Want to get your teeth into our 8 page Roar feature? Well read our March issue. You'll also find the Kaikoura Fishing Guide and you can read up on the awesome fishing that's been happening this summer.
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FREE THE FISHING PAPER & HUNTIN G NEWS March 2016 – Issue 126 Mario Alessi shows off his ‘reel’ smile. Story pg 5. Crimpy ESCAPE THE WINTER BLUES THIS YEAR Spaces filling fast BOOK NOW The last untouched Pacific paradise Personally crafted and hosted boutique island tour Crimpy’s Niue TRIP 1 TRIP 2 TRIP 3 NOW SELLING Go to page 26 for all the details SOLD OUT SOLD OUT 8 page FEATURE Photo credit: The Graf Boys MARIO Kaikoura fishing guide Gilbert’s school of fish
Transcript
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 20161
FREE
THE
FISHINGPAPER&
HUNTINGNEWS
March 2016 – Issue 126
Mario Alessi shows off his ‘reel’ smile. Story pg 5.
Personally crafted and hosted boutique tropical island tour
Crimpy
ESCAPE THE WINTER BLUES THIS YEAR
Spaces fi lling fast BOOK NOW
The last untouched Pacifi c paradisePersonally crafted and hosted boutique island tourCrimpy’s Niue
TRIP 1 TRIP 2 TRIP 3NOW
SELLING
Go to page 26 for all the details
SOLD OUTSOLD OUT
Roar20 16
8 page
FEATUREPhoto credit: The Graf Boys
M A R I O
Kaikoura fishing guide
Gilbert’s school of fish
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 20162
To attain a 3D image of the seabed in the past cost fishermen tens of thousands of dollars, but now Navico has released a little beauty that does the same job for a fraction of that price!
Designed to add even more punch to the feature packed Lowrance HDS Gen3 and the SIMRAD NSS Evo2 models, the new Structure Scan 3D comes with transducer and its own processing unit, which allows you to see fish, structure and bottom contour in a stunning 3D view.
By utilizing the Scan track and the pan and tilt functions, sonar images can be viewed at any angle and are so easy to interpret. Imagine freezing the scene below, jumping in with your dive gear, and swimming around checking things out from every angle. You can see where your target species is holding, which is made even easier because the fish are displayed in a contrasting colour. You can see below, above and around the fish, and what the surrounding structure looks like.
With a 180-degree beam coverage, the transducer is best set as low as possible on your transom to avoid the sensitive signal being blocked. The size of the transducer is similar in length to the current structure scan transducer but, with the added capability, twice as bulky.
Designed for the freshwater bass fishermen in the US, the unit still performs well in the
saltwater environment but just not to the maximum specified depths and widths; the signal simply gets absorbed more readily in salt water, like all transducers.
Because amount of data recorded is huge compared to other Navico sonar logs, you only have 1 ½ to 2 minutes of recorded history available to be viewed on screen. It then starts over writing that history with what is currently below. This is great for fishing in the moment, or allows you to save it to review immediately, or later at your leisure. You can record multiple short files to be reviewed back on shore. Like other log files, these ones can be uploaded onto Insight Genesis to create your own detailed mapping.
To simplify interpreting the 3D image, a feature called leading edge, showing a red line coming from the vessel’s transducer position, is included. This shows you exactly where you are in relation to what you can see behind and below you. Bear in mind though, these units are designed for speeds of five knots or below.
If fishing and diving is your passion and you want to be even better at what you do, this is seriously worth the time effort to research and install.
To find out more you and see some real recordings go to YouTube or the Lowrance website.
Call Sean for advice, price or to arrange your
personal appointment. Phone 022 1574 241
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www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 20163
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When time, weather, and the inclination allows, Mike and I love to escape to the Marlborough Sounds for a spot of fishing. With a tent and a tinny you can’t go too far but then you don’t have to.
We pulled up to a favourite spot just out from ‘No Name Bay’ and anchored in 15m of water. A berley bomb was attached to the anchor and we settled in, hoping for a feed of cod, snapper, and maybe the sight of a kingie or two. Sadly, any cod we caught was a throw back and the snapper were absent. Mike caught a barracouta, but it was the plague of spotties that eventually caused him to lose the plot.
We thought they were useless but, in the end, Mike was so frustrated at being cleaned up by the pesky little devils,
he attached one to his stray line and fed it out as a livey. He didn’t really expect to catch anything, so was surprised when the rod dipped and he was up for a tussle. Initially, he thought he had another barracouta on but it soon became obvious something different was on the line.
We were thrilled and surprised when this beautiful 550mm john dory broached the surface. I had an app on the phone so quickly checked that it was legal and soon realised we had a very good specimen on board. It was delicious too, simply pan fried in butter. And nothing was left to waste; the head and frame dug into the garden at home so we could grow nice veggies for the next catch.
Sometimes the simple things are best - like a tent and a tinny!
A tent and a tinny Trudi Hill
Angus amps upNeil Goldie
Brother Rich had a plan: his next-door neighbour, Lance, needed to test the jetboat he’d been working on so what better test than to see if it could catch salmon. The Rakaia was coming right after a fresh so, with Rich’s son in tow, we launched the boat and proceeded to fish our way downstream.
Angus, who is eight, is a very keen little sportsman, eagerly hunting and trout fishing with his dad at every opportunity. He’d managed to snag a couple of good trout over Christmas but this was his first salmon outing and Rich was at pains to explain that chasing silver carried no guarantees. It was lost on Angus because he was on the water and that was all that mattered - and water spelled FISH.
A nice piece of water beckoned and we spread out, me fishing the tail and Rich, Lance, and Angus taking the good water at the top. Angus is a determined little rooster and was soon casting solo. On only the third cast and retrieve he shouted to his father, “Dad… SNAG!”
Rich turned over his shoulder to see the rod tip nodding; the kid had snagged silver alright!
He rushed to lend support to Angus but ‘Salmon Boy’ had things under control, pumping when he needed and winding when required. With scarcely a glitch, he coaxed the solid fish to shore and was soon beaming at his first salmon, a 12b 7oz beauty. Needless to say, Angus was amped.
Angus Goldie launches his salmon career in spectacular style!
Mike Williams of Riwaka photo bombed by a JD that clearly thinks it’s better looking!
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 20164
THE NEW VERITAS MUSCLES UPI have used the Veritas before for slow
jigging and soft baiting, and like of the action, the balance, and the lightness of the 30 ton graphite construction. The new 2.0 features a spiral carbon core to increase strength without adding weight. Essentially, a fine carbon fibre filament is wrapped internally from the butt to the tip and it is said to increase overall break strength by an average 22% and tip strength by 30%, over previous models. Titanium alloy guides with zirconium inserts are light and strong, don’t compromise weight or feel, and comfortably handle nylon or braid. Zirconium is basically a metal with similar properties to titanium but malleable and very corrosion resistant, so it should stand up to a fair amount of punishment.
The 7’0”, 5 - 9kg rated spin rod would easily suit the bigger Fierce ll reels like the 6000, but is still a good match for the lightweight 4000 because it gives that top end strength for really big snapper and would stand up to a king of one got in the way. It is certainly light, sensitive, and a pleasure to use.
A FIERCE LITTLE LIVE LINER The Live Liner series (LL) is PENN’S answer
to stray-lining: a reel that can be put into free spool so fish don’t detect weight on the line, then engaged into gear when the time is right. This reel system has revolutionised shallow water snapper fishing and, with technology introducing lighter and lighter gear, it has added great excitement to the mix.
The PENN LL range features the 2500, 4000, 6000, and 8000 models, and while the 6000 is probably more popular with the bulk of
fishers, I have always been a sucker for the smaller models and have never been let down.
The Fierce ll comes with some improvements over the first generation of reels, largely around the spool: stronger bail arm, addition of capacity rings, and a rubber grip called a superline spool band on the spool base, to stop braid from slipping and eliminating the need for backing nylon. The all metal, ‘improved’ housing is still die-cast aluminium but PENN has worked on paint adhesion to improve corrosion resistance.
IN ACTION ON THE WATERPENN have made huge advances from the
heavy ‘agricultural’ reels of yesteryear and the Fierce ll 4000 is a reflection of these advances. It’s a solid but stylish little reel, rugged so that it will withstand the general knocks and bumps of the everyday fisher, but very smooth in operation.
The rear free spool dial travel is fine and offers a good range of tension, the gears engage precisely as the handle turns, and the front drag is smooth.
The rod and reel work well together to absorb shock and put strain on fish, loading evenly, while the drag engages smoothly and line peels fluidly. I was using Spiderwire Stealth Blue Camo braid, which has a blue - white - black patterning to blend with blue water. It’s essentially smooth, strong, and round, and has a special fluoropolymer coating which aids in casting.
The Live Liner lever is firm and the gearing smooth and tight. Overall, it has a really nice feel to it, the quality looks good, and the price point of $339 - on the money.
FIELD TEST: PENN LL 4000 LL WITH NEW ABU GARCIA VERITAS 2.0 SPINNING ROD
As a stray-lining system, the matching of the new generation PENN Fierce ll LL with the new Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0 is a sweet match: light, stylish, strong, smooth, well-
balanced, and at a good price point for the everyday angler.
Daniel Crimp fish magnet, just loved the Fierce II
Daryl Crimp
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 20165
Mario Godfather of groper(Front cover story) - Mark Cotton
Often when you are fishing, random events conspire to deliver unexpected surprises. Both Mario Alessi of Big Blue Dive & Fish and my father, Knackers, had been bleating they wanted to catch a ‘puka. In fact, I’d been trying to get them out for years, so decided I’d better get onto it before they got too old to lift a rod, so we headed to a favourite spot in Cook Strait.
We hadn’t even reached the mark, when I noticed sign on the sounder, so put the brakes on and pulled up for a ‘reccie’. We were well set up, fishing good gear: a Shimano Dendou-Maru 9000 electric reel on a Status bent butt rod. We have them at the shop for $1199 and they are a great investment - perfect for prospecting. Lightweight, they are easy to use and won’t knacker old timers like ‘Knackers’ and Mario! The bent aluminium butt creates an angle that puts less strain on the fisher, but it also reduces the risk of point loading the rod. The reel is amazing, with a screen and a digital read out that tells exactly how many metres you have dropped, or how many metres you
have left to bring in. The reel automatically stops winding at 6m so the swivel won’t hit the guides, so Shimano have ticked all the boxes here. Check out wicked video: www.fishing.net.nz/forum/shimano-status-bent-butt-rods-video_topic94015.html
We were using my homemade rigs with fresh squid and mackerel I’d caught in the Kenepuru Sound. I like to alternate baits on each hook. On the first drop, Mario pulled in a small ‘puka, then a lot more sign showed up. ‘Knackers’ had a drop, and not one to do things in halves, whacked into two 30kg fish on the same rig. The old bugger nearly dropped the rod!
It was tag team fishing, with Mario up next and he wasted no time proving he was the Godfather of groper: the Dendou-Maru 9000 was up for the challenge and we were all blown away when this beast of a fish broached the surface. It was a stunning 35kg, or 75lb in ‘Knacker’s’ era, and what a way to get on the board.
Of course, Mario has been impossible to live with ever since!
STORY
&
‘Knackers’ every bit knackered after having to stand on the button of an electric reel for so long!
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 20166
Call Paul Black on 03 548 8620 or Email:[email protected] Vanguard Street, Nelson
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Being a land based sea fisherman in Canterbury isn’t an easy life, limited by the species available and cold winters. In winter you can forget about catching anything other than spiny dogfish or, if you’re really lucky, a slimy worm-infested red cod. Spring brings with it a welcome run of rig and elephant fish but there are only so many you can catch before they become a bit so and so. Summer can provide a reasonable selection of desirable species but it’s still generally hard work and a long time between good fish.
A dream fish for most of us is a kingfish or snapper but, with only a handful of each caught every summer, it’s really a case of being in the right place at the right time and a big dose of luck.
I have invested a fair amount of time over the years chasing kingfish off Black Rock in Taylor’s Mistake, which has a reputation for being one of the most reliable places for kingfish and snapper in Canterbury, but I’m yet to even catch a glimpse of my quarry. Frustratingly, kingfish are commonly caught from boats not far from shore but rarely come within range of the land based warriors.
