Fishing News - October Issue

The October edition is the first of our ‘new look’ magazine which is principally based around a re-size, to conform with standard NZ Post sizing.

Mechanical jigging features prominently in this edition. This is a great way to target deep water reef species such as kingfish and ‘puka. Sam Mossman and Mark Kitteridge spent several days in the field aboard Star Trek out from Whitianga. On board was jigging guide Jason Wilson. What resulted was some great action with Sam and Mark producing extensive coverage of the techniques, lures and the tackle used.

Mark has also spent some time checking out iso tsuri, Japanese/Asian style of rock fishing that uses long, light rods. The lead story this issue is an account of his first experiences with this interesting way of targeting fish off the bricks.

There have been a number of great bluefin catches this season and several of these are recorded in this issue, including a couple of meritorious efforts by lady anglers who have set new benchmarks for the species. At the moment there is just an all-tackle record available for Pacific bluefin but International Game Fishing Association president Rob Kramer has indicated the board will look at creating line class records in the near future.

South Island fishing opportunities feature prominently this issue, not only with the bluefin articles, but with others on boat fishing in the deep south and fly fishing southern style.

As we head into the warmer weather, for many anglers snapper are uppermost in their minds when it comes to angling anticipation. Craig Worthington takes a look at targeting snapper in the ‘kina zone’ while Darren Parsons reviews the efforts of the North Shore Surfcasting Club’s members’ efforts in chasing ‘trophy reds’ over the last 40 years. Gary Kemsley is also getting excited about the prospect of landing a big fish of the beaches in his Casting About column.

For the kayak fishers Stephen Tapp takes at look at using spin and Alvey style reels and the advantages they offer ‘yak anglers.

Many readers will have heard of, and adhere to, the big bait – big fish’ theory. Toby Kemp, always one to experiment, has been trying this theory out when it comes to soft-baits, with some great results.

For the boating readership Sam Mossman’s Trailerboat Trial this month features the Surtees 7.3 Game Fisher while John Eichelsheim checks out the new generation Suzuki outboards in the 70-90 horsepower range.