKING with CRIMPY

500g cooked white fish fillet 300g mashed potato 1-2 eggs beaten 1 ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce ½ cup chopped parsley Salt & pepper to taste Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stand for 30 minutes to let flavours absorb. Take a tablespoon and mould spoonfuls into pattie shapes.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil and 25g butter over a moderate heat until butter is foaming. Fry cakes until golden on each side and place in warmer.

Fennel Mayonnaise 1 egg yolk 1 cup rice bran oil 1 tsp mustard Salt & pepper to taste Juice 1 lemon ½ tsp sugar or tsp honey 1 tbsp chopped fennel Place egg yolk and mustard in kitchen whizz and slowly process, adding a tiny drizzle of oil at a time so that it doesn’t separate. When a third of the oil has been added, you can pour it in more freely.

Add salt and pepper to season.

Add lemon juice and fennel and combine. Finally, add sugar and combine well. Stand for 30 minutes before serving.

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20 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

Shot Expo NZ is reloading for 2019 After the success of the inaugural Shot Expo New Zealand last February, the 2019 event is shaping up to be even bigger. Exhibitor numbers are already greater than last year with more brands and more products having been confirmed for the event. Shot Expo New Zealand will be held on 23rd and 24th of February at Auckland's ASB Showgrounds and will see over 130 exhibitors showcasing the latest hunting equipment, accessories and services.

Hunters and target shooters will be able to view the hottest offerings from the world’s biggest names in guns, knives, archery and ammunition. There’ll also be a huge selection of ATVs, 4WD equipment to make it easier to get to the bush, along with outdoor gear to keep you comfortable along the way.

Informative talks by hunting experts will help hunters hone their skills and help them get the most out of their sport. Presentations will include special workshops focussed on conservation and responsible shooting, ensuring we can all enjoy our sport in safety.

All the leading players in hunting and shooting are fired up for a big weekend, with names like ATNThe Future of Optics, Beretta New Zealand, Ridgeline, Swarovski and Winchester already on board, amongst a huge number of other brands. A broad range of industry experts will be on hand to give advice ensuring Shot Expo will be the perfect venue to learn about all the best gear in the one location.

Leading authorities from major

brands will be jetting in from overseas making Shot Expo New Zealand a truly international event.

Of course Shot Expo isn't reserved simply for the recreational market - there’ll also be some innovative solutions for farmers.

Visitors can put their skills to the test at the free indoor shooting range, taking aim with some of the latest air rifles and air pistols. Shot Expo will be a true family event with activities for children including an archery range, a jumping castle, face painting and the all popular working gundog demonstrations. Since you'll be bringing along the whole crew, naturally there’ll be ample parking onsite.

To help you get to remote hunting locations, there'll also be special displays of 4WD equipment including accessories, recovery gear, lighting and camping equipment.

You’ll be able to try on outdoor clothing and take advantage of exclusive show specials, allowing you to make a killing in more ways than one. Also in attendance will be some of the leading players in hunting tourism who can take hunters to places that may be inaccessible to most of us. While the action is happening indoors, there’ll be gun dog trials outside along with demonstrations of the latest ATVs. Since hunting can often be a somewhat reclusive sport, one

BOOK REVIEW OCEAN Tales of voyaging and encounter that defined New Zealand Sarah Ell Penguin Reviewed by Poppa Mike RRP $70 hardback

of the most important roles Shot Expo provides is strengthening the broader shooting community. With visitors coming from around the North Island and further afield, Shot Expo offers the perfect opportunity to meet up with fellow hunters, meet new ones and brag about your latest conquests. Shot Expo New Zealand is being held in association with the Sporting Shooters Association of New Zealand.

Conveniently located at the ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane West, Shot Expo will be within around a couple of hours drive for over a third of NZ’s sporting shooters and rural population.

Yet the really big news is, the best is yet to come. Shot Expo New Zealand is growing bigger by the day as more exhibitors come on board. To stay up to date with what's coming, keep an eye on the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SHOTExpoNZ internal or visit the website, www.shotexpo.co.nz

A large book with an eyecatching cover immediately attracts the bookshop browser.

Everything about this book is designed to please - the catchy double cover, an inbuilt bookmark and an introductory section with bright coloured photographs of the more recent seaside life of the author.

The book then takes us back to the beginning of human settlement with chapter one, Tangata - a chapter the author treats carefully and sensitively given there is much uncertainty about the arrival of Maori from somewhere in Polynesia.

As the chapters unfold the reader is left in no doubt about the important place of the ocean in the progressive development of Aotearoa. Initially everyone who came here came across an ocean, lived near the ocean and many relied on the ocean for sustenance - whalers, sealers, fishers, traders, transport and exploration. Chapter after chapter tell New Zealand’s story in chronological order, supported by many wonderful sketches, lithographs and photographs - most of which have been published elsewhere at some time.

Chapter two, Tupua - Strangers

from the Sea, held a special interest for me, not so much because of the well-known, well documented Abel Tasman and James Cook voyages but because of an interest in others that made their way to Aotearoa.