With reports of good catches offshore and a very warm sea temp, I decided I was going to give it a good go, so mid Feb saw me out at Black Rock. I’d bought myself a nice 10ft spinning rod and reel for Christmas so I decided I’d change tactics this year and use lures instead of live baits. My first couple of trips brought no success and then I
heard kingfish had shown up at a very unusual location, the Rangitata River Mouth. Within 30 minutes I was heading there.
I worked my way along the beach towards the mouth, firing out a 68gm ticer and cranking it back with a fast retrieve. When I arrived at the mouth an hour or so later, I was greeted by the sight of a massive kahawai school on the edge of the the current
and, most importantly, several large rafts of kelp 100m offshore. Canterbury kingfish are almost always found around structure like kelp. Staying well back from the main kahawai school to avoid constantly hooking them, I commenced casting.
A couple of hours passed with little happening; most of the locals were sitting around on their quad bikes. Then I hooked up and began to lose line at a rapid rate. As the seconds ticked by it became obvious this wasn’t another kahawai, so I yelled ‘fish on’ and backed up onto the bank to begin the fight. The first couple of runs were really impressive and had my reel singing, but they got progressively shorter as I wore the fish down. Soon it was a dogfight, with the still unseen fish tiring but not ready to give itself up. A flash of green confirmed our suspicions and after a good 5 -10 minute fight, I landed the first kingfish I’ve ever laid eyes on.
I couldn’t quite believe my luck and you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face for days. I’m not sure if it was legal sized or not, but I wasn’t interested in killing such an impressive fish regardless of size. That was the only one I saw although apparently several others were caught over the weekend. Now that’s ticked off the bucket list, I guess it’s time to turn my attention to a Canterbury snapper.
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What happens at the HurunuiGraeme Johns
Presto and I go way back. I was always a hunter, never a fisherman, but Presto got me into fly fishing. We’ve done a lot together over the past 30-years. I remember a hunt we did years ago when his daughter was little; he had to confess that she’d given him a special keepsake to take on the hunt, but what happens on the hunt, stays on the hunt. My lips are sealed.
I hadn’t had a salmon rod in my hands for four years, so Presto and I hatched a plan to meet up this year at the Hurunui. He works at Christchurch City Hunting & Fishing and is a very good salmon angler.
The weather was perfect over the four-day weekend, hitting 28 degrees and cloudless skies: no good for the salmon. We were fishing the surf at the mouth of the
Hurunui River, along with up to forty-five other anglers. Presto will graft away all day and never gives up. On the Sunday, seven salmon were caught for 45 anglers. On the Monday four fish fell to 30 odd anglers. And on the Tuesday, Presto’s grafting paid off. Around mid morning he hooked a salmon and seemed pretty relaxed about it, despite it being a horrible sea to land a fish from.
Anyway, he triumphed and his first salmon for the season slid over the shingle - a nice silver 16lber. I’m not sure if it was a case of persistence pays off, pure luck, or whether he still secretly tucks a little girl’s doll under his pillow before nodding off for the night!
But what happens at the Hurunui - stays at the Hurunui!
My lips are sealed!
Mark Preston all ‘dolled’ up for the photo shoot with his Hurunui salmon.
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 20168
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I often get asked, “Oh cool fish, where did you catch that?” almost like its some sorta secret. Then follows a plethora of questions about bait, tide, rigs, timing, and how I hold my tongue. Seems more and more people are trying to take the easy way out and, instead of doing the hard yards and putting in the graft, want to be gifted fish on the back of other people’s efforts. Without giving away exact locations - as to be honest, I could tell people but that doesn’t mean they will catch anything - a little homework and knowledge, and you can catch fish just about anywhere!
The key elements to being successful at fishing is time on the water, a little effort and knowledge!
Knowledge of what fish eat, where you find them, and key times to go! Early morning, late afternoon, and into evening can be good times. Like humans, fish like their breakfast and dinner! You will find that rig and ele like crabs , tua tua and
prawns, but some people specifically target ele on squid; I personally wouldn’t.
The next one is location: to be completely honest (for a fisherman it’s hard) any beach on its day, and I mean ON ITS DAY, will produce the exact same things as other beaches. Rig, ele, and tope don’t ‘live’ at one location; they do move around, up and down the coast. This is best illustrated by fishing one spot one night and catching as many rig as you want, but the next week the same spot delivers nothing. However, your mate just along the beach catches heaps! I often get asked, “I caught heaps last weekend but nothing this weekend - how come?” Hey, you don’t catch fish every trip; the fish may not have been in the area that night but tomorrow they might be.
The same baits and styles of fishing will work and catch the exact same fish, however, depth can affect outcomes. The shallower ones maybe harder, as they require a little more effort. Learning to fish holes and channels requires some knowledge, but with homework this can be done successfully.
Other species such as tope and sevengillers are both common along the whole coast and maybe around one week but not the next. Like rig and ele, they don’t ‘live’ in one location. These fish are waste disposal units so pretty much any bait will get them,
Moki and butterfish are also commonly targeted but are more location defined and hang around structure. However, like rig and ele, they are only around for a certain period of the year. They will take the same baits as rig and ele, and again catching them is about knowing what they like, where they hang around, and when to go for them!
I could give exact locations, precise points on how and when to catch fish, but with some homework, Google, listening to others, and books are good ways to learn. A fundamental pleasure from fishing is discovery, so it is important to work out your own methods and spots without taking the easy way out, so just remember your homework: learning what fish eat and when, will have you catching fish in no time at all!
GILBERT’S SCHOOL OF FISH - do your homework! Greg Gilbert
Greg serves up a good lesson on how
to catch rig.
Coro heaven Scott Campbell
No not sitting through one and a half hours of Coronation Street! Instead, a week’s fishing in the Coromandel with two of my best mates!
We stayed at Long Bay campground just out of Coromandel town, which has good launching facilities on the beach and all the wash down/filleting stations needed.
The first day, a moderated south westerly wind stopped us from fishing from the boat, so we headed over to a small wharf and spent the day hoping for a feed to no avail. At least the sun was shining and we fished.
The next couple of days we got out on the boat and caught loads of small snapper and had some fun with a few rat kingies, which were hanging around our berley. At one point we counted about a dozen!
The best day of all was out with Epic Adventures from Whitianga. These guys are real pro’s with great gear and fantastic boats. We spent the first hour catching live mackerel for bait then headed 15 miles offshore to the Alderman pins for some hot kingfish action. Nearly every drop saw us hook up. The first three or four fish were attacked by a large hungry mako but once he was fed, he quickly disappeared, leaving us to haul up some great fish and we all managed our PB’s.
I can highly recommend Epic Adventures to anyone heading that way and I’m looking forward to doing it all again next year!
Scott was in heaven when the kingi action lit up!
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 20169
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 201610
Captain’s Log: Beam me up spottySuffering the raft of Frank
Over the summer I had a raft of kids on the boat,
jostling, bantering, bouncing about, and enjoying the thrill of catching fish. Kids I love, especially when they are focused on activities as wholesome as this. They telegraph simple pleasures with such transparent joy, the excitement becomes palpable and infectious. They become so absorbed in the fishing that I become invisible. Then there are times I wish I was truly invisible.
Like when the child on the boat is forty-five-years-old! Mind you, I was warned by his 15-year-old son that having him on board would be like cutting loose a six metre mako in the cabin and giving it full license to redecorate.
When Frank arrived to stay at the bach, son Damon had already been with us a week and dad was missing ‘only son’. Daniel and Damon were out in the Smartwave fishing and Frank set about pacing. Then he disappeared without notice and was last seen heading to a beach near where the boys were fishing.
Sometime later I radioed them from the base set:
“Sprat, sprat… Snapper Shack - do you copy?”
Daniel picked up the thread, “Snapper Shack - Sprat … reading you!”
“Frank has arrived and may be in your vicinity - can you see him?”
Pause.“Yep.”“What’s he doing?”“Impersonating a large beached whale!”“Can you go in and pick him up, please?”
I asked.Pregnant pause.
“Sigh… okaaay!”
From the deck of the bach we witnessed the whole thing: the dinghy wallowing under the strain, lots of gesticulating of arms, and then someone standing, arms outstretched, in the bow of the boat as it traveled at speed - well, wallowed vainly at pace. When I queried the irresponsible actions later, the boys sighed again and said that Frank was doing his ‘Titanic’ impersonation!
Frank just wanted to catch a fish - any fish - so we took him out that evening in the big boat. He’s a big boy and can consume a fair percentage of the amount of available space in the cockpit, especially when he bounces around like a ping-pong ball in a Lotto barrel.
He eventually caught a fish - defying his unnatural ability with a rod. He caught it on my rod, which I’d left unguarded in the rod holder. In all probability I would have caught it, had I not been concussed from an encounter with a charging bull in close confines. I also wore his rod in my face, which he abruptly discarded when he noticed my tip twitching!
He’s posing in the photograph with two gurnard because he snatched the one Daniel caught moments later. I had to post his pic immediately on his Facebook page.
We later took a very happy Frank home and he was so excited, the wreckage and destruction trailing in his wake was all but invisible to him.
Give me a raft of kids any day - not the giant ‘raft’ of Frank!
In olden days Frank Nuhaj would have had his hands cut off for stealing carrots!
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 201611
Published byCoastal Media Ltd261 Paton Road, HopePO Box 9001, Annesbrook, 7044, NELSON
NEWS&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.
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CRIMPTOON
ContributorsDaryl Crimp
Ron Prestage
Sean Ryan
Poppa Mike
Kim Swan
Dave Dixon
Chris West
Ant Corke
Mark Roden
Eddie Pearson
Grant Holmes
Lou Franklin
David Turner
Scott Olsen
Robert Hope
Denis Crawford
Paul Webb
Geoff Basher
Malcolm Halstead
Neil Goldie
Trudi Hill
Mark Cotton
Elliot Hendry
Graeme Johns
Greg Gilbert
Scott Campbell
David Haynes
Phil Russ
Ian Bright
Dave Soreson
Jason Searle
Allan Foot
John McCann
STICK YOUR OAR IN HAVE YOUR SAY…
Mail your letters to Stick Your Oar In
The Fishing Paper, PO Box 9001 - Annesbrook, 7044, NELSONemail: [email protected]
Rec Fishers accused of rape and pillageDear Ed,The ‘Pig hunters bail marlin’ article of Issue 125 included the line, “We filled up on cod over Kahurangi Shoals...”. Coincidentally, I read this after meeting with Golden Bay locals who are concerned over what they see as the raping and pillaging of the Kahurangi fishery and are bloody angry that the MPI catch limits of 20 finfish (mainly blue cod), PLUS 10 snapper, PLUS 5 groper/kingfish combination sanction this. Locals believe that declines in eastern Golden Bay and Marlborough Sounds fisheries prompt more anglers from Blenheim, Nelson, Motueka and Takaka to travel to Westhaven and ‘go hard’. They believe the fishery will suffer deeply from such pressure and angler attitudes.Given the lack of any local catch data, commercial, rec, or otherwise, I would be interested to hear from anglers who do fish this area, whether they share the same concerns, whether they believe a 35 fin fish limit per angler per day is excessive, how many achieve these limits, and what, if needed, should be done to protect the fishery for future anglers.Many thanks,David Haynes
New Zealand Outdoors Partywww.outdoorsparty.co.nzPhone: 03 546 6051Email: [email protected]
Double standard fisheries policingDear Ed,Recently I (we) have been pulled up by MPI, and had 8 paua confiscated because of a very obscure and ambiguous, ‘physically involved’ policy. Now, as we know, any person can also come along with a magic piece of paper (C permit) and gather as many paua, as that paper states, with very few participants, but as MPI. have NO control over that document, that is ok! The ministry have no idea of who is writing out permits, no idea who is obtaining these permits, therefore no idea of quantities to fish species taken. Now, back to our 8 paua. The paragraph under ‘physically involved’, states, “unwanted or unlawful catch, must be immediately returned to the water, dead or alive”. These paua were placed in the rear of the MPI. truck, supposedly to be returned to a reserve. One would have to wonder, just where they ended up. If 8 paua were placed back to the sea, in front of us, there would be NO doubt. Then comes the $500 fine; not bad for a first offence, and obscure
policy. I feel a written warning would have been any amount. Is MPI, are becoming a little like our traffic police, revenue gathering?Disappointed fisher, Phil Russ,Ward.
