Salties & Trouties
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Saltwater Flyflingers
Forum Description: A forum for saltwater fly fishing enthusiasts
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=16053
Printed Date: 27 Jul 2026 at 9:52pm
Topic: Salties & Trouties
Posted By: FishMan
Subject: Salties & Trouties
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2006 at 7:37am
This was something Clark mentioned somewhere... I can't find it.. lost amongst a million words somewhere.. .. but it was about the clinics and how most of the interest came from salties wanting to do something different rather than trouties wanting to fish in the salt.
I suppose this means that trouties that can fish competently for trout don't think they need a clinic. Just wondering though if you know of any beginners who have shown an interest in SWF before they have shown an interest in trout. I know of only one.
I myself caught my first fish SWF fish before I had caught my first trout but that was more because trout were not available in my area and I was a very very bad trout fisher
 .I still think that most of the SWF'ers in NZ are going to be trouties looking for something different...I could be wrong. Who do you see picking up the salty fly rod?
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Replies:
Posted By: fush
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2006 at 8:33am
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Hi Craig I am a keen troutie. I picked up a fly rod and used it on the salties 25 years ago and caught a bunch of KY. I never did it again. The reason is a love my trout fishing is the challange it presents - stalking the fish matching the hatch etc. I havnt seen the same challange in SWF. If your in a work up of KY you cast out and catch a fish - no stalking no selecting the fish you want. Fresh water flyfishing offers a means to get away from the world and enjoy the peace and quite of a bubbling stream, I like many others (adam sandler quote) go to a happy place when fresh water flyfishing If I go out on the salt I want to catch a good feed. Bait has always been the most effective way to do this Last summer I did seriously looking at SWF as a option of catching lots of snappa. I saw your son on here with some great pics of the fish he had caught. It really got me excited about the opportunities of getting a big snappa from amongst the shallows. The sport really needs more Josh Worthingtons if it is to get a big following. But since last summer SP have arrived like nothing we have seen before. You only need to look at the stories on the FN web site to see how productive they are. I love my bass, baramundi and tiger fishing. What I see in the SP is a way to fish the same styles as you do for these fish. Im as excited as the hords of others on this site to give SPs a trashing this summer - it really defines the reasons I enjoy my fishing. Just because a person is a keen fresh water flyfisherman I dont think it necessary makes them a good SWF. A good SWF could just as possibly be a salt water fisherman looking for a way to enjoy their sport and find new and personal challanges. Therefore if anyone is looking at taking up the sport dont think you have to have fresh water experience. Just the motivation to try something new and rewarding Anyhow thats why I choose to fish the way I do and from where I see it the market is a hard one to pick. Anyone could enjoy picking up a SWF rod |
Posted By: Boulder
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2006 at 8:52am
Me As a kid many years ago I was fortunate to do a lot of trout fishing living in Tokoroa,Toupo was handy particulaly the western bays. The hydro lakes were only half an hour away and a 10ft ply dingy with a 4 1/2 hp seagull was just the gear for a bit of harling along the weed lines.
I have never biffed a flyline in anger in the salt but have followed this topic with interest and as it happens I brought my first new generation rod on friday and look forward to a clinic with Clark and another new toy this morning at 10am.
By new generation I mean the glass kevlar type as I have only ever casted split cane hex rods before and have been told they are not really suitable for use in salt.
Also I have been following (lurking) on all the flytying threads and now have a bit of kit and am building my own creations which include tying flashabou etc on the new sp jigheads to biff initially on my SP sets. However I hope clark may be able to show me a few tips to get me started on SWF type flies
The rods I have are a six weight and the new one as in today I understand will be a 10 all complete with reels and line etc. I was hoping the 6 would cross over into fresh water for trout with some of my fathers old hardy reels after I put some new line on these. Perhaps the 10 would also do at a pinch to cast to smelting trout along the lakes edge?
With retirement impending I am setting myself up to cover the full spectrum of fishing available in this wonderfull bit of Gods own but stories of SWF in tropical lagoons and Australia,s top end have a pull on my desires as well ------------- http://www.boulderguiding.co.nz">  http://www.boulderguiding.co.nz">www.boulderguiding.co.nz |
Posted By: John Campbell
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2006 at 11:09am
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My experience is people who are trout flyfishers and conventional saltys tend to be the ones who then turn to SWF. They have a background in both and can then identify with SWF application and its different fish challenges. Nevertheless still only a few come from those ranks. It was the ranks that I came from.
