October 2025 - 241 The Fishing Paper and Hunting News

October 2025 Issue 241

• Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards 2025pg 3

• Bowhunting, Bonanza for the boys - pg 4

• Kahawai Fish Curry - pg 12

Bugger, I’ve been caught napping quite literally. My body clock has failed to register the steady progress of spring. Winter solstice has long past, and dawn has arrived earlier every day - including today.

Those who dwell in nature 24/7, they know spring has sprung – the days ever longer, the temperatures ever warmer – their inbuilt clocks more attuned than mine. The cunning old red hinds are already leading their extended families back towards the native forests, too smart to be seen by hunters who appear along with the sun’s first rays.

Inexperienced younger hinds linger longer, desperate for one more mouthful. Their body condition is pitiful, and reserves drained. Their thick coats are dull, parasite burdens high. They crave greenery and minerals.

My body clock was faulty, but my intuition is not. A lifelong student of the wilds and wildlife, I go forth with binoculars and rifle, ammunition and intent, and I hunt the ravenous girls and their counterparts, the beasty boys.

First to catch my eye are four red yearlings gradually contouring away from me. They are both careless and carefree - taking their sweet time they pick at titbits and pause often to admire the view. I am almost within shooting range when they bolt, full gallop and with plumes of exhalation showing white in the frost.

What’s and whys rattle round in my skull. The breeze is in my favour. I am not seen, nor heard.

At a distant ridge the four pause, turn 180 degrees and bolt back. At a wee swamp they wheel to a halt, tongues out, ribcages heaving. They rear and front-foot each other, sparring then pronking before another mad dash. And then, like nothing ever happened, they resume their gradual contoured walk away.

I've not spooked them at all, they

Birds of a Feather

were cold, this was a warming exercise – unlike me, they don’t have a jacket to zip tighter or a beanie to pull on.

The foursome ghost into heavy cover so I focus my attention elsewhere. The sun’s early radiance highlights pale rump patches in various sheltered gullies. Almost all the visible deer are beasty boys, immature stags who delight in playfighting and vandalism. They thrash young trees with their puny antlers, stripping soft bark and beating branches into submission.

My job is to protect said trees from wild things large and small, things which chew and gark and ring-bark. Of grass they can eat their fill but trees in the establishment phase are taboo - a

Kim Swan

steep gradient and rough underfoot conditions.

Later, and further towards the beech forest hideouts of the old hinds, I spy a small dark creature atop matagouri scrub. Despite the distance I know full well what it is. It’s position in relation to updrafts and sunlight; its rich chocolate colour and its perfect stillness indicate it’s a New Zealand falcon. I have a love of falcons. We tend to gravitate towards each other, seeking out each other’s company in these big backcountry places. Truly wild and free, these aerial predators welcome me into their space, so I go the extra mile to say hello, snap a photo, then thank them for their generosity.

I scan the crazy-steep faces with

‘shoo’ won’t do, nope, the forest investors who pay my wages want ‘bang’ for their buck.

Utilising shadows and tree-rows I skitch through the open face until I find a suitable rock. Its biggish and flattish and caters to my needs. I’ve positioned myself downhill of the scattered mob, and, to escape my unwanted attention, the only way is up. They are easy pickings as they canter in lurching strides up the

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my binoculars but see nothing of the cloven hooved variety. Perhaps all the physical expenditure to get here has been in vain. I pause in Nature’s absolute silence, letting the sun’s warmth evaporate the sweat which beads my forehead and dampens my torso. The falcon watches from afar, his speckled breast highlighted by the sun.

No sound. No rock is dislodged; no animal speaks its bleat or grunt. No

unusual colour calls my attention. Oh, I can smell game - urine puddles and tufts of early-moulted hair, fresh dirt nosed by pigs, pooh pellets round and green and soft - but animals are not here just now. I venture towards the motionless bird of prey. A youngster, he has fed this morning. He ignores the unwanted attention of a blackbird and the raucous calls of an aggressive tui, content to sit serenely digesting breakfast. He eyes me curiously, not afraid. I give him space, an option to leave by dropping into the headwind. Suddenly, and without reason, the young bird lifts o , e ortlessly looping about me, doing a side eye fly by before coming to rest on a rock 150 metres down the ridge. I had intended to go that way anyway, so I descend too.