Chinese and Spanish theories are alive and well. Then there were the Frenchmen de Sainson, de Surville and later Dumont d’Urville. I found it a little disappointing the latter of the three did not get more attention given his discoveries and naming of many physical features were very significant. The coloured painting of his ship Astrolabe sailing through Te Aumiti French Pass is a striking one and would have added much to this book.

Overall this book is an admirable effort - very thorough, very interesting, attention grabbing, a great collection of historical photographs, thorough index and referencing.

My copy is now a coffee table item, hopefully about to catch the eye of the rapidly growing grandchildren as they seek to find out about the world around them and the ancestry that makes New Zealand and its people what they are today. As the back cover says “Epic and engrossing,” Ocean is a dynamic portrait of New Zealand and the sea.

Issue 159 21

The good, the bad & the ugly

We have previously talked about the offset year CPUE (Catch Per Unit Effort), which is our index for measuring abundance.

We assess the CPUE against the Spring/ Summer and the Autumn/Winter harvesting performance, which allows us a few months to work through any corrections that are

required and have them implemented by 1 April, at the start of the next season. If the resource experienced a major problem, e.g. major earthquake fallout, we have a Management Rule that would trigger an action and set what the level of the TACC would be at the start of the season.

Here the Management Rule shows you were the CRA 5 resource (CPUE) is currently sitting on the plateau.

We expect fluctuations as the rule shows, so this is good news as it shows stability.

The graph to the right shows us the overall historical performance of the CRA 5 offset year CPUE.

Larnce Wichman

Over all, CRA 5 has stood up well after the earthquake. Continued launching problems off the Ward coast still only allow commercial vessels to get off the beach when conditions are right — still high risk.

Local commercial fishermen were very disappointed in Maritime NZ’s and Civil Defence’s lack of support in helping locals obtain a better launching location for Search and Rescue purposes. Both Picton and Kaikoura Marine Search and Rescue supported the move because of the large area now not covered by an all-weather launching location. Potential repercussions are serious; best estimates suggest in boat in trouble off the coast in this area could have a two-to-three hour wait for assistance. All boats would understand the significance of this! Despite a proposed mitigation plan by experts, it appears the environment is more worthy of protection than the possibility of saving lives at sea — shame on them.

We have finally seen an improvement in the Cook Straight fishery. For a number of years the commercial fishermen have adopted a voluntary management plan, which involved a reduction of ACE being caught in the area.

Two vessels have left for other grounds and one fisherman has since retired, which has seen an improvement in catch rates and we are hoping this trend will continue in to the future.

Now for the bad and ugly combined: CRAMAC 5 puts considerable effort and funding in to the research of the lobster resource in the CRA 5 region, over and above what we are levied for by FNZ. A key project we run is monitoring puerulus (juvenile lobster) settlement so we can get a picture of the future recruitment in to the fishery. This has been ongoing for 39 years

Collector on the Kaikoura Peninsula, but to increase data we have added five new locations from Tory Channel to Hamuri Bluffs, where the collectors are inspected monthly. The data is fed to NIWA to monitor the trends.

The bad and ugly has hit Tory Channel; a diver or divers tore apart and stole the plates from our collectors in what appears a random act of destruction. Who in their right mind would do this to research equipment?

Data from these stands helps Fisheries New Zealand to manage this resource, at CRAMAC 5’s expense, for the benefit of ALL users. Clearly this is the work of pea-brained individuals and not reflective of the many responsible recreational divers out there, but the message needs spreading: this research is part of providing a robust stock assessment process and is very important to all that utilise the resource. The collectors do not interfere with your diving, they do not impact on the environment, which makes it difficult to understand such mindless destruction — out right ugly.

From the CRAMAC 5 team we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe fishing over the summer period.

HUNT AFRICA with Daryl Crimp

Gary McMillan 2018: wild kudu 55.5” “Hunting Africa was something I thought I’d never do and it turned out to be a trip of a lifetime. Around every corner there was something different; plenty of animals but you had to be patient… it took me three exciting days to get my kudu but, wow, what an experience!”

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22 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

Optically Speaking

Ant Corke

Time for reflection The topic for this month’s Optically Speaking is time, or more specifically, the lack of. When I was a lot younger there seemed to be an unending supply of time. A few days ago, I flicked through my 1984 Eley Shooters Diary fully amazed at the amount of activities that I managed to squeeze into a single day. I did far more in a week then I could manage in a month now, and by all accounts I’m not alone.

Waza dishes up dinner

Phil Chilton

The day had finally come to get rid of the work gear and head to Kaikoura for a couple of days of seafood gathering. The weather forecast wasn’t really in our favour but until you get there, you never know whether or not South Bay is going to give you just enough shelter to get in for a quick paddle and harvest a little black gold!

Many of our clients include 60+ year old hunters who cannot walk endless miles and steep hillsides in search of deer that may, or may not be present, and the added benefit of positive target identification aids ageing eyes. It would be at least three years since I overnighted in a DOC hut, and though very enjoyable, it is no longer the mainstay of my hunting. My last deer was shot at night on my neighbour’s property after a very short walk.

Sounds good on paper but as all fisher, diver types know, it doesn’t always go completely to plan. The trip went well, Aaron, Stu, Malcolm and myself headed off mid-Saturday morning with the hope of catching the low tide.

