nz fisher - issue 51
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Love fishing? Subscribe to NZ Fisher, the free e-magazine for Kiwi fishing enthusiasts. www.nzfisher.co.nzTRANSCRIPT
www.nzfisher.co.nz 1
Matariki from the rocks.jpgwww.nzfisher.co.nz
Nymphing Czech
The Gateway To More Fish
Tow, tow, tow Your Boat
ISSUE 51 September 2015
H O N DA M A R I N E
M E R M A I D
Honda Marine New Zealand recognizes women as an important part of
fishing and boating. In dedication to the passionate fisher women of
New Zealand we have released the Honda Marine Mermaid to swim our
shores. Research has shown that female boating & fishing enthusiasts look for
the same traits in their outboard engine as they do in their partners: start first
time reliability, a high level of efficiency and extremely low noise emissions!
In recognition of the passion NZ women have for the local boating and fishing
scene, Honda Marine are backing the fairer sex in their pursuit of time out on
the water and that record trophy fish. Meet the Honda Marine Mermaid, joining
women afloat as they enjoy their piece of New Zealand’s coastline.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 3
4.. Editorial
8.. Czech Nymphing
14.. LegaSea Update
18.. Surfcasting: Surfcasting Taranaki’s Big Boulder Snapper
20.. Tow, tow, tow Your Boat
25.. Video of the Month
26.. Kuala Rompin
30.. Reader Pics
32.. Competiion
ABOUT /Short and sharp, NZ Fisher is a
free e-magazine delivering thought provoking and
enlightening articles, and industry news and
information to forward-thinking fisher people.
EDITOR / Derrick Paull
GROUP EDITOR / Colin Kennedy
ART DIRECTOR / Jodi Olsson
CONTENT ENQUIRIES /
Phone Derrick on 021 629 327
or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES /
Phone Derrick on 021 629 327
or email derrickp@NZ Fisher.co.nz
ADDRESS / NZ Fisher, PO Box 47794,
Ponsonby, Auckland 1011
WEBSITE / www.NZFisher.co.nz
This is a GREEN MAG, created and distributed without the use of paper so it's environ-mentally friendly. Please think
before you print. Thank you!
CONTENTS
Cover Images: Benjamin with a stunning Taupo rainbow - Czech nymphing kicks ass!
H O N DA M A R I N E
M E R M A I D
Honda Marine New Zealand recognizes women as an important part of
fishing and boating. In dedication to the passionate fisher women of
New Zealand we have released the Honda Marine Mermaid to swim our
shores. Research has shown that female boating & fishing enthusiasts look for
the same traits in their outboard engine as they do in their partners: start first
time reliability, a high level of efficiency and extremely low noise emissions!
In recognition of the passion NZ women have for the local boating and fishing
scene, Honda Marine are backing the fairer sex in their pursuit of time out on
the water and that record trophy fish. Meet the Honda Marine Mermaid, joining
women afloat as they enjoy their piece of New Zealand’s coastline.
4 www.nzfisher.co.nz
I’VE BEEN A MEMBER of many fishing
clubs, for many years. I love the
comradery of clubs and how members
rally around newbies – take them under
their wings and look out for them, often
for many years. Clubs feel like a relic of
an aged gone by, an era of our parents
more so than our children. Instead of
clubs we tend to rely more on Facebook
and other social media to make new
connections and spread the knowledge
learned over generations.
I feel that clubs still play an important
part in the fabric of New Zealand fishing
communities. I understand the New
Zealand Sport Fishing Council and
NZACA are in growth mode, but the net
has filled the gap of many years decline.
I’ve found many groups online
that I can call upon for knowledge
and I’m building new bonds, albeit
online, with older or at least more
experienced fishers to grow my
knowledge and experiences.
And that’s cool, but I’ve been blown
away by the way kiwi fishers on the
Facebook page NZ Fishing Community
have rallied around a member Alastair
McEwen who was badly beaten on
his way home in Whitianga after
celebrating the purchase of his new
business Blue Water Marine Services.
When NZ Fishing Community
administrators Ben Chissell and Michael
Walkley heard about Alastair’s plight,
they set about raising funds to set
Alastair up for more fishing adventures
when he recovers. The NZ Fishing
Community raised over $750 in just
two days. The biggest input came from
member Ian Lawrence, who purchased
a stick bait combo donated by NZFisher
EDITORIAL
www.nzfisher.co.nz 5
and Pauls Fishing Systems in Onehunga.