Halfway there, hidden by a fold of the land, I see the spine of a goat above the tussock. I pause, take the Tikka .223 o my shoulder, silently load.

Quietly, slowly, I edge forward. There are several scru y billy goats, and they are browsing the very trees I’m here to protect. Enough said.

The little rifle roars its disapproval. And, as luck would have it, billy after billy bounds up onto a rock to observe its recently deceased mates cartwheeling and somersaulting down the sheer face. As each one conveniently pops up it gets a third eye and promptly dies. Not so lucky, nor clever, is the rapidly diminishing ammunition - the spare box tucked deep within my day-bag. Rookie mistake.

The falcon observes, unconcerned about the thunderous echoes rolling around the catchment. Then, after cocking his head and scratching his beak with a talon, he drops o his rock and vanishes.

I’d be a fool to think he’d intentionally led me to my prey, a load of codswallop and fanciful thinking for sure, but still, I’ve been called a fool before

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The Oceans Oddity on Slow Pitch Jig Johnny

There are fish that fill chilly bins, and then there are fish that fill conversations. The john dory falls firmly into the latter.

Caught recently on slow pitch jigging tackle, this peculiar prize is as much a visual spectacle as it is a culinary one.

With its oversized lips, flat disclike body, and the unmistakable black “thumbprint” stamped on its side, the john dory could have been lifted straight from a medieval tapestry.

Its look is almost other-worldly, its story steeped in legend.

Sailors once claimed that the black spot was the fingerprint of St. Peter himself, while biologists will point out it is nature’s camouflage of a false eye designed to bewilder rpedators and prey.

Either way, the mark is iconic, and its bearer is a rare sight on

Tightlines

rod and reel in New Zealand waters.

This particular specimen was taken on an Oceans legacy Elementus Slow Style PE2 rod, paired with a 170-gram Long Contact Rainbow jig.

Light tackle, persistence, and patience came together in a moment that epitomises the art of slow pitch jigging.

Beyond its curious appearance, the John Dory is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most exquisite eating fish, sought after by chefs and anglers alike.

For those fortunate enough to land one, it is both a trophy and a treat!

Tightlines!

2025 Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards

The biennial Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards were held at Parliament in September

The Awards celebrate and recognise the individuals, businesses, iwi organisations, and not-for-profits who are using innovation and imagination to drive the seafood sector forward to a sustainable and prosperous future, says Thea Wallace, Director Strategy and Governance, Fisheries New Zealand.

“It was great to be able to celebrate such a diverse range of achievements of people from across the seafood sector,” Thea Wallace says.

Amongst the winners were projects to re-seed tens of thousands of juvenile pāua, mussel farming innovation, and locally led marine management for Fiordland.

Winner of the Supreme Sustainability and Innovation Award, Professor Kura Paul-Burke (Ngāti Whakahemo, Ngāti Awa) of the University of Waikato, is a shining example of the mahi these Awards celebrate.

Professor Paul-Burke, who also received the Tangata Tiaki/Kaitiaki Award, is championing healthy and

Greg Gent, Seafood New Zealand Board Chair, with Supreme Sustainability and Innovation Award winner Professor Kura Paul-Burke

abundant oceans, using Māori knowledge combined with marine science to lead community-based restoration e orts, including reseeding 80,000 juvenile pāua around Great Barrier Island and Waiheke Island.

John Young, from Clearwater Mussels in the Marlborough Sounds won the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Award, which celebrates champions and innovators making a lasting impact. Mr Young has made a substantial contribution to the aquaculture industry over more than five decades, driving mussel farming innovation and playing a

and

major role in its establishment in New Zealand. The Fiordland Marine Guardians took out the Ocean Guardian Award for their work supporting one of New Zealand’s most

iconic marine areas and ensuring fishing can be enjoyed there by generations to come. The Guardians include tangata whenua, commercial and recreational fishers, tourism operators, conservationists, and marine scientists, who have come together to protect Fiordland’s unique marine environment. They have led initiatives including e orts to rebuild blue cod and hāpuku stocks and manage invasive species, demonstrating their commitment to the long term health of the local ecosystem. The full list of winners and more information about the awards can be found on MPI’s website: mpi. govt.nz/seafood-awards

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Bonanza for the Boys Ben

Dick

After talking to my good mate Cody, plans were made for a boy’s trip away – dates, times and place were decided. Friday rolled around, Cody picked me up first thing, and we were o .