The weather in Kaikoura wasn’t as good as we had hoped but after a drive down South Bay, a likely spot was decided. We drew straws, then bullied Stu into going in for a tester. After 20 minutes of watching Stu splash about, Malcolm decided to go for a look in true West Coast style - woollen short-sleeved shirt, shorts, barefeet, an onion bag and an old chisel!

Time is precious for a number of reasons.

Recreational hunters may be busy with work and families, whilst commercial pest controllers and meat companies need to maximise results in the shortest timeframe.

Time is money and results matter. Our Pulsar Trail thermal rifle sights account for many thousands of animals each year, the capability of this product far exceeds hunting during daylight and at night with spotlamps.

The ultimate need for reduced time-frames lies with emergency rescue. The difference between life and death may be minutes when a person is critically ill with hypothermia.

Our Pulsar Helion thermal imager is a first choice with Coastguard New Zealand and several helicopter search and rescue trusts.

Other time critical tasks include finding hotspots after rural fires, spotting trespassers, and finding offenders who may be hiding in bushes. If you think you have a need for a thermal, check out one at your local sports store or visit www.yukonoptics.co.nz

Kaikoura pre-quake weekender

Stu was first to head back to shore as the swell had picked up an inch or two, plus he had misplaced his catch bag somewhere in the bay complete with five paua, or so he said! Next out was Malcolm, no paua but some seriously barked feet!

Hunting for the time challenged.

Spot, shoot, collect.

We wish all readers an enjoyable and safe time over the festive period. Best wishes from the team at Yukon Optics New Zealand: Ant, Christine, Paul, Jayden, Adie, Alex and Adam.

As it was time to head back to the roaring fire at the lodge, Malcolm had to get into some dry gear. Those of you that have shore dived know, a longish towel is a great accessory for assisting in the ‘non-offensive’ method for getting changed next to a very public highway. Not our Malcolm, with the timing and grace of a retired ballerina he

was at full bend, removing the wet shorts as a member of the local constabulary came around the bend in his shiny car. The rest of us were enjoying the sea air with a cold brew and were a little dismayed to see the car pull over, no doubt to see why the full moon was out at completely the wrong time of the month! Turns out he was just after a chat but I was a little worried for a while!

Excitement over for the afternoon we headed back to Barnacle Bills for another brew and to await the arrival of the rest of the team, to head out for a feed and watch the rugby.

Tasman Bay Annual Voluntary Commercial Trawl Closure In 1992, commercial fishers initiated the voluntary closure to protect juvenile and young snapper in nursery areas over the months they are most prevalent in the shallow areas of Tasman Bay. This protection measure has assisted the rebuild of this important fishery for both commercial and recreational fishers. It was agreed that 1 November to 30 April is the most appropriate time for the closure and is shown in yellow in the diagram. We ask that all commercial fishers continue to observe this important closure.

The Tasman Bay voluntary closure is one of many initiated by commercial fishers throughout the South Island. These are in addition to a number of regulatory closures for fisheries and conservation management, three of which are shown in red in the diagram, being Tonga Island marine reserve, Separation Point bryozoan beds and Nelson Haven.

Southern Inshore Fisheries Management Company supports this precautionary management approach and applaud the commitment shown by our commercial fishers.

If anyone would like to discuss this or any other local fisheries matters do not hesitate to contact Carol Scott, Chief Executive by email: cscott@southerninshore.co.nz

Issue 159 23

Six go wild in Santa Fe The Judge and I have been hunting and fishing together for over thirty years, but he had never managed to make any of my South American trips. This was our year. As word got out, the list grew and ultimately six flew to Agentina: The Judge, Ross Cottle, Neil Candy, Di Pritt, Alistair Garland, and moi.

I had booked the Paraná Sunrise Lodge, which sits on the banks of the Paraná river delta, the second largest river in South America, only the Amazon is bigger, and the sixth biggest river system in the world. The delta itself is 1200km long by 40km wide where we were, so wide you could not see the other side.

As we arrived, all the lodge staff turned out to greet us, including a waiter proffering champagne.

After freshening up in our rooms, we repaired to the lounge where we washed down a sumptuous three-course meal with the regions finest wines. Our hunting Texan companions for the week proved marvellous company: two brothers and a husband and wife.

The attraction of this lodge was a mixed bag of hunting and fishing: ducks, doves, perdiz, and the golden dorado that inhabit local waterways. The countryside is flat and grows water intensive crops like rice and cotton in huge fields that extend several miles in each direction. Irrigation dykes run around the edges, and also provide a means to travel by 4x4 along the tops to reach the

(part one) Graham Gurr

hunting areas.

Rice and water together can only mean one thing, ducks and lots of them. Alistair, Neil and Ross elected to first duck hunt and, after a short ride at 5.00am to a local field, were amazed to find themselves back at the lodge by 8.00am, having each shot a morning limit of 25 ducks each; that’s 75 in under two hours! They could have repeated the feat after lunch but they went fishing instead. Yes that’s right, 50 ducks per person per day!

Meanwhile, The Judge, Di, and I went fishing, landing piranha and catfish. The piranha are beautifully coloured, iridescent pink, and were it not for the teeth, which can take your finger off, would be fun to catch. They are aggressive and fight well on light gear. However, we were rigged for dorado, with a forty pound wire trace, so they never stood much of a chance.