But reponse is mixed. Speak to most saltys about SWF and they look at you very puzzled, like are you real.
Speak to trouties and there is interest and yes they would like to do it but few ever do I think, in many cases not knowing where to start.
Lets face it it requires a lot of commitment to start something new even if the interest is there, the requirements being time, knowhow, costs, other commitments, the list goes on etc. Something inside a person has to ignite, there has to be an excitement, and most of all an understanding of what one is getting into. Very few, whether they be salties or trouties understand SWF and that is the hurdle to overcome.
I often hear/read talk about SWF taking off etc etc. sure it is growing but I am not sure about the taking off bit. Anyway how big do we want it. We could become very evangelical. I don't think that is the way. Just passing it on as part of normal everyday life to those who want to listen and understand is sufficient for me. Take the message to your local clubs by all means. Two weeks ago I spoke at the local trout club about my trip to Cape York last May. Excellent reponse, some, not all are definitely interested and some of those will have a go. Only time will tell on this. Communication at an individual level where there are openings is probably what will enlarge the SWOffing base.
All this is just my opinion/perception, nothing more/nothing less.
John
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Posted By: Memorymaker
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2006 at 1:33pm
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For me it is nothing else other than the challenge it brings. I started fishing as a kid with my dad with an 80lb handline wrapped around a janola bottle, next I was trying to catch my ole ladies goldfish with cotton and a bent pin with bread, and so it goes on, moved to the Bay of Plenty specifically to catch trout, as Craig touched on there were few opportunities up North to do this, so it sure made sense to me, graduated to the fly after catching them first on spinning gear, and then sitting on the shores of lake Rotoma watching some older guy absolutely creaming the rainbows one morning and releasing every single one of them and then having had his fill of pleasure packed up and left. I now live in Ohope and seldom fresh-water fish, but get my juice from catching Snapper and Kings mixed with what ever else becomes seasonally available, for me it,s also about whats available. Through fishing conventionally lots of other opportunities will present themselves, so having the equipment and or the desire to exploit that opportunity is key for me and why I will continue to SWF it's a natural extention to what I'm doing now, sure it involves a few new skills and a bit of $$$ but in some situations the fly will be the most effective way to score a bite hands down. As will baits , livies ,jiggs, SP's or whatever, having a broad range of skills to cover options is what it's about for me ------------- Fish don't make mistakes |
Posted By: smudge
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2006 at 2:23pm
| Saltwater fisherman that tried trout fishing and liked it but seldom made the opportunities for myself to go flyfishing. When I found out there was a ready supply of kahawai just down the road a bit and around the corner over the hill and .... ohh not far away anyway.... then it was only a matter of time before I got bored with catching them on bait and lures. |
Posted By: kiwitroutbum
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2006 at 6:07pm
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Interesting thread. Perhaps its also linked in part to the why flyfish at all thread? I managed a few Kahawai in earlier days on the fly and then spent the next 20 yrs or so chasing trout. For me SWOFFing is not a replacement as it happened for a good friend but an extension of what I am passionate about. Flyfishing.  I believe its rekindled my enthusiasm for exploring new territory and certainly what I can do with the Flyrod and with flytying. Several points Herring made seemed very right and the talk that John must have made to guys at his local club struck a chord also. I too spoke at the local club and there was a mixture of amusement and amongst some, a desire to try but not sure how. More than I would have guessed, however, had already tried at least once and generally had travelled in pursuit of SW species. We are less blessed with the humble Kahawai down here but the more I've scratched, the further I have found others have also pursued SWOFFing. IMO its a lack of exposure which is slowing any great proliferation of SWOFFers from the trout ranks. A too hard basket and suprisingly, down here anyway, access to the fish. The idea FF is also not a pot method, I think, also precludes its extensive use amongst those who fish in the salt less often than they like. Especially if there is pressure to show a result? I am going to the top end to SWOFF and my fishing mate has his flyrods too. Last year he did the same trip as John C and loved it. BUT he feels the fly puts him at a handicap and wants to take his soft plastics, poppers and t-glass rod  . This is how he sees SWOFFing and maybe this reflects a general view?I want to catch a saratoga on our last day and have tried to prime him we may blank, this to him seems silly as we can chase other species and be bent all day. When you flyfish how many fish would you need? For me its a passion and that may be reflected in the days on the water fishing and my expectation of catch numbers. I am fortunate to fish a number of days of the year. Maybe its about catch numbers before its about flyfishing? |
Posted By: FishMan
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2006 at 9:51pm
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Some interesting replies.