When we arrived at the back country hut we unpacked then snuck out for a cheeky afternoon walk. After glassing for a while we spotted some pigs –game on!

On the way to the pigs there was a goat feeding in the creek, a quick stalk into 16 metres , a clean shot and the goat was down. Then, back to the main stalk and the pigs.

After sneaking to within 65 metres the wind wasn’t playing the game –we tried, but we were busted at 28 metres . Pigs gone.

We started to walk back, glassing as we went, when we spotted some stags. Once again, I was first up. I made my way in slowly, targeting a stag that was standing in a small clearing. He was standing side on when I ranged him at 38 metres –perfect.

I drew back my bow, levelled the bobble on my sight and let the rest happen. My arrow flew true and hit the mark. A quick radio call to Cody – “your turn” – and then he was o after another one.

I followed my stag’s blood trail til I found him lying in the creek dead. He’d gone no more than fifty metres from where I shot him.

Next thing Cody is on the radio –“One coming your way, oh, hold on, it’s dead” - the boys were on, two stags in the first arvo!

With venison loaded into our bulging packs, we set o back to the hut. The following morning, we were up early, loaded our

gear and set o again.

Today’s plan was to walk to the top of a ridge and glass for the morning. After several moves, we’d seen nothing that was worth chasing. As we walked further along the ridge, Cody spotted a funny looking spiker. It had one spike going forward and the other going backwards. We had to take him out of the gene pool.

After a wee stalk I closed the gap to 58 metres . This was pushing my limits but the conditions were perfect so I was confident I could make the shot. As the spiker fed, he turned broadside presenting an ideal heart shot. I drew my bow

back, took a big breath and let my process happen. Bingo, another one down. I couldn’t believe my run of good luck.

Walking back down the ridge we came across a flock of goats. I couldn’t help myself, so I snuck in on them too. They had no idea we were there. I drew my bow back and shot the closest one – billy down. I quickly put another arrow on and shot a second one. And then, third arrow, third goat. Better still, I managed to retrieve all three arrows.

Back to the hut for a big feed and to plan for the morning. Up early again,

The Fishing Paper & Hunting News is proud to support this new monthly column from the Marlborough BowHunters and hopes that you will enjoy following the journey of this group of bowhunting enthusiasts

we decided to do a big loop down low. After walking and glassing, checking every little spot possible, nothing was doing. We were almost back at the track when I spotted this orange thing on the side of the creek – it was an old stag feeding. We stalked down the spur to get in closer. At 77 meters Cody said, “We will get you closer yet, then it’s all yours”.

The pressure was on again, but we managed to get within 50 metres of our target. We found the perfect spot then waited till the stag had his head behind a bush. My heart was pumping madly as I drew my bow string back, but Cody whispered, “You’ve got this mate” so I let my arrow fly.

The stag lurched forward, took two steps and fell over. Down he went. After finding our way over the creek and up to the old battler I finally got my hands on him – he was very cool, and I was rapt.

More photos. More meat. Back to the hut we went. Our boy’s bow hunting trip could not have been any better – three stags, five goats – along with laughs, learnings and quality hill time.

Not a Fish to be seen

With the new season almost upon us, Dawnbreakers Fishing Club Nelson kicked o with it’s annual pre-season event – the Club Open Day. A slight date change was needed to ensure the club beat the weather rolling in but there we plenty of new faces to be seen at the Stoke Rugby Club – Greenmeadows venue. As usual, plenty of spot prizes were on o er for members and the ever popular sausage sizzle. Coastguard Nelson, MPI and Nelson Harbour Master all came along, to explain their roles in safe, enjoyable water activities. We were

joined by Nelson Marine Centre and Feelfree Kayaks were also on display. The kids got to test their casting skills, enjoy ice blocks from the Popcycle mobile iceblock stand and expend some energy on the bouncy castle. While adults socialised and listened to guest speakers. We welcomed many new members who signed up on the day.

Dawnbreakers o ers a wide range of benefits to local fishers with all levels of experience. More experienced members are very generous with their time and knowledge and club trips away throughout the season are organised by Committee. Club social days are held monthly where guest speakers share their

insights, including, our very own Dan Govier (pictured).