While Ian was the winner, there were
a dozen bidders, all wanting to do
their bit plus 27 individuals who made
donations directly.
Alastair McEwen with his new toys
Alastair’s situation is horrible for both
him and his family but the way the
fishing community rallied around
them has proved to me that we’re not
forgetting the club culture of our past
but more expanding it beyond the walls
of the clubrooms.
6 www.nzfisher.co.nz
On the subject of raising money, the team
at The Marine Research Foundation are
still working towards a hefty total to fund
the ‘What’s fishing worth’ research project.
On this front, I’ve got to admit to being a
bit disappointed in the lack of action (read
donations) by the NZ fishing public.
With a Fisheries Act review already
underway by the Ministry of Primary
industries, the data that can be produced
from the What’s fishing worth project can
(and, in my opinion, will) show the true
value of the recreational fishing sector to
those who shape policy and the decisions
that dictate the allocation of fish to the
various stakeholders.
To this end, NZFisher is putting our money
where our mouth it. I’m putting in $2000,
but there’s a catch. We’ll match every dollar
donated by NZFisher readers – just watch
our Facebook page for the post. Please
do donate, and then leave your donation
amount in a message on our Facebook page
and we’ll match it – dollar for dollar. This is
too important not to.
We’ve been fishing a bit recently too, which
is a nice change, but it hasn’t been all that
easy. We seemed to hit a bit of a stall on
the fishing front for a few weeks in August,
par for the course I’d say. What seemed to
make the difference between getting a feed
and going home empty handed was line
weight. I’ve enjoyed very light line fishing
in the past, but for the last few years I’ve
tended to go for heavier gear – better to
not lose fish once you do hook them. I
think the 15lb soft bait set I have come to
rely on might be a bit heavy for the depths
of winter. I purchased a Shimano Stradic
1000, which is as small as any mainstream
spinning reels go, before a trip to Bream
Bay a few weeks ago.
I had an absolute ball hooking (and landing
all but one) snapper to 550mm. There was
also a feisty kingfish, just to make things
interesting. All the while me old mate Daz
manned the camera as he missed out on
everything but a handful of gurnard on the
‘normal’ gear. While one session doesn’t
make a trend, I’m reminded again of why
we so love light line fishing. It’s more
effective and hells bells, it’s fun!
Have a great spring team, there’s plenty of
hot fishing ahead of us now!
Tight lines,
Derrick
www.nzfisher.co.nz 7Catch us online shimanofishing.co.nz | facebook.com/Shimano.Fish.NZ | youtube.com/ShimanoFishNZ
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8 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Nymphing The Gateway To More FishWords & Images by Chris O’Neil
Czech
FRESHWATERFISHING
www.nzfisher.co.nz 9
AS AN AVID SALTWATER fisherman,
I have always looked at freshwater
fisherman as just an old boys club:
tweed vests, tweed hats and little
trout. Since starting at Rod and
Reel in Newmarket, it’s safe to say
that my thinking has changed! We
are seeing a resurgence of youth
giving trout fishing a go and thanks
to things like Czech nymphing,
affordable quality gear and learning
from people your own age. It has
seemingly never been easier!
The goal for younger fisherman is
ultimately to catch fish, and the
more big fish, the better! I have now
experienced huge numbers of fish Czech
Nymphing for our winter run trout, with
friends catching far fewer on the river
using traditional indicator techniques.
I believe it is possible for someone who
is new to fly fishing to do the same, and
it can be done using the technique of
Czech or Short line nymphing.
Czech nymphing gives you the ability
to fish the whole river quickly and
effectively, with very little or no
previous fly fishing experience. It
helps simplify the intricacies of nymph
fishing. Not only does it break down
the barriers of having to be able to cast
effectively before you are going to catch
any fish, but it is also hugely effective
and most of all, incredibly fun!
For many thinking about taking up
fly fishing, one thing that can scare
them off, and is a real barrier, is
learning to cast. Learning to cast a fly
can take a lot of patience and time to
10 www.nzfisher.co.nz
be effective. Both of which youth are
generally lacking. With a lot of people
predominantly fishing for trout in
the winter time and swapping back
to the saltwater in summer they can
be unwilling to put in the time and
practice needed.
This is where Czech nymphing comes
into its own. You no longer need to
throw a 20m cast upstream and be able
to mend the line perfectly to get it to
drift the run just how you want it.