Herring for his blasphemy gets a letter bomb filled with 'gone off' bits of soft plastic that will explode in his face and plaster him with tiny bits of masticated factory scented goo....
 Seriously, I don't think SP's and SWF are similar enough to compare. I don't think fishers will prefer one method over another because SP's and fly have their best uses in different places. fly fishers will miss out if they don't pick up a soft plastic rod and give it a go but at the same time those drawn to the type of fishing provided by the soft plastic flick sticks are also going to enjoy the refined skills of SWF.
And that's where I start packaging up another letter bomb for herring (sorry mate!). I find aspects of SWF have more stalking, sight fishing, selecting the fish you want, than trout fishing. It's all about where you fish and what you do. Trying to flick in a size 8 krill fly on a full length cast into the leading edge of a trevally school involves some pretty tricky sort of skills. Plonk a soft plastic in there and you'll probably put the whole trevally school down and then catch the snapper that was sitting underneath. As said... they're both nice ... but different (and SP's do sit very nicely on the end of a fly rod
).Might have to start up the 'what can't you do with a soft plastic' thread just to crank up the fan a bit.
Still interested to hear how people are arriving at SWF. Kev might have some interesting observations from South Africa.
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Posted By: Pole Dancer
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2006 at 8:49am
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I think this is an interesting topic as has been said and the reasons for a preference one way or another as individual as all of us.
I don't agree with Herring about the similarity to SP. I think there are probably more similarities with SP than other forms of conventional fishing but for me personally, nothing will ever replace the fly. The fly is the key to me... fooling the fish with a fly especially one constructed by yourself.
I've had a go with the Sp's, albeit brief, when fishing in Tauranga with Uncle and it is certainly a fun and deadly method, but I didn't get the thrill
I get from a fly caught fish.
I think the world of fresh and salt are as poles apart as they could possibly be and while casting to Kahawai work up is a world of fun i couldn't use it as the definitive saltwater fly situation. In fact I don't think I could call any part of SWF in isolation the definitive part of SWF and there in also lies a major part of the appeal.
I have done most every form of trout fishing you can think of. I have done in excess of 1500 guided days on trout streams and heaven knows how many (Probably not as many as that) fishing for myself. I achieved most every goal I can think I ever had for trout and it represents, to me, a repeat performance now. Just about every day will be a repeat of something I have experienced before. You will always be learning, such is the nature of fishing, but the world of SWF opened up huge new horizons, things to learn and discover and that journey will never end because of the diversity of the ocean and it's surrounds.
I do agree with herring that being a good Trout fisherman doesn't make you at good SWF and that has been the appeal to me as there is so much more to learn. The transition for me from using an average of a 5 weight rod to casting the big guns of 9 - 14 was really an eye opener and it took a lot of practice to come to grips with that.
I have had experiences in the salt that would rival trout fishing for the stalking aspects... trying to will a JD to take a fly (Still trying....
) Is one such thing where not only do you "stalk" the JD but you get to see the JD "stalk" the fly... I find most snapper situations very akin to lake fly fishing with streamers and King fishing in a world of it's own.Kahawai fishing is almost identical to smelt fishing... so there are parallels.
I think 80% of the fish I catch would be visual, so its not all blind casting by any means...
However, the majority of trouties I speak to have an interest in SWF and I believe more will try it with the information out there. Most salties see it as a curious eccentricity but do get interested when they see it in action and that you catch fish. I think that's one of the keys, people have to see it work.
The Wildfish series in Aussie did that... they saw the success of it and so were confident it would work. A bit more media coverage of successful snapper and Kingfish captures on fly here and it might be surprising how many people from different "styles and genres" of fishing join in the silliness..