We are pleased to announce that Hunting & Fishing (Nelson) is once again supporting the club as our major sponsor. Many local businesses o er Dawnbreakers members a discount upon presentation of their card. The o cial start of the season is October 1st and the events calendar begins with a club trip to Pohara and then the club Kayak Competition of November 15th. For more information go to www. dawnbreakers.co.nz or jump onto the Facebook page.

“Bugger it I said , lets go anyway” We packed up and were in the wagon heading for the coast. A pall of thin cumulus spilled over the rugged Remutaka rampart. A sti NW harried the tree tops and hedge rows as we gunned through the countryside.

At the beach a soapy murk was close in and waves slapped the gravel shore.. Out in the blue water rows of white caps danced their crazy jig. The lake mouth was choked.. The su ocating breeze whipped sand at us. The beach was deserted save the gulls wheeling in the gale and few hapless tourists hunched against the onslaught. After a few minutes we packed up our rods and tackle and were soon having a beer and fizzy at

A perfect turn of Events

Greg Stokes

the Ferry hotel. A few travellers lunched on fish and chips and antipastos.

On the wall hung a yellowed topo of the valley depicting ridge and river, fen and hill.

I said looking at the zigzags of river “lets try the flood gates” It was stark and vacant at the barrages. Angus went to inspect the waterway. Returning quickly he pressed his index finger to lips. He whispered feverishly “there’s fish Dad loads” Soon we were casting and retrieving through the shoals. But alas none of the trout lures

piqued their interest at all. We tried bars,grim reapers, black and gold tobies, Mepps winged lures. In desperation I discovered a single sabaki with about five centimetres of line. By rigging this to an old trout spoon i was fishing with what can only be described as jury rig. I was ecstatic as my rod curved and drag whined. This frankenbeast wasn’t pretty but by jove it worked .

We were soon driving up the scenic route home with a few mullet and perch to have for tea. A perfect turn of events.

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Club Closures becoming the norm

Club closures and pressure on clubs is ongoing.

The problems clubs are facing are diverse but two of the key challenges are:

1. Existing land use - clubs tended to be sited away from townships but of course towns have grown and town boundaries are very close to the shooting range - and that can hamper new development and decisions are being made to increase rates base not maintain clubs.

2. Guns are noisy and amongst some are viewed as dangerous and to be banned.

Hastings pistol club is under pressure and fighting to stay open. This is a club that has been in the same location for 48 years, with around 110 members. But now, with land development occurring nearby they are under pressure to retain the site .

That’s just not right. Anyone who has been established in one place for that long shouldn’t be pushed out by newcomers. This isn’t just a shooting issue - it’s a pattern.

Shooting clubs seem to get picked on more than most other sports. Any sport that makes a bit of noise seems to attract complaints from people who move in and then

A commercial fisher who trawled in Kahurangi marine reserve has been fined $15,000.

Kelly Gavin Scoles (37) appeared for sentence through audio visual link at Kaikohe District Court in September on one charge under the Marine Reserves Act and one under the Fisheries Act, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

In May last year, Mr Scoles, who was master of the fishing vessel Winbill, deployed a bottom trawl net about 1.6 km outside the Kahurangi Marine Reserve, o the northwest coast of the South Island. He then towed the trawl through the entire length of the 16km reserve.

“We use GPS to monitor all commercial fishers in near real time to ensure they are fishing where they are legally able to. Our expectation is that commercial

Fisheries New Zealand encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24)

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@ mpi.govt.nz

start to moan about neighbours. In Motueka, people have complained about planes at the airport.

Whatever happened to potential developers or house purchasers doing some due diligence ? Airport means planes and means noise. Gunclubs o er the same challenge. Clubs o er real value to their communities at no cost to the public. Unlike many sports which benefit from council or government funding to assist with maintenance and general operations gun club

fishers know where they’re fishing and what areas are closed to fishing, such as marine reserves,” says Fisheries New Zealand regional manager fisheries compliance, Phil Tasker.

Mr Scoles landed about 700kg of finfish, including gurnard, snapper, rig, john dory and various other species. The total commercial value was $1502, and Mr Scoles was also ordered to pay that amount for damage to the marine reserve.

