OFF SHORE
FISHING
Offshore is where the potential for some of the world's biggest fish comes alive. Big seas, inky blue water, and a sense of isolation are common factors that make Offshore Fishing addictive. The feeling of anticipation that engulfs those in search of that giant Blue Marlin, the anxiousness that lingers in the angler's stomach as they go to battle with the Ocean Gladiator (Broadbill Swordfish) and the overwhelming excitement that erupts throughout the boat as that prized Bluefin Tuna is successfully landed. These are symptoms of an Offshore Angler.
TIP #1
Check your gear! Make sure your knots, leaders, drag settings and hooks are all up to scratch and capable of holding strong throughout the battle with that angry Blue Marlin or powerful Tuna.
TIP #2
Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. Give yourself the best chance of encountering Marlin & Tuna by studying the tides, water temperature breaks and currents of the area you intend to fish.
TIP #3
Utilise the technology that's on offer. Using radar to locate feeding birds and fishfinders to identify schools of baitfish and predatory fish gives you an advantage of hooking up big time.
IN SHORE
FISHING
New Zealand's inshore fishing grounds are home to some of the best fighting fish around. Battling monster Snapper on light tackle in as little as a few metres of water is the pinnacle of inshore fishing. Not only are these inshore fishing grounds home to ruthless Snapper, these areas are also home to the mighty Kingfish. Casting topwater gear around likely-looking areas and watching a pack of these reef thugs annihilate your lure provides the remedy for those in search of an intense fight.
TIP #1
Check your gear! Make sure your knots, leaders, drag settings and hooks are all up to scratch and capable of catching that monster Snapper or giant Kingfish.
TIP #2
Be patient. It's only a matter of time until that feeding frenzy kicks off and the fish start feeding.
TIP #3
Study the tides. Snapper and Kingfish often feed in conjunction with particular parts of the tide. Identify and take note of when the fish are feeding and a pattern will start to form.
BACK
COUNTRY
Gin-clear rivers, dense native bush, endless valleys and massive Trout make New Zealand's backcountry a Fly Fisherman's dream. The rivers that flow from NZ's vast mountain ranges provide excellent habitat for some of the world's largest wild Trout. The sensation of presenting and hooking a trout with a small fly amongst the backcountry's breathtaking landscape is unmatched. The peace that is felt when hiking up a river searching for trout is quickly replaced by a rush of adrenaline as the fish slowly eats your fly.
TIP #1
Blind fish likely looking water. Just because you can't see a trout in that enticing pool, it doesn't mean there isn't one in there. You could end up with that trophy 10lb Brown Trout!
TIP #2
Have a selection of different flies. Trout can be extremely fussy, it can take multiple fly changes to finally match what the trout are feeding on.
TIP #3
Match the Hatch. Give yourself the upper hand by imitating the Trout's food source. Flip up rocks in the river and imitate the colour and size of the nymphs crawling on the rock with your flies.