Czech nymphing puts all the line
guidance back into your hands. With
a simple flick of the rod tip, or a water
loaded cast (it doesn’t have to be pretty,
just effective), take up the slack line
and you’re fishing.
The idea is to have either a specialist
Czech Nymphing line or mono running
line, attached to this is one foot of
bicolour indicator line (multi-coloured
hi-visibility mono – I prefer Hanak’s
new range). Then seven to eight feet of
FRESHWATERFISHING
fluorocarbon leader, where you then tie
on your nymphs, and that’s it.
There is no need to have copious
amounts of line out; we want to keep it as
simple as possible. Once you have flicked
your line upstream, draw up your slack
line, and keep drawing this in as your
nymphs drift towards you. The aim is to
have the join of your bicolour indicator
and fluorocarbon leader, running level
with the top of the water. This enables
your nymphs to hit the bottom; then
you can adjust your rod up and down
until your nymphs are bouncing on the
bottom. Don’t stress if it isn’t perfect, it
can go under, or be above the water line.
Keep in contact with your nymphs by
keeping your line tight. Follow the flow
of the river with your rod while also
watching the line and feeling with the
rod for takes or bumps of the nymphs.
It will take a while to distinguish
between the bottom and a fish taking
your nymphs. If you don’t get a take
www.nzfisher.co.nz 11
during the drift, pull your nymphs
out and just flick them straight back
upstream to start your next drift.
I run my nymphs through a run about
four times before taking two steps either
up river or deeper into the run. The idea
is to fish all of the run, both width wise
and up the run. If you feel like you know
that there are fish in the run, but they
are just not taking your nymphs, don’t be
afraid to change them up. Size, colour and
weight can all be a factor. If it doesn’t look
right (weight, size, colour, drift speed,
etc.), the trout are not going to eat it.
One of the major draw cards for Czech
nymphing is how simple it is to set
yourself up. The idea is to keep it
simple while being effective. First we
use either a specialist Czech Nymph
line, or a mono running line (attached
over the top of your fly line), to which
we attach our bicolour indicator line
and then leader.
I use Hanak Fluorocarbon (9lb or higher
on winter spawning fish). There is a
multitude of knots you could use to
join the two. I use a back to back uni-
knot, but you should pick one and learn
to tie it quickly and effectively. Then,
when you have a bust off on the river, it
becomes second nature to you to tie a
quick rig and keep fishing.
Trim off roughly seven to eight feet of
leader. Now you need to tie on your
dropper rig. Cut off 20cm of matching
weight leader, come up 30cm from the
bottom of your eight foot leader and
lay the two leaders over the top of each
other. To join them I find the three turn
surgeons knot to be the most effective
and strongest for the amount of time
invested. Trim the top of your dropper
and ALWAYS tie your Nymphs to the
bottom piece of fluoro. Tying to the top
strand of fluoro on your dropper will
cause the line to hinge on the knot and
can increase the risk of a bust off.
12 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Now you have your dropper rig setup;
it’s time to select your nymphs. On the
bottom of the leader, I usually run my
bomb, the heavier of the two nymphs.
This can vary from extremely heavy
epoxy bombs, double tungsten beaded
nymphs to smaller natural Hare and
Copper Nymphs. Depending on the
volume of flow in the river, and the
depth that you wish to get down to,
you may need to adjust the weight of
your nymphs several times.
Don’t be afraid to employ split shot
above your bomb to make sure you are
getting your nymphs down to where the
fish are sitting in a run. You want your
nymphs to be bouncing on the bottom,
but not dragging. You need to make sure
you have enough weight that you can
maintain contact with your nymphs,
without ripping them off of the bottom.
Use your dropper rig to fish an egg
pattern like the Otter’s Soft Milking
Eggs (these have proven themselves to
be deadly on winter run fish), or a small
natural nymph. The dropper will catch
a large number of your fish, so always
think carefully about what you’re going
to tie on here. An egg pattern in 4mm
and 6mm is a pretty safe bet on winter
spawning fish, especially early and late
in the day. If the water is clear, or it
is bright, you may need to change to
more natural nymph patterns.
The main thing you want to remember
is to try and keep your nymph and egg
selection as natural as possible and
remember always to try and ‘match the
hatch’. What I mean by this is try and
keep your nymphs as similar as possible
to what the trout are eating in that river.