In addition to fishing in a marine reserve, Mr Scoles also failed to submit 27 out of 47 catch reports on time between March and May 2024.

“Commercial fishers must ensure their catch and landing reports are on time and accurate. It is an essential requirement of the Quota Management System and to keeping our shared fisheries sustainable into the future,” says Phil Tasker.

membership fees cover expenses, and they rarely receive any help . Shooting clubs build and maintain their own ranges, and do all the work to keep them up to standard. Clubs also provide important training in safe firearm handling under a variety of conditions. Most clubs are inclusive - age, background, and any other di erences don’t matter. Everyone is there for the same reason: to learn and improve their skills. The Hastings club has done

exceptionally well in this regard. They’ve had members compete in the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, as well as World and Australasian championships. When athletes compete at that level, they bring back valuable knowledge and experience that benefits both the sport and the club.

When a club is forced to close or move, it can take years to find new land, get all the necessary permissions, and build a new facility. The costs are significant - and why should they have to move at all? These clubs are well-run, very safe, and contribute positively to their communities.

I run corporate days to introduce non-shooters to the sport. These events show how seriously we take safety and training, and they help break down the misconceptions often pushed by the media. The reality of our clubs and members is vastly di erent from the negative image some try to portray. If you are interested to find out more, just contact your local club and ask to have a go.

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Taking a friend out for a fish must be my most enjoyable part of fishing. Catching trout has long become more of a relaxing past time rather than a serious type of deal for me.

The average fish doesn’t pose a huge challenge like it used to, although the odd fish really will stump me from time to time, so taking a friend who doesn’t have as much experience as me, is much more rewarding. Most importantly, very fun! When you add fly fishing into the mix, things get a little bit more complicated too.

Recently a good mate Anthony was down from Auckland to visit Hawke’s Bay and was keen to get into some trout. It had been a while between fish for him so it was now my mission to try and put him onto one.

The Tukituki River was nearby so this was the chosen location, and thankfully I knew just the stretch that might be holding a few fish.

We arrived and headed straight down to the chosen run where I had

Tukituki River race

found fish earlier in the season. As I looked into the lie, I could see at least two dark shadows holding in a lovely spot, it was an easy short cast

Blair Whiting

a wee bit of drag so I gave a bit of tuition and on the third cast, under the indicator went and it was all on.

A bright silver rainbow leapt

in rippling water. They weren’t likely to spook or head too far if they did.

As Anthony was up first, I scanned the rest of the pool and spied five more shadows further back. This pool was absolutely stacked. The first few casts went over the fish with

downstream and the fly-line tore o the reel. Anthony’s fish put up a terrific fight and thankfully moved its way downstream of the pool leaving many of the other fish unbothered. After some convincing the jack rainbow slid into the net

and that was job done. Anthony held up the lovely fish and then let him swim back to his mates. That one trout is more memorable than probably the last 25 or so I had caught, great to see someone else succeed after some perseverance. With time almost up, it was my turn and I had my eyes on one of the larger shadows at the rear of the pool. Five or so drifts went by without a touch, and just as it seemed like the bite wouldn’t come, I locked in the perfect cast, the indicator smoothly wafted down to where the fish was tailing and just as I had hoped, dropped under the surface.

A short and sharp fight with a gleaming hen rainbow ensued with the trout almost ending up in the willows at one point. I applied extra pressure, and we soon had our second fish to the net. A wonderful female of just under six pounds, an epic way to round out a time limited trip. She was sent on her way and we scampered back to the car. What a way to end a day.

It's Spring - fancy that! Coastlines

“In the spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.”

A line from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s lengthy poem that has been a little misquoted at times.

the stu that falls from the sky. That only happens a bit in Spring and Autumn and mainly at night! Many people who say “Oh it rains all the time on The Coast,” have not actually been here and its merely hearsay. We get more annual

two colours, a reminder of the gold and green trout we catch walking and stalking the margins of Lake Brunner

Out there in the early season, cygnet and ducklings paddle close by their parents, and if you are

Ivan Wilson

a dead bird on the front lawn or in the gutter, is not the result of a cat, or a speeding car, but the outcome of one of these confrontations.