Ed replies: You have raised two distinct issues hear so I have asked MPI to comment. Ian Bright has this to say:I would like to take the opportunity to debunk a few myths surrounding customary fishing.Pursuant to the South Island Customary Fishing Regulations a customary authorisation may only be issued by an appointed Tangata Kaitiaki/Tiaki who has been approved by the Minister of Fisheries.The Tangata Kaitiaki/Tiaki must report quarterly on the authorisations granted and fish taken pursuant to those authorisations and show records of authorisations to a Fishery Officer if requested.Anyone harvesting under an authorisation must carry and show that authorisation to a Fishery Officer or Honorary Fishery Officer on request. They must also advise the Tangata Kaitiaki/Tiaki of the quantity gathered. The quantities harvested are furnished to the Ministry quarterly.Fishery Officers and Honorary Fishery regularly inspect persons gathering pursuant to customary authorisations. With regards to the “physically involved” policy, it is not a policy, it is the law and has been upheld by the courts. You must be physically involved in the taking of fish or shellfish to be entitled to a daily limit. You may not take on behalf of another person.
The exception to this rule is the provision that allows a diver operating from a vessel to gather dredge oysters or scallops on behalf of up to a maximum of two safety persons on that vessel.There is however nothing to stop you sharing your lawfully taken daily limit with others.RegardsIan BrightMPI
Something to Aim ForDear Ed,Crimpy, I passed your book, Something to Aim For, on to my grandson to read. I then took him down to the King Country with me to try and shoot his first red deer. He has done the Hunts Course and shot a couple of fallow deer, but the reds are too quick for him in the Kaimais.We set up camp for the night and I sent him on a hunt down the side of a valley, along some old logging tracks and picked him up at the bottom junction. He saw two lots of deer but wasn’t quick enough. The next day in camp he read the chapter in your book on your first pig. On getting ready for the evening hunt, he mentioned that your
experience had motivated him big time and tonight was the night. I sent him to the head of another valley and told him how to work the area and packed him on his way. About an hour before dark, I heard a shot and headed in that direction. I found him near the top area with his first red on the deck, what a buzz.
Daryl, when you write a chapter like the pig story, you never know where it leads.
Regards
Dave Sorenson
Ed replies: Thanks Dave - delighted in being able to play a small part in a young hunter’s first success. I still have a few copies of Something to Aim For available, so if anyone else wants a copy, contact me direct: 021 472 517 or [email protected]
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 201612
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) knows that some recreational fishers and fishing groups have raised issues about the management of fisheries that are important to them.
There is a perception that recreational fishers have not always felt involved in the process of making fisheries management decisions.
To respond to these concerns, Inshore Fisheries Management have developed the MPI recreational fishing initiative. We want to engage effectively with all recreational fishers and give them the opportunity to be able to take part in the management of local fisheries.
The initiative will be managed by a dedicated recreational fishing team within MPI which will be looking at engagement, communication and fisheries management.
The first priority is the development of a shared fisheries engagement approach. This will entail a different way of engaging on fisheries that are important to recreational fishers.
Many inshore fisheries are shared by customary, recreational and commercial fishing interests. MPI acting alone cannot guarantee sustainable shared fisheries and all fishers have a role to play to better manage these shared fisheries.
MPI will support local discussions in key shared fisheries to find collaborative solutions with input from all sector groups at the early stages of consultation.
MPI will work with recreational fishers to improve communication of information and ideas. This will help to realise the benefits available to recreational fishers through the sustainable use of New Zealand’s fisheries. We will use all of MPI’s various social media and other channels to ensure that everyone with an interest in fisheries management is informed and can contribute.
You can also check out rules, regulations and relevant information on recreational fishing at www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing, and keep up to date on how we work to manage and protect local fisheries on social media via www.facebook.com/MPIFisheriesNelsonMarlboroughKaikoura and www.facebook.com/Canterbury.Fisheries.MPI/.
If you would like to sign up for the recreational fishing mailing list to be kept up to date on fisheries management issues in your area you can email the [email protected] and we will send you a sign up link.
We are all passionate about fishing, and we all want the same thing. Shared sustainable fisheries for the future.
MPI’s recreational fishing initiative: fishing for the futureMPI Recreational Fishing Team
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TIDES OF CHANGE By Poppa Mike
Thomas Westwood married Sarah Bly in Feilding in 1887 and they had no idea their life was soon to change forever. Taking up residence in Foxton where Thomas worked, the couple had seven children, the first Jack in that same year. He was followed in quick succession by George (1889), Elizabeth (1891), Thomas (1892), Ruby (1893), Wilfred (1897) and Loyis (1900). Nothing unusual as it was normal for big families then.
What was unusual soon became apparent. Two of the children started growing extraordinarily fast and large. By the time Wilfred was three-years-old, he was already heavier than his mother and when Ruby reached seven, she was heavier than her father. The other children grew to normal size. Naturally concerned, the parents sought medical advice. On several occasions they were reported to be “perfect in every way, displaying excellent intelligence and never having had a day’s illness.”
The parents sensed an opportunity to display their extraordinary children as a way of making money and as early as 1900 held a ‘sideshow exhibit, featuring the GIANT CHILDREN of FOXTON,’ at the A&P Show in Wanganui. The local Herald reported,
“a large marquee, in which were exhibited the two largest children in the world …Judging by the numbers visiting the tent Mr Westwood should be well satisfied with the patronage.” This was followed by a number of other shows and a South Island tour in 1901. In Dunedin, their show coincided with a medical conference, with several doctors pronouncing them, “perfectly healthy.” They began a series of shows in Australia amidst the claim of being, “the
largest children for their age in the world.”Tours of shows followed in England
(1907), Canada (1910) and USA (1911). The next year Ruby died in San Francisco, aged 19, caused by blood poisoning from a thorn in her finger.
By 1917 Wilfred had reinvented himself as a Glass Blower, first touring New Zealand then Australia. He later teamed up with his older brother Jack as the Westwood Brothers Enterprises. For several years they were part of the Barnum-Bailey and Foley-Burk circus in America and in 1932 to South America and again in Australia in 1934.
Wilfred Westwood died in Auckland in 1939 as the result of a motor accident. He was 42.
WHEN BIG MEANS BIG
Wilfred and Ruby playing with children of their own age.
onJoin the
&
NIWA’s Keith Nolan at work surveying a rec fisher at the Nelson boat ramp, on behalf of MPI.
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www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 201613
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Kaikoura F ISHING GUIDE
2016
Rules and Entry form on reverse or online: www.kaikouraboatingclub.org.nz
Kaikoura Boat Club Fishing
Competition Open 2016
Easter Saturday - 26th MarchLimited Entry
Boat - $25Adult - $20Child - $10
Prize Categories• Champion Boat Prize;
Average weight of 3 Blue Cod, 3 Perch & 1 other fish
Prizes Only• Heaviest Blue Cod (2nd,3rd,4th)• Heaviest Perch (2nd,3rd,4th)• Heaviest Groper (2nd,3rd,4th)• Heaviest Barracuda• Most Unusual
Trophies• Heaviest Blue Cod• Heaviest Perch• Heaviest Groper
1 - Hapuku RiverA good spot for surfcasting for rig, also known as lemonfish. Rig are night feeders prowling for paddle crabs. Best fishing for rig is late spring when they come close to shore to pup, through summer and into early autumn. February usually particularly good.
2 – Old Sawdust PitsSurfcasting for rig, school shark, sevengill sharks, skate and kahawai. Moki and gurnard are also caught from here. Try using prawns or crayfish as bait.
3 – North BeachThe entire coast from Kaikoura township north to Hapuku River provides a long stretch of attractive surfcasting beach. Access is off Old Beach Road, but permission must be sought from landowners to cross paddocks. The other option is to walk along the beach from either end.Target species are rig, school sharks, moki, kahawai, the occasional blue cod and even salmon!
4 – In front of Whaleway Station along main beachSurfcasting for rig, moki, kahawai, gurnard and the odd conger eel. Surf casting behind the breakers with bait will produce red cod, rig, skate, blue shark, and there are claims of snapper in late summer. In late summer through autumn salmon are caught in the surf along this stretch of beach too. The good old faithful green and gold ticer or silver zeddy lures have produced good results for both salmon and kahawai.
5 – Davidson RocksBlue cod, kahawai, perch and greyboy.
6 – Lyell CreekThis sluggish looking waterway behind the town can be a surprisingly productive trout fishery - remember to buy a licence. Large brown trout are often found just behind the town centre. Spinning with a veltic or a toby can produce results. In the early morning and evening a dry fly around by the trees is deadly. But it’s not advisable to eat trout from this creek, due to the poor water quality. Casting into the sea by the mouth, especially when the whitebait are running, will produce nicely conditioned sea run trout, good sport and good eating.
7 – Ruby ShoalPerch, kahawai, skate, barracouta, wrasse and some sharks.
8 – The New Wharf The new wharf was opened in 1909 and is still used by local fishing boats for loading and unloading. It’s also a structure providing access to a large variety of species. Opposite the fish factory on the western side is a great place to catch sprats. There is an outlet pipe from the factory and the water can be thick with small fish. Children have great fun here. The sprats also provide good bait for larger fish. Live bait cast off the wharf will pick up red and blue cod, kahawai and the very large conger eels.
9 - Lynch Reef Check out the big kelp forest and swim with the seals. Spearos target butterfish and banded wrasse. You’ll also find spotties, and sea perch. Crayfish often lurk near the base of the rocks.
10 – Peninsula CoastlineLine fishing for blue cod, perch and banded wrasse. Over summer target barracouta, kahawai, salmon and albacore tuna. This is also a popular area for diving for crayfish and paua.Tip – to find good fish habitat, look for cray pot bouys. These generally indicate areas of foul ground. But do not tie up to a cray pot buoy as you may inadvertently drag the pot and snag it under a reef. The owner could be out of pocket $300 to replace it!
11 – Peninsula EastTroll for salmon in mid to late February with Rapala lures.
12 – Eastern MarkGood blue cod and groper. Tarakihi over foul ground and some trumpeter. Rays bream in mid-water. Troll for albacore tuna when temperature rises above 17 degrees. Tuna from here out.
13 – South AtiaBlue cod and perch. Troll for albacore over summer.
14 - Atia PointDive only in calm conditions, which generally provides good viz. A scenic dive with colourful kelp garden and a variety of sea tulips and anemones. A good crayfish spot. A good spot to meet the seals.
15 – Cone RockBlue cod, perch and wrasse. Kahawai, school shark and barracouta throughout summer. Interesting diving country with plenty of cracks that hold crayfish. Butterfish making a comeback around the kelp areas.
16 - South BayA very pleasant fishing spot when north-east winds are blowing on the town side of the hill. The first spot runs straight out from the small car park by the trees at the South Bay turn-off near the racecourse. This reef funnels fish close into the beach and has good fishing results on the incoming tide. Blue and red cod are caught here and the odd blue shark.
17 - Kowhai River MouthA good spot to surfcast for kahawai using silver zeddy lures. Other species caught here include moki, red cod, gurnard, school shark and rig. During the season you’ll also catch salmon in the surf. Try prawns and crayfish baits for elephant fish in late spring through to late autumn.
18 – Cod SpotAnywhere around this region between 30 – 150m produce blue cod and sea perch.
19 – The DeepGroper, bluenose and ling. Look for changes in contour that create current and up-wellings, and drift big dead baits or jigs. Bluenose move around a bit so be prepared to prospect. Good electric reel country.
20 – South FaceFrom 130m over steep drop-off expect groper and bluenose.
LAUNCHING RAMPS
South Bay Council operated concrete ramp with fuel and wash down facilities. A good, safe, relatively sheltered launching site.
Jimmy Armers Beach North side of the peninsula. Launching across sand with sea access through a gap in the rocks. Be aware the channel can be a challenge to navigate, especially at high tide with rocks lurking just below the surface.
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Know your tidesPick the right time to fish
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1 – Goose Bay A popular camping destination with some crayfish. Good freedive spot but a lot of kelp to contend with. Surfcasting between the rocky outcrops produces kahawai, rig, school shark and moki, particularly around change of light.
2 – Goose Bay Shelf Drops away close to shore so the up-welling generates a lot of food; krill often abundant and work ups of birds very visible. Kahawai and albacore through the summer months and drift over edge of drop off for groper. Tarakihi can be found over patches of foul on the top of the shelf.