It can vary greatly from river to river, but
white and green caddis are a major food
source for trout. One of the easiest ways
of doing this to flip over a rock in the
river you are fishing, and see what insect
life is living there. Another way is to ask
your local tackle shop; I am sure they
will be more than happy to help you out
and point you in the right direction. ■
FRESHWATERFISHING
“At Reel Life Sport fishing, engine performance, economy and reliability are paramount to us running a successful charter business. We changed to Honda and have never looked back; the BF250 engine has almost halved our fuel cost compared to the previous brand. Our Honda is quieter and smoother than our previous engine and delivers so much more useable power. In 40 odd years of involvement with boating, and chartering in NZ, I can honestly say, I have never experienced such support and backup from any other supplier and to us that puts Honda Marine in a league of their own”
Phil BarchetReel Life SportfishingNorthland, NZ
www.nzfisher.co.nz 13
“At Reel Life Sport fishing, engine performance, economy and reliability are paramount to us running a successful charter business. We changed to Honda and have never looked back; the BF250 engine has almost halved our fuel cost compared to the previous brand. Our Honda is quieter and smoother than our previous engine and delivers so much more useable power. In 40 odd years of involvement with boating, and chartering in NZ, I can honestly say, I have never experienced such support and backup from any other supplier and to us that puts Honda Marine in a league of their own”
Phil BarchetReel Life SportfishingNorthland, NZ
14 www.nzfisher.co.nz
FISHERIESMANAGEMENT
IT’S JUST OVER A month since
LegaSea launched the ‘What’s Fishing
Worth?’, a fundraising campaign on
behalf of the New Zealand Marine
Research Foundation. Thanks a lot to
everyone who has contributed to this
important project. So far we’ve raised
over $37,000 to discover the value of
recreational fishing to our economy.
Now we thought it was about time
we started talking about what has
happened when this kind of research
has been done overseas.
The researchers, Southwick
Associates, have seen their research
change the way people view the
ocean, creating a more positive
attitude towards conservation.
For example, management priorities
changed after a study of one area
in Mexico, Cabo San Lucas, found
sportfishing generated over $245
million in new local and federal taxes.
And, the total economic activity
associated with 345,000 visiting anglers
was estimated to be approximately
USD$1.125 BILLION!
Here in New Zealand, after 30 years
of the quota management system we
still have our precious Kahawai being
exported for $1.45 per kilo, and 25 to
29cm snapper being sold to Australia
for $9.00 per kilo. It’s time to smarten
up. We can do so much better with our
current marine resources.
Like Mexico, the potential for job
growth, wealth generation and tax
revenues all depend on having fish
available. That’s why the New Zealand
Marine Research Foundation has
engaged Southwick’s to conduct
this important research. Preliminary
research results are expected by
December and a full blown peer-
reviewed report by mid-2016.
Legasea Update
What’s fishing worth? Update by Trish Rae, Legasea
www.nzfisher.co.nz 15
What’s the cost?
Overall this research project will cost
$400,000, with $100,000 being sought
from public donations. 100% of your
donation goes towards the project
and is tax deductible because the New
Zealand Marine Research Foundation
is a registered charity.
What can you do?
We need all your family, friends
and work colleagues to know what’s
going on, and only you can reach
them by sharing.
Please stress to them that
management changes will only
come about through a widespread
understanding of both the benefits of
having more fish in local waters and
the potential earnings for the country.
Please share this campaign far and
wide. And, if you have any promotional
ideas to help us spread the word, we’d
love to know - just fire them through
to [email protected]. ■
Legasea Update
Call 0800 LEGASEA (534 273)
Email us [email protected]
Subscribe at www.legasea.co.nz
Read more at www.facebook.com/legasea
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09 520 0307www.rodandreel.co.nz
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16 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Surfcasting Taranaki’s Big Boulder Snapper
SURFCASTING
Words by Alex Reeves
for
Craig Wisnewski with a 30lb taranaki snapper, 2014.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 17
Surfcasting Taranaki’s Big Boulder Snapper LOCAL EXPERT FISHERMAN Craig
Wisnewski has taken no less than six
trophy Snapper in the last 18 months
from South Taranaki waters ranging
in size from 21 to 30 pound. Another
accomplished big Snapper fishing mate
Shane Dunlop recently took a 10kg
Snapper while fishing for Gurnard with
small baits and 3/0 hooks! The terrain
encountered, greatly varying tide heights
and the vagaries of West Coast weather
make success anything but assured.
