Issue 177 The Fishing Paper & Hunting News June 2020

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June 2020 Issue 175

NEWS

 After lockdown fishing  New blue cod rules

Next level moki

Story pg 2

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THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - JUNE 2020

Doug’s on the Front cover story

Having spent the best part of five weeks sitting around home in lockdown, it sure came as welcome news when Jacinda announced the return to level 2 and the ability to get out on the boat

again!

The first available weather window saw us making a beeline for d’Urville Island, with the weather gods providing a stunning day.

We were lucky enough to land some great fish and the yelling that could be heard across the water signalled others having an equally good time.

Trent Wales muscles it up with a d'Urville denizen

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Issue 175 3

level One advantage of the lockdown period was having the time and motivation to organise gear, perfect knots, and learn some new skills.

It’s always worth spending the time to make sure your gear is in top condition; there’s nothing worse than losing a big fish from failed knots or equipment.

I like to set all of my rods up before I leave home tying and testing knots on land is a lot easier than on a moving boat. My go to snapper set up for slow jigging is the Daiwa Saltiga 10h with a 60150 gram rated rod. Having smooth drag is essential, as it’s so easy to pull the tiny slow jig hooks out of the tough mouth of a snapper.

Using lighter braid around the 15lb mark allows the line to cut through the water, getting down to where the fish are, faster. A 25-30lb trace tied to the good old 150 gram Daiwa Kohga paired with their mega octo skirt is my go to jig. They are made of a buoyant rubber that constantly provides movement, making them irresistible to snapper and other species.

Finding the fish and setting

Doug Clifton says success is in the prep

Doug Clifton

the boat up for the drift are essential when fishing in deeper waters with high current. After locating the fish on your sounder stop the boat and observe the direction you’re drifting in before dropping a line. Be sure to set your drift up well above the mark to ensure your lures are in the right area when you hit the school of fish.

On this Level 2 outing we were fortunate enough to experience Level One results, landing some nice snapper with two around 23lb and a solid kingfish estimated over 30kg. Trips like this always leave me thinking how lucky we are to have an area like this on our back doorstep.

Good planning and preparation before a trip all help with increasing your success rate. I always find it handy to pick the brains of the staff in your local tackle shop. They are more than willing to help out.

Building a good relationship with them will help you get some inside information and tips that could make the difference on your next trip.

Front cover picture Thomas Darling with a moki caught on slow jig

A road to the undiscovered.

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No more muffs diving Barry Bartlett has been an avid reader of The Fishing Paper since issue one and has not missed a copy since.

Here is a little invention of his that might help some readers who have problems with their muffs!

usually goes on the tap is, instead, attached to the muffs via two 3/4” double end connectors as shown in the picture. This allows you to control the water flow from the outboard end; the water

There is nothing worse than going to flush the outboard and losing the muffs because the water pressure is too great. Too much tap and the muffs slide off, then it’s a walk back to the boat to start over again.

pressure can be high from the tap but is easily regulated via one of the taps on the yellow fitting.

The yellow fitting that

It is a simple but clever system that will cure any pressure build up problems you have and will stop you having to dive for muffs.

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4

THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - JUNE 2020

Southerners fish far north Lana and I were lucky enough to win the Okuma/ Composite Developments Indent prize, which was a trip to Cape Brett fishing with Mig and Scott from Fishing and Adventure, and the awesome team at Okuma.

Tamzin Henderson

Tamzin with success on one of Okuma's new reels

Before leaving Auckland, we had a glimpse at the new season Okuma and CD gear—some great looking kit is coming out and we can’t wait to get our hands on it for this summer.

We drove from Auckland up to Oakura where we stayed as a group in baches booked by CD for the weekend.

As most of us know, there are two things in life we can’t control—the weather and the bite. Friday was blowing an easterly with a fair bit of swell to match so Bryce Helms, our Okuma rep, suggested a rock fish up near Rawhiti. After a couple of false starts finding a way down the cliff, we set up a berley trail and cast a strayline rig each. My rod had a few good hits then the line started pulling. I scrambled down to the water's edge, which quickly became thigh deep with the swell, and fought the fish for a short while. I was stoked to bring in my first snapper

Lana with her first snapper off the rocks

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Day two saw an early start towing the boats to Rawhiti to find a spot sheltered enough to catch koheru to use as livebait for kingfish.

With the livebait tank full, we steamed out to Bird Rock and all three boats slowtrolled the koheru while waiting for a strike. Bryce was first on to the kingfish and I hooked up shortly after.

With a braid burnt hand and a few good bruises, I landed my PB kingfish, which was around 14kgs.

The fishing slowed up a little after that and Lana was stoked to land a legal kingi close in shore near the Cape Brett lighthouse.

We fished day three around the Hole in the Rock, flicking lures at the abundant trevally on the surface, watching schools of blue maomao and even spotting a turtle, all quite different to what we have down here in the Marlborough Sounds. One kingi was hooked in the morning before a bronzie decided he needed it more than we did, so we relocated and tried again.

The fishing was slow, unfortunately, and straylining for snapper was our most successful option. After some great yarns and shared meals everyone packed up to head home on the Sunday but Lana, Bryce, and I hung around for an extra morning fish off the rocks. A few snapper were caught but the most excitement was when one of Bryce’s snapper was hit hard twice by a decent kingfish. Despite throwing a stickbait at it, we had no luck so we started the long drive back to Auckland before flying down South.

TrackMe creates new recreational safety communication option David Tait

Increasing evidence proves the benefits of live tracking of adventure activities, so support networks know where someone is and that all are okay.

Live Tracking: It is not about people watching your every move, but them knowing when to check in on your safety and where to look should problems arise.

Many recreational adventures are relatively close to home and in cell phone coverage, while participants are on the local rivers, beaches, or in regional parks. But people will also aspire to go to remote places where cell phones don’t work, so on these occasions will need satellite devices. The question that is currently being asked of New Zealand recreation users is around the value of an Adventure Club that allows members to use their phone as a live tracking device using the TrackMe Pro+ App. The belief that there is a need for such a club has come from the observation that for many people paying

a monthly data fee is a barrier to device ownership.

TrackMe New Zealand is wanting to measure recreational user’s interest in the concept of a monthly membership system that will give them the use of the TrackMe Pro App and will give them Satellite Device Credits every month that they can exchange for loan devices for their remote adventures and trips.

Members will be able to loan both inReach and Spot units, with the inReach units requiring more credits.

TrackMe has been working hard to create the best system for their clients with a huge amount of innovation and advantages, such as SOS activations going directly to the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre. TrackMe has been consulting the Mountain Safety Council and other organisations to find ways

that user’s safety can be increased and unnecessary searches decreased. The data shows that PLB devices save lives, but they are also an all or nothing device, where messaging devices allow other options beyond NZRCC. TrackMe currently offers the public the choice of purchase and hire options, and the Club concept is a third and creative option that has the intention of getting more devices in the hands of people in the outdoors at more affordable rates. So TrackMe is now asking outdoor recreation enthusiasts these questions: Are you getting the best use out of your Spot or inReach device? Does the thought of a big monthly commitment put you off buying one? For more information and to be part of the conversation go to https://trackme.nz/ community/

Issue 175 5 they hold a match. Boy did they have a crowd this time - 88 shooters from all over New Zealand and a few from Australia.

PISTOL SHOOTING Brian Bishop The Cowboys came to the Golden Down range in Nelson in March, which just happened to be the last match before we all got home detention.

I have never competed in this style of shooting and often refer to it as being the dark side. This is very unfair as it has a good following with competitors taking it very seriously and actual shooting is only a part of their matches.

Part of the match requirement is everyone dresses in the style of the times, or what the western movies would tell us to expect was period costume.

Now I try and go up and support this section while

The same with the style I shoot, everybody shoots together and they had a number of juniors competing. The mix of male and female is a lot more even in Cowboy than IPSC. New Zealand has some very quick ladies and gents competing both nationally and internationally with good results. It’s shameful they don’t get the recognition they deserve. All have an alias they compete under, the funny part is a lot of them don’t even know their friend’s real name.

For my part it’s good to go along and catch up with friends I’ve met at these matches, the same as all the others. I also like to watch how they go about the stages as they have to engage and shoot the targets in a certain order and pattern. Every time I go along, I get confused and it takes a while for me to get to grips with it but that’s the difference between the two styles because we just shoot under the “as you see them that’s it.”

The range officers are more friendly too. They will help

“At TrackMe NZ we feel for our fellow suppliers in the New Zealand lockdown economy and want to take this opportunity to deliver a diff erent message. Buy local, stay local, be covered globally . If you are thinking about purchasing a GARMIN inReach, or SPOT device, go to your local store under alert level 2 or 1 and buy it from them.

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you when you get a bit lost.

Not that the top shooters need it or there is time to help, as they are moving and shooting fast. The speed they can work a lever action is impressive.

Things took a different twist after the last stage as I got myself cornered with an offer to have a go. Now, I have never used a cowboy rig and while I have used a lever action rifle, it has been more years than we are going to talk about. I don’t think I’ve ever shot a double-barrel

shotgun with two triggers.

Oh boy did it show, while I think I can shoot really fast it sure didn’t pan out that way.

I don’t think anyone could have taken longer than me.

A good laugh was had and I even have the video to remind myself of how bad I was. Still I would like to say thanks for the loan, you all made it look really easy but think I’ll stick to my semiauto’s.

Wisdom of a salmon elder Stuart Graham

Legendary salmon elder Rex Russell has been salmon fishing Canterbury Rivers since the first time he went. Over the years he has caught salmon running into the heaps and heaps, and ranging in size from not very big to bloody massive. His biggest was taken in midwaters of the Waiwoudu River in 1972 and was the largest unrecorded salmon ever taken in Canterbury waters. While the fish was never officially weighed because wife Barbara was baking at the time, Rex later weighed the photo and it alone went 10lbs.

While Rex is getting fairly old and decrepit now, and is only allowed out of the house under supervision, he never misses a salmon season and manages to negotiate the braided rivers with the aid of an ancient African Nkosi Stick. The ceremonial walking stick was given to Rex by Chief One Claw of the Shaka Zulu busmen tribe. Rex was in Africa fishing for tiger fish in the Zambezi when the honour of tribal elder was bestowed on him because of his wise

Rex with his latest catch

words and liking for whisky.

He was also offered two new wives to replace the old one but declined, saying later that he wasn’t sure how he’d get on with Customs.

Rex didn’t make it back to the Zambezi this year because Barbara said he couldn’t be trusted, so he fished in a river near

Christchurch where he caught this fine salmon. Rex said, that in decades and decades and decades of salmon fishing, he couldn’t remember a more exciting catch. Barbara said that Rex couldn’t remember what he had for breakfast. Rex regrets not accepting One Claw’s second offer.