While we were fishing, a drama was playing out back at the lodge.

Augustine ,the lodge manager, was sacked for some minor indiscretion. Problem: Augustine was the only person at the lodge who spoke English! We quickly discovered that when travelling in

Piranha, great smile

BOOK REVIEW Bravo Kiwi Major Craig Wilson retired Bateman RRP $40 Reviewed by Daryl Crimp This is the story of the NZ Army’s deadliest tour of duty since Vietnam: Major Craig Wilson, combat leader, and the men and women of Bravo and Kiwi Companies arrived at Romero Base, Bamyan Province, Afghanistan, in 2012 as the security situation worsened and culminated in the battle at Baghak — and its aftermath.

South America, it’s best to relax and enjoy life as it unfolds, rather than force the issue. However, it was not so much of a problem because we quickly learned the words for the essential food groups, cerveza (beer) vino (wine) carne (meat).

At dinner that night we were introduced to our shooting manager, David, and what a surprise he had is store for us.

(Next month: ducks and doves and carnage of another kind).

Written by former SAS, twenty-year army veteran, and recipient of the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration, Craig Wilson, Bravo Kiwi grabs you by the lapels from the first page. At the introduction, you are dropped straight into the hot zone, with bullets whipping and cracking around you, and blood being spilt by the time you hit page two. It’s pacy and raw — almost enough to suck the air out of you. But it is not sensationalistic or gratuitous; it is a cold hard jolt into the reality of what it is like to have ‘baddies’ shooting at you in the theatre of war. And when ‘the snake bites’ it’s real, it’s terrifying, and it is a test of character, training, and comradeship.

The first three pages of this book cleverly set you up so there is no way you are going to stop reading until you get to the end.

From chapter one, Wilson cuts to the ‘back story’ or build up to the offensive, which could be boring, as it deals with training, preparation,

and basic army life. What saves it from the pedestrian is Wilson’s storytelling ability, lively anecdotes, and good crisp editing. He makes the mundane interesting and introduces us not only to army life in New Zealand but also to the culture, the psyche of the soldiers, and the challenges faced by the ‘hierarchy’ in building a platform to go to war.

Throughout, the narrative is honest and engaging. Wilson does a splendid job of introducing his ensemble cast of soldiers and army personnel against a backdrop of endless exercises and planning.

Switch to the dry hell hole in Afghanistan and you can almost taste the dust, feel the monotony of barrack life, and sense the building tension as the clock ticks down to the inevitable IED encounter. Then Wilson cuts back to the book’s opening scene as the bloody battle of Baghak is played out. It’s raw and brutal but honest, and reads like a war novel or script for major movie — only it’s reality. And chilling at that.

Highly recommended.

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24 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

&

Travels

Paper a sobering read Globe-trotting international beerologist Bill Savage of Greenland is pictured in Sydney where he was guest speaker at the International Convention for Onearmed Irish Brewers in November. Bill, who grew up in the small town of Nuugaatsiaq (population 5), said the locals had to be ‘Jack of all trades’ so he learned to turn his hand to anything and started his fledgling company, Bill’s Beer Removal Service at the age of seven. His entrepreneurial skills blossomed and he went on to forging a career in beer.

mascot, beer connoisseur, grizzly beer, and a beer ambassador. In 1974, at the peak of his career, he won Lithuania’s popular TV show Mastermind with a perfect score in his specialist subject ‘All the beers I’ve ever drunk’.

Over the years Bill has been a beer drinker, beer sculler, beer taster, beer

Bill has no relatives in Hokitika, New Zealand.

Bill is a great advocate of the health properties of beer, stating that it is the only herbal drink he knows that increases his mates’ IQs in direct proportion to the amount consumed. He also loves The Fishing Paper & Hunting News because it is such a sobering read.

At Worldtravellers Motueka we’re passionate about travel and are avid travellers ourselves. If there’s somewhere in the world you’d like to go, chances are one of our team has been there and can share their knowledge and personal experience with you – making the world of difference when it comes to booking your next holiday.

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(Part two) Bruce Lock

Leaving Doubtful Sound marked the second leg of our circumnavigation of the South Isand, with George Sound on our radar, our stepping off point on the long leg to Farewell Spit and around into Tarakhoe or Torrent Bay. Cruising up the coast with light winds on the beam was glorious. We were often accompanied by dolphins and by night we had tuna fishermen inshore of us. By day, Mt Cook and his mates envied us tossing a line over whenever the fresh tuna stocks ran low.

One of my goals was to catch a giant bluefin tuna this area is famous for so, as we motor-sailed past Greymouth, my mind turned to how we’d catch one. What I’d do after it was hooked hadn’t been considered.

Until now we’d found the bungy hand lines were far more effective than rods and easier for 5 - 10kg fish….especially from a yacht that was moving at 8kts and difficult to slow down. But they'd never cope with giant tuna, thus the Shimano Tiagra 80W was deployed with an old old marlin lure and an even older wind on leader.

A little north of Westport the lure was hit.

We didn’t see the hit or whatever was doing the aerials 150m behind Simpatica, but I did see the splash, and the parting of ways between the 37kg mono and the wind on leader! Bugger. At the time I put this down to a mako.