3 – Spy Glass PointExposed diving with generally some current running. Butterfish, blue cod and perch predominant species.
4 – Haumuri BluffsTarakihi in foul along top edge and groper and bluenose along face. Use the sounder to find densities of fish and drift through them, using heavy tackle due to the tidal current and foul ground. Braid of 80lb plus is advisable and will allow you to fish lighter sinkers than nylon. Electric reel country prone to strong currents.
5 – Conway FlatKahawai over summer and blue cod, tarakihi and perch over foul patches.
6 - Conway RiseTarakihi and blue cod along the edge of the shelf through to 70m, with school sharks in places. Kahawai found throughout the summer months near the surface and albacore following warm currents through late summer and early autumn.
7 – Conway EastSteep terrain that drops away quickly. Electric reel country with groper, bluenose and ling main target species. Good country to drop a large 400 - 500g knife jig. Two-hook ledger rigs or groper flasher rigs a good choice.
8 – Bushett ShoalA very productive reef system and renowned trumpeter hotspot. Often has a strong current and is protected to a large degree by the weather. Blue cod, perch, wrasse, blue moki and tarakihi are common, and school groper are also present at times. Good slow jig country or large flasher rigs. Fish a variety of baits, including shellfish, prawn and crayfish. Diving for the experienced with plenty of good crayfish country.
9 – Groper SpotFish down the face on small tides. Blue cod and tarakihi will be found near the top and groper, trumpeter, ling and bluenose as you drift deeper. Fish smaller hook sizes for the tarakihi and use squid, mussel, shellfish or prawn for best results. Black Magic Snapper Terror flasher rigs or similar are good for tarakihi, blue cod and trumpeter. For bigger species, use 8 - 12/0 recurve hooks or flasher rigs with firm, large strip baits like squid, barracouta, kahawai, blue cod wings or perch. Instead of a sinker, try tying a Japanese long jig to the bottom of a ledger rig.
HUNTINGNEWS
Robbie Tiffen – Master Rifl esmithProfessional Gunsmithing since 1983Phone (03) 342 1001 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
HUNTING NEWS - MARCH 20162 www.thefishingpaper.co.nz
Roar20 16
Heath and I had a few days annual leave up our sleeve so headed into the Tararuas to chase some local heads. We were about two hours into the long grind when we heard the first roars: three stags were going to town. We attempted a stalk but the wind was against us and they moved off.
Four hours later we made the hut, had a quick bite, and started the climb to the tussock where the stags were singing away. I stumbled onto a good wallow that had just been used and spent the next four hours chasing roaring stags but sighted nothing, so camped. just inside the bush edge.
Travelling light and fly camping allowed us to be on the spot early next morning and we were soon dropping down a spur to check out some moaners. Sign was plentiful and we were soon putting the sneak on one boy. I stayed on a face above him and roared as Heath climbed around into the gut. The excitement had me dropping the camera, as I could see the animal moving about. He made the fatal mistake of walking out onto a slip, giving Heath a perfect shot and the Tararua 8 did a back-flip into the abyss.
After boning out the meat and removing the head, we climbed back to the ridge-and
dropped the meat to cool while we looked for a stag for me. Dropping into a different valley, we got a reply beside another freshly used wallow. Sitting down, I swapped replies. The stag soon decided we weren’t welcome and came to move us on. Unfortunately, I took a neck shot as he appeared but missed, so moved him off instead. Oh well, luckily there were plenty more going to town.
A stag hung around camp all night, so we headed down ‘Camp Stag Spur’ at daybreak to hunt the flats and camp in the valley on the way out. Camp stag must have had a hard night, as he was mysteriously quiet. Half-way down we started getting replies and it was soon obvious this guy wanted to play, and was making his way up to us. I crept around the side of the hill as Heath kept him roaring. Soon I could hear him moving above me and had his antlers in the scope as he searched down the face for me. A head presented a shot and I squeezed off. It spun around and bounded uphill, so I fired again as he wobbled away. The stag turned and crashed down the face past Heath, taking one in the ribs before coming to a halt. A small 9 point stag.
Our 2015 Tararua Roar was over.
Incident at Camp Stag SpurJason Searle
Jason with the small nine pointer.
Heath with the ‘back flip’ stag.
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Bag a buck - don’t body bag a mate
With increased numbers of hunters spilling into the hills over the Roar, there is not a better time to equip your party with Huntsafe electronic warning device. The units emit a high frequency digital signature that will be picked up by any other unit within approximately 100m, making it the ideal safety aid for parties or groups hunting together. Ultimately, if every hunter owned one, it would significantly reduce the risk of hunting accidents. Here is what two Huntsafe converts have to say:
We were hunting in a party of four, chasing the wily sika in dense vegetation. A sika stag started roaring well behind our campsite around midday and got my attention.
My other mates had gone off for the day hunting and I really had no idea where they
were, but I started moving in on the stag. It was going nuts, making for a thrilling stalk, but as I drew closer my huntsafe device starting beeping, telling me my brother had the same idea! I backed off and left him to it.
Five minutes later a shot rang out. Thanks to Huntsafe it was a safe successful hunt that culminated with a nice 6-pointer in the bag - better that than a body bag!
Dave.We hunt fallow a lot in Wanganui and you
are not always within sight over everyone in the party.Having the huntsafe unit just gives you another means of safety, with the unit beeping well before you see your mate.
They work well and it’s good safety practise to look out for your mates.
John
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Electronic Warning Device FOR HUNTERS
Electronic Warning Device that beeps when another unit, worn by a fellow hunter, comes within 100 metres range.
Unit sends its own random digital signature then listens for the same signature.
All Hunt Safe units recognise other Hunt Safe units
HUNTING NEWS - MARCH 20163 www.thefishingpaper.co.nz
Roar20 16
The roar of the rotors and the roar of red stags are synonymous with back country hunting, and family owned and operated Reid Helicopters are Top of the South specialists in this field.
Reid Helicopters Nelson provides helicopter charter to remote and spectacular alpine locations to access our main game animals: red deer and chamois. We also offer hunting opportunities for wild pigs and goat. Our vast local knowledge and three generations of flying experience in the Nelson and Marlborough regions means we can arrange an exceptional
hunting experience, as well as safe access to remote wilderness areas. Our experienced pilots can advise on the best hunting locations throughout the year.
Reid Helicopters Nelson holds DOC Concessions to land in the beautiful Kahurangi National Park, Mt Richmond Forest Park, and South Marlborough areas. While the Roar is an exciting time to hunt, after the Roar hunts can be hugely successful, with stags grouping up and caught in the open. So don’t miss out, call us now to book the ultimate hunting adventure. From the Roar to beyond!
We provide helicopter charters to remote and spectacular alpine locations to access our main game animals, red deer and chamois. We also offer
hunting opportunities for wild pigs and goat. Reid Helicopters hold DOC concessions to land in Kahurangi National Park, Mt Richmond Forest Park and South Marlborough.
Call and book you trip now. Phone: 03 541 9530 • 256, Eighty Eight Valley Rd, Wakefield
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First of all, l don’t overdo it, always have the wind in your favour and remember, the most effective days to get a sika stag to respond or come to a call is when there is least roaring activity.
Everyone has different ideas but this is what we do.
Play the single call about 4-6 times an hour and in that time use the He-haw call once or twice. I find the He-haw call to be more
effective in the evenings. When using the single call, mix it up a little.
Give a single call only, and other times give a couple of soft stag mews first, followed five seconds later with a loud single call. Another effective sequence is to give the hind/fawn call, followed by a loud single call 5-10 seconds later.
Also the Yak Yak call: a soft call a sika stag sometimes uses when following a hind in heat or chasing away a subordinate stag. Try this sequence: Button 5 is a fawn/hind series of calls, but we don’t use the entire sequence. Press (5) fawn/hind call and then press STOP button immediately after second call, which is the hind. Wait about five seconds and press the Yak Yak call. About 10 seconds later, belt out a loud single call.
Just mix things up a little. There is no right or wrong way to use the
caller but after giving a call, wait at least five minutes before moving on. However, we have sat in one place for as long as 25-30 minutes and had sika stags walk in after all that time.
When stags are already calling, don’t do any calls unless you have too. Since they are making all the noise, just sneak in. In the past,
we have successfully used the single call and stag mews while in close to a group of deer, however, you will only roar up the young stags, not the master. If a master stag is holding a hind, then no amount of calling will make him leave her.
Spiker, fawn and hinds calls are good to use during the rut but can also be effective outside the rut. When using these calls, only have them at half volume - not full volume.
On quiet evenings, give a He-haw call and a stag may reply straight away with a single call. Generally, if a Jap stag replies straight away to your He-haw or single call, then there is a good chance he is on his way. He may take less than a minute or five minutes to come in, depending on how far away he is.
AJ’s sika call sequences Allan Foot - (AJ Productions)
The Roar and beyond - REID HELICOPTERS
The most important, and effective thing you can do when searching for a red stag is to roar loud, as loud as possible. You’ll never out-roar a stag; so
don’t worry about trying to beat him. I don’t care if you roar like an exhaling balloon - just get it out, and get it out loud! Energywise, it’s far better to use
your voice box, rather than your legs when locating stags.- Clyde Graf
HUNTING NEWS - MARCH 20164 www.thefishingpaper.co.nz
Roar20 16
It won’t happen to me - DID!John McCann
I was deer stalking in the Tararuas for a few days in October. Upon leaving the McGregor Bivvy, I planned on following the Waoihine River down to the Mid Waiohine
Hut. We’d experienced a heavy snowfall on Tuesday, followed by heavy rain, but Thursday dawned fine so I trekked down the ridge towards the river.
The Waoihine was running clear but two feet higher than normal. Most crossings were chest deep and I had to swim through three gorges. By early afternoon my legs had turned blue from the cold and had started to seize up. By 3.00 pm I was only halfway to my destination and I was having trouble walking. I knew I had another three gorges to swim and realised I was
in big trouble - rain was forecast overnight.My decision to activate my Fastfind PLB was a
difficult one, as I had been a veteran deer culler in the area years ago. However, I realised I was not as young as I used to be and now was in a serious life threatening situation. It was the correct choice to activate and a relief I had the PLB with me. Within two-and-a-half hours a rescue helicopter arrived, piloted by someone I used to work with.
Thank you Bright Ideas for a brilliant bit of kit. You would be fool not to leave home without a Fastfind PLB because, no matter how experienced you are or well equipped, ‘it won’t happen to me’ - just might!
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Hamilton - new horizons for hunting and fishing
The first jet boats carved their way upstream in the mid 1950s, and it wasn’t long before hunters recognised their benefits. Jet boats opened up new hunting grounds, made old ones more accessible, and helped hunters return with their spoils, while also making the trip itself more adventurous.
And it’s not much different today - most jet boaters are also fishermen and hunters, combining their passion for river, rod, and rifle to best advantage in getting off the beaten track
and into the untamed wilderness. Some, like the late Harvey Taylor, took jet boat hunting to new heights when he installed powerful spotlights on the bow of his boat so he could hunt till dark and still get home safe for a cuppa.
There’s no question jet boats provide something more for hunters and fishermen - the only restriction is how far and deep the river runs.
The inReach is a two-way satellite communications system available in two models: the SE and the advanced Explorer. The SE is the basic two-way communicator whereas the Explorer has navigation and waypoint functions added, which are when hunting.
They are like a cross between a satellite phone, gps and personal locator beacon. Unlike a sat phone, you can’t talk to people but you can email or SMS individual or multiple people anywhere in the world. You can also activate an SOS in an emergency or send pre-programmed messages to selected people, or if your plans change, you can notify those concerned.
Selected people are also able to follow you via a feature called MapShare. Once you activate
’tracking’ on the unit, they can access your map at any time and follow your progress in real time on their computer or ipad. This has inherent safety potential, as well as peace of mind value for those at home. Should anything happen and you stop communicating, they can see on the map where you are. They can also see when and where you shoot animals, camp, stop for lunch or have a nanny nap.
Using the waypoint function you can mark wallow holes, animal sightings, campsites and so on. Because all your hunts are recorded and stored on your website, you have a reference for future hunts and also a visual record of where you travelled last time.
For more information contact Sean from Fluid Electronics Ltd.
inTouch with inReach
K-2 Hunter Pack ROAR READY
With spring meat hunts in mind, now is the time to upgrade that old pack and get one specifically designed for Kiwi conditions and workload: the K-2 Hunter Pack.