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6

THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - JUNE 2020

One handed Nessy’s monster

BOOK REVIEW Captain Cook’s Epic Voyage Geoffrey Blainey Viking RRP $40 Review Daryl Crimp In 1768, Captain James Cook and his crew set sail on the tiny British naval vessel Endeavour, heading for Tahiti where he was to establish an observatory to record the 1769 transit of Venus.

At slightly under 30m, the barque housed a crew of over 70, barrels of water and food, livestock and chickens, fuel for cooking, and sundry equipment—an incredible feat in itself. That they willingly undertook such a hazardous journey, spanning years, is a testament to both the mettle of the men and the hardships of the time.

Dougie Hamilton (Delighted Scottish fisherman)

Whilst on vacation, I was invited fishing by my son Bruce’s friend Shane Boyce.

that I would be going home with very little to boast about to my Scottish fishing mates.

We fished in and around Queen Charlotte Sound catching a few blue cod and gurnard for the table. After calling it a day, we put out a couple of lures and trolled the coastline. My son kept reminding me that he had caught more than me and

Shane decided to throttle the speed back from 5-6 knots and, as soon as the engine cut, a fish took the lure. I tried to set the hook but it was a right handed reel and with me having no right hand, it proved a difficult retrieve. Talk about

one-armed paper hanger.

However, I am a determined Scotty and was not about to lose this silvery ‘Monster’.

After a very difficult few minutes and panic in case I lost the beast due to my ‘one-handed-ness’, I got my first and probably last kingfish, well over the minimum size—and I haven’t heard a word from

my son since regarding who caught what.

I’m going home to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands with plenty to boast about and a memory that won’t be going away for a long time.

Not just catching the kingfish but the whole experience of fishing in such a beautiful part of the world.

But the voyage was not without intrigue and was, in fact, a cloak for another, secret, mission—to discover Terra Australis Incognita, an unknown southern continent believed to be larger and richer than Australia. To add to the sense of drama, Cook was not alone in the quest to discover and lay claim to this new land, with French merchant Jean de Surville commanding a ship that

ghosted the same waters as Endeavour.

It is a matter of record that he charted much of New Zealand and the eastern coast of Australia, but this book fleshes out the bones of history and vividly reveals the hardships, adventure, and achievements of Cook’s most significant voyage. It was a voyage of discovery that transformed the world map and European’s view of the southern hemisphere at the time.

It’s a fascinating read that really gives a greater insight into the challenges facing that era and contributes to further understanding an important part of our roots. It will have wide appeal and be of interest to those interested in history, the sea, nautical feats, and adventure.

Quads no threat to beach Mark Wills

A question I would like to ask the Marlborough District Council, “Is it common practice to pass a bylaw without all of the facts or evidence being put forward?”

The Marlborough District Council’s proposed bylaw to ban vehicles from the beach to Cape Campbell deserves closer scrutiny.

The council report said, ‘There will be long term consequences if uncontrolled vehicle access continued.” A key word here is ‘uncontrolled’, which could influence a sensible solution as opposed to an outright ban.

I have seen the damage done by large vehicles on the beach, especially on the soft gravel past the light, so support a ban on large, heavy vehicles.

However, the group I have been working with have shown, with education and keeping the low pressure vehicles below the high tide, there is no damage to the environment; after the tide has come in and gone out again. The whole beach moves through natural

accretion.

Science indicates a downward pressure of 14kpa or less is recommended for travel over fragile ecosystems. A quad bike can safely run at 2psi, which gives a downward pressure of 13.8kpa. On normal pressure of 3.6, it gives a pressure of 24.4kpa.

Humans have a downward pressure of 55kpa when standing but when they move, there is added motion pressure of between 60%80%, so the weight increases to 180kpa. A mountain bike is 245kpa, a road bike 620kpa, and a moving horse is about 570kpa. Clearly, the quad bike does the least damage!

It should be an easy fix; some Iwi have agreed to leave quads on the beach, both commercial paua and rock lobster the same. This will also help to keep the poaching down.

Barrie Greenall, team leader Marlborough Highway Patrol, gives many options, as the beach is a road. In the council report it stated quads pose a safety risk as they can reach speeds of over 80k. Top end of a

horse is 88k, with a gallop of between 40-48k. If a speed limit of 30k is put in place the risk is lowered greatly— easy solution.

In support of quads A lot of quads have ferried fatigued walkers/trampers back to Marfells Beach. I brought a lightly dressed German tramper back, who was on the verge of hypothermia. She did not get a forecast before she left the camp and the weather changed from a warm northwest breeze to a bitterly cold southerly while she was at the cape.

In conclusion, a quad = low pressure = less damage, plus reduction of illegal activity and helping tired trampers. Staying below high tide, travel in daylight hours only, and a 30k speed limit will not cause any damage, or less than what the proposed bylaw may allow on the beach with humans and the rest. By staying below the high tide, all of the fauna and flora are safe to be left in their natural environment: nesting birds, spiders, lizards, invertebrate, grasses, and tussock.

Issue 175 7

Keeping It Fresh Tim Clark

Lance Gill with a nice Waitaki salmon

Spinmax Range

Baby Brown

Gold Rush

URS! TRY OUR NEW COLO Historically, Black Magic would be seen by many anglers as being a supplier of saltwater tackle.

Granted, they have always had a range of Japanese made fly hooks and a range of freshwater leader, but over the last few years, their freshwater range has taken a real upward curve with a growing range of lures.

Getting Started Interestingly, the lesser emphasis on freshwater in the past was not due to a lack of in-house knowledge.

Like most family owned Kiwi businesses, the strength is in the people that work there, and this played a big part in developing a growing range of products with a freshwater focus. They were able to get

involved in design choices and field trials to make sure the new lures were effective fish catchers.

The original foray into lures started at the tail end of 2013 with the “bullet” like Spinsect® lure with its spinning blade. This was followed soon after by the Jellybean® range, a soft lure with a “precast” fly hook. Jellybeans were also incorporated into a jigging rig.

Trout flies were added around the same time, which made sense given their existing range of fly hooks.

Picking up the pace A decision to expand the variety of lures saw the introduction of the BMax

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range – a 60mm hard bodied diving lure. Like many new products, it took a while to establish in the market, but eventual success saw more colours and the introduction of a 50mm sinking version.

The Spinmax range has proved a total hit with an increasing number of anglers. We’re backing up the lure’s popularity by introducing two new colours in 6.5g, 9.3g and 13g.

Casting and trolling Spinners and spoons were the next focus. The first was the lifelike Enticer range in 7g and 12g weights. In early 2019, the Rattle Snack, with its ribbed body and internal rattle, was released. (7g and 14g) At the same time, the Spinmax range was released in 3 sizes (6.5g to 13g) All these lures added to the available arsenal for anglers who enjoy spin fishing or trolling. From Black Magic’s standpoint, it has got them more involved with anglers in traditional freshwater areas in the central North Island and the South Island.

These ranges have also gained traction in the inland fisheries in Australia, and they’ve even got buyers in Europe.

The leader range has had an upgrade too with the introduction of Deception Ultra Pink. Pink leaders are favoured by some when water conditions are a little murkier, or deeper, as they tend to be less visible in these conditions.

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8

THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - JUNE 2020

Suck it up buttercup Dad and I threw on our heavy packs and started our long trudge. This was my first hunting trip to the tops and I had been excited for weeks but now, with my pack on, reality was setting in. I thought if we get a deer this is going to be even heavier! I was going to tell Dad but he would just say, “Suck it up buttercup.”

It was the middle of summer holidays and stinking hot—tough going walking up the mountain.

We even had to run for it when we struck a wasps’ nest. Hard when you’re buggered with a pack on.

After 2 1/2 hours we had a break and could see out to some of the new hunting area. Dad got out his gun just in case anything was around but the heat of the day had everything looking for shade. We kept on trudging and an hour later broke out on to the tops.

What a relief to get the packs off.

We were meeting our friends Campbell and Angus Robertson from Nelson at this spot, so we settled in to glass and rest. An hour or so later the two ‘mountain goats’ arrived and we found a spot near a tarn to set up camp, then we all walked to a high point to glass for the evening.

After half an hour three deer were spotted in the distance but it was getting dark so we didn’t head for them. We saw a lone chamois higher up but headed back towards camp for a feed. We were chatting away when suddenly, only 50 metres away, two stags trotted over the skyline

and skidded to a halt. I don’t know who was more stunned! There was a mad scramble to get rifles off shoulders and chamber a round but the stags were quicker and galloped off while the four of us stood there slack-jawed. We were only 100 metres from camp!

Back to camp buzzing—we had a feed and climbed into our sleeping bags.

We woke early and returned to our spot from the previous night. As we made our way, the frosty grass was crunching under our soles.

We had only just sat down when Dad, who had his Swarovskis glued to his head, said, “I can see a red hind!”

She was a wee way up the hill from us and heading away, so we made a bit of a dash to close the distance for me to have a crack. We had to go down a steep gut then a grind up the other side to a prominent spot for a shot. My rest was a little uncomfortable and I couldn’t find her in the scope, and she eventually walked out of sight around the side of the hill—bugger!

Back to camp to pack up as we had a hard climb ahead and wanted to beat the heat.

This was the hardest climb yet; it was hot, we climbed up a bit of scree, which was hard as I kept sliding and my heavy pack was making me unbalanced. Campbell and Angus made it look easy and Dad was way behind but muttered something about attacks from behind and he

Billy and Karl, the passing of the baton

had our backs? I think the sun had addled his brain!

Eventually we made the top ridge, from then on the going was easier. We sat down for a well-earned break and a feed, and glassed some good looking chamois country.

After 20 minutes of glassing ‘ole Swarovski Face’ hissed, “Chamois.”

It had been looking at us the whole time. We got the gun ready and crawled through the grass like a sneaky cat ready to pounce on a mouse. I got a good rest and held the cross hairs on him. BANG! Got him but he flopped off the ledge he was on, rolled 100 metres into a nasty steep gut and we thought it would be unsafe to try and retrieve him. I was a bit gutted, it was my first chamois but couldn’t get to him.

I was just blown away by the incredible scenery as we walked along the ridges.

We found another campsite on a large flat area with a couple of crystal clear, ice-cold spring fed tarns, it was awesome! We decided to split up to cover more ground, but keep in contact via radios.

Knocking the bastard off

Billy Barlow

Dad and I set off down the hill and perched on a rocky outcrop that looked out over everything. Five pure white goats soon appeared below, feeding up towards us. I kept quiet to see how close they would get. It was then Dad spun round and hissed, “STAG!”

By the time we spun round to have a look it had fed off the wee spur it was on.