Clark
------------- http://www.clarkreid.co.nz" rel="nofollow - www.clarkreid.co.nz FFF Certified Casting Instructor / Umpqua Designer Tier 
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Posted By: ian
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2006 at 11:02am
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I am with Simon here, I am becoming obsessive about fly and have no interest in SPs. Maybe there is some "elitism" in FF, it takes a hell of a lot more skill to cast a fly etc, but anyone can thread up a spin rod and cast an SP, and I think that adds to the challenge of fly but this is very similar to the sentiments on the why FF thread. Personally I wanted to flyfish since I was old enough to read books like "tales from a fishermens log, an anglers eldorado" and Joe Brooks "flyfishing". for some (financially suicidal) reason I wanted to use a flyrod, but because of logistics, boat acess, student income (dismal even when working at a tackle store part time!) this was mainly for trout with the occasional crack at salt when possible. I have a few trouty friends who are very very good at catching the slimy insect eating sloths(!) and are intrested in trying swf, the main hinderance is the first step, ie actually getting out there with rod in hand and doing it and at the exclusion of bait/SPs until you succed. I expect until I put them in my boat and we have a go then it wont happen. However for any trout guys living in akl, you have a potential mecca of SWF at your feet, the species range, the techniques and location options, sight fishing, seeing kings take at your feet, casting into foaming schools, etc are right under your nose. Dont go buying new gear, any tongariro outfit will do (WASH IT AFTER!), just try it.
as an aside I may have a new form of sight fishing that wont appeal to all (esp after Steve Irwin). I found a very shallow bay, just deep enough to glide a 16' tinny into, where I could see about 20-30 rays feeding! how about sight casting crabs, shrimps etc and then hanging on for the fight?
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Posted By: Ginge
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2006 at 11:06am
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For me I tried both SWF and Freshwater at the same time - but that was mostly a result of the guy who was showing me the ropes. And I think my first "fly caught fish" was a Kahawai.
Subsequently I found myself doing more freshwater because it was more accessible. The problem I found with boat water SWF is that whilst i was learning to cast everyone else had to duck for cover - hence my opportunities to spend time doing it were limited.
But - as a beginner I found them both equally as difficult to get started with due to the lack "how to" information and tackle shop support. In the end I had to join clubs and track people through this site.
Re Soft Plastics. Ive tried that two and SWF is definitely a different experience.
My 2c worth.
Cheers Craig ------------- The Fishing Website - Fishing.net.nz Fishing knowledge on-line... |
Posted By: Pole Dancer
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2006 at 11:09am
Ummm, I think in the times we are in we have to adapt that to 10c worth
Clark ------------- http://www.clarkreid.co.nz" rel="nofollow - www.clarkreid.co.nz FFF Certified Casting Instructor / Umpqua Designer Tier
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Ginge wrote:Posted By: kiwitroutbum
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2006 at 2:11pm
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Yes I know what you mean Ian about the lack of interest in anything other than Fly. Is it elitist? Only if I think you should be doing it, which I don't...except if we are sharing a boat and I don't have as many opportunities .......  I know I might miss out on catching more or bigger but I think the fly is just how I want to do it. In saying that what is flyfishing? (Been here havn't we?)  On the weekend I fished with a guy who "tied" a fly using a soft plastic. These can also be bought commercially now in US "flyshops".Using a double hander he was still casting with a flyrod and line. I think SWFFing will get more exposure because of forums such as these but only if we have more people log on. Really how many users are there? How many have come over from the trouty side? For me I came to this link before I went to have a look at the freshwater site. |
Posted By: Ginge
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2006 at 2:31pm
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The site gets a large amount of repeat and new traffic every month plus if you go into google, for a bunch of key searches we come up number one.
But....people then need to find their way into the forum and then to this topic. A classic website management dilemma.
I have a bunch of ideas and some developments underway now with the goal of "enlightening more people" to different and alternative techniques. But we are always open to ideas on making it more accessible and driving more users - so if you have any please fire them through.
Cheers
Craig ------------- The Fishing Website - Fishing.net.nz Fishing knowledge on-line... |
Posted By: Jaapie
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2006 at 4:35pm
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http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley4.gif - - but a little knowledge can be dangerous http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley36.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley36.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley36.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley36.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley36.gif - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley36.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley36.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley36.gif - - http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/smileys/smiley36.gif - - - ------------- "Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught,will we realize that we cannot eat money" - 19th Century Indian Creed |
Posted By: Jaapie
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2006 at 4:36pm
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I'm sorry blokes about this post with the underlined stuff.
Tried editing it a few times, but there seems to be some drama with it.