But when one considers the limited
time local surfcasters can spend on
the water versus the large number of
trophy Snapper that are taken each
year, there is no doubt in my mind that
Taranaki is the mecca for big Snapper
surfcasting in the country.
Local expert fisherman Craig Wisnewski
has taken no less than six trophy Snapper
in the last 18 months from South
Taranaki waters ranging in size from 21
to 30 pound. Another accomplished big
Snapper fishing mate Shane Dunlop
recently took a 10kg Snapper while
fishing for Gurnard with small baits and
3/0 hooks!
While local knowledge will give you
an advantage anywhere, this probably
rings true for Taranaki more than most
places. Visiting fisherman can struggle
without assistance and direction from
resident fishermen.
When I first started fishing the South
Taranaki reef, I had little confidence that
that I might be successful. It was initially
impossible to understand how you could
fish this minefield of boulders and not
lose every bit of gear you threw at it. As
well as why any large Snapper would
feed in such shallow water and how
any fish could find a small bait in this
labyrinth of rocks.
In addition to learning by trial and
error, I have had the good fortune over
the years to be able to pick the brain
of local big Snapper legend Leon Jury.
He has unselfishly shared a lot of his
knowledge with me, and I credit a lot of
my success to him.
“While local knowledge will give you an advantage anywhere, this probably rings true for Taranaki more than most places. Visiting fisherman can struggle without assistance
and direction from resident fishermen.”
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SWTFNFINAL01-14paths.pdf 28/11/14 12:45:42 PM
Challenging Terrain
North of New Plymouth you will find predominantly,
flat, black iron sand beaches. The Northern beaches
throw up their share of big fish and larger bags of
typically smaller fish, but it is the South Taranaki
water that most consistently produces trophy class
fish of 20lb or better. The South is dominated by more
boulder reef, interspersed with a few deeper bays
but whichever the direction you head the depth is
gradually shelving and relatively shallow. The majority
of fish would be hooked in 10ft or less of water.
While there are large beds of Stalked Kelp on offshore
reefs the inshore reefs are largely devoid of substantial
weed beds and limited to bands of brown Flapjack
Seaweed at the low tide mark. Otherwise the shoreline
can look pretty stark and open and care needs to be
taken while traversing the rocks.
Fishable water is usually situated on the edge of
surf-breaks at the mouths of the numerous small
bays or in small holes or ‘pocket water’ in amongst
the reef itself. Once you decide where to fish you
target a suitable boulder to fish from and start
wading to your fishing platform! ■
SURFCASTING
Author (Alex) & his son Ollie with a 12.05kg Taranaki snapper - proof the techniques work.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 19
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20 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Meeting your responsibilities when towing your boat trailer
Tow, tow, tow Your Boat
Words by Neil WagenerImages by Hosking Trailers
www.nzfisher.co.nz 21
What’s there to know about towing your boat to the fishing ramp? Just hook the trailer onto your tow bar, drive to the ramp and drop the boat in the water right?
Actually, there’s a lot more to it than that
to make sure you stay safe. Sadly, about
seven people die each year from crashes
involving vehicles towing trailers, so it’s
important that if you’re towing, you’re
aware of your responsibilities so you
don’t become another statistic.
We spoke to a few sources; both the NZ
Transport Agency, NZ Police and industry
leaders, Hosking Trailers in Auckland to
get our heads around what’s required
and how you can mitigate trouble with
the police and your insurer.
The New Zealand Transport Agency has
some good information to help - to find
out more, go to: https://www.nzta.govt.
nz/resources/glovebox-guide-safe-
loading-towing/guide-safe-loading-
towing.html but we’ll look into a few
more avenues too.
There’s no doubt that these rules are
hard to follow and worse, hard to prove,
especially after the fact. If we were
to make a recommendation, it would
be to have your trailer braked, even if
you think you’re legally compliant or if
you’re not sure.
You can buy the parts to do this
yourself for less than $1000, but
then you’ll need to be pretty handy
to ensure you’re achieving the right
result. We decided that the best option
was to look to the experts, so we asked
a few questions and pretty quickly
found there are as many charlatans as
decent trailer builders in Auckland.
It seems there are no restrictions on
who can build a trailer, but the result
does need to be compliant. We heard
from fellow fishers that there’s a real
case to be made for paying the extra and
getting a full Stainless steel system. It
will cost more upfront, but significantly
less in the long term (especially with the
removable cast-iron hubs and rotors).