There were heaps of folds, guts and hollows between us and where we had seen the stag, so we stalked our way up to a prominent one. Dad set me up with the rifle and we waited to see if he would feed up out of the many guts.

because it looked like the ones you would see in New Zealand OUTDOOR Magazine.

Both teams made it to camp about the same time and Campbell and Angus had shot a yearling as well.

We swapped stories over

down the mountain. Coming back was just as hard as going up. There were screes and holes in the ground, drop offs and loose rocks.

Eventually we made it back to our camp site from the night before and had a break as well as a smoothie. I had

After five minutes Dad whispered we should push forward again and as we popped over the next gut, there was the stag right in front of us, only 10 metres away!

Its head shot up and looked at us. Dad’s 270 went BOOM and the stag dropped dead on the spot.

It happened so quick, we didn’t have time to set me up for the shot. We gutted it and got a couple of photos, then Dad boned it out. He was going through the spine when he snapped the tip off his knife—BUGGER! He could still cut the meat up though and we soon had a good wee climb with heavy packs to get back to camp. I carried the fillets and eye steaks and Dad carried the rest. It must have been hard on him as he was really slow and I had to keep going back to make sure he was OK. He said the reason he kept stopping was because the plants looked really interesting, but I think it was just because he’s old and fat—but don’t say I said that.

While Dad was having one of many breaks, I saw the Robertson’s silhouetted on the ridge above and thought it would make a great photo

Billy now has alpine hunting in his blood

dinner, then snuggled into our sleeping bags for a good sleep.

I woke to frogs croaking in the grass around the tarn. I got out of my sleeping bag and Angus and I went over to the tarn to see fresh deer prints in the mud! After breakfast we packed up camp and then, with big heavy packs, started our trek

one last look around the majestic hills before heading into the bush and back to the truck. After 2 1/2 hours I was stoked to see the tailgate of the truck as I’d been carrying a 15kg plus pack for three days and had had enough. I had an amazing time on the tops and can’t wait for the next one, but I think Dad may have to get a bit fitter.

Issue 175 9

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II SWAROVSKI OPTIK SUPPLIER OF BINOCULARS

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10 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - JUNE 2020

Going viral?

Storm Stanley - Chairman, Pāua Industry Council

Who could ever have imagined that pāua divers would be working in full personal protective equipment (PPE) as they catch, unload, sort and grade their pāua harvest? But that is what has been happening around the country during the Level 4 and Level 3 lockdown period.

Fishing, like many of New Zealand’s food production sectors, is an ‘essential service’. This means that, alongside the rest of the fishing industry, pāua divers can continue to supply fresh seafood to New Zealanders during the lockdown, so long as they meet strict government requirements to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

face masks, gloves and protective overalls. PPE can be uncomfortable, unwieldy and hot – but it is what is required and the divers are committed to keeping themselves and their communities safe. Other things that we usually take for granted are also out of bounds – for instance, dive crews can’t share vehicles on their way to work, can’t share a cuppa or lunch, and at the end of the working day have to strip, wash, and change all their clothes (and wash them) before re-entering their family bubble. Commercial divers are still required to wear PPE and follow strict health and safety requirements during Level 3. Luckily, wetsuits count as a type of protective workwear!

Being able to continue to operate as an essential service is both a privilege and a challenge for commercial pāua divers – a privilege because so many others are unable to work, unable to bring in an income for their families, and unable to even leave their immediate neighbourhood.

Commercial divers also felt real sympathy for recreational and customary fishers who were prevented from getting a feed of kaimoana during the Level 4 lockdown. As anyone who loves to dive knows, not being able to access the sea is very hard, especially when the diving conditions are favourable. However, after five weeks of Level 4, the government lifted restrictions on recreational fishing and diving from the shore, and it was good to see recreational and customary fishers back in in the water in many places.

Another real challenge during this time has been the state of the global market for abalone. China essentially closed down in late January as the Chinese government took drastic steps to combat the epidemic. Banquets and celebrations where pāua and other luxury foods are typically consumed were cancelled.

At a stroke, our pāua exporters’ customers were simply not buying. Soon our other big markets, including Singapore and Malaysia, closed down.

But it hasn’t all been straightforward for the pāua industry during the lockdown. We take the safety of our dive crews and their families extremely seriously. The industry had to work rapidly with Fisheries New Zealand to develop protocols that would enable crews to operate safely and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

So although the pāua industry has been allowed to continue as an ‘essential service’, in reality fishing opportunities have been limited by the lack of market demand. A few orders have still been coming in, and dive crews have been grateful for any chance to get out on the water.

As you can imagine, social distancing requirements are particularly challenging to implement on small inshore vessels such as those used by pāua divers.

There are some up-sides though – as a result of reduced market demand, recreational divers may notice a few more pāua in the water over the remaining half of 2020. And it has also been gratifying to see more effort going into providing pāua for the domestic market. You may have noticed that there are many more boutique suppliers of seafood who are offering on-line ordering and delivery services around the country. For example, the Wairarapa-based Tora Collective supplies beautifully presented live pāua nested in a kelp package which has earned

Dive crews have to observe two metre personal spacing at all times or, if that’s not possible, they must wear lower

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a lot of praise around the Wellington area. There are also some very good value seafood packages about at the moment and we’re anticipating that the ready availability of fresh seafood on-line may result in permanent changes to the buying habits of New Zealand seafood consumers. And you can be fairly sure to see more pāua on the local market for the foreseeable future.

In the longer term, the pāua industry is hoping that global markets will soon recover. New Zealand will need every export dollar that we can collectively earn as the country seeks to get back on a sound economic footing. The next year or two are going to be challenging ones for us all, and when we come out the other side much will have changed.

As we’ve been reminding ourselves frequently over these past months, he rā ki tua – better times are coming.

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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.

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Channel 04 – Drumduan.

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Channel 60 – Mt. Burnett.

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Channel 65 – Paradise Reserve.

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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.

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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).

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Issue 175 11

STICK YOUR OAR IN

CRIMPTOON

HAVE YOUR SAY‌ email all your letters to editor@thefishingpaper.co.nz Dear Editor, Department of Confusion The Department of Conservation recently confirmed that six out of 12 monitored kea died of 1080 poison after the Matukituki aerial 1080 operation of February 11th.

Using DoC’s own scientific method of extrapolating numbers to support their claims against the possum, rat, and stoat, plus their use of factoid based claims, it is quite clear that 50% of the Matukituki kea population have probably died.

However, DoC’s Amber Bird argues, “It could not be inferred that half the kea in the area would have died�. They could have ... would DoC tell us if they had? I doubt it. If DoC regularly uses extrapolation in science, why can’t any one else? In a March 26, 2016 Nelson Mail article, DoC scientist Graham Elliot is quoted as saying re aerial 1080 operations, “It’s a funny business, everybody expects us to know how to do it�. In another July 30, 2016 NM article the DoC authors of an overview report are quoted as saying, “Just how variable operations have been is unknown, as not all control operations are written up�. Why not? How do we know if significant native bird deaths occurred during those operations? We don’t

and never will because they are not written up!  A November 2014 news release reported that the Department of Conservation was “Confused and frustrated�. As you can see, DoC was still “confused� in 2016 and they still are in 2020. We hear and read hollow platitudes from DoC and the Kea Conservation Trust when kea die of 1080 poisoning but they won’t speak out and condemn the Government’s poison machine, even while kea are being decimated by 1080. Sixty five years of aerial 1080 operations against possums, rats, and stoats has only resulted in disaster for our native birds and other fauna. DoC also say they are considering a public campaign to dissuade people from feeding kea. Prior to, and during, the 2014 Nelson Lakes National Park 1080 operation, DoC and the Kea Consevation Trust set up feeding stations around the Rainbow Ski-field area to try and dissuade kea from eating 1080 baits. A kea that lived some distance away from the feeding stations died of 1080 poisoning. Apparently it wasn’t supposed to. Confused? If you listen to DoC and their supporters you will be forever ‘confused’.

Ron Eddy Nelson

summers. Somehow the four of us managed to fit in, my roost being a canvas folddown out of the roof - just big enough for a 10-year-old.

How we all fitted in when my godmother joined us one summer still puzzles me?

TIDES OF

CHANGE Poppa Mike

MY MINI COULD TOW THAT A Collection of Teardrops and Tiny Caravans

by Don & Marilyn Jensen When my family first arrived in New Zealand as immigrants from England, Dad quickly introduced us to the outdoors - the beautiful bush and birdsong around Rotorua’s lakes and the soft sand Bay of Plenty beaches.

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The cheap 9’x9’ square tent was soon replaced by a rented caravan for several

As time has gone by the world of caravans and motorhomes has become greater in size, comfort and technology. Every time I prepare for another summer holiday, I take a peek of what’s on offer out there, the dollars involved and what use we will make of it.

My own family have graduated from borrowed tenting, owning fancy, three room tents, pop-up camper trailers, various sized launches and currently a converted Japanese six metre bus. The original caravan of the late 1950’s is now referred to as ‘Tiny Caravan.’ It certainly

Imagine my surprise when I spotted this newly published book in a Nelson bookshop window. My attention was immediately drawn to the brightly coloured cover, featuring a Mini Cooper S towing a ‘teardrop’ designed and built by Michael, whose story features in the book.

Renovations are under way

A wonderful project with immaculate finishing and so many clever features.

Page after page of similar wonderful creations -

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rebuilds, new builds, restorations and recreated versions, many with vehicle colours to match. Others feature period pieces in keeping with the ‘age’ of the caravan mostly picked up from antique and second hand shops around the country. I loved the purple lamp on P135 ‘Marty & Zoe’ - they must have been ecstatic when they found that addition.

Each short chapter features another van, yet each chapter has been given the name of the owner(s), rather than the name of the van but sadly only a few chapters include a photo of the owners/creators. Jon + Marlene (plus dog) on p107 completes the scene with a human touch as well as giving a clear sense of dimensions with a ‘tiny caravan.’

French Pass Store has reopened Store is open from6amto 8-9pm Bait, ice, frozen meat &vege, fresh fruit &vege, Ice cream&little mini mart.

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was. Even today I still wonder whatever happened to it.

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Then there are the chapters that feature classic, hot rod and beach hop type vehicles, keeping in with the cloud matching then the colour schemes and the decor. My grandmother was a purple person - she would have given Marty and Zoe the first prize. Another to catch my eye was Donut Robot (p118).

To the authors credit, they have just not featured a book full of photos from a wide range of sources throughout New Zealand but have given interesting accounts of the who, what and why of each van. So much of interest, so much fun and passion, so infectious I want to own each van. A must for all caravanners, motorhome owners and lovers of the outdoors.

I now need to seek out some of the other books produced previously by the same husband and wife authors.

12 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - JUNE 2020

Cream of the Clop Three pups, litter mates, all of them purpose bred and destined for great things.