It is the only pack designed to support extra weight of meat without affecting comfort or its strength, with its heavy duty canvas construction and external frame for structural support and long distance comfort. Another design feature is the detachable 10 litre daypack, which is great for fly camping or to split the meat load with a mate. Unique 4.5l pockets take some filling, or can be zipped away flat against the pack when not required.
Of appeal to hunters will be the butt and hook for carrying the rifle.
Now available in olive/Brunswick green contrast.
Locally made for local conditions, the K-2 Hunter series comes with five-year guarantee.
www.k-2antarcticproducts.co.nz
HUNTING NEWS - MARCH 20165 www.thefishingpaper.co.nz
Roar20 16
It was one of those rainy, shitty days you’d rather be anywhere else than bashing through scrub and muck in search of animals that might well have been ghosts. But rewards often come with hard yards and hunting is kind to those who keep grafting, so we knuckled down and trudged on.
I was hunting with Darin Fledeldey in the Lindis Pass region for a good fallow buck to put on the wall and, while it was the rut, things were eerily quiet and there wasn’t a croak to be heard. Nothing in its right mind would be out on a day like this. The only compensation was that we were both dressed in Kuiu gear, so were dry and comfortable underneath.
The rain, wet, and mist were such that we even struggled with our optics, but on we climbed. A couple of drenched does were all that we spotted for our efforts and by mid afternoon,
success was a shaky concept. Then we jumped a buck in the scrub and it bolted, clearly trying to put distance between us; it was heading steeply downhill, making for a tight gully. The window of opportunity was a gap in the scrub 150m away so we had to make a quick assessment on the hoof: the head had character and on top of the nightmare we had to go to to get this far, it amounted to a fair trophy.
Darin was good for the money and the .300 WSM dropped the fallow buck cleanly. It was a satisfying moment because many factors had attributed to success in trying conditions. Having quality rain gear and hunting clobber is not to be underestimated in shitty situations such as this: we were kept dry and comfortable in the Kuiu so that we were able to perform when it counted.
the stag may lose interest and shut up or, if it’s
afternoon, you’ll run out of daylight.
The distance between you and the stag is only
critical within the last 150 metres. Beyond that,
you can be an elephant with leopard’s legs - with
the focus on the legs.
Once you’ve closed the gap, be quiet and have
your wits about you. Factor in that thing that
will decide the outcome of over 80% of your
bush-hunts - the wind!
As you approach, give the odd roar to keep
his interest up. Once within 150 metres, and in
a good viewing position, give a roar, just t loud
enough to be sure he can hear you. This is the
most exciting moment - the moment he’ll come
in for a look... if you’re lucky.
Don’t assume he’ll come straight to you. He
may skirt around to your side, trying to get your
wind. Give the odd roar as he approaches, just to
keep him heading in the right direction.
If he stays put and you are with a mate, one
stay back, giving the odd roar, while the other
makes a careful approach. Once again, take
plenty of care, the stag will know you’re coming
and he may be hard to spot if he’s stationary.
- Clyde Graf
Bucking the hard yardsShaun Allison
kuiustory
HUNTING NEWS - MARCH 20166 www.thefishingpaper.co.nz
HUNTING NEWS - MARCH 20167 www.thefishingpaper.co.nz
Roar20 16
FORM AND FUNCTION:The new Panamax 3 - 9x40 is compact,
lightweight, and ergonomically designed to be more user friendly than many slimline models, marking an improvement in form and function.
While looking modern and aesthetically pleasing, I was impressed with the functionality above all. The ocular lens and eyepiece has a large-grip, easy turn focus wheel that has good range, and very useful for us ‘older’ hunters. Focus on the reticle was precise and crisp.
The power ring is also large, slip resistant, and easy to turn. Again for the ‘older’ hunter here, is the very large type on the magnification numbers - excellent for quick reference in the field and avoids frustration of low light conditions, or when needing to adjust for hasty shots. Be wary though, it operates opposite to some models like Leopold, turning clockwise for lower magnification like Swarovski, and anti-clockwise for increased magnification. You need to be aware of this if interchanging brands of scopes.
The adjustment turrets similarly have large-grip easy-turn caps, and the elevation/windage turrets are clearly marked, raised, and beveled with with crosshatch grip for easy finger purchase: really nice to use and more practical than the old coin slots. The Panamax operates on the standard 1/4 MOA adjustment, rather than the European 1/3, so will be familiar with most Kiwi day-to-day hunters.
MOUNTING CONSIDERATIONS:The compact, ergonomical design comes with
some compromises. The large ocular housing requires high scope mounts to clear the bolt action - at least on my rifles - so check this before mounting. When mounted with low mounts the positioning was fine in relation to the eye, but the
bolt couldn’t travel back when open. It’s not a big issue - just something to be aware of.
The short, compact design when combined with the long taper the objective bell creates a shorter 1 inch tube, so affords less range in adjusting for eye relief, which means you need to be careful when positioning the rings on the scope so you don’t risk crimping the flaring. This means the Panamax 3 - 9x40 is ideal for air rifles, rimfires, and short action centrefire rifles, but can be challenging to mount on some long action models, like my old classic BRNO 7mm. I tend to prefer my scopes mounted further back than many.
The good news is that Nikko Stirling is about to release the Diamond Long Range series of scopes to accommodate long action and magnum calibre.
HALF MIL DOT RETICLEThe Mil Dot was originally developed as a range
estimating reticle for the military, but with modern range finders and range finder binoculars, its practical use for rec hunters is likely to be negligible. However, Half Mil Dots can also be used for determining holdover over ranges beyond your point of zero and hold off for windage, but that requires an understanding of the ballistics of your rifle and practise so you can be accurate in the field.
The addition of this reticle does widen the application of this nifty little unit and put it in a class above its price bracket: suitable for day-to-day hunting, small game shooter, advanced hunter, ballistic enthusiast, distance shooter, pest control and target shooter.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:A delightful compact yet rugged scope that will
tick a lot of boxes for a wide range of Kiwi hunters. Top of the list is good ergonomics, stylish lines, versatility, and superb functionality. The optics are clear, crisp, and the field of view very good. At a recommended retail price of $249.00, the Nikko Stirling Panamax 3 - 9x40 certainly raises the bar, punches above its weight, and is guaranteed to be popular with Kiwi hunters.
OVERVIEW: The new 1 inch Panamax 3 - 9x40 scope is rated for centrefire, rimfire and airguns, and the
magnification range is possibly the most popular for our wide-ranging New Zealand conditions, covering most general purpose hunting situations. Its specs state that it’s waterproof, shockproof, nitrogen filled, and has multicoated lens, and it features a Half Mil Dot reticle. It also boasts improved field of view, claiming up to 20% more than conventional 1 inch scopes. And it comes with elasticated transparent scope covers, plus a micro cleaning cloth.
It is part of the Panamax family that has a range of models up to the 4.5-14x50 AO IR.
HUNTING NEWS - MARCH 20168 www.thefishingpaper.co.nz
Roar20 16
Optically Speaking - with Ant Corke
Three good reasons to own a Pulsar Thermal Imager
The Roar is almost upon us and now is the time to check equipment, plan hunting trips, and buy that new bit of kit to help to get that trophy head and fill the freezer.
That’s the plan. However, it must also be remembered that this time of year has more shooting related accidents than any other, and these accidents can be, and should be avoidable. The problem seems to be the creativity and resourcefulness of the human brain, which has the capacity to fill in the missing pieces of a fragmented image.
When bush stalking, the image we see is frequently fragmented by foliage and bright dappled sunlight, where motion can be detected but identification difficult. Daylight optics are proven to be ineffective because most accidental shootings are taken through a riflescope. So reason number one for owning a Pulsar thermal imager is SAFETY. A Pulsar Quantum monocular or a Pulsar Apex thermal riflesight will produce an image with far more critical information.
Safety is an important byproduct for owners of our thermal imagers, but he main reason our
customers buy is for spotting the animals in the first place. For the reasons mentioned above, a deer can be a hellishly difficult animal to spot when it stands motionless behind bushes and ferns. I may not be an expert bush stalker, but I am an expert in spooking ‘invisible’ deer. With a Pulsar Thermal Imager, these deer stand-out like beacons! The Pulsar thermal is also great for spotting deer and pigs at distance. A growing number of older hunters buy our Pulsar Thermal Imagers so that they can scan hillsides, and identify the game rich areas before setting out on that uphill climb.
The third most common reason for purchasing a Pulsar Thermal Imager is for animal recovery. In the bush, a shot deer does not have to run too far to be difficult to find. This is especially true for bow hunting, but also holds true for rifle hunting. The Pulsar thermal will make blood trails look like fluorescent white paint, and animals lying dead in gullies and clumps of ferns are easily spotted.
See your local dealer for more information about the Pulsar range of thermal imaging optics, or visit www.yukonoptics.co.nz
advan
cedarch
ery.co.nz
AUCKLAND - 77A Mays Rd, Onehunga - 09 636 6359
In NELSON phone 0274 353 196 S
hop
ON
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Advanced Archery are New Zealand’s
specialists in Bow Hunting.
We have an extensive range of equipment and
an experienced team.
Excitement never wanes with Bow Hunting -
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Recapture the thrill and excitement of that fi rst hunt again & again
BOW HUNTING
Recapture the buzz of the huntDaryl Crimp
Want to recapture the thrill and excitement of that first successful hunt - again and again and again? Hundreds of hunters are doing just that by taking up bow hunting and many say the buzz just doesn’t abate. Close proximity hunting, stalking in close, and getting under the animal’s radar is adrenaline pumping stuff, and it’s within the realm of anyone, but it is a specialist discipline and requires expert help in setting up from the outset.
“It is critical that hunters get set up correctly and learn the basics from the onset, so we put in a lot of time pre point-of-sale,” says Carol Watson of Advanced Archery.
Before a bow and accessories are chosen, a bit of groundwork is required. Hunters are individuals and need to be measured and fitted to a bow, even at entry level. First up, eye dominance is established because this determines if a hunter will require a right or left-hand bow. It doesn’t always follow that a right-handed person will shoot a right-hand bow.
Draw length is also assessed, which requires some coaching in posture, stance and technique. To the layperson it may not seem a big issue, but it is important and can allow for fine-tuning as the hunter progresses.
Draw weight is next and dependent on age, strength, technique and the amount of adjustment available on the bow. It is important to find the right weight bracket for the individual, particularly when new to the sport, as they need scope to grow into the bow.
“We assess the draw weight so the lowest
setting is comfortable for the individual to draw without impacting on technique, while not being too easy either. We increase the draw weight as technique and bow fitness improve, to a weight you are comfortable with long term,” says Carol.
“It’s always important to ensure the bow can adjust to the draw length and weight required, but even more so for teenagers who need a bow that can adjust as they grow. There are fantastic models available now that a teenager will never outgrow, in draw length or draw weight.”
Carol says many don’t realise the subtleties involved and can come unstuck when buying sight unseen online. An incorrectly matched bow can lead to bad technique, poor performance, low success, frustration, and end up an expensive exercise.
For more information on getting into bow hunting, contact your nearest Advanced Archery shop.
Next month: Advanced Archery’s strategy for buying right!
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 201617
• Three year warranty
• Dealer network
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Parsun have a range of four stroke specials
F6 from $1799 now $1599F9.8 from $2899 now $2699F20 from $3695 now $3495
www.outboard-motors.co.nz for a dealer in your area or call us on 06 759 1990 to � nd your local dealer
Presents
Pacific entrepreneur and fish behaviouralist, Avi Mareea Rubin, has a simple philosophy on life - don’t worry, be happy - and it is rare to find him without a smile on his face. When the Bobby McFerrin hit song of the same name came out, he played it continuously, which prompted him to make a startling scientific discovery - fish moods are aff ected by music.Avi lives on Niue Island where he runs the famous Kai Ika Japanese restaurant, rents luxury villas, operates a commercial fishing
venture, and talks to mangoes. When fishing from his outrigger one day, Avi was playing ‘Don’t worry, be happy’ on his ghetto blaster and noticed that he caught heaps of fish, and that the fish were actually extremely happy about it. It sparked an idea and led him to research the eff ect of music on fish. With specially modified underwater speakers - he put his boom box in a plastic bag - he played a variety of music and discovered that not only were fish attracted to diff erent artists, but certain songs relaxed the fish and eliminated the need to
iki them and chill them on ice.Mahi mahi like ACDC, tuna go nuts over Tina Turner, wahoo are definite Rolling Stones fans, and reef fish like Bob Marley.“Reefers are definitely into reggae,” says Avi.All fish served in his restaurant were caught listening to Taylor Swift , because Avi thinks she really gets the juices flowing.His favourite read is The Fishing Paper because he can tell all the fish died happy. A little mango told him!