Please would one of the moderators try and fix it for easier reading.
Thanks guys,
Kev ------------- "Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught,will we realize that we cannot eat money" - 19th Century Indian Creed |
Posted By: upstream
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2006 at 5:11pm
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I'm a troutie and have tried some SWF but never caught a thing. I suspect because I don't have the correct gear and casting ability. I am very interested though, hence why I am reading this forum.
The type of SWF that intrigues me though is flats fishing for bonefish and tarpon. I just don't perceive throwing out a burley trail and fishing deep for snapper and the like as fly-fishing. In NZ we just don't seem to have the array of predatory fish available in other SWF destinations. The only qualifiers are kahawai and kingies, and with kingies you generally need to fish well offshore from a boat.
Somebody prove me wrong and give me an excuse to buy some more fishing tackle.
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Posted By: Pole Dancer
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2006 at 5:33pm
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I think is part of it upstream in that the perception isn't the reality and I think Kev's post on this is excellent. I think trout fihsing has enough diversity to rival salt personally, but I don't think any of them really cross over a great deal and this means a learning of an entire new set of skills by those crossing over. However, while intimidating at first, it immediately also becomes a major part of the appeal, because you become a better, more rounded angler as a result.
To get your head around the species on offer, look up the thread here on species forum members have caught... it's a lot... and I am more inclined to think of fishing for snapper using a retrieve as more like classic fly-fishing than the "Heave and Leave" techniques employed in many freshwater situations. Not disparaging either just trying to make the point that it is difficult to condemn one without condeming the other. The result is nil all in a salt fresh debate.
As a trout guide we used cringe with some salt fly anglers coming to fish for trout. Most all of them threw 80 feet in a perfect line up a pool, won't get in close and have little in the way of mending skills, however, the trouties going salt have limitations in direct contrast as well so it's balanced I think. I'd be reluctant to call one tougher or more challinging than the other...
That's why it appeals. After 30 years wanding around in the fresh, I didn't make a change to sWF because it was easy all the time....
------------- http://www.clarkreid.co.nz" rel="nofollow - www.clarkreid.co.nz FFF Certified Casting Instructor / Umpqua Designer Tier
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Posted By: Memorymaker
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2006 at 6:48pm
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Hi Upstream,
Snapper and the like are not confined only to deep-water chum lnes, they often prowl the shallows with trevally and a miriad of other fish species, including parore kahawai and kingfish. Chum lines to me were a great intro into the sport and certainly sped up my appreciation of the sport by offering me instant success and an opportunity to feel what it was like to be hooked up on a flyrod in saltwater.
I also see opportunities for others who would frown on the chumming method, to drift or pole suitable boats over harbour type flats casting fly around the banks and channels that make up dozens of our harbour systems. Snapper trevally and flounder all feed on crabs of all shapes and sizes and are often clearly visable moving about feeding on shallow banks, I'm sure anyone interested in sight casting would find this type of thing quite a mouth watering prospect. Australians are blessed with the options they have re species available as targets in their estuaries, but so are we I just don't think it is as well practised yet in most cases. ------------- Fish don't make mistakes |
Posted By: fush
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2006 at 7:18pm
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Hi Out the back I know in the Auckland area that the fish numbers have really bounced back in the past 20 years. The last decade has seen the fishing improve to a level everyone can get out and get a feed while 20 years ago things were alot thinner on the water. But its only been the last few years that we have seen fish numbers this good - I think the improvement in the waitamata fish numbers will provide more opportunities for more people to target fish in defined areas eg shallows close to the city. This ease of targeting fish will help get more people in SWF. How have your SWF catch rates changed in the past 20 / 10 and 3 years I know the Whakatane area gets hit hard by the commercial boys. Have you found that the numbers of snapper in the shallows are also increasing compared to past years or are the commercial boys still taking the same amount of fish as they did 20 years ago. The fish numbers you are catching in close on SWF - have these also increased in the past 2 - 3 years. I know the fish numbers in the ohope harbour use to be quite low, sitting on the wharf at christmas waiting to catch a fish that wasnt there - just reading your blurb about fishing in the harbour type flats how much improvment have you noticed in your catch rate on the fly in the past 3 years in this area. we are getting fish in 3ft of water in the upper harbour while we are netting for flounder. These snapper are feeding on small as flonder. Just wasnt a common occurance a few years back |