How do I choose just one?

If I choose correctly, that pup will be with me for life, sharing my passion for pig hunting and the great outdoors. We’ll spend hours, days, years doing the hard yards on the hill, sometimes one or both of us spilling blood, sometimes sharing victory and always, always, having each other’s back in times of battle.

Of the three May might, Wag will, and Pearl is a gem. Pearl is cream, not that colour should influence my decision. Pearl is more than colour – independent, steady, loyal—she is the cream of this wee crop and it’s her that rises to the top of my milk bottle of wishes.

Six years on and Pearl is here still. She and her canine offsider Chop have been a top team for so long, I recently bred them together in the hope of perpetuating the piggin’ partnership. Pearl has just weaned her litter of eight fat healthy pups. She has suffered during the latter stages of pregnancy and raising her brood. She has had withdrawal symptoms, as have I. That is all about to change.

Autumn is nudging summer over the horizon. The morning is coolish and the dawn light brightens at a respectable hour. There’s fresh pig digging on the roadside but it does not excite the dogs’ olfactory organs. The boar, which tore blackberry roots free from the soil, was here in the light of last night’s moon. He has wandered and fed, fed and wandered, mooching and meandering till eventually he has retired to parts unknown.

Kim Swan

her rear titties, still not dried off fully, hang down to her stifles and flap together as she trots – clop, clop, clop.

The noise irritates her, she knows it will warn a wary grunter of her approach.

Being post-menopausal I can only sympathise, baggy titties and clopping at the trot are nothing new to me.

In anticipation of some action, I ditch my jacket and stash it trackside. Moments later, Pearl’s bail bark rings clear and true. Chop is quickly on his way. When he joins his mate and the bail is steady, I ponder the likelihood of a break. If I trudge way up through the blackberry thickets the boar will almost certainly break.

If I stay put down here, he’ll no doubt stand his ground up there.

Pearl and I have both pig hunted long enough to acknowledge his meandering ways and then to begin a process of elimination. I have the ability to register factors such as seasonal preferences, annual cycles, probable sleep-outs and patterns of sign. Pearl has the nose to decipher the freshest trail and the legs to quickly cover ground, despite being unfit and out of practice.

Combined, we make a seasoned team, with Chop supporting us both one way and another.

High-ho, high-ho, up I go. Heart ker-thumping, adrenalin flowing, I arrive at the bail with rifle at the ready. On cue boar tears downhill, stampeding through the blackberry thickets with dogs hard on his hammer. Sigh. Knew it!

Several kilometres of silently unravelling clues or the lack thereof and we’re all getting a little excited.

Boar’s scent is fresher, his likely daybed nearby.

On tip-toe I watch progress, curious for a glimpse of quarry. There he goes. Tail high, hackles raised, the boar bypasses my jacket with nary a sideways glance. Both dogs are encouraging him to

Pearl picks up the pace, ears and tail higher. Some of

With a splash they crash into the steep-sided creek, three animals tangled as one. Overweight and out of condition the dogs are struggling. The boar, young but wily in the ways of battle, is an expert at body language. He is fit and senses he has the upper hand. He deals out punches before leaping the opposite bank. As the dogs haul out he tosses them back into the water, confident he can break again.

For many a year these two dogs and I have traded places, sometimes it is me who’s cornered or buggered, sometimes it is one or both of them. As one falters the others rally. These are the joys of being part of a tight trio, the joys of running loyal dogs, of boar hunting in Godzone.

With an easy victory and freedom in mind the boar is about to depart when a bullet enters below his ear.

He crumples into oblivion, never knowing his was a battle lost to an old woman clopping along at the rear of the field. Slow and steady won the race.

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Issue 175 13

Lobster industry resurgence— is the worst over?

Lobsters try to fly

The New Zealand lobster industry was the first primary producer to be shut down by the emergence of COVID-19 in January and was left stranded with hundreds of tonnes of unused catching rights and an indiff erent Government response to the social and economic impacts of the sudden shutdown. The industry is currently clawing itself out of the hole and re-establishing the export trade. Daryl Sykes reviews the state of play and delivers this ‘sit rep’ : Fishing for live export resumed in some New Zealand

strong, it is nowhere near as great as experienced in

lobster fisheries from early April and as airfreight space

previous seasons.

became more available, the quantities shipped to the

Prices paid for New Zealand live lobsters were

Chinese market increased.

surprisingly strong as the market re-opened, given

Demand was solid in the lead up to May Day and

the prolonged period of inactivity that commenced on

Mother’s Day celebrations in China and has stayed steady

January 25th, and for a short time in April the port price

since. But China has not yet resumed anywhere close to

paid to fishermen in CRA 8 and CRA 3 was approaching

their full level of social engagements—the spectre of a re-

the peak of the previous season.

emergence COVID-19 has changed consumer behaviour

Prices declined after the peak May demand but are still

and habits so, whilst demand for premium seafood is

‘healthy’.

As the live export market reopened for business there were issues with supply—a lack of domestic and international airfreight space initially constrained the sizes of export shipments.

increased. Auckland is currently the only staging point for direct flights to China, which creates logistical difficulties for South Island exporters who would otherwise be using the Christchurch gateway to the export market.

Those problems persist for domestic airfreight and it may be several months before exporters can ship the quantities that could be landed as the fisheries get into full production from late May and into June. Freight costs have also significantly

We don’t have a crystal ball to determine how strong export demand and prices will be over the course of the fishing year—as noted, COVID-19 hovers over both China and New Zealand and further outbreaks will seriously curtail production and exports.

Spikes and troughs predicted It is reasonable to assume that the average port price paid to fishermen is likely to be less than last year.

the small amount of unused ACE that was finally allowed to be carried forward from last season.

The current trade in ACE—commercial catching rights—reflects that expectation.

There are likely to be big spikes and rapid drops to do with ‘hot’ market days in China, and industry will be scrambling to effectively respond to those, given the time and distance factors in relation to export facilities and the sporadic airfreight schedules direct to China.

And that is another story in itself.

Government reluctance to allow unused catching rights to transition to the 2020/21 fishing year devalued the fisheries and forced many fishermen and processors to land export quality lobsters destined for a lower value product—mostly frozen tails.

Fishermen sustained significant losses for a period when the beach price per kilogram was lower than what they had paid for ACE. But cash flow was an issue for many; domestic expenses and debt servicing do not stop when a market closes.

The all-New Zealand Total Allowable Commercial Catch is similar to what was available in 2019/20, but for the new fishing year the commercial limit is bolstered by

Locals don’t put lobster where mouth is Those fishermen who were able to do so also managed to land reasonable quantities to the domestic market.

Photo courtesy of Professional Skipper Magazine

Again, the price paid was well below the normal live export price but it was income at the time when the lobster industry was the only primary producer forced to shut down because of COVID-19.

It was interesting to observe that the domestic market demand for export grade lobsters selling well below export price was relatively modest. From time to time there are calls for industry to make catches available to New Zealanders at affordable prices; they did through February, March, and April but there was not as much action as many expected.

MPI rookie falls off packhorse In the circumstances, the Ministry for Primary Industries at least managed to get some minor regulatory amendments over the line, which allowed a partial carry forward of unused ACE. That was a welcome move but someone in the back office made a rookie mistake and left Packhorse rock lobsters off the schedule. Possibly the same back office that has taken over two and a half years to get new recreational regulations for bag limits and telson clipping in CRA 2 (Bay of Plenty) and CRA 5 (Canterbury-Marlborough).

The CRA 2 recreational daily bag limit is reduced from six to three spiny rock lobsters (CRA) to support a rebuild of the fishery from low levels; An accumulation limit of three daily bag limits (18 rock lobsters) and associated bag and tag conditions are introduced for spiny rock lobsters in CRA 5 to assist with addressing illegal take.

Telson Clipping a requirement for recreational fishers to clip the last-third of the middle part of the tail fan (the telson) of spiny rock lobsters)

Telson clipping (the requirement for recreational fishers to clip the last-third of the middle part of the tail fan (the telson) of spiny rock lobsters) is being introduced in both CRA 2 and CRA 5 to assist with addressing illegal take.

The new rules were gazetted on 14 May and come into force on 1 July 2020. Telson clipping has been used successfully within the Kaikoura Marine Management Area since August 2014, and is now implemented for the bigger CRA5 quota management area between Farewell Spit in Tasman Bay, and the Waitaki River, near Oamaru.

r e v o e k a M y e r p s O 6 5 0 Cu s t o m El i t e

FORSALEOsprey 650 Custom Elite Hardtop

The upgrade process Where do you start?

To me, the key aspect of the boat is the power unit; so many boats these days are underpowered, either to achieve a price point or because of ‘false’ economy. I don’t compromise when it comes to performance, and therefore safety, always opting for optimum power. The Osprey 650 Custom Elite HT was originally powered by a 2-stroke 200HP, which performed well.

There is good economic sense to upgrading your power unit, even if it is still performing well.

It is less costly to upgrade while your secondhand engine still has value, and huge advancements in technology over recent years has created more economical and better performing engines.

It pays to discuss your options with someone who really knows boats and motors, rather than just a salesperson. I

went through the process with Dennis Elmers from The Outboard Shop in Nelson, because of his background and experience.

It is not just as simple as, ‘a bigger motor will give you better performance or make you go faster’; all hull designs have an optimum power to weight ratio and once you go past that, you are just adding weight and horsepower without gaining any performance.

There are other aspects to consider like correct prop and engine mounting.

Choosing the right motor will give better longterm economy and value; a larger outboard may be initially more expensive but will operate with less stress, be more fuel efficient, and provide cheaper long term maintenance. It will also retain a better resale value.

Suzuki DF250 high performance 4-stroke Dennis recommended the DF250 Suzuki high performance 4-stroke as top end for the Osprey 650 Custom Elite HT and the marriage is sweet.

Get underway in a superb sea boat

The V6 motor with sophisticated technology really lifts the proven performance of the Osprey 650 Custom Elite HT to an entirely new level. Top end speed is a staggering 53mph, with a cruise speed of 40mph.

Refurbishment adds style and value The Fishing Paper & Hunting News 650 Osprey Custom Elite HT recently underwent refurbishment with startling results, and a fraction of the cost of a new vessel. The concept was two-fold: to add value to an important asset and to re-invigorate a superb performer rather than upgrade to a new vessel, and achieve nothing better.

The Osprey 650 Custom Elite HT has proved such a reliable performer over the years, capable and comfortable in some gnarly situations, and versatile, there was nothing to be gained from upgrading to a larger boat—and a lot to lose. While the trend is to go bigger—7.5m or eight-plus metres—there is nothing a seven-plus boat can do that the 650 can’t match; and it’s a far more manageable size.