And since we’re doing this to protect
our investment and potentially lives; no
question we’ll go for the best we can.
We settled on Hosking Trailers, a
family run Albany-based business
specialising in trailers for the marine
environment. Mark quickly put me at
ease with his knowledge of the laws
and what is required to achieve a cost
effective, safe outcome that will last as
long as the trailer.
The full install cost a little over $2000,
including a full new axle, (as an add on
cost when new, it’ll be less of course) so
there’s no doubt it’s a decision you don’t
make lightly, but the knowledge we’re
not risking our lives or our $70,000
investment – that’s priceless.
Mark’s a straight-shooter, and his team
don’t mess around; you get what you
ask for on time and within your budget,
and it’s a tidy job. That’s something I’m
happy to pay for. Also below are a few
tips we picked up along the way:
22 www.nzfisher.co.nz
How do I know my tow set- up is compliant?
The first thing that you are likely to
want to know is the maximum weight
that your vehicle can safely tow. There
are multiple aspects that you need to
consider. Probably the best guide is the
manufacturer’s vehicle tow ratings, which
refers to the recommended safe towing
limit, and usually covers both braked and
un-braked trailers (more on that later).
While these are a guide, they are likely to
be taken into account by police and your
insurance company in the event of a crash,
so it’s wise to follow them.
Check out your vehicle’s manual for its
tow rating, or have a look here for a list of
common New Zealand vehicles and their
manufacturers recommendations.
As well as the vehicle tow rating, also
consider the rating of your tow bar, tow
ball, and draw bar. Have a look for ratings
stamped onto these components. The
only aspect that is explicitly identified as
being recognised by the law is the required
stopping distance of your vehicle when
towing, which is the ability to stop within 7
metres at a speed of 30 km/hour.
That’s not exactly easy to measure, so the
recommendation is that any un-braked
trailer weight should not exceed three
quarters of the vehicle’s weight.
So back to the original question of
compliance. NZ Fisher spoke to Warrick
Andrews, a Vehicle Safety Officer with
the New Zealand Police. He recommends
considering each of these recommendations/
requirements before hooking up your boat
trailer. At the end of the day, if your tow is
not safe, this could put you and others at
risk, and would be looked at as part of any
crash investigation.
www.nzfisher.co.nz 23
What about brakes?
Your trailer may require a braking system,
depending on the total weight of the
trailer you are towing. If the gross laden
weight of your trailer is between 2000 and
2500kg, then the minimum requirement is
indirect brakes (often referred to as over-
ride brakes).
This type of braking system is activated
when braking of the tow vehicle causes
the trailer to push against the vehicle.
If the gross laden weight of your trailer
is between 2500 and 3500kg, then your
trailer needs direct brakes, which are
activated by the driver.
A trailer of this size will also require a
handbrake and breakaway brakes (which
stop your trailer should it detach from
the tow coupling while you are on the
move). While there is no requirement for
trailer brakes if the gross laden weight
of your trailer is less than 2000kg, Mr
Andrews suggests that your trailer meets
all of the requirements outlined in the
previous section.
Also consider the un-braked manufacturer’s
recommendation for your vehicle. It is
unlikely to be above 750kg, so in many
cases the threshold weight for needing a
trailer braking system is going to be much
less than the 2000kg that is specified.
What else do I need to know?
It’s not possible to cover everything,
but here are a couple of other things
you may want to consider when
hooking up your trailer.
Mr Andrews suggests that when things
go wrong with trailers, they can often be
attributed to inadequate braking systems
(covered above), trailer loading, speed, worn
coupling components and safety chains.
First, have a look at your tow ball and make
sure it matches the coupling. There are
two common sizes, 1 7/8 inch and 50mm.
While you are there, check for wear and the
general fit of the tow ball in the coupling,
which should not be excessively loose. You
should also have a safety chain on your
trailer, so make sure it’s connected before
you drive off. Also please check that your
trailer lights are working and that your
tyres have adequate tread and pressure.
When packing for your fishing trip, have a
think about how much extra weight you
are adding. The combined weight of fuel,
bait and ice, fishing and dive gear can add a
substantial weight to your load. This could
potentially mean that your loaded trailer
exceeds recommendations/requirements
for your vehicle, your tow bar or the trailer’s
braking system (or lack thereof).