TFP TRAVELS
At World Travellers Mondo we’re passionate about travel and are avid travellers ourselves. If there’s somewhere in the world you’d like to go, chances are
one of our team has been there and can share their knowledge and personal experience with you - making the world of diff erence when it comes to booking
your next holiday.
World Travellers - Mondo Motueka • www.worldtravellers.co.nzCall: 03 528 1550 - Visit 183, High Street, Motueka
Avi Mareea popular with fish
Avi and his mangoes both enjoy the paper.
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Dive HQ are your SCUBA professionals. We are New Zealand’s leading retailer for diving, snorkelling and spearfi shing products. We provide PADI diver training from the PADI Open Water Diver Course through to becoming a professional SCUBA Diving Instructor. All of our stores are PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centres, off ering the highest standard of diver training.
We speak SCUBA, spearfi shing and snorkelling so call in to your closest Dive HQ store, our staff have the knowledge and expertise to help you fi nd the right products that will enhance your experience in the water because “we are the underwater experts”.
Learning to dive is fun and gives you a great sense of adventure and achievement. At Dive HQ, we have courses for beginners, right through to instructor level. Come experience the excitement of taking your fi rst breath underwater!
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Perch are a sports fish on your fishing licence and they are a neglected species by many anglers. Perch have been historically introduced to many waters and are widespread throughout both islands.
A handsome fish, with its red fins, olive green flanks, bold black stripes and spiny dorsal, perch have been recorded up to 4kgs in New Zealand although in most waters a 2kg fish is a good one. They share many waters with trout and like trout they are active predators, feeding on fry, smelt, whitebait and other not so small fish, as they possess large mouths. They also predate on aquatic insects like dragon and damsel fly larvae.
For this reason they can be caught on much the same tackle as trout, particularly small spinning lures such as Veltic and Mepps blade spinners, which they have a weakness for. They love worms and a good way to fish is with a worm suspended under a float. As they are often found in mid-water, there is no need to fish hard on the bottom for them. I have caught them on a fly rod using feathered lures. A red bodied Mrs Simpson showing the red body works well.
They don’t fight as hard as trout, making shorter runs and dashes from side to side and they don’t jump but are still a lot of fun to catch and a great way to introduce children to fishing.
Waters in Canterbury, which hold perch, are in the lowlands Lake Ellesmere and its tributaries, Lake Forsyth and tributaries, the Kaiopoi lakes and probably others I’m not aware of.
In the mountains, the Ashburton lakes, Emma, Roundabout and Clearwater hold large fish. On the West Coast Lake Mahinapua and its outlet has good numbers. Lake Waihola near Dunedin and Lake Hayes, have large populations too.
Perch are generally more active in low light conditions like morning and evening but also on cloudy, cool days. They are more commonly found in slow flowing and still waters and like to hang around or under structure like willow roots, raupo, or man-made cover.
My best catch of perch back in England was taken next to an old sunken rowing boat. Where you find one fish you will likely find more as they are a shoal fish. As they grow larger they tend to be in twos or threes, or even solitary.
Another reason to try your hand at perch fishing is their eating qualities. I’m not exaggerating when I compare them to blue cod. They have firm white flesh and can be cooked many ways. My favourite is to fillet them, do this from the tail as it is far easier to cut through their tough scales and then skin them. Season with salt and lemon pepper, or seasoning of your choice, then dip in flour, egg and coat them in a mixture of bread crumbs and rolled oats or chopped nuts or crushed cornflakes. Finally shallow fry in oil or butter, or if you prefer deep fry them.
To find waters holding perch and to check out bag limits, contact your local Fish & Game office for more information.
Happy perch hunting.
Neglected perch beckons you Grant Holmes
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 201618
Kayaking with Chris WestUnderstanding Waterproof
...everything you need for kayaking
KAYAKS ACCESSORIES ROOF RACKS LESSONS
Range of demo kayaks - try before you buy
www.kayakhq.co.nz3 Duncan St, Port Nelson Phone: 539 4181
When we go kayaking we may get wet. Let me rephrase that… when we go kayaking, we will get wet. The question is, “how wet?” At the very least, some drips from our paddle blades will land on us. Or, we may capsize and get much wetter. The same goes for our gear. We do not know how wet it will get, so we need to ensure it can cope with whatever happens.
If you carry any electronic devices you need to ensure that they will not be damaged if they get wet. Some devices are waterproof, but the level of waterproofness can vary between device. The IP (Ingress Protection) rating gives an idea of how well something keeps out solids and/or liquids. Ratings are given in a format such as IP67, or IPX8. The first number (or an X if it is not tested) shows how well it keeps out solids (such as dust), while the second number is how well it resists liquids.
For paddle sports we are more concerned with the second number, which shows how well the device keeps water out. Any device that has a rating from 0-6 will not be suited to use where the device could end up in with water. A rating of 7 shows the device has been tested for 30min at a depth of 1m and will not let water in under these conditions. Any device carrying a rating of 8 is suitable for continuous immersion, to a depth specified by the manufacturer. Before taking a device on the water look at the rating it has been given. We want an IPX7, IPX8, IP67 or IP68 rating.
Having a device that is suitable for use around
the water is great, but what about devices that are not tested for waterproofness? The solution is an easy one. There are plenty of waterproof cases available that have a suitable IP rating. Place your phone, camera, GPS or radio into one of these cases and it will stay dry, regardless of how you wet you get. Some cases are ‘soft cases’ and these use a closure that securely locks closed to keep water out. You may be able to operate your device when it is in a soft case. These are a great option for phones. The other option are ‘hard cases’ and these, as the name suggests, are made from hard plastic. A hinged lid can be locked shut using a series of latches and when shut, an ‘O’ ring seals the lid and the base. Hard cases are the best option when you want to carry a device that you don’t need to access while on the water and that requires additional protection from shock or crushing.
Keeping your device in a case can be a good idea, even if the device is waterproof. Some parts may become damaged and stop working if they are around salt water too often. An example is the volume knob on a VHF radio. Too much spray and splash can cause salt build up, and over time the knob will become harder and harder to turn. Keeping it in a case will prevent the saltwater from reaching the knob and your radio will remain in working order.
Many electronic devices are expensive to buy, so keeping them from being damaged is worthwhile. More importantly, we may be carrying a device to increase our safety, so we need to ensure it will work if we ever need it.
Every second year my partner and I like to get away from home over Christmas to get a complete break, mostly to Aussie. On a tighter budget this year we decided on close to home. I booked a motel in Golden Bay from Boxing Day. I didn’t realise that Wildcat Charters operated from there at Pohara. The units were comfortable and reasonably priced (only 200 metres from the beach) and the owners, Leigh and Michelle Kelly, were very friendly. By chance, Leigh had a spare spot for one person for the following morning’s charter.
At 7.00am six clients, a crewman (Chris), and Leigh headed out of Tarakohe in Leigh’s 10 metre Senator driven by twin 225hp Yamaha motors. We glided over the glassy waters of Golden Bay and dropped two long lines of 25 hooks each 2km offshore – it was a magical morning with a vista from Farewell Spit lighthouse to Separation Point. The clients, three from Europe, three Kiwis and the crew were all in good spirits as we headed for Separation Point. As we drifted, pulling a drogue to lessen drift, we soon caught sea perch, gurnard and some blue cod, one over 40cm. Leigh and
Chris bled the fish and packed them in ice. A short break of teas, coffee and biscuits was welcomed by all. Meanwhile my line screamed and l knew I had a sizeable fish on – hoping for a decent snapper, it turned out to be a sizeable greyboy shark. Leigh promptly filleted it, as they are great eating with no bones. We continued to fish until just after mid day, catching our cod quota.
With the sea still flat and only the faintest of breezes, the Senator sped over to the long lines. Unfortunately there were a lot of sand sharks, but we did score four nice sized snapper. Back at Tarakohe wharf it was a delight to see Leigh fillet the fish with such skill. All clients ended up with several kilos of beautifully processed fish caught on a near perfect Golden Bay day.
The following morning, an early lap with Golden Bay Air around the Bay and Abel Tasman was the icing on the cake. My partner and l flew in a four-seater Cessna, flying low over some favourite places: spots I have surfcasted, whitebaited, trout fished, hunted and tramped over 45 years. So with all our travels, this proves our part of the world is hard to beat.
Golden momentsLou Franklin
Sahne Hering from Germany cannot believe the size of her Wildcat cod.
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 201619
There are crisp and there are crisps… then there are Proper Crisps. What sets them apart from other brands? Where do I start?
Proper Crisps are hand-cooked kettle crisps that became so popular after being founded in 2007, they are now New Zealand’s fastest growing snack company. Their success can be attributed their amazing flavour, sunburst colour, and incredible crunch, which comes from uncompromising quality control and attention to detail, from seed to customer satisfaction.
Proper Crisps use agria potatoes, recognised as the finest in taste, colour, and texture, and they know the provenance of every crisp. Potatoes are sourced from Simon, the same third generation South Island Temuka farmer Proper Crisps have worked with since they started, and Jason, who has a farm in Pukekohe. Being on first name basis with the suppliers and working closely with them ensures their farming practices meet Proper Crisps exacting standards.
The potatoes are hand-sorted, sliced to uniform thickness, then cooked and hand-stirred in small batches for the optimum time to achieve their trademark consistency. Like grapes, potatoes differ in sugar and starch levels from crop to crop, area to area, or even the location in the field, so hand-cooking means each batch can be adjusted to attain maximum flavour, texture, and crunch.
Only the best quality imported sunflower oil is used: high in unsaturated fat, low in saturated fat, and no trans fat. And the crisps are lightly seasoned with the finest Marlborough Sea Salt. Proper Crisps are 100% natural, gluten, dairy, and GMO free, and vegan friendly with no added MSG - making them the healthy choice.
Aside from delicious flavours like Marlborough Sea Salt, Rosemary and Thyme, Sweet Smoked Paprika, and Apple Cider Vinegar, Proper Crisps are now into root vegetables: parsnip and kumara. Both the
Proper Kumara Crisps and Proper Parsnip Crisps (out to all stores in April) are favourites in our house.
Perfect for the bach, boat, barbeque, and beyond
Not only are Proper Crisps the ideal snack to take away for the long weekend, but they are so versatile too. You never need be short of ingredients in the pantry as long as you have plenty of Proper Crisps on hand. Try out some of these recipe ideas when you are relaxing over the long weekend, in the boat, on the hunt, or just kicking back:
Proper Crisp Butties - between two fat slices of res bread spread with mayo, crushed and used to replace breadcrumbs when frying fish, scallops and oysters, any flavour Proper Crisps lightly crumbed and used to top the fish pie, Proper Parsnip Crisps and Kumara Crisps used to replace croutons in a Caesar Salad to give it that flavour crunch, and as a topping to your favourite seafood.
In fact, if you create a recipe for Proper Crisps I haven’t thought of, send it in and I’ll publish it.
Proper Crisps proper goodDaryl Crimp
This is an excellent way to make a few paua go a long way. It is a delicate dish with a lovely velvety French-style sauce that is both suitable for entrée and main.
• 2-3 paua
• White fish fillet (1 third the quantity of paua)
• 1 tbsp sour cream
• 2 tsp chilli sauce
• Zest from 1 medium lemon
• 1 free-range egg
• 3 sprigs thyme, parsley or chives (optional)
• Salt & pepper
Combine fish and paua in food processor and whiz until blended to desired consistency – coarse or smooth.
Add cream, chilli, herbs, lemon zest and egg and combine.
Season to taste.
Dollup a couple of spoonfuls onto a rectangle of cling film and roll to make a sausage shape – tie the ends of the cling film to seal. Make at least four and place in fridge for 30 minutes to set.
Poach sausages gently for 10 minutes and remove wrap. Slice into medallions for serving.