Custom Elite design Osprey boats, designed and manufactured in Nelson for testing local conditions, have a proven track record or durability, reliability, safety, functionality, and comfort. They are

a step away from production line models, designed and built by the guys who use them—passionate and experienced fishers.

Consequently, a lot of ‘love’ goes into the construction and years of experience has lead to excellent workmanship, and the ability to improvise and customise to suit the buyer’s needs.

The Osprey 650 Custom Elite HT was built expressly for The Fishing Paper & Hunting News and I had real input into the configuration.

The brief was to create a family, female and child friendly, all weather, off-shore, multipurpose boat suitable for sleeping aboard, while remaining compact and manageable—and safe. A lot to squeeze into one package.

Extended cabin Six and a half metres was chosen for

flexibility and management reasons; cost, easy to tow, park, and handle by one person if necessary. To create ‘liveability’ and shelter from the elements—harsh sun as well as brutal cold and wet—the cabin was extended 300mm, which means everyone can take shelter in comfort on the long cold trips home.

Extended Cabin

The Osprey 650 Custom Elite HT also features a deeper V for a softer ride, widened topsides, and a raised forward dodger to create more space in the cabin.

New Suzuki 250hp 4 Stroke

This has allowed for the inclusion of many features: flush toilet, fold-away table, extra seating, ample storage, lock up cabin, and comfortable sleeping for three adults or two adults and two children.

Superb sea boat

A two-burner cooker is incorporated in the deck seating and the boat is appointed with many high-end features, including: Davit and pot-hauler, dual windscreen wipers, commercial grade radar, GPS chart plotter, in hull transducer, commercial grade bilge and wash down, live bait tank, 200 litre fuel tank, and anchor winch.

The result exceeded expectation; extra weight was gained with all the additional features but the balance seemed to find a sweet spot. The boat is lively, buoyant, and handles rough conditions superbly—it really is a dream to operate and so manoeuvrable, which makes docking and trailering a doddle.

Updated interior

It literally tickles along effortlessly, and the sensation is the equivalent to ‘pulling G’s’ when you take off : remember, the Osprey 650 HT Custom Elite is a weighty boat with all those extras, so the

power of the Suzuki 250 is appreciated when you have to navigate big seas with a full complement on board— peace of mind for the family. Or when loaded with friends, family, and a rugby pack of kids for picnics, the boat doesn’t flinch—it’s muscle barely flexed!

With a big boat like the Osprey 650 Custom Elite HT, an often overlooked factor is engine torque—the ability of the motor to turn the crankshaft under load. Suzuki’s 3.6 litre computer controlled electronic fuel injection system matched with their advanced drive gear means the DF250 consistently delivers maximum torque across the power band, which means you will always have the grunt to pull yourself out of sticky situations, regardless of what the sea throughs at you. In this respect, the DF250 fits the Osprey 650 Custom Elite HT like a hand in a glove.

Suzuki has won four international awards for innovation in technology, proof that Suzuki leads the way in fuel-injected 4-stroke outboard motors, which is evident in the noticeably improved economy I am seeing from the Osprey 650 Custom Elite HT. It is also very quiet, very, very quiet.

While the DF250’s elegant lines make it aesthetically appealing, it is also functional.

Achieved through matching a 55 degree V block with an offset driveshaft, the compact design moves the centre of gravity forward for better balance and less vibration.

With such advances in technology and performance, it is worth re-powering your boat today, and I certainly recommend you look at the new generation of Suzuki.

Clothes maketh the man.. er, boat Shakespeare first coined the notion, “Apparel oft proclaims the man,” then Mark Twain immortalised it in these words, “ Clothes make a man. Naked people have

little or no influence on society.” A man is judged by the cut of his cloth.

Ironically, it can affect the cut of a good boat as well. A key but not costly part of refurbishing a boat is some nicely tailored fabric or reupholstery. While the Osprey 650 Custom Elite HT’s original livery was still serviceable, it was dated. Wanting to create a concept boat with a modern feel, we approached Christine Clark at Transport & Marine Covers Ltd for advice and were pleased we did. Like technology, so much has changed in the world of upholstery in the last decade, the range of materials is not only diverse but so advanced in functionality, serviceability, and durability.

We chose a Sunbrella Acrylic fabric called Platform Dove, which is understated but classy. Sunbrella products are specially designed to withstand harsh conditions at sea—salt and sun and heavy duty wear and tear. A big part of the products appeal, apart from looks and durability, is the ease of cleaning. Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a proprietary water and stain repellent finish that is designed to last for several years, and are easily cleaned by brushing off loose dirt or with a mild cleaning solution to remove heavier grime and stains.

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16 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - JUNE 2020

Cutting Edge... it’s a wrap

We are rapt with this wrap

Cutting Edge Signs, established in 1999

by David Guthardt, an ocean lover and boat owner, was one of the pioneers who introduced vinyl wrapping boats in this country. Since then the products and printing technology has evolved significantly. And being ‘cutting edge’, Cutting Edge Signs has embraced new methods, invested in high-end wide-format printers and led the industry in the Nelson region.

Nowadays, you are no longer bound by the solid coloured vinyl wraps, but have access to a custom print that will make you stand out and loud and proud. The opportunities are limitless.

Also, 3M, the most innovative manufacturer of print media, has developed some brilliant products that add extra dimensions to the prints.

For instance, The Fishing Paper & Hunting News Osprey 650 HT Custom Elite Black ADDA has a custom printed wrap that is printed using a metallic silver print media. It has a dazzling finish that adds a wow factor to the design with a high-tech metallic sheen.

The UV laminate Cutting Edge has used on this print is also the finest one available. It is also the only PVC-free laminate.

In the case of Black ADDA, they have also used 3M 2080 Satin Black to wrap the cabin. This is to create a contrast effect with the glossy finish of the hull. The 2080 Wrap Film series by 3M is the most superior quality vinyl out there in the market. When it comes to boats the quality can never be compromised.

The ‘logo’ that Cutting Edge has designed

for Black ADDA is produced using a high gloss material to make it stand out against the satin black.

Cutting Edge often use an Australia based artist to create custom handcrafted graphics for boats. These artworks get digitally printed to wrap the boats.

Wrapping a boat can be a costeffective way to refresh its appearance and also make a statement at the same time. It can be more economical compared to painting and has unlimited opportunities when it comes to the design.

Apart from wrapping boats, Cutting Edge Signs of course designs, manufactures, and installs signage. They also

wrap vehicles and company fleets. Some of the organisations they have a long term relation with are the two local councils in Nelson region, DoC, Nelson Airport, Port Nelson, NPD, Pic’s, NMIT, Nelson Provincial Museum, Kaiteri Trust, and many more.

Most importantly they listen to you to find out about your vision so that they can deliver the best solution. Give Cutting Edge a call today and release your dreams.

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Issue 175 17

Tourist takes first in tahr threesome Elliot Hendry

Glassing the formidable Mount Cook National Park mountains, I pointed out several tahr hopping around the bluffs high above us to Andrea, a young American huntress hoping to take her first New Zealand game animal. I knew we had a huge challenge ahead of us, however she had earlier proven herself a competent shooter with my .270 and had the determination to achieve her goal.

On a previous trip, I’d found a rocky creek bed that provided access up the mountain through the otherwise impenetrable scrub covering the lower slopes. We utilised this natural elevator to our advantage, scrambling up to a vantage point from which to lay in wait for the tahr.

I knew from past experience the tahr would move lower in the evening to feed on the lush tussock and shrubs below the safety of the bluff system. The plan worked perfectly as tahr began to emerge into

sight. At first 450 metres away but steadily feeding closer. Andrea took this time to position herself comfortably behind the rifle with a solid rest, which can be a real challenge in this environment.

More and more tahr appeared and it was a nervous wait with so many eyes looking our way and a slight uphill breeze, which could blow our cover at the any moment.

As the first few tahr fed within 300 metres, I gave her the all clear to pull the trigger and she made no mistake dropping a mature nanny on the spot with a perfect shoulder shot.

The hillside erupted with tahr and she quickly followed up with a second shot, nailing another one. I then had a turn and sent one tumbling out of the bluffs

Andrea at home in NZ alpine hunting

above.

It is important recreational hunters play their part to control the numbers of tahr, so these kills were logged on the game animal council’s tahr return app. This means they are counted towards the total number of tahr DoOC are aiming to control every

year, reducing the need for helicopter culling. A win for recreational hunters and a win for the fragile mountain environment these magnificent animals inhabit.

Nearly 300 metres of steep, thorny scrub lay between us and our fallen quarry, an introduction to the

painful and often dangerous environment that typifies New Zealand tahr habitat for Andrea. We weren’t deterred though and managed to recover her two tahr. A yearling and a seven year old nanny with nicely shaped horns, which she took as a memento, as well as the

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18 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - JUNE 2020

Coutta’s Cut:

Coutta

Not a chauvinist sexist… just a dumb-arse Now, let’s get this straight.

I’m neither a chauvinist or a sexist. Shit, I can’t be.

I’m married to a woman for a start and, for those who don’t know her, being chauvinistic or sexist while in ANY relationship with ‘Lynne the Ruthless,’ would be akin to swallowing rat poison. In fact, the rat poison would probably be preferable, as the death would be quicker and far less painful.

I remember a joke about the bloke who found the lantern on the beach, rubbed it and came face to face with a Genie. You know the story.

She told him she would grant him a wish, since he had freed her. When he asked for a road from New Zealand to Hawaii due to a fear of flying, the Genie balked a bit and asked for something slightly simpler.

“OK, how about telling me how to understand women?” he asked.

The Genie thought for a minute and replied, “That road you wanted, do you want one lane or two?”

And that gentlemen and ladies, if any are still reading,

is where I’m going with this.

You may or may not remember a few issues ago I wrote about ‘Ruthless’ and I up north and fishing out of the 12ft tinny I had convinced her was a brilliant idea to buy. After I tripped and my backside went down on the stern, which in turn caused Lynne, who was sitting in the sharp end, to be catapulted upward, the little tinny was not a brilliant idea at all. It was, in fact, to quote the ‘Ruthless,’ “One of the most dumb-arse ideas I’d ever come up with.”

That was when she had finished abusing me.

On our most recent trip to Houhora in February, we took the recently acquired 14 footer, which Lynne had insisted we buy to replace the aforementioned 12 footer. Lynne will admit to thoroughly enjoying her time in the boat. She caught loads of good snapper including one of 6kg, which was the best of the trip. The fact she caught it from under two metres of water made it even more special. All good so far, but this is where things get a bit confusing

and the Genie not wanting to commit herself to explaining how to understand women, came into it.

After one successful trip, which is one where there were no domestics, I was putting the tinny on the trailer when ‘Lynne the Ruthless’ with a straight-face said, “I think you need a smaller boat.”