24 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Also think about how you pack your
load. Try to put weight over the trailer’s
axle(s), avoiding excessive loading at
the front or back of the trailer. As a
general rule, your trailer should have
downward force at the coupling of
about 10% of the overall weight of
the loaded trailer. If there is upward
pressure or excessive downward weight
at the coupling, the trailer may handle
poorly and be unsafe. Also consider
how your load is secured (lashings/
ratchet tie downs etc…). This goes for
the boat too and any items inside it.
If your load extends beyond certain
dimensions (either in width or at the
rear of your trailer or front of your
car) then you must display certain
warning devices. Most relevant to
boats, if your load extends more than
one metre behind the trailer, then
you need a flag that is at least 400mm
long and 300mm wide (white or
fluorescent red, orange or green). At
night you need to display a red rear
facing light. If you have twin engines
then you are likely to need a flag/light
on each engine.
A final rough rule of thumb
Finally, if you are driving a sedan or
station wagon, your un-braked tow
rating is likely to be relatively low,
probably around 500kg. The largest
aluminium boat you can tow is likely to
be 4 to 4.5m. Even if you have a vehicle
with the highest possible braked tow
rating, its un-braked rating is likely to
be much less, around 750kg. As a result,
the largest aluminium boat you can tow
un-braked is about 5m.
Any boat larger than this will at least
require over-ride brakes, and direct
brakes would probably be needed for an
aluminium boat of between 7 to 7.5m
(>2500kg). Very large trailer boats (ie
>3500kg or > 6000kg combined vehicle
and trailer weight) exceed light vehicle
towing requirements.
An 8.5m aluminium boat would likely
exceed these limits, and as a result, you
will need a different class of driver’s
licence and a non-standard vehicle such
as a commercial truck (even the largest
recreational vehicles have a maximum
tow rating of 3500kg).
If you are unsure about the weight
of your boat and trailer, it’s probably
easiest to give your nearest tip/transfer
station a call and arrange to weigh your
trailer on a day when they are likely to
be quiet.
Again, before you take to the water, we
recommend you think about all of the
aspects of your trailer and vehicle - and
of course pack your lifejackets and other
safety gear. It’s in your own interest to
tow and drive safely as you’re not going
to catch any fish if your trailer can’t get
your boat to the ramp without landing
you in hot water. ■
www.nzfisher.co.nz 25
I love fishing, but there’s no doubt fly fishing
for any species increases the enjoyment. In
the way surfers talk about a connection to
beaches, waves and the ocean itself, these anglers
show a similar connection, not only to New
Zealand’s glorious rivers and fishery, but the whole
environment in which it sits. Watch it here.
Fishing Paradise
VIDEOOFTHEMONTH
26 www.nzfisher.co.nz
GAMEFISHING-READERSSTORY
Sailfish on My Mind
Kuala RompinWords & images by Russell Jones
Russells daughter Tammi on the end of a screamer!
Russell with his catch - what a feeling!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 27
FRESH OFF THE PLANE from New
Zealand, we bundled the kids into
the car in Malaysia and made off
for Lanjut Beach and Golf Resort,
Kuala Rompin. We were at the Jetty
at 8am and we were whisked off to
the fishing grounds aboard a typical
Malaysian longboat.
While I knew we were chasing sailfish,
we turned up not really knowing what
to expect. In half an hour we were at
the first FAD (fish attracting device)
about 10 miles offshore in deep, blue
tropical waters.
Bait catching was the first task but
this was mostly us watching the
skipper throwing Sabiki flies around
as we picked up as much as we could
from him. The kids were dying to give
this a crack as there were so many
different types of fish to investigate
but I had left their rods in the shower
at the resort. Big mistake!
After 10 minutes we had no bait;
everything was too small. Next FAD:
similar problem, lots of fish, wrong size.
This happened at the next two places.
The travelling time between the FADs
is only about five to 10 minutes but we
were chomping at the bit. We roared up
on the next FAD and sent Mahi-mahi
airborne. My eyes lit up!
The skipper thought if we don’t get
big enough livies for Sailfish, we could
keep some of the smaller livies and
have a crack at these. But this new
FAD produced and at least three livies
of marginal size came in.
The skipper, with thoughts not
dissimilar to mine, threw a free
swimming livie over the back while he
set about catching more for the tank.
It didn’t take long and our livie was
swallowed and spat out on the strike.
Mmmm, I should have done a bit
more reading on how Sailfish take
baits. The skipper just wound in and
made off for the next area – Doh!