NEW

The marlin was estimated at 300kg

What to do now, with no more big lures.

However, I did have a huge blue rapala, so out this went.

Twenty minutes later it was hit — no surface stuff this time — and down it went. We stopped the yacht (luckily limited wind) and a couple of us worked the rod, gaining and then losing line. Forty minutes later I called, “Deep colour, it’s a billfish!”

At this stage we couldn’t distinguish type and were just relieved that it wasn’t just a bloody shark. Ten minutes later we had it swimming slowly alongside the boat. The rapala lure was imbedded in the shoulder.

We had a small gaff and tail rope ready but debated whether to keep it or cut it adrift. Our freezer space was full with tuna, venison, and unused roasts, it was a hot day and being a day or so away from our next landfall, we made the call to cut it adrift.

were in 22˚C water; the water temp charts indicated a finger of warm water extending down the West Coast to where we hooked up. We’d also noted a change in the birds, with less albatross/southern birds and more petrels — maybe also indicative?

I’m not a marlin expert but some marlin pro’s have scaled it from the pix plus known height of the boat side, and arrived at a likely size of 300kg plus. Who cares, this was a suitable substitute to the giant bluefin we were really targeting!

Aches, Pains & Injuries

On reflection about this ‘once in a lifetime catch’, good gear was instrumental in our success; the Shimano 80W Tiagra game combo and Black Magic harness and gimbal made the fight possible. I’m not a great knot tier, with uni knots my go-to, but they did the job.

Read Anytime

go to www.thefishingpaper.co.nz for the mobile experience

South Island circumnavigation and —MARLIN!

A quick check on water temps revealed both hits

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Issue 159 25

Captain’s Log:

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Tasman Bay is in the grip of a squat lobster invasion

Those fishing the Top of the South and Tasman Bay in particular may have noted we are experiencing another krill bloom, which happens from time-to-time, but the hundreds of thousand of tiny pink crustaceans swimming about the ocean are more specifically squat lobster. They look similar to true lobster but are more closely related to hermit crabs. There are more than 1,000 species worldwide, of which, 56 are found around New Zealand.

They rang in size from 90mm (carapace length) to only a few millimetres, and are more commonly found in deep sea zones and on the continental shelf slopes, rather than shallow water like Tasman Bay. Their exoskeleton or carapace is soft and flexible, so it allows them to squeeze into small crevices and leave their long sharp pincers extended as a form of protection. Some species have been found as deep as 5,000m where they have been observed feeding

Marine biologist, keen fisher, free-diver, and human ‘Energiser Bunny’ Reid Forrest has this to say about Munida gregaria, squat lobster: “Hugely common ‘krill species’ found around New Zealand but particularly the South Island. Forms large blooms when the post larval stage comes inshore looking for a good place to settle out on the seabed. Absolute reason for them blooming more in some years than others is unknown but likely because there’s abundant phytoplankton around for them to eat as larvae while they drift around in the plankton’. If you're a really crap fisherman and can’t catch snapper at the moment, then take note — an old professor I had at university used to boil them up and crush them into a squat lobster paste that he spread on toast! It didn't taste as bad as it sounds; sort of like crayfish flavoured crunchy peanut butter.”

A bloom of squat lobster

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A letter from deer heaven Malcolm Halstead

Dear Dumb Shooter, I have called you a shooter because you are not worthy of the title hunter. You may not remember me but I am that red spiker you saw in the hills when out shooting and, yes, I am the one you tried to shoot in the head with your twenty-two. I have now passed to the other side as a magnificent eight pointer just two years after we met. I have enclosed a couple of photos of the damage you did to me that day, note my missing teeth and hole in the roof of my mouth. Also note the bullet fragments lodged under my eye! After our brief encounter, I ran as though the devil himself was chasing me, blinded by the pain in my skull and blurriness in my vision.

For the next two weeks, I wandered aimlessly around

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the hills, only able to drink small amounts of water.

Sleep was impossible and my

physical condition weakened over the coming weeks.

Slowly, the roof of my mouth healed and the aching of my missing teeth subsided. My eye sight never returned to normal but slowly I rejoined other wild deer to live a near normal life. I often wondered if 1080 wouldn't be such a bad way to go after the pain and misery you put me through. I have sent you this note in the hope that in the future you venture into the hills with a suitable calibre.

Yours, The Mighty Red Stag.

www.kayakhq.co.nz

3 Duncan St, Port Nelson

Phone: 03 539 4181

PS: I will be waiting for you to join me one day, where you to will experience penetration from a sharp object, albeit at the opposite end to where I was injured!

26 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

The art of survival —

a warning to fisherfolk

Across the world the challenges of managing fishing at sustainable levels have proven too hard for many countries and some have reverted to a marine protection agenda as a response to communities concerned about the perceived status of their fisheries. In New Zealand the marine protection agenda is also strong – in the Bay of Islands, Hauraki Gulf, and Otago, fishing opportunities are at risk from well-resourced proponents for networks of no-take marine reserves.

Various fishing sectors employ people like me to advocate the protection and enhancement of rights and opportunities to fisheries. Our role is to coordinate an informed response from the majority of participants, based on the best available information that we are able to compile and distribute to them. Regrettably, there are times when my job consists of saving fishermen from themselves.