Hang on Lynne, backtrack to last year in the same place when, after abusing me, you told me I needed a bigger one.

“Yeah,” she said.

“But that was different, you need one in between this one and your six metre hardtop.

To cut a long story short, ‘The Ruthless’ showed more interest in boat shopping than I’ve seen before. We are about to take delivery of a 5.3 metre centre console, which fits somewhere in the middle. I’m sure most males will understand my complete lack of understanding of woman’s logic.

Crimpy, mate, have you got a boat for sale section?

I’ve got a couple I need to sell.

New recreational fishing rules for rock lobster Fisheries New Zealand is introducing new recreational fishing rules for the CRA 2 (Hauraki Gulf/Bay of Plenty) and CRA 5 (Canterbury/ Marlborough) spiny rock lobster fisheries. The new rules will apply from 1 July 2020.

Hauraki Gulf / Bay of Plenty In the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Plenty regions, known as the CRA 2 fishery, the recreational daily bag limit will reduce to 3 lobsters per person per day, and these lobsters will need to be telson clipped. The new rules will support further rebuilding of this important fishery and assist in addressing illegal take.

Fisheries New Zealand uses the best available scientific information to manage the sustainability of New Zealand’s fisheries and where there is evidence that stocks are low we take action to rebuild them says Emma Taylor, Director

Fisheries Management.

In 2017, a full scientific assessment of the CRA 2 fishery confirmed the abundance of rock lobsters in the fishery was low. As a result, the commercial catch limit was cut by 60 percent in April 2018 to help rebuild the fishery. At that time, the recreational allowance was also reduced to 34 tonnes. These changes are expected to see rock lobster abundance double in around four to eight years.

“Everyone has a role in helping to rebuild this important shared fishery and the new recreational daily limits will support this. People can still catch a feed while ensuring the lobster fishery remains sustainable for future generations to enjoy.”

The next scientific

assessment for CRA 2 is scheduled for later next year. This will provide an opportunity to check on the health of the fishery and whether any management controls need adjusting.

Initial indications are that rock lobster abundance is improving in CRA 2.

What is telson clipping?— The telson is the central part of a lobster’s tail fan. Telson clipping refers to cutting off the last third of the telson, so that it is noticeably shorter than the other segments of the tail fan. Recreational fishers will be required to cut off the last third of the telson of every legal lobster they have caught and will keep. Telson clipping can be done with a knife or scissors, and is like clipping your fingernails. Clipping the telson of a lobster marks it as recreationally caught which means it is unable to be bought, sold or bartered.

Canterbury / Marlborough In the CRA 5 fishery, three

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Issue 175 19

New fishing rules for blue cod measures that already apply to the Kaikōura Marine Area are being extended to the whole CRA 5 area from Farewell Spit to the Waitaki River south of Timaru. These are telson clipping, an accumulation limit of 18 lobsters (or 3 daily bag limits), and bag and tag conditions for recreational catch. These rules are being brought in to assist in addressing illegal take in this fishery.

The CRA 5 fishery is experiencing good levels of abundance, which means that addressing illegal take with the new rules is important to ensure that everyone can catch a feed and that the stock remains sustainable.

“An accumulation limit is the total number of lobsters someone can have in their possession at any one time.

A limit of 18 lobsters (three daily bag limits) has been chosen as it encourages people to fish for a feed, not to fill their freezers.”

‘Bag and tag’ conditions are the requirement to hold each day’s catch in a bag or container (bag it), and clearly label it with the name of the fisher who caught it, the date it was caught, and the number of lobsters caught (tag it).

This will help show that the lobsters you have were taken in accordance with the daily bag limit and the accumulation limit.

The new rules apply to spiny rock lobster. There are no changes to the recreational fishing rules for packhorse rock lobster.

More information about the new rules can be found here: CRA 2: https://www.mpi. govt.nz/cra2-review CRA 5: https://www.mpi. govt.nz/cra5-review

“We ask that you follow these new rules from 1 July 2020, and keep up to date with the fishing rules every time you go out, such as by using the NZ Fishing Rules app.”

Blue cod are an iconic New Zealand fish treasured by tangata whenua, and one of our most important recreational and commercial species.

• the daily bag limit for recreationally caught blue cod will now follow a ‘traffic light’ system.

In late 2018, the Minister of Fisheries endorsed the National Blue Cod Strategy, which was developed by Fisheries New Zealand with the assistance of an Expert Working Group.

The Strategy aims to address concerns around sustainability of blue cod, around the South Island and Chatham Islands, and provides for a more consistent and comprehensive approach for sustainably managing blue cod nationwide.

The traffic light system provides an adaptive way for setting daily bag limits in different areas, and will be used in the South Island and Chatham Islands. It assigns a colour rating to each area that can be changed when information suggests stocks are improving or declining.

This system reduces the

Significant input was sought from tangata whenua and stakeholders into setting the rules right. As a result, the recreational and commercial fishing rules for blue cod will soon change to improve the sustainability of this very important fishery.

recreational daily bag limits to 2 blue cod per person in ‘red’ areas, which are the areas at most risk of localised depletion, and higher limits of 10 in ‘orange’ and 15 in ‘green’ areas, which have healthier levels of blue cod stocks.

Director Fisheries Management, Emma Taylor says, “These new rules are to address localised overfishing, particularly in parts of the South Island, where most blue cod are caught.”

Nationwide Pot mesh size: 54 mm Minimum legal size: 33 cm, except BCO1 which is 30 cm Accumulation limit: 2 times daily bag limit (except for Fiordland Marine Area where it is 1 days accumulation) Measureable state: All blue cod must be landed in a measurable state. Fishers may posses blue cod in another state if it is immediately eaten on board the fishing vessel that it was taken.

• the minimum legal size (MLS) for recreationally caught blue cod is now 33cm, with the exception of BCO 1 (upper North Island) where it is 30cm; • all recreationally caught blue cod must be landed in a measurable state, unless immediately eaten on the fishing vessel from which it was taken; • the recreational accumulation limit for blue cod is now set at two days (i.e. two daily bag limits per person, per multi-day trip) except for the Fiordland Marine Area where the accumulation limit is one day; and

or iPhone, or check the rules on our website.”

Further information and updates can be found on the following webpages: National Blue Cod Strategy https://www.fisheries. govt.nz/protection-andresponse/sustainablefisheries/national-bluecod-strategy/ or Fisheries New Zealand’s consultation pages: https://www. fisheries.govt.nz/news-andresources/consultations/ review-of-blue-cod-fishingregulations/.

“We encourage people to check the rules before going fishing. The easiest way to do this is download the NZ Fishing rules app on Android

North Island

BCO1

Measurable state: Whole or gutted Daily bag limit: BCO1 = 20 BCO2 = 20 BCO8 = 10

BCO8 BCO2

From 1 July 2020 the following rules will apply:

• the minimum pot mesh size for blue cod is 54mm for all fishers;

“Standardising to the legal minimum size of blue cod to 33cm will contribute to improving the productivity of blue cod populations by allowing the fish to grow to a larger size and giving them a greater chance to breed.

This size limit is already in place for commercial fishers, and for recreational fishers in many areas.”

Tasman (Farewell Spit to Clarence River) Measurable state: Whole or gutted Daily bag limit: 2 per person

Kahurangi (Heaphy River to Farewell Spit lighthouse) Measurable state: Whole or gutted

Kaikōura (Clarence River to Hurunui River)

Daily bag limit: 10 per person

Measurable state: Whole or gutted BCO7

Kaikōura Marine Area: 6 per person

Te Taumanu o Te Waka a Maui Taiāpure: 2 per person Oaro-Haumuri Taiāpure: 2 per person Outside these areas: 10 per person

Westland (South Bank of Haast River to Heaphy River) Measurable state: Whole, headed or gutted

Canterbury (Hurunui River to Rakaia River)

Daily bag limit: 15 per person

Measurable state: Whole or gutted Daily bag limit: 2 per person (including Akaroa Taiāpure) BCO3

South West (Sand Hill Point to South Bank of Haast River)

North Otago (Rakaia River to Taiaroa Head)

Measurable state: Whole or gutted

Daily bag limit: 10 per person

Measurable state: Whole or gutted

Daily bag limit: 10 per person

except East Otago Taiāpure where the limit is

2 per person BCO4

BCO5

Chatham Islands Measurable state: Whole, headed or gutted

Internal Waters of Fiordland (defined in Schedule 18 of the Amateur Regs) Measurable state: Whole or gutted Daily bag limit: 3 per person

except Doubtful (Patea), Thompson and Bradshaw Sounds where the limit is

1 per person

Daily bag limit: 15 per person

Southern Taiaroa Head to Sand Hill Point (Southern boundary of the Fiordland Marine Area) Measurable state: Whole, headed or gutted Daily bag limit: 15 per person

www.fisheries.govt.nz/rules May 2020

20 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - JUNE 2020

‘Yakking Taranaki tuna It’s been a few years since I wanted to catch a tuna from my kayak. Taranaki is the number one when it comes to tuna fishing from a kayak, with people catching them for over 15 years. It’s so popular, the Taranaki Kayak Club host a tuna comp every year, so this is where I went to continue my search.

The comp started at 7.00am, after a quick briefing, with a decent forecast of 7 – 9 knots northerly. Everyone paddled for the 70m mark—that’s 8km offshore on a piece of plastic with a paddle. Not bad eh?

I put the lures in at 20m, and after 1 ½ hours I had made it to 72m. This was easily the furthest I have ever

been out in my kayak.

I continued north along the 70m mark for an hour with no hits. The headwind slowed me to about 3.5kmh but the lures were still working nicely, so I slowly made my way into between 68 and 65m. So far, the ocean had been pretty devoid of life: some petrels looking for food and a couple of blue penguins but no signs of tuna.

I rendezvoused with a mate who had fished further north and trolled similar depths.

We zig zagged our way back, passing through the contour’s with arms burning.

A few hook-ups were heard over the radio and some landed but, after 4 hours of solid paddling in a messy

L to R; Billy Bob, Billy Ray, Billy T, Billy Joe, Howie, and Jim Bob

Blair Whiting

head wind, it was time to go in. I took my lures out at 20m once again and made it to the beach around 12 pm.

No hook-ups but I learned how to set the lures and the best speed to work them.

Back on the beach the speak indicated few hits and the odd miss. A few anglers found albacore, which was awesome since this has been one of the toughest kayak seasons yet. Only six anglers weighed fish, with most having multiple on board. These albacore were caught from 75m right into 50m depth.