Lemon Caper Velouté Sauce
• 1 litre fish stock (room temp or slightly warmed)
• 75g butter
• 75g plain flour
• 1-2 tbsp capers
• Zest of a lemon
• Juice of a lemon
• Salt & pepper to taste
Melt butter until foaming in pan over moderate heat and stir in flour.
Stir until it goes grainy and just starts to change colour to a nutty tone. This is called a roux. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a couple of minutes.
Stir a third of the warmed stock into the roux so it combines smoothly and gradually stir in the remaining stock whilst the pan is back over the heat.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add remaining ingredients and cook a further five minutes.
Arrange medallions on a plate, drizzle over sauce, and garnish with Proper Parsnip Crisps. Sensational!
Paua Sausage with Lemon Caper Velouté Sauce COOKING
with CRIMPY
The perfect recipe for a successful fishing trip!
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 201620
Spearfishing has been ‘patchy’ over the summer. Just as the water was starting to clear towards the end of January, the storms that came through stirred things up again. Can’t really complain about the weather though, it is what it is.
Keen local spearos are still doing kayak or dinghy dives around Pepin Island close to Nelson and usually come home with a feed. There are a number of crayfish spot Xs around the island that are usually uninhabited but the regular divers will check out a dozen or so spots and chances are they will get a crayfish for dinner. There are usually a few blue moki cruising about although not always takeable size. Tarakihi are always great to see on local trips, again not usually very big but we’re hunting to satisfy the tummy here, not the ego; even so, a legal size tarakihi is barely worth filleting.
That’s one of the advantages of spearfishing: there is no ‘catch and release’, there is no ‘bycatch’, no ‘collateral damage’ - if we don’t
see a reasonable size fish, we don’t shoot it. One of the interesting things about local diving is that spearos are aware that this is our back doorstep and while there should be plenty of fish in places like Cable Bay and every rock should have crayfish under it, that’s not the way it is; every fish taken is ‘hard won’. I know most of the guys I have spoken to have occasional (yes, fleeting) doubts as to whether they should be doing this at all. That’s the reason the local marine reserves received so much support from the underwater community, we can see the need.
One of the biggest problems facing fisheries management is the mortality rate of fish that have been caught and returned to the water, it’s very hard to estimate but I’ve swum under boats with experienced fishos on board and seen the dead fish on the bottom. So what’s the answer? Short of everyone taking up spearfishing, keep honing your fishing skills, read The Fishing Paper and get those little fish back in the water ASAP.
Streaming TroutDavid Turner
On all my road trips I always take my rod and reel packed in the boot. Golf clubs tend to take up too much room! On this particular road trip to Christchurch I decided to take a peek in some of the lesser known streams that empty into the ocean along the way. As you would expect, some are barren but I spotted this beauty in a small stream not far from the main road. It was the middle of the day and he was feeding so I had several attempts with a variety of offerings. Nothing remotely interested him and although he kept feeding,
I was pretty sure he was on to me. Ever the optimist, I didn’t give up. The
bottom of this stream was a bit muddy so I had one last go with an artificial blood worm and, to my surprise, he drifted straight to it and grabbed it. He was a decent sized fish for a stream that most people would drive straight past.
I urge readers not to neglect what the smaller waterways this country have to offer, because big fellas like this often lurk in the most unexpected places.
Going local Mark Roden
Living in Mosgiel, I have
ready access to some great
freshwater fishing and will
be out flicking a line most
nights. A recent evening on
the banks of the Taieri River
with Michael Duncan and Dylan Booth resulted in a surprise catch that should have featured on the X-Files. A trout morphed into a monster perch - well, it was a monster for the Taieri because the place does take a thrashing.
I knew big perch did haunt its waters but trout were our target species and soft baits were our modus operandi; the Berkley Powerbaits being my weapon of choice on these southern waters - the trout just smash them, particularly those little brown soft baits. However, it does take a bit of skill and the correct technique to achieve consistent success.
Dylan was first on the leader board with a nice 3lb brown trout taken on a well-presented Berkley Powerbait.
Then my line came up tight, water boiled, and line peeled off. I straight away called it as a good trout because it was taking line hard and I played it accordingly. Then a flash of colour and a fin: olive green, tinge of orange and sail-like dorsal. The trout had morphed into a solid perch of two-and-a-half pound; big for the Taieri and my PB.
I enjoy my fishing so much, I would like to share my knowledge on soft bait techniques for local rivers, so contact me on 027 935 5971 if you’d like some tuition.
Taieri X-FilesScott Olsen
on
Join the
&
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 201621
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An incident one evening on a West Coast beach demonstrated what a stand-out the beautiful pearly white with black trim Abu Garcia Veritas 14’ 6” surf rod is. I was rebaiting rod number one and foolishly had my back towards rod number two, the Veritas. I heard a call from Craig Thin, the only other fisherman on the beach and 300 metres south of me and looked up to see him giving an impression of a rod bending over!
Sure enough, when I spun around the gleaming white Veritas was responding markedly to the head shake of a big fish. Against the backdrop of evening clouds and the West Coast bush, Craig had seen all the action on the rod from a great distance. With its pearly white glow and black bindings plus generous cover of Hypalon from the reel seat to the butt, this rod needs no further pimping.
Abu Garcia have certainly put the latest technology into this unit to produce an ultra-light rod of ideal length for most surfcasters and hugely strong. Low rider Fuji guides incorporate the latest development in this field to maximise casting distance by reducing line friction. These three-piece rods come with a durable orange bag, a good idea as the low rider rings/guides ‘on stalks’ could be vulnerable to damage if left unprotected during carriage.
The rod is certainly outstanding. Extremely light in the hands for casting and delivering a smooth action to propel the payload, absolutely super on the retrieve, giving the fisher the feeling of complete control over the hooked fish and standing out in the crowd in both the looks and performance departments. It also gives top value for money to surfcasters.
Paired with a Penn SSV7500LC reel, whose golden and black hues complement the stark black and white of the rod, I found the unit an absolute pleasure to fish with and one I totally recommend. This model Penn reel developed for the long cast, smooth retrieve and reliability is a winner with its numerous advanced features and proven tough Penn components. The action of
winding in fish on this gear is pure physical pleasure.
The reel was top-shot with a 300m spool of Spiderwire Blue Camo-braid and has many attributes to make it ideal for West Coast surfcasting. It’s easy to see
the camo braid against the skyline, response to current drift is minimal and casting distance is upped considerably. The 300m spool is a really convenient size for top-shotting.
It was a pleasure to pull this snapper in on the Veritas rod, Penn reel and Spiderwire Blue-camo braid.
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www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 201623
As a kid I’d often catch myself gazing up at the huge salmon on ‘Grandy’s’ wall. To a ten-year-old it was massive and it lit a spark that would smoulder for years. My grandfather was big in my eyes as well and I looked up to him even when I’d grown as tall as I ever would. Kevin Lynch was an avid angler and well respected in the salmon fraternity, but he was ‘Grandy’ to me and life was never better than when I was his shadow.
Like many a youngster, I was introduced to fishing by my ‘Grandy’; not salmon but the local lakes for trout. Perhaps the river was too dangerous a place for a little chap but, never-the-less, time on the water with ‘Grandy’ was gold.
I drifted away from fishing for a time, as you do, but a couple of years ago got right into my salmon angling. I’m
not one for crowds so prefer to seek the solitude of upriver fishing - perhaps it’s a legacy of those private moments with my grandfather so many years ago. He passed away recently but sometimes I sense that he now shadows me as I walk the river hunting out good water. He’s probably checking to see if I will fulfil my goal: just before he died I looked at that huge 33lb salmon he’d taken way back in ’83 and said, “Grandy, my aim is to catch one the same size and have them mounted on the wall side by side!”
As a reminder of time spent together.My second salmon for this season was a new PB - a well
conditioned 13.5lb fish with a lovely metallic sheen.Still… big shoes Grandy!
Big shoes Grandy!Eddie Pearson
Eddie still has a long way to go to catch Grandy.
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Cheviot’s international man
of mystery Robert Hope
Local Cheviot identity, Jim Forbes, is one of the rural community’s larger than life characters and a man of many talents.
He regularly travels internationally to Australia where he does the cabaret circuit performing his one-man show, “Donald Trump can’t spend it like I can!”
Jim works for the Cheviot Council as a rubber adhesion technician and is currently working on ways to transfer rubber from vehicles to tarseal with less friction. He is one of the most traveled Cheviot residents and has been known to drive huge distances to work and back between lunch and smoko.
He thinks nothing of driving to Nelson in search of snapper and, on a recent trip, accidentally found one - a nice 22b pannie.
He is on the Forbes Rich List, and rumoured to be Cheviot’s richest Lotto Thousandaire!
Jim during a recent lunch break in Nelson.
WHEN CAN I PUT THE HAMMER DOWN?
www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz
Entering the marina, slow down from the safe water mark (red
and white striped pole) and be at walking speed by the next beacon.
No vessels may exceed 5 knots (walking speed)within 50m of another vessel or person in the water any time.Not within 200 metres of the shore, any structure and vessel displaying a dive fl ag.(subject to the above)The Harbour Master allows any vessel to travel at a safe speed greater than 5 knots within 100m of the red beacons.
The Region’s Gateway to the World
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 201624
McCashin’s Brewery & Motueka RSA Fishing Club Contest
Friday 18th, Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th March 2016
Entry forms $25 Adults and $5 Juniors Available from: Motueka RSA, Coppins Outdoors, Stirling Sports Motueka, Hunting & Fishing Richmond, McCashin’s Brewery, River Inn Takaka and www.thefi shingpaper.co.nz
AWESOME PRIZE POOL$ 1000 cash for heaviest snapper guaranteed$ 500 cash, vouchers or prize for fi rst in all other adult categories$ 400 for snapper average weightPanasonic 40” LED TV donated by Betta ElectricalPrizes for places 2nd to 6th all categoriesMajor spot prizes for adults and juniors
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
Proceeds of the fi sh
auction are donated to
the Nelson Marine Radio
KIDS & ADULT
CATEGORIES
A GREAT FAMILY FUN DAY - SEE YOU THERE
COARSE FISHINGDave Dixon
Trans-Tasman Coarse Fishing Champs
The annual New Zealand v Australia coarse fishing championship returned to Lake Rotokahatu in Christchurch last month with hopes of much better fishing than the disastrous event staged in 2012. Only 20 per cent of anglers failed to catch and the average return for those
that did was just four fish over the two days of competition!
All the locals know the venue is capable of producing huge bags of tench, with match weights in excess of 100lbs recorded regularly for the past three years
but no-one was quite sure how it would respond with its banks fully lined with anglers. This time the organisers were grateful to gain permission from the jet ski club to use their water adjacent to the main fishing lake and with angling pressure reduced, the fish fed confidently.
Top weight on the first day went to in-form local rod and event organiser Steve Gaskell, who weighed-in 81lb from Peg 34 in the corner of the main lake. Aucklander Matt Sellen netted 51lb from hot Peg 9 to win the opposite section and top Christchurch angler Gary Dallimore (56lb) and I (47lb) took out the two sections on the jet ski lake to make it a clean sweep for the Kiwis.
All anglers swapped lakes for the second day. My draw of Peg 17 on the main lake was not too bad but it was at the opposite end from where I wanted to be. What’s more, Gary Dallimore had drawn Peg 10 in the same section and was much closer to where most of the fish had been coming from. The fishing was a little harder for most people and I found bites were very tentative with a number of fish dropping off the hook indicating they were not feeding with enthusiasm. The word along the bank was no-one had caught much in our section but Gary was finding the odd fish at long intervals, as I was.
With a couple of hours to go, we were both changing tactics around trying to
spark the fish into life. I had a run of six in a row after another helping of groundbait but then they were gone again. Gary switched his approach completely and had a good last two hours but in typical style wasn’t admitting to a big catch. When the weigh net arrived I was reasonably satisfied to heave 41lb onto the scales and Gary smacked me on the back in congratulations. However, as he dragged his own keep net from the water I could see it was no contest and he smashed the section with 59lb! His total of two section points also saw Gary take out the individual competition leaving me as runner-up in this event for the third time. Elsewhere, Cantabrian Dean Sole had caught well late in the match to record a top weight of 88lb from the jet ski lake, with the other sections won by another local angler Tony Cooper and Dave Russell from Auckland. The team championship was decided by adding the section points from all anglers, New Zealand absolutely romping it by 66 points to 124.