Key steps to self-destruction 1. Apathy — fishermen either fail to read the information they receive or, if they do read it, fail to take heed or seek an explanation if they do not understand it.

2. Individual self-interest is too often a priority — the “I’m all right Jack, bugger you” philosophy. Closely linked to that is the situation where the fishing ground threatened with closure is somewhere else in a management area, other than where he/ she fishes – “Not my problem, pity about the local guys though.” Wrong – their problem is going to become your problem.

3. A lack of commitment to a common cause — usually a consequence of an individual lack of understanding of the diversity of threats to commercial and recreational fishing.

4. A lack of commitment to a common vision — the failure of fisherfolk to fully acknowledge that they are part of a collective. Too many commercial guys still consider themselves to be individuals working in isolation from their peers. The last man to leave the fishing industry will take the rugged individualist tag with him/her, but it is one that should have been discarded years ago.

5. Trusting the ‘system’ — typified by the frequent response from fishermen that, “The Ministry (or some other agency) should do their job and manage the fishery/the situation/the crisis.” There is an unrealistic expectation that officials will protect the rights of fisherfolk. It ain’t true friend, that is not their job.

6. Memory loss — the lessons of fisheries management history have been too quickly forgotten.

7. An exaggerated sense of our own importance — typified by the response that “… we won’t be shut out, fishing provides employment, recreation, and tourism benefits - and contributes to the local and national economy. This country needs sustainable resource use – they can’t lock us out.”.

Sure it does, sure they can’t! - just ask the Timberlands contractors on the West Coast.

Daryl Sykes

How things go wrong The recreational and commercial sectors are informed of an impending marine reserve proposal, one that will remove their access to very productive fishing grounds. There is opportunity to object to the proposal and, thanks to the efforts of one or two people who actually understand the consequences of losing access to the area, a meeting is called, collective outrage is expressed, and a half-decent ‘stakeholder’ submission is put together on behalf of fishermen. Everyone thinks that will be enough to halt the marine reserve. They are wrong.

The proponents of the marine reserve contact individual fishermen and women to ask if they really do support the objections to the proposed reserve. One by one, fisherfolk concede that “No I don’t fish in that area, I won’t lose any catch,” or “I can probably live with it if it is not too large,” or “I don’t really catch much in there anyway and neither do the other guys.”

Which, of course, is exactly what the marine reserve proponents want to hear - and when the ‘fisheries stakeholders’ submissions are delivered to Ministers for consideration, the full weight of the fishing community objection has been watered down to complaints from two or three individuals who, in the opinions of Ministerial advisors, don’t really need to retain access to the reef because they can move somewhere else and still catch their quota or bag limits.

After all the QMA extends along 100 miles of coastline and out to 200 miles offshore doesn’t it?

The art of survival? For your sake and that of your family’s, pay attention to what is happening and, more importantly, do something about it.

Do not assume that someone else is looking after your affairs – ensure that someone is and actively support their efforts. Don’t assume that the marine reserve forty miles up the coast will not impact on you – it will. Don’t assume that the Ministry will take action to halt the levels of illegal unreported catch – it can’t without your assistance.

Do not assume that your fellow fishermen are breaking the rules – they are making the same assumptions about you. Resolve issues in-house and don’t publicly validate the level of mistrust already enshrined in the hearts and minds of many politicians and officials. Don’t promote the ‘cultural’ differences that exist within the seafood industry or as perceived between them and the recreational fishing industry – the little guy up against the big guy thing will always be a problem but don’t ever expect Government intervention to sort that out to your personal advantage.

Don’t regard catch reporting as an unnecessary and unimportant task. Fine scale catch and effort information will one day be the difference between you fishing and not fishing.

Make it your business to know how the fisheries sector service, provision, and advocacy networks operate and to know the processes that most efficiently and effectively meet your needs. There is a wealth of expertise available to advise and guide you

Tui and a skylark deer Bryn Williams

The day never started the way it was supposed to. We were up nice and early and discussed what we thought would be a successful game plan over a morning brew. Although attention levels were high, it became evident what was happening. The Irish were beating the All Blacks.

Perhaps it was possible to harness some of that Irish luck for our evening hunt.

Boots laced up we started our stalk, hoping to find Sky her first deer feeding on a four-leaf clover.

Taking it nice and slow, we hugged the bush edge and kept a keen eye on the open flat beside us. Tui the dog was struggling to contain her excitement as a rabbit ran past, but this silent stalking required discipline. Every new piece of open ground was given a good glassing before continuing on. The bush started to enclose on us and up ahead the end of the clearing loomed. We all thought it sensible to move on before movement caught my eye.

“Deer, deer! Just in front of us!” I crouched down and grabbed a hold of Tui. Anton and Sky slowly moved into a comfortable shooting position and at this distance, a miss would be difficult. Sky shouldered the rifle; however, the deer was on the wrong angle and didn’t present a suitable shot. Slightly changing her position, Sky was in with a chance. Then Tui’s excitement got the better of her and a whining whimper escaped, which ruined a nearly perfect stalk. Alerted, the deer bolted into cover and out of sight. Bugger!