The top 3: 1st Blair Haase

7.355 kg

2nd Matt Lourens 6.020 kg 3rd Paul Rountree 4.935 kg

Blair Haase with the winning albie

&

Travels

Paper a cure for shell shock Still operational after all these years, joint special ops unit Delta Whiskey Speights Squad is caught taking a break while on manoeuvres in Virginia USA. The elite team of Kiwis and Americans first fought together in Vietnam but, due to industrial deafness caused by not wearing earmuffs around exploding bombs, never heard the war was over so continued serving through Afghanistan, the Gulf, and the Civil War.

Squadron leader Major General Howie Johns (right front) said that operating in the theatre of war could play havoc with the

guys’ mental health but regular doses of The Fishing Paper & Hunting News kept everyone sane. “It was such a powerful motivator,� he said, “that after receiving a new issue in our Red Cross packages we’d often take the day off and go fishing, leaving the enemy to fight amongst themselves.�

While waiting for their next assignment, the team of Billy Bob, Billy Ray, Billy T, Billy Joe, Howie, and Jim Bob keep their eyes in shooting doves in the corn fields of Virginia

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Issue 175 21

Couples who spear together stay together

Rowan Hook

Spending quality time with your partner is one of the most important aspects of life. What better way than to spend it spearfishing?

My gorgeous fiancé Sam has never been a water baby like myself. However, she hasn’t shied away from the challenge of conquering her fears of the deep blue and what lies beneath. From first having to be carried into the water to shooting her own

fish, it was a proud moment to witness it.

At my favourite spot at Ruapuke, Sam and I set up the challenge of nailing her first fish on a spear. The area we hunt is shallow,— between two and five metres—very kelpie with a healthy supply of butterfish.

This can be quite nervewracking for new ‘spearos,’ as diving in thick kelp can feel claustrophobic and like

Sam conquers her fear of what lies beneath they are going to stumble across something that will harm them. However, this is the easiest and safest place to target butterfish. Making sure the sun was out was key as butterfish are social fish, and love it when the sun is out.

Rowan's happy to share his passion

I showed Sam the basics of how to aim her gun and stalk her prey. We spotted our first fish, a lovely-sized butter’ poking its head out of the kelp. Sam slowly lined it up and whoosh!

Unfortunately a miss. I remember Darren Shields saying, if he loaded his kid’s guns they would not take their time with their shots, when first starting out. So I talked Sam through how to load her own gun. A nice wee Wettie 80cm with 14mm rubbers, so easy to load, which is important for a new ‘spearo.’

We carried on. Sam was disheartened but not discouraged. Luckily, we were in a spot with plenty of

chances. Sam dived down and lined up a donkey of a butter’. Drilled it straight through the head—instant kill shot! Any butterfish in the vicinity instantly fled as Sam let out a triumphant scream!

take the shot!

From there it was like clockwork; a natural in the making. I had only brought the one gun, as I hadn’t expected Sam to pick it up so quickly, and multiple times I had the gun snatched out of my hand for Sam to

Rowan runs Wettie Southland, stocking a wide variety of spearfishing gear in Invercargill and Southland, and servicing the Deep South.

We wrapped up the spearing with a good feed for the day and a massive grin on a loved one’s face. At least now it will be easier to convince her to buy a bigger boat!

Follow himon facebook or instagramat Wettie Southland.

Following in fathers’ footsteps Sinker to

Smoker

Ron Prestage

Ken adds an elephant fish to the mix.

In the 1950’s and 60’s, the heyday of surfcasting in New Zealand, lots of fish were caught on the West Coast. Among the many keen surfcasters from Westport in this era were Jim Stuart and Jim Forsyth.

They ranged wide from their Westport base, exploring the bays and headlands in the Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind area, as well as the beaches north and south of the cape.

During the recent

Christmas period, their sons, cousins Lindsay Stuart and Ken Forsyth got together, as they regularly do, and decided to check out some of the hotspots from days gone by, and where they had once fished with their fathers.

Lindsay (left) and Ken loaded up with the day’s catch.

The Tauranga Bay area was particularly productive with rig and elephant fish taking to the squid and prawn baits.

Some spots were hard on gear, with sinker losses being numerous along the rocky shoreline but their efforts

were well rewarded with up to six rig being landed at times.

The success in the Tauranga Bay location added to a lot of other West Coast fishing successes enjoyed by these two over Christmas.

Included in the catch bag were trout and kahawai from the Buller River, gurnard and snapper from Buller Bay, flounder from the Orowaiti River and rig from Mokihinui. The family tradition of fishing certainly lives on in these two.

22 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - JUNE 2020

Shouldn’t have gone to troutsavers Ivan Wilson

The day was a milestone of sorts. At level 3, being able to stretch the bubble a bit more was appreciated but finally getting the rod out for a walk after five weeks of lock-down was wonderful.

It was the last day of the 19/20 season—we can still add value to the licence with our winter waters—and I’d heard Matey, Garth, had been successful a couple of days earlier, so thought to emulate that by heading to his Spot X. On arrival it was disappointing to see dumped rubbish; it seems where we park is now a depository for old tyres, car seats, in fact, anything the lazy, ignorant prats want to move from their crappy property to the bush and river margins.

Car locked, rod in hand, and a walk up the riverbed to a nice looking piece of water. Then I noticed a fourwheel drive vehicle heading in my direction. It was getting closer and closer, so I thought, ‘Here’s someone who doesn’t want to be socially isolated coming to spoil my solitude and wellbeing.’ However they didn’t come too close, appearing to be scientific people doing research into the flora of this remote area, judging by the secateurs, plastic bags

of greenery, and netting that went into the vehicle.

they’d appear further down, so a sneaky move in that direction almost guaranteed they’d get active again back where you started. Changing flies had become time consuming for someone of certain years, with eyesight perhaps not as sharp as it was, so working out which eye to poke the tippet through is tricky. Why are there two eyes on flies these days? One of life’s perplexities—ah I’ve got it, use the one on the left, er no, the right one, yeah always use the right one!

I fished on, surprised I could still do it, after weeks without piscatorial activity. A bit like riding a bike, just got to stay upright. That almost didn’t happen when a sudden slip came close to having me damaged and in the water.

Time to retread the boots.

Fish began to take something off the surface, with tails coming out as they rolled through, so what were they after? I tied on a nymph to see if I could match the hatch.

The words of old mate, Freddy the Fisherman wafted across the eons and I remembered his adage, “black gnat, kills anything, my very word.”

A small silly one took the pheas’ tail offered and was released. Then it was like an old railways announcement, “All change for Greymouth,” because that nymph’s passage had ended.

This sort of thing is definitely character building and probably explains why I’m so patient. (“No you are not, believe me,” Wife).

So with small black flies on the wing it seemed a likely pattern for the moment. Drat they were taking something else alongside my cunningly selected dry. Perhaps if I had been able to see the eye of the fly, I could’ve made the changes more quickly and found the correct pattern before the rise ended.

What? How did she?

Oh never mind, they have mysterious ways.

Whaddayuh mean should’ve gone to Specsavers?

Interestingly, as the rise tailed off in one section,

I did, but left the damn things at home!

New one went on but nope, that wasn’t it either. The confounding creatures took something else alongside the artificial.

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New Pulsar - Yukon night vision riflescopes Part 1

Yukon Advanced Optics introduction of the Pulsar Digisight N550 in 2010 heralded the beginning of a new era in advanced digital hunting optics, that offered advanced features and effective night and day performance. Whilst the design, optical performance and operational features have improved over the years, the prices have fallen. This is common for many high-tech digital goods, a perfect example is digital cameras.

The current 2020 line-up of Pulsar and Yukon digital night vision riflescopes have pushed the boundaries of this technology.

A new NIR HD night vision sensor, which not only has a higher resolution than all previous sensors, but has greater light amplification and sensitivity into the near infrared spectrum, keeps these scopes well ahead of the pack. Whenever Pulsar-Yukon develop a ground-breaking product, they always manage to surpass it with an even better version!

The new Pulsar Digisight Ultra N450/N455 LRF and the Pulsar Digex N450/N455 are visually and functionally identical to the Pulsar Trail LRF and Pulsar Thermion thermal riflescopes. The main difference between these night vision scopes and the thermal

riflescopes is the wavelength of infrared that forms the image. The night vision scopes are sensitive to near infrared, whilst the thermals are sensitive to far infrared. This means that the night vision riflescope ‘see’ reflected light, providing a very natural detailed image, whilst the thermal ‘see’ radiated infrared, that can produce an image of extreme distance warm objects even if they are behind foliage.

In practice, the night vision scopes require a clear line-of-sight between the shooter and target, such as shooting rabbits on open paddocks or deer and pigs in the open.

Shooting rabbits in long grass and tussock requires a thermal scope. A very popular hunting combination is a hand-held thermal imager and a night vision riflescope. The thermal will rapidly spot targets and assess background safety, before taking the shot with a night vision riflescope.

In Part 2, we will examine in more detail the capabilities and functionality of the new Pulsar and Yukon night vision riflescopes, as well an insight into incorporating them into a safe and effective hunting environment.

For more information visit www.yukonoptics.co.nz or contact your local dealer.

The new Pulsar Digex N455 digital night vision riflescope shares many of the same features as its illustrious big brother the Pulsar thermion thermal imaging riflescope.

Featuring a high resolution sensor that is optimised for the NIR (near infrared) spectrum, the image quality is superb in extreme low light, and complete darkness. Priced at only $2499.00 the Digex is a modest investment for its game changing capability.

Issue 175 23

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24 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - JUNE 2020

C-MAP Reveal launched in NZ

Show of support for Fish Mainland Fish Mainland is a new non-profit organisation whose purpose is to coordinate, represent and promote the interests of South Island and Stewart Island marine fishers to maximise their fishing experiences and opportunities now and in the future.

Tim has lived all his life in the Mapua area, between Nelson and Motueka, fishing in the Waimea Estuary and Tasman and Nelson Bays.

He has been involved in the Mapua Boat Club since 2003.

“Decades ago, there used to be abundant finfish and shellfish fisheries in the Estuary and Bays”, says Tim. “During my lifetime, I’ve seen these fisheries dwindle to a fraction of their former abundance levels. Just in the last few years the snapper abundance increased, but the scallop fishery is still stuffed.”

“What has become apparent to the Mapua Boat Club is that in our region there is no end to the fisheries issues that need to be sorted out, and fishers and clubs will get a lot further on those issues if we join forces and speak with a unified voice. For this reason, we fully support Fish Mainland” explains Tim. “We need Fish Mainland to support organisations like the Mapua Boat Club to pursue its own purpose and vision for fisheries in the Estuary and Bays” he continues, “along with the Mapua Wharf that attracts a lot of locals and tourists. The wharf is the centre of our local shopping, eateries and other activities, including a boat ramp. Our club’s meeting room is on the wharf and has been there since 1987.”