Now Opening Day is fast approaching, so where to go? Normally for us its a favourite old

Spring is also a time of renewal for flora and fauna, plus for us! Renewal of focus and intention, as we ponder prospects for another trout fishing season. This year we must take a Grey Ghost or two down around the estuary areas, to entice fish that have dropped down to gorge on whitebait that are hopefully ascending the rivers. Also we’ll have to get out on the lake for some early season action around the margins with damsel nymphs, as it’s so good from October to early December with plenty of fish to sight and very little fizz boat or jet-ski action to disturb the eardrums and the water. Then another idea that comes to mind, is to go prospecting some new waters that have not yet been explored and to illustrate this, here in the West Coast region there is more water than you can shake a stick at, or a rod, and I don’t mean

sunshine hours than Auckland and on the rare occasions there happens to be a bit of precipitation, it gets on with it then stops. There’s no cold mizzle and drizzle for days, as in say Canterbury and it ‘s normally mild if there’s a downpour over here. I can say that from experience as I lived in Christchurch for three and twenty years, before leaving to train in Wellington. So what are the signs of Spring over here on The Coast? One of the very early indications are the bare, leafless Magnolia trees, bursting out with massive cream, or pinkish blooms, followed some weeks later by Kowhai gold. The flowering cherry trees show a vibrant pink display. Willows develop a red tinge as the new buds swell, then take on a pale green which deepens as the season advances. Golden willows sprout afresh with new green leaves – the combination of the

lucky you might observe a young kingfisher getting flying lessons from Mum, and Dad. There is often more to the experience of fishing than fishing. Down in the coastal areas you might see other Kingfishers appearing on power lines and posts, as they wait for the first of the wrigglers to come into the rivers.

On that topic, adverts for nets show up in the paper and on social media, while trout anglers might put their noses into their fly-box, to see if there are any Grey Ghosts left from last year. Blackbirds, those seemingly benign denizens of our gardens, start running across the lawn after each other, as the attendant brown female keeps a beady eye on them, to see which is the strongest and worth having as a mate. It can get pretty vicious as the two black ,avian knights go at each other, flapping up in the air, beak and claw clashing. Sometimes

lake that has been closed since the end of last season. We’ve been out there innumerable times over the years, so we know where the stumps and rocks are located. It’s likely we’ll meet a Fish and Game o cer on patrol, for a chat and a licence check- ah yes, the new licence, better tidy that o very soon now and hey, what about the weather prospects? The boat & trailer will need a check over and the fuel, is it stale? Better have a look at the fishing gear as well, how old are those leaders? So what time should we get out there and when is daylight? Best you show up here at the gate around 5am, I’ll bring lunch.

So o we go and another season is underway with experiences to enjoy and tales to be told. Even remembered to put the bung inyou only forget that once, don ‘t you!

Tight lines for the new season

Wild food recipes with Marcus

Goan Kahawai Fish Curry

This is a lovely curry that complements the robust flavour of “the people’s fish.”

Ingredients

2 good sized kahawai fillets

boned and cubed

2 onions diced

A handful of coriander

Juice of 2 lemons

4 cloves of garlic

2 tbsp of grated ginger

Vegetable oil

Can of chopped tomatoes

Can of coconut cream

1 tsp of Lemon Zinger seasoning

Spices

1 tbsp coriander seed

1 tbsp cumin seed

1 tbsp turmeric

½ tbsp paprika

1 star anise

6 whole cloves

Cheers and Enjoy

Marcus

Int’l Kiwi Chef

Quite good with rod and gun

Andy reels in a Whopper

The annual Snapper Cup is a highlight of the Dawnbreakers Fishing Club calendar.

As has been the case for most of the summer, the sea conditions didn’t match the forecast on the Saturday.

This didn’t stop us heading to one of our favourite spots, albeit one closer in to the Boulder Bank.

After setting up a whole pilchard on the stray line, and a slow jig o the back of the boat, we settled in to fish.

We caught some good sized gurnard, a kahawai and a mackerel, but no sign of any snapper.  We were discussing moving to another spot, when the stray line started whining.  Andy grabbed it

first, and just as well, as something big was taking line.  The rest of us pulled up our lines, while Andy battled to gain ground.  After a few minutes, the fight went out of the fish and it surfaced.  To our delight it was the biggest snapper

we had ever seen!  Jasper manned the net, and we got it safely on board.