We waited it out for ten minutes but it never reappeared. Just like the All Blacks this morning, we had been outplayed.

With another hour of light left there was still time so we moved along to the next ridge. We picked up three deer feeding on a knoll four hundred yards away. A difficult ask for a .22-250, and a much harder shot than before. I peered over the top of my binoculars and looked

below us. In a tiny clearing stood a deer looking right at us! Immediately I grabbed Tui and took her out of sight.

“There’s a deer just below us. I’ll hold Tui while you guys take the shot!”

Once again, Anton and Sky moved into a comfortable shooting position. Keeping Tui out of sight meant her excitement was easier to contain. Tui and I waited and wondered what was going on below, before the crack of a rifle shot broke the silence, followed by a dull thud — the distinct sound of a hit. Sky was shaking with adrenaline and elation as her very first deer awaited below. There is something very special about shooting your first deer. It was evident how much it meant to Sky by her ear-to-ear grin and eagerness to help field dress the animal.

It was a memorable hunt to be a part of, having come so close earlier that evening and being undone by our own mistakes. Perhaps the luck of the Irish was on our side after all.

Sky and Anton share in the success of that first deer

d t

Issue 159 27

28 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

Citizen science for Hector’s dolphin Gemma McGrathManager — Hector’s Dolphin Sightings App dolphin habitat. Māui are sighted mostly between Manukau Harbour (Auckland) to Raglan (by Hamilton), of which there are less than 60 left. Critically endangered.

Hector’s dolphins are the smallest dolphin species in the world and not found anywhere else except Aotearoa where they live in coastal shallow waters.

They used to be a far more abundant, especially around the top of the South Island and Taranaki, and used to be seen much more widely, including Kapiti and Palliser Bay (by Wellington) and along much of the East Coast!

They are found around most of the South Island and along part of the North Island west coast - Māui

&

Although Māui and Hector’s dolphins look exactly the same, there are genetic differences at play; even some of the South Island subpopulations could be considered as genetically distinct. Some of these smaller South Island subpopulations are just as endangered as Māui dolphins.

These dolphins love surfing and can be quite interactive.

You might be lucky enough to see some while kayaking over this summer? If you do, you could put your sighting to some good conservation use and put it in the app. The Hector’s Dolphin Sightings App is a free citizen science tool that records whale and dolphin sightings around Aotearoa. The more sightings information there is, the

more evidence to remove threats from the dolphins’ habitat.

The app is very easy to use. It automatically records date, time, and GPS when you experience a dolphin sighting. You can add behaviours, comments, descriptions, and see all the dolphin data whenever you like. You can get notifications if you like too, and you only have to enter your details once. It’s available free from Google Play and Apple stores and is in partnership with Whale and Dolphin Conservation and the Department of Conservation.

You may have already seen some Hector’s dolphins recently or remember seeing them a few years back, maybe even longer ago?

If you have seen dolphins in the past, I’d love to hear from you. You can easily put historical sightings on the app, The trick is to scroll to the location before you push the report button first when entering sightings from a while ago, otherwise the sightings might show up in your living room.

The Fishing Paper & Hunting News proudly supporting Gemma and her work on the Hector dolphin.

Show your support and download the FREE app today

If apps aren’t your thing, then feel free to email sightings in to aotearoa. dolphin@gmail.com or text/ call on 027 694 3533. You can leave a message here too: 03 973 6740.

Keen to help our little dolphins out some more? If anyone would like some app fliers to put out in their local community for their local dolphins, please get in touch and I can send you some.

We are trying to get as many sightings as possible during the lead up to the government’s Threat Management Plan process.

The government is currently reviewing information on this species, and the threats, and will decide how they will improve management of Hector’s dolphins next year.

Let’s hope things change for the better for them, and these special dolphins stop declining and start thriving.

Contact Gemma: aotearoa.dolphin@gmail. com 027 694 3533 or 03 973 6740

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Published by Coastal Media Ltd 261 Paton Road, Hope PO Box 9001, Annesbrook, 7044, NELSON

NG FISHI THE

R

PAPE

& HUNTING NEWS

Ph 03 544 7020 www.thefishingpaper.co.nz

Editor: Daryl Crimp - 021 472 517 editor@thefishingpaper.co.nz Sub-Editor: Mike Brown Administration & Sales: Annette Bormolini 021 028 73393 - annette@coastalmedia.co.nz Deputy Editor: Ron Prestage rgprestage@xtra.co.nz Printer: Inkwise 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.

30 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

FISHING-HUNTING-BIKING-CAMPING

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From Sinker to Smoker Ron Prestage Baits for Mokihinui Over the years I have tried out many baits at Mokihinui, usually during the annual tenday fishing competition. Soft fish baits like pilchards and anchovies just do not cut it there. The constantly moving, often turbulent West Coast waters call for tough baits, as well as tough fishers. I have ranked the following baits in order of my successes with them:

minutes is my usual soak time if the crabs are not too busy and expect to catch snapper, kahawai, and the odd large passing ray.

Squid.

Trev’s latest West Coast snapper As good as paddle crabs for rig bait. Plenty of bait elastic needed again. Keep these expensive Aussie imports frozen until use, only thawing to land snapper, conger eels, enough out for one session at sharks, and red cod with these a time. I like to use a pulley rig cut baits. with a large keeper hook when Fresh kahawai. fishing with prawn baits.