“No doubt there are several other localities that need the support and resources behind them that Fish Mainland will be able to provide when it becomes a fully functioning, professional organisation to represent our collective interests. The Mapua Boat Club and I urge others to

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join Fish Mainland and make donations” says Tim. Jim Crossland, acting Chair of Fish Mainland’s Board of Directors, is highly appreciative of the support provided by Tim and the Mapua Boat Club. Jim points out that Fish Mainland has been designed to support such clubs, along with individual fishers who just want to go fishing and not be directly involved in the issues that could impact on their fishing experiences. In other words, fishers can go fishing with the assurance that Fish Mainland will be looking after their interests.

Jim says, “Some of the acting Directors have recently held public meetings on Stewart Island and in Blenheim, Nelson, Collingwood and Motueka to explain Fish Mainland’s purpose, vision, organisational structure, electoral system and to encourage local fishers to join, donate and spread the word to others.”

“More public meetings were scheduled in other South Island regions as part of our membership drive.

However, announcements

The C-MAP Reveal charts include all the same data available on their popular Max-N+ charts including • Traditional Navigation Data • High Resolution Bathymetric Coastal Data Tim Robinson since March in response to Covid-19 means that we cannot proceed with these meetings,” explains Jim He goes on to say that even in lockdown, we can worked with our website developer, Hothouse Creative in Nelson, to relay updates on Fish Mainland via the website www.fishmainland. nz and social media.

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For more information, please visit https:// www.c-map.com/

“Now is the time to show your support for Fish Mainland by becoming a member for free and making donations. Your donations will help keep Fish Mainland going as we work with Government and others to find the best way to secure adequate, long-term funding” says Jim.

Photo Credit Alisa Mcgilvary-Howard

The Mapua Boat Club and its immediate past Commodore, Tim Robinson, were some of the first to sign-up as members of Fish Mainland Inc and to make donations.

Become a member

The aim of Fish Mainland is to provide a unified voice for the South Island marine recreational fishing community. Its aim is also to demonstrate the ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with others to find workable solutions that provide the best public outcomes.

Its vision is a healthy and abundant marine environment in which recreational fishers have an equitable share of available fisheries resources and are respected partners in management decisions.

The recreational fishing sector is far more numerous, diverse and undefined than the commercial fishing sector and Iwi fishing interests. As a sector, recreational fishers remain largely unknown, except for a small proportion with membership to fishing and boating clubs

If you are interested in and supportive of recreational fishing and/or sustainable fisheries management practices then become a member of Fish Mainland today

Join today

MEMBERSHIP IS FREE - JOIN TODAY • A key development for Fish Mainland is its South Island Recreational Fisheries Policy.

• Its purpose is to guide and coordinate the actions of the South Island recreational fishing sector, the Crown, Iwi, other fishing sectors and interests in realising opportunities and meeting the challenges facing the recreational sector in shared fisheries.

• Shared fisheries are those where commercial, recreational and Māori customary fishers have a shared interest, and they value their share quite differently.

Contact us - info@fishmainland.nz Jim Crossland - Chair of the South Island Working Group 03 355-9433 - 021 029 45996

Like us on facebook.com/FishMainland and become a member at www.fishmainland.nz

Randall Bess - TNC support 027 314 4084

Issue 175 25

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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.

www.thefishingpaper.co.nz

26 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - JUNE 2020

The time is now

CRUISE FIORDLAND

With limited, if any, overseas travel, now is the time to make that long desired sojourn to the deep south and see New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery and jewel in the crown of international tourism— Fiordland.

Captain Cook spent 32 days in Dusky Sound in 1772 where he explored and charted the nearby fiords and confirmed New Zealand’s location on the world map.

He explored and named many places as his tradies repaired their ship for further explorations. Cook met local Maori and named he the infamous sand-fly; he gave crayfish their name (they’re actually lobster) and his charts were used by subsequent explorers.

Following Cook were sealers, whalers, timber millers, and miners of gold, copper, coal, marble, and quartz;

he opened Fiordland to some of New Zealand’s earliest export industries. The earliest actually, with sealing operations starting soon after his voyage and others following hitherto.

Cook brewed the first beer in New Zealand and set up the first rowing competitions; albeit amongst his crew but, nevertheless, they were the first we know of.

And then there is the stunning scenery, admired by so many international and local visitors alike. With mountains rising from the seafloor to the clouds; and Fiords so deep they are incomprehensible.

And then there is the kai moana. Southern blue cod is ‘sooo hard to beat’, and that’s from a northerner; and lobster and paua as big as you’ve seen. All fresh from the sea and delivered to the table by our resident chef.

You will never get it any fresher or naturally tastier anywhere—guaranteed!

So, if you are looking for somewhere special to spend a week after being cooped up, then Fiordland ticks so many boxes. There has never been a better time to explore your own backyard and Fiordland is one all should explore!

You will be cruising with Fiordland Expeditions. They off er a relaxing, entertaining, re-invigorating, soulrestoring energy-replenishing experience that will send you off with memories that last a lifetime. All in the comfort of the .

Your 5-night/6-day journey is just the tonic after a long hard lock-down. But you deserve it, so let us treat you.

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Issue 175 27

Coming to grips with Fiordland’s vulnerability This year the Fiordland Marine Guardians have continued their work assessing the sustainability of key recreational fish stocks in the Fiordland Marine Area (FMA).

In early March we convened a focus group of recreational fishers to work with the Guardians, our associates from Fisheries New Zealand, and Randall Bess, advisor to Fish Mainland. Aided by a skilled facilitator, we worked together to identify issues and future risks and discuss possible solutions to give these fish stocks the protection they require over the next 20+ years.

Fiordland has always led the way with community-driven initiatives, and once again we are faced with an opportunity to tackle the thorny issue of fisheries sustainability before it is too late, and more drastic measures are required.

Sam Huntington and former Guardian Anne McDermott at the March workshop

Dr Kerri-Anne Edge Hill

The Guardians are focused on the vision that was developed by the community back in the 1990s/early 2000s:

“That the quality of Fiordland’s marine environment and fisheries, including the wider fishery experience, be maintained or improved for future generations to use and enjoy”.

In August last year we initiated a similar process with Fiordland Amateur Charter Vessel Operators. While the conversation is ongoing, ACV operators have demonstrated a clear willingness to adopt new tools and strategies for fishing within the FMA. Collectively they have shown great leadership including the establishment of

Rec Fishing Dees Cove.

Photo Credit, Baden Alber

a voluntary Code of Conduct and a commitment to sustainable use of the more vulnerable fish species.

We are seeing remarkably similar outcomes starting to emerge from our collaboration with the recreational fishers that visit the FMA under their own steam.

“I found the workshop highly informative and found it encouraging that there are so many individuals that are willing to take action and to work with the Fiordland Marine Guardians to help find solutions that offer sustainability of the fishery in such a special area.” Ross McFaul, rec fisher.

“The workshop provided all participants a fantastic opportunity to put across their points of view regarding the state of the fisheries in the Fiordland Marine Area. The discussions revealed the complexities of the issues that we have at hand and all involved were in agreement that the ultimate target has to be sustainability of the fishery for future generations, even if that may change the way that we fish.” Felicity Sheppard, rec fisher.

Randall Bess agreed that it was a great opportunity to discuss a range of recreational fishing issues, including the

potential benefits of fishers self-reporting their catch and effort. “I was able to outline the progress that The Nature Conservancy has made on a low-cost, self-reporting system that could be designed to meet the needs of the Fiordland Marine Guardians.”

“The problem as I see it is, the poor old place is getting a bit of a hammering which is only going to get worse as the years going on, what needs to happen is to only allow people to take a feed while they are there and to respect what they have access to.

That will save wasting money on fish surveys and the such like and using it where it is need like teaching people about respect.”

Working collaboratively with community sectors and Fisheries New Zealand, our intention is to develop solutions that will be readily adopted by the people who fish within the FMA. Look out for an opportunity to submit on a fisheries sustainability proposal for the FMA later in the year.

Let’s look after this incredible place so future generations can enjoy it too We encourage you to fish for a feed, not for the freezer.

As a group, we’re responsible for managing and caring for Fiordland’s precious marine environment.

Before you set off, make sure you know the “where, what and how” about fishing in Fiordland. Clean your vessel and gear so you don’t take any unwanted visitors with you.

Connect with us at FMG.org.nz

Photo courtesy of Jon Clow, Guardian

28 THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTING NEWS - JUNE 2020

Fish Lottery Kaikoura Picture this. You cast out to sea and start retrieving your lure. Suddenly the line tightens and the rod loads up. You wonder what it might be. It’s probably just a kahawai—but there’s more weight to it and the fight feels different. Maybe it’s a barracouta? Fingers crossed it doesn’t cut the line. It is high tide, so there’s a possibility it could be a searun trout feeding out of the local waterways.

The fish is fighting hard and doesn’t show the slightest sign of giving up.

Perhaps it’s a salmon—will it be wild or fin clipped?

But before you can confirm

the catch, the lure pulls out and question remains unanswered.

Hooking into a fish off the beach in Kaikoura is like entering a fish lottery.

In recent years there have been some unusual catches for beach anglers. One guy landed a legal kingfish on a telescopic rod whilst fishing for kahawai, a welcomed and completely unexpected surprise. Prior to Christmas, Kevin from Hunting & Fishing landed a nice 8lb salmon, followed soon after by a slender tuna! There was no bird work up to indicate any action would take place, and generally speaking tuna

Bryn Williams

Kevin with a slender tuna

don’t travel alone.

I’ve seen another angler, in the process of casting out to sea, create a massive tangle in their line. After undoing the mess, whilst retrieving it, they hooked and landed a good-sized gurnard! Blue cod will sometimes take a colourful salmon lure as well, a fantastic by-catch if you ask me.

I’ve even seen seals and orcas follow lures in the right up to the shore. It must be an absolute battlefield for a small baitfish out there. One thing is for sure, it is always worth having a cast off the beach here in Kaikoura.

Good on yer mate!

Luke and Sam with their Collingwood haul

Mark Nalder

Earlier this year, Luke and Sam traveled up from Five Rivers in Southland for a fish in Collingwood, but were a little unlucky to strike the only windy day over there this year and not able to get out in the boat.

Not to be put off from catching a fresh fish lunch, they headed straight to the channel. Within seconds,

the rods were bending and a good feed of herring were in the bucket. Then 4-yearold Luke’s rod bent and the Southern Man shouted, “I’ve got a big one granddad!”

The fish ran with the current down stream for 20 metres but Luke stood fast, stern determination on his face, repeating, “I’ve got a big one!”

The fish turned as it felt the weight of the drag and Luke began to wind. After a couple more strong runs down river, Luke finally hauled the fish up on to the bank.

A great hours fishing by Luke and Sam and more than enough for everyone to have a great fish and summer salad for lunch.

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