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Fishing
Most of New Zealand
is not far from fishable water, whether it be the sea, a
lake, or our numerous rivers. (Yes some still have water
in them). A small foldable fishing rod or even a length
of fishing nylon, a packet of small hooks, and a few lead
sinkers will do the trick. Its a skill most New Zealanders
have anyway but make sure you take time out to take your
kids fishing. Catching fish and gathering shellfish is great
family fun and could help feed your familiy one day. |
| SPIN
FISHING FOR TROUT |
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Spin
fishing in New Zealand is an ideal way to begin
trout fishing as the skills involved are easily
mastered. A basic outfit of rod, reel and line,
plus a few lures are all that is necessary to
give the novice a chance of catching trout. Spin
fishing is fishing for trout with lures that imitate
small fish. These lures are cast with a threadline
outfit consisting of a mixed spool reel loaded
with suitable monofilament line, and a short,
single-handed spinning rod, ideally between 1.80m
and 2.40m long. This method can also be used for
catching sea fish such as herring and kahawai.
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| SURFCASTING |
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We
are incredibly fortunate to enjoy a country where
you are never more than a day trip away from the
ocean. Fishing from the shore is a good way to
snare one of the many fish species found in New
Zealand waters. A 3 or 4 peice fishing rod, surf
reel, and a selection of hooks and sinkers could
easily become part of your survival kit. Rods
can be bought at fairly affordable prices from
any sporting goods store or bought very cheaply
second hand.
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| GATHERING
SHELLFISH |
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Many
of New Zealand beaches give an opportunity to
gather shellfish at low tide. This is a great
way for your family to work together digging for
pippi or tuatua. Why not take time one weekend
to explore beaches near you and try to discover
what delicasies migh be lurking waiting for you
to pluck them from the ocean and make some tasty
fritters. Talk to the locals, they are sure to
know what is available near you and how to go
about harvesting it.
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| PADDLE
CRABS |
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Paddle
crabs are found throughout New Zealand wherever
there are sweeping sandy beaches, they love areas
with some current and occur most prolifically in
open bays. Not only are the larger crabs superb
eating, with a flavour usually described as being
more delicate than crayfish, but they also make
excellent bait for a wide range of fish species,
whether you’re fishing with rod and reel or
long-line. Paddle crabs are most active during periods
of low light, so potting around dawn or dusk is
often very productive. The best way to catch paddle
crabs is with ring pots. |
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| FISH
SPEARS |
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Fish
spears are used to stab fish while they are still
in the water. It can take a lot of patience to utilise
this fishing method successfully, as one has to
wait rock still for the fish to swim within range.
Another factor complicating this method is that
of the refraction angle of an object when it is
in the water. Objects in the water appear much closer
than they actually are. |
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1.
A stout stuck is split down the middle at one end.
The resulting 2 stick ends are made into points
by sharpening. A small stick is wedged into the
bottom of the crack to force the pointed ends apart. |
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2.
A piece of sharpened bone splinter is affixed to
each spear point, just down from the end. You will
likely have to cut a small slot in the wood to help
keep the bones pointing down towards the center
of the split. The idea here is that when you spear
a fish with this tool, the fish will be gripped
on each side by the bone pieces, and will not simply
slide away. The main wood ends are sharpened in
case the fish doesn't slip neatly in between them.
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3.
A larger piece of wood has been wedged into the
crack, to force the ends apart even further. Note
that the main stick is bound just below the crack
to prevent it from splitting apart below that point.
The bone fragments have been tied on with heavier
cordage as well. |
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| TICKLE
A TROUT |
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The fish
are watched working their way up the shallows
and rapids. When they come to the shelter of a
ledge or a rock it is their nature to slide under
it and rest. The poacher sees the edge of a fin
or the moving tail, or maybe he sees neither;
instinct, however, tells him a fish ought to be
there, so he takes the water very slowly and carefully
and stands up near the spot. He then kneels on
one knee and passes his hand, turned with fingers
up, deftly under the rock until it comes in contact
with the fish's tail. Then he begins tickling
with his forefinger, gradually running his hand
along the fish's belly further and further toward
the head until it is under the gills. Then comes
a quick grasp, a struggle, and the prize is wrenched
out of his natural element, stunned with a blow
on the head, and landed in the pocket of the poacher.
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