Sometimes a top bait for Fresh yellow-eyed mullet. snapper but again the blood On mussel baits, catch these at the river mouth and expect can attract undesirables.

Good quality, pearly-white squid is my favourite and mainstay. It freezes well and must be kept in good shape at the beach by using ice and a chilly bin. As you cut the baits, shape a few tentacles on each one to add to its appeal.

Squid stays on the hook well during the cast and its sojourn on the sea floor. No need for bait elastic. Twenty to thirty

Paddle crabs.

These are easily obtained at the Mussel Rocks and are great bait for rig and at times snapper. Use plenty of bait elastic to keep them securely on the hook.

Banana prawns.

Octopus.

Worth a try when the snapper are about. Solitary big snapper get tempted at times. A very durable bait that can soak for an hour or two.

Trev’s bait tip Trevor Alty of Westport recently has had success surfcasting on the West Coast using salted bonito for bait. Trev buys frozen bonito bait from a service station, salts it overnight with non-iodised salt and then refreezes it, taking what he doesn’t use at the beach back home to the freezer.

o l c l i h c e f e S r i y h i w h

Issue 159 31

FIELD TEST

Swarovski Z6i 2.5 - 15 X 44P BT rifle scope Daryl Crimp

Having the opportunity to go through the Swarovski Optik factory in Austria four years ago gave me a greater appreciation of what goes into the design and production of quality optics and it is certainly a case of not all scopes are created equal. A couple of things still stand out about that visit: the sense of pride all the Swarovski staff have in their part in producing the optics, the degree to which modern technology and skilled human hands are interdependent in the pursuit of excellence, and the role master craftsmen still play in the Swarovski model.

Every product that rolls out of the factory in the little town of Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, has been lovingly crafted, tested, inspected, and handled by highly skilled and qualified craftsmen so that the essence of the Swarovski family ethos is imbued in each optic. Having the Swarovski brand on your rifle or in your hunting kit is acknowledgement that you aspire to and deserve a higher level of quality, and it becomes a statement of where you see yourself as a hunter.

Technical aspects The Z6i 2.5 - 15 X 44P was essentially designed to cater for hunters shooting over longer distances, with key features being its lightweight design, HD optics, and high magnification. It has found a wider niche in New Zealand where hunters can switch from close quarter bush hunting to alpine hunting and back again; the Z6i 2.5 - 15 X 44P is a versatile ‘all-rounder’ perfectly suited to our rugged hunting conditions.

It also features lateral parallax correction, which guarantees a sharp image at any distance.

The Z6i 2.5 - 15 X 44P

BT also has a ballistic turret that allows greater accuracy over distance and which can be customised to suit individual hunters; the Personal Ballistic Turret is calibrated at the Swarovski factory to an individual load specification. This is useful if you settle on a cartridge or load that you use regularly and want to quickly dial up certain distances. If you have different loads for different situations, you can have P BTs made to suit each load and interchange them as required.

Extending the hunter’s window I am not a ‘ballistic head’ but more a hunter who has

an agricultural appreciation of ballistics, and I am not a long range ‘shooter’. I stalk and love getting in close, so most of my shots in 50 years of hunting have been under 100m, with many under 50m. I still haven’t shot an animal at 300m, my longest shot to date is a red stag at 265m. So why a long range scope? Because I recognise there are going to be times where long shots are the only option: tahr and sika hunting. Therefore, I need to up-skill and extend ‘the hunter’s 300m window’ out to 400m+ and that is what modern technology has done for hunters — extend the range of competent shooters another 100 — 150m.

(500m+ is another realm and not for me).

Practical performance Because I am not ballistically inclined, I worried that I would struggle to handle the technical

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aspects of this scope but my fears where unfounded (except when sighting in I had to ring Swarovski and tell them the scope was broke and I couldn’t adjust the windage — Hannes politely explained that the windage turret ‘clicks out’ so that it can’t be accidentally adjusted; all I had to do was push it in and I was in business)!

which Daniel put to the test in Africa this year. The illuminated reticle really helped him focus and, I believe, helped take his mind off the recoil. He shot the big calibre like a pro and for a 14-year-old (at the time), that was no mean feat.

After several very challenging stalks on springbok he was forced to take his longest shot to date: 285m. He dialled up the ballistic turret and dropped the animal where it stood.

Hit a little animal anywhere with the three-hundy and it will do that. I asked him where he shot it and he described the little shadow in the centre of the chest — cocky little bugger.

Swarovski actually have a very good instructional video online that is perfect for ‘idiots’ like me, so the set up was a doddle.

In the field I have a Z6 1.7 — 10 X 42 on my .308 and love it but made one mistake in the purchase; being old school I didn’t think I needed an illuminated reticle. I got talked into it with this one and what a game changer. I wouldn’t go past it now.

“We’ll see!” I said as we headed off to retrieve his prize.

The shot was right on the money.

Z6i 2.5 - 15 X 44P BT is on my .300 Win Mag,

Enough said — the Z6i 2.5 - 15 X 44P BT works for me.

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32 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

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352 m