We deployed two free swimmers at
the next FAD and in seconds my livie
Kuala Rompin“White water everywhere, everyone was
buzzing and screaming! This thing was going absolutely nuts. The line was in a big loop
out from the rod tip and this fish was coming straight for the boat, smashing on the surface
as it stormed towards us.”
28 www.nzfisher.co.nz
was whacked. It was a strange take.
For a minute, there was nothing,
but then it was whacked again! I
had the bail arm open on the Stella
and holding the line with just the
slightest resistance in my fingers. Still
too much pressure apparently so then
a sailfish cruised to the surface with
its sail out of the water and cruised
off again. Then, like music to my ears,
the other reel started to sing!
White water everywhere, everyone was
buzzing and screaming! This thing was
going absolutely nuts. The line was in
a big loop out from the rod tip and this
fish was coming straight for the boat,
smashing on the surface as it stormed
towards us. Twice it did this and then off
it went – its speed is incomprehensible -
it wasn’t hanging around.
By the time I got to the rod, it was 10
metres off the boat. By the time I got
my shi*t together, it was 70 metres and
counting. Aerial, down deep, skipping
on the surface: you name it, it did it.
Towards the boat, away from the boat,
under the boat. The fight was perfect.
I had it close and then three seconds
later, I had 50 metres to gain back. This
is what we’re here for people!
The drag on the Penn needed to be a
lot smoother as the stop-start affair
was a little unnerving, but soon the
beast of the bay succumbed and
photos ensued, before the beast was
hastily returned to the ocean to fight
another day.
Then we were off to find another
patch of fishy ground.
We stopped off again in a new area,
this time in 60 foot of water but
every time we stopped and deployed
baits we were bitten off. It was either
Spanish mackerel or barracoota or
even a squid attack, but nothing
stuck. Then, out of the blue we lost a
GAMEFISHING-READERSSTORYTammi’s fish - Well done Tammi!
www.nzfisher.co.nz 29
short bill swordfish – this time after
its second run. Sailfish are notoriously
difficult to hook; it’s a patience game,
and they’re just downright fickle. We
had more takes but then lost them with
bad strikes and not paying attention.
My bad. It was time for the kids to have
a go and on cue the balloon jiggled and
then off we went again!
This time, there was a lot of surface
skipping, and then down deep and back
to aerial again. This time, it was my
12-year-old daughter Tammi holding
tight to the five-foot jig rod. She was
learning quite quickly how to use the
rod as a lever and to wind down on the
line as not to leave it too slack.
Quite tough when close to being
spooled and the skipper reversing
hard to regain some line. Her hands
blistered from the ordeal; her smile
said something else. Our self-
proclaimed New Zealand ‘Mackerel
Queen’ doesn’t want to catch
mackerel anymore. She wants things
that pull string - and these sailfish
certainly deliver.
Note to self, these fish don’t
like pressure!
The skippers balloon rig.
Loop of line, blow up the balloon
and tie the balloon AROUND the
loop, making sure the loop can be
pulled through the knot. Little or no
resistance.
Will I go back? HELL YES! Next
time I will try the fisherman’s
accommodation at the ‘Sea Dragon
Inn’ right beside the ‘Jetty.’ Families
should try the resorts. ■
Stunning when air bourne, they’re little speedsters on the surface
The balloon rig
30 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Tommy Johnson with a 12lber -
almost too big to lift. Nice fish!!!!
>
READERPICS
Erin Murphy 6, by the Rangitiki
River at the lovely campground at
Mangaweka. Caught all by
herself!
>
www.nzfisher.co.nz 31
Mike Clews first time live baiting and also targeting kingfish, caught this 24kg
beauty at Spirits Bay
>
Oscar with one of his Dads Taupo trout>>
Oscar with an almost legal
Sunshine coast Brim
32 www.nzfisher.co.nz
Share an Awesome Photo and Be in to Win!
Share a fishy photo this month and be in to WIN one of two $100 Go Fish Vouchers!
COMPETITION
Competition!
SHARE AN AWESOME photo of you with
a fish to our Facebook page, or email it
to [email protected] by October 23rd
2015 and you’ll be in to win one of two
$100 vouchers from Go Fish to spend on
anything you like from their website
or in store.
This month's winner is Tommy Johnson.
Tommy has won a $100 Go Fish voucher,
happy spending Tommy! ●
www.nzfisher.co.nz 33
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