Andy’s previous PB snapper had come in at 19lb, just short of the elusive 20lb mark.  This snapper weighed a hefty 22lb, and measured 83.5cm.

A new personal best for Andy, who went on to take the second place for biggest snapper in the Snapper Cup.

What a memorable day out!

Method

First grind all spices roughly,mix in garlic,ginger,seasonings and oil.

Gently fry with onions for 10 minutes.

Add tomatoes and coconut cream and cook gently for a further 5 minutes.

Add fish and lemon juice and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Serve hot topped with coriander and steaming Basmati rice.

Carol Brennan

I endured two days of torture, driving to work past some flooded paddocks with Koi carp chasing each other around, as the spawning season gets started.

The third morning, I went bowfishing.

One of the privileges of being self employed.

These particular flooded paddocks, I have permission to bow fish in. With the soil on this farm being peat, the water is as black as tea and the fish are only visible when on the surface or very close to it.

As I walked across the paddock to the edge of the flood water, there were a dozen or more fish visible within 50m.

It was 7am and the wind hadn’t got up, the surface was like glass.

I slipped my feet into the water, toe’s first, so I didn’t splash with my steps as I closed the gap to a group of spawning fish. In this dark water, I look at the fence posts to try and judge how deep the water is, until you step in a hole.

These fish weren’t swimming in my direction. So I use a technique I call Rattling. Spread my fingers and shake them in the top of the water like a female splashing around. It worked a treat, a group of five swung around and headed straight to the sound of my rattling. I picked out a bigger fish and at 6m flicked my pointy stick with a string attached and struck it behind the gills

Koi carp chaos

What a fight, it was awesome

Another rattle, and it looked like it hadn’t worked. Then I looked behind me and there was several bow waves heading towards me. At 3m I arrowed another fish and in the commotion from the arrowed fish jumping and splashing, another fish hit me hard in the back of the leg, just swam straight into me in the black water.

There were fish everywhere, but they soon go deep and scatter after getting a fish. So I wait a couple of minutes before rattling or stalking a further away fish.

When I miss a fish, they often swim around close by wondering what the splash was. They will swim against or under the arrow and string,

The ultimate guide to fishing for anyone, children or adults, beginners or those more experienced.

Fishing is a terrific outdoors experience that is challenging but also super exciting. And the learning never ends as your knowledge builds with each adventure and every time you head out.

Whether you want to fish for sprats from a wharf, walk up a stream with a fly rod or cast a line from a boat or kayak, there's a heap of handy information in here.

Learn how to tie knots, bait hooks, cast lures, and fillet and cook your catch.

Al Brown has a life-long love of fishing and Hooked includes ten of Al's most-loved fish recipes.

Kelby Stewart

but as soon as I pull on the string to retrieve the arrow from the soil or grass, they dart away. There were always fish visible somewhere in the floodwater.

Splashing and chasing the females around.

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Easily 8 or 9 hectares of land were under water.

Four hours later with 22 carp in piles around the edge of the water, I headed home to fillet the fish. Buzzing from the mornings antics.

seafood@solander.com

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"Something that dawned on me when I was putting this all together was that we fishers never really stop learning", says Al. "And while I have been fishing for as long as I can remember, there is hardly a day when I'm out there doing it that I'm not discovering something new. So what started out as a simple"how to fish" book has now morphed into something that I trust appeals to all of those who, from time to time, like to wet a line"

Blue Cod Potting Survey in Marlborough Sounds

Fisheries New Zealand has contracted Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA) to undertake research on the iconic Marlborough blue cod fishery.

You may see the research vessel RV Ikatere (pictured) operating in the Marlborough Sounds over the next month. If so, give them a wave while they’re conducting this important work to support future fisheries management decisions for blue cod.

These surveys are conducted in the area roughly every four years to gather data on abundance trends, ize, age, and sex of the local blue cod population, which informs sustainability measures and fishing rules.

Earth Sciences will be using a potting survey method, areas within the Long Island Marine Reserve and the Maud Island Closed Area will be part of this survey to compare results with an unfished area.

Previous surveys have shown considerably more and larger blue cod in non-fished areas.

Blue cod caught in these areas are measured and counted with minimal handling and returned alive using a release tube to avoid shag predation.

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