For interest, the total weight of fish was also calculated with an astonishing 1582lbs of tench recorded by the 30 anglers over the two days. A massive improvement on the measly 173lb total four years ago. The venue had well and truly redeemed itself!
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FISH ON!
“Aargh - What you mean you got white anti-foul paint? The fish will think you’re an orca - they will never come near you.”
Well, Sunday morning of Waitangi Weekend we headed out from our anchorage, Adele Island. The sea was a bit lumpy but we were keen to see if there were any snapper about. We had fresh mussels for bait plus a couple of containers of GULP! plastic baits.
I had been keen to get the plastics working and equipped with a new soft bait rod, a self Christmas prezzy, so I cast out a Nuclear Chicken. I reckon the soft bait was about half-way to bottom, and bang - got one! After a short battle, I landed a nice 5Ib snapper. Two more casts and two more nice fish.
“Here Paul, you better have a go, it’s fun fishing with this light gear.”
And Paul too, landed a few more nice fish. Hell, I’d better get Tracey sorted with my old soft bait rod and, minutes later, her line was peeling out.
“Don’t panic, Trace, let the fish run a bit,” I instructed. “Just bring it in quietly.”
Ten minutes later, Tracey landed her first ever snapper, about 6.5 pounds. She was stoked!
A couple more fish and we had enough. Good fun catching but they’ve got to be processed. I’m now into scaling the fish before filleting and find the fish tastes much better, as you get the oils from just under the skin.
We had enough to feed a few extra people about the anchorage at Adele Island.
See Mr Fish Whisperer, soft baits do work in Tasman Bay. Maybe you should try them down in Riverton.
Denis Crawford, aboard his yacht Juana.
Early to rise Sunday morning, the sun just breaking over the Nelson hills, the bell birds starting their morning songs. We snuck away from our neighbours, 30 boats with no sign of life behind Adele Island.
A short steam and we arrived at the ‘spot’, on the eastern side of Adele.
Not long and a bait is in the water; Denis used his usual soft plastic and within minutes a 5Iber was breakfast. He returned his ‘plastic’ to the water, with another instantly coming on board. Tracey and I, with not even a bite on the baits, quickly turn to light gear with two more Nuclear Chickens in the water.
Within half an hour, we had nine snapper on board.
Tracey was thrilled to not only catch her first snapper, but to catch them on light gear, and soft plastics proved that we can all do it.
I have had little success with plastics, the odd one here and there, but this day the snapper couldn’t get enough of them.
It was the best I have seen soft plastic work.Paul Webb
Two stories one tripSTORY
Denis and Tracey with the victims of a
nuclear fall out.
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 201625
CRAMAC 5
“I’m a fisherman - I’m a hunter-gatherer, that’s my job!”Geoff Basher is not a man of words and while his prosaic turn of phrase describes his trajectory through life,
it understates his contribution to the industry. It’s a story laced with irony and paradox: from a kid who left
school too early, to a man all too aware of his limitations but one who doesn’t suffer fools lightly, and a grafter
now navigating uncharted waters as chairman of CRAMAC 5. He spoke with Crimpy about...
“The pots were rough as guts - held together with a wing and a prayer!” says Geoff, who started fishing with the ‘old boys’ when he was seven.
Most hand-hauled the pots - back breaking work - but one innovative fisher used the back axle from a Standard 10, rigged upright at the stern of the boat with a handmade surge drum (capstan) attached to the hub, to haul his pots. It was powered from a belt to the boat motor.
Father Basher and coming to blows
Geoff escaped school to become a saw doctor in the family sawmill, HC Basher & Sons in Amberley, but it was short-lived because father and son ‘clashed’.
“I was deckie for Kevin Taylor during the holidays and only back at work two hours when the old man and I had a fight,” Geoff explains. “I thought, I’m 24 and over this shit!”
So he walked out and managed to score a full time job with Kevin, earning $50 a day plus 10 cents a kilo - good money in 1983.
“It was one of those ‘what if ?’ moments where you are not sure you’ve made the right decision for the family - going from a secure future to living in a bach with two little kids,
and having to make it on your own!”He did the only thing he knew
how - ‘worked bloody hard’ and had his inshore skipper’s ticket within two months of starting, so he was now able to share the load with his boss.
“The only trouble was getting Kev off the wheel!”
From the pub to banking on a plan
The opportunity to go solo arose when Geoff ’s uncle John, a commercial lobster man himself, decided to take over his brother-in-law’s pub, so Geoff bought him out.
“Uncle John left 25k in the business but I still had to borrow $30,000 from the bank,” Geoff reflects. “They wanted a fish plan and I didn’t have a clue so I just made one up!”
He basically told them what they wanted to hear: that he was going to make $75,000 a year!
“When you get to that stage, you just have to make it work!”
This was the era of high interest - 22.5%. He went home feeling sick to the stomach and sank into a chair and buried his head in his hands:
“What have I done?” I said to my wife, Kim. They were committed to $714 a month in interest before
passing go, but that’s where his trademark ‘bloody hard work’ paid off again. He turned over $76,000 in that first year and had paid off the entire loan in 22 months.
The perfect storm’s imperfection
From a 33-year career there are many highs and lows, but a stand out event was the storm of ’85, singly Geoff ’s worst experience.
“The storm lasted a week, buried 80% of our gear, smothered reefs, and wrecked the fishery!”
He said that crayfish had nowhere to hide and were caught in the open, so in the aftermath of the storm, catches were huge but after the brief boom, there was a collapse.
“By 1988 we were collecting sea slugs and scraping mussels off the rocks because we couldn’t afford bait,” Geoff says. “It was bloody tough - we had to catch 7kg of lobster to pay for the fuel and we were averaging five kilo a day - 20kg was a big day!”
But it was his hunter’s instinct that helped weather the hard years. When asked what makes a good lobster fisherman, Geoff struggled to find the words: much of what he does is intuitive.
“Being a hunter helps, learning to read the signs, and collective knowledge.”
Geoff says you see patterns over the years and learn to apply knowledge. For example, when the moon is coming up, he puts his pots on top of the rocks because the crays climb high.
“Good gear and good bait is essential,” he says. “If you use shitty stuff you get what you deserve!”
He reckons different baits also catch different fish, work differently in other areas, and believes you can even target females or males with different baits.
“We all fish differently but the successful ones are those who read the signs and make changes!”
CRAMAC a highlight and live fish a saviour
Then in the early 90’s, Daryl Sykes called a meeting at the White Heron in Christchurch with a view to setting up CRAMACs. A hundred commercial fishers turned up and Geoff put his hand up.
“The fishery went bad for a reason and something had to change - we couldn’t sustain a boom and bust system!”
Quota management came in and a lot of old fishers retired, making way for younger ones.
“Less pots in the water meant less pressure and it saved the fishery.”
Being in it for the long haul, Geoff and Kim invested in a new boat and good machinery, but it wasn’t always plain sailing; prices fluctuated and the fishermen didn’t always make good money - $5 - 6 a kilo.
The turn around came with the development of live export to Japan and later, China. But despite China still being an untapped market, Geoff believes the future of the New Zealand lobster industry lies in local management, increased efficiencies, and input from rec fishers and other users. Commercial fishers have taken a 50% cut in take from the original quota and have invested in understanding and managing the fishery better.
“In the first year of CRAMAC 5, I was in over my head but I stuck with
it and learned. I wanted to be on the ground floor and make change.”
Even if it involved reluctantly stepping into the role of chairman.
“We have come so far but we realise we can’’t manage the whole fishery alone - we need help from recreational!”
Why?Because the fishery is important - for
commercial fishers, for recreational users, for customary… and as a legacy to leave our grandchildren.
Geoff believes in the long haul: he and Kim are currently investing heavily in a new boat, equipped with the latest technology. It’s a far cry from the day he started with a lifejacket, no sounder, and 50 pots. But then he’s a commercial fisherman - it’s what he does.
Geoff ’s childhood was typical for the day: weekends and holidays at the family bach at Motunau, shooting rabbits, and roaming beaches and creeks. In those days, the settlement boasted seventeen ‘crayfishers’ grafting a living in old slow boats and running a string of fifty supplejack, wooden, or steel pots.
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www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 201626
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Kahawai are easily the most underrated sport fish we have in New Zealand and I love catching them. My weapon of choice is a 7ft 7” spinning rod with a matching Shimano spinning reel. Load with some 10kg braid and tie on a matching soft bait or spinner and you are in action.
On a recent visit to Hunting & Fishing in Colombo Street, Christchurch, I overheard some anglers complaining about the huge numbers of kahawai at local river mouths and it was virtually impossible to get a spinner to the salmon without a kahawai taking the lure. Sounded like heaven to me, so after work I loaded the quad onto the trailer and headed out with my light spinning gear.
Arriving at the car park, I rode the quad to where the river meets the sea and had a good look at what was going on. The actual river was dirty, which was creating a pocket of clear sea water, which was black with kahawai, even their tails were sticking out of the water. Even better I was the only one there, you bloody beauty! After rigging up I made my way to where the patch of clear water was and let rip with a pretty average cast.
Instant hook up and as usual
with a kahawai I got a great battle for the next 10 minutes before it was beached. Once despatched and bled, I went back to the same spot and within five casts was in again. This one was larger than the first and in excellent condition and as it was hooked in the tail I got the extra benefit of an extended fight. While a majority of the hook ups were in the mouth, there was a higher than normal rate of foul hooks due to the sheer numbers of fish. This just means more time fighting the fish, which in my books is all good.
Within another half hour I landed nine kahawai for the session, which was more than enough so I packed it in. Impending darkness also had a fair bit to do with my decision to go home! At home the kahawai were filleted and put in the smoker, the frames were kept for cray bait and the trimmings of red meat were bagged up for bait. It was a good feeling not to waste anything. It did mean I didn’t get to bed until after 11.00pm, which is a bit harsh on a week night!
Being a sucker for more punishment, it took very little persuading from my son Jack to give it another go the next night, so at 4.00pm we were heading out in the Hilux
full of anticipation. At the mouth we were on our own in front of a massive school of kahawai, which kept us entertained for the next two hours. Jack and I fished light gear all evening and had an absolute ball with battles
taking us up and down the beach at random. We could have fished all night but after landing 40 kahawai and deciding to keep 20, we had enough and headed for home to crank up the smoker and delight some work mates with
some fresh fish.
So there you have it, the
next time you are confronted
with too many kahawai,
change tactics and take some
for a spin on light tackle.
Kahawai for a spinMalcolm Halstead
Malcolm puts a new spin on kahawai fishing.
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• 7 days - Untouched paradise
• Untouched by commercialised tourism
• Cocktails with the High Commission
• Connect with the mighty humpback whales
• Abundant fi shing opportunities
• Crimpy cooks the catch
• Genuine island feast and village experience
• Snorkel in rock pools full of tropical fi sh
• Indulge yourself with cocktails as the sun
sets over this Pacifi c paradise
• Island walks and relaxation and much more
Escape the winter blues this year
TRIP 1TRIP 2
TRIP 3 NOW
SELLINGSpaces fi lling fast
BOOK NOW
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
www.thefishingpaper.co.nzTHE FISHING PAPER - MARCH 201627
DEEP SEA fishing charters out of NelsonOVERNIGHT trips - HUNTING trips
around d’Urville Island.We can take you anywhere in the Abel Tasman National Park!
$150 pp
CAMERA
HARDWARE
Fish fi lleting & smokingHOMEKILL - WILDGAME
Salamis & small goods our speciality
Ph Lindsay 03 544 6880 or 027 240 4979
HOMEKILL
MARINE MAINTENANCE
SCALLOP DREDGES
TANNING
FISHING GEAR
GUIDED FISHING
HOLIDAY PARK
Let us fi x your plumbing problem so you have more time for fi shing.
PLUMBING
PAINT
Plum TaxidermySpecializing In Head Mounts Of New Zealand Game Animals. Based in Nelson with 26 years experience. Professional service, 4 month turn around on your trophy and a competitive price. Contact Warren Plum at [email protected] or phone (03) 547 9143 for a quote, chance to discuss options and see examples of work.
TAXIDERMY
Outboard Covers & AccessoriesCustom made outboard covers to suit
each motor shape model & size.• Splash Covers are designed to be left on
when the motor is running. • Full covers for towing & storage. • Mooring covers for boats left in the water