Posted By: kiwitroutbum
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2006 at 8:58pm
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Hi Ginge I wish I knew how to get more guys to visit the forum. Clark originally gave me the heads up and I've always felt it was a pretty cruisey format and the banter is always goodnatured. Is there a way through the paper mediums to get people to visit and log on? I'm with Clark on the debate whether fresh or salt has more intricacies. Both have elements that can challenge and present so many cross over ideas. Each to their own with regards to method SP, bait or fly - but I know for me I just like flyfishing. I don't think its the challenge so much as I like it the most? All the way back to Craig's original questions though and I wonder if more exposure and taking some of the "mystery and idea of exclusiveness or expense" out of SWOFFing will open the door for more to try. Both salties and trouties. Good point about opportunities and availability of fish Herring as nothing enthuses people more than a bit of success. What about a couple of teams for the Kings of Coromandel for next year and TV coverage of guys SWOFFing? The incredulous hordes might be amused, suprised and tempted to try something new. Great for a tackle shop to sponser  !! Imagine all the sales with excited guys looking for new techniques and challenges??!!! |
Posted By: Memorymaker
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2006 at 9:06pm
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Hi Herring' How true, your fishery AUKs improved, this is quite clear from the hundreds of posts especially in the fishing reports part of the forum.The banning of trawling in the Hauraki is paying divedends for your local fishery and the general health of the fishery in all respects. In Whakatane as you have rightfully observed we do get hit hard by commercial trawler activity, without doubt this is harming our fishery, to what extent I'm unsure. I do notice as an angler both from a recreational and a commercial perspective that over the last lets say 10 years the fishery especially the snapper fishery has seen lots of fluctuation. I am sure there has been a measurable decline in fish numbers, although for me it would be hard to gauge to what extent. My own observations would say that seasons or assumed fish numbers have varied although not in a declining fashion year by year, I think more by water temp and general climatic influences, rather than just a blanket broadshot at commercial trawlers, I personally doubt that trawlers are taking the same amount as 20 years ago, I could be wrong, but I think the quota management system has at least helped a bit, it's still very painful to watch it almost feels like someones pinching your fruit, as for fish in the Ohiwa harbour, a very healthy fishery in my opinion, more so in late spring through to late Autumn due to water temp, but a real fun place to fish, The Wharf offers more opportunities for kids and makeral than for snapper, although there are literally dozens of really good locations to fish in the harbour and down to the mouth and in the upper reaches nearer the new oyster farm lease.
I have not been fishing SWF long enough to answer all your questions, but am confident in my knowledge of my local fishery to either adapt my methods to suit whats available,or offer advice to anyone seeking information on the area and or the fish in it.
Hope this helps ------------- Fish don't make mistakes |
Posted By: FishMan
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2006 at 2:05pm
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Some interesting points there Lionel. I'm never too sure whether the fishing is improving or not. Pressure on the Bay of Islands and the Far North continue to increase but you can strike some red hot fishing in other places. And the fishing at home is certainly nothing to complain about. I'm guessing but I would say there has been an improvement in snapper fishing over the last twenty years, kings and trevally are about the same with overall sizes smaller on the kings, while kahawai are way down from what they were. Talk to some of the old commercial fishers around here though and you get a frightening picture of what there was. These guys talk about huge schools of spawning snapper way up harbour in the shallows with big mobs of school sharks and bronzies hassling the schools. They used to make a living drag netting beaches for snapper that you wouldn't even bother fishing today. From their perspective the fishery is dead. All depends when you were born I suppose.
And I like the idea of targetting snapper over the pipi beds on fly. Now that would be a challenge. I've seen them up over the pipi beds at the mouth of the Whangarei harbour (easily accessible from Marsden Point) and places like Parengarenga are lousy with schoolie snapper in autumn. Would have to be worth a go there. A snapper on a crystal clear sand flat is going to be pretty spooky animal though. Mark H managed it in the Waitemata in milky water last year so it obviously works. Just got to get close enough to them..
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Posted By: Memorymaker
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2006 at 5:11pm
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Agreed Craig, on all points especially your observations about the snapper numbers, I know for a fact the area around bream head North to around Tutukaka is fishing a lot harder than in the years I used to live there, I know this discussion is not entirely SWF related but it interesting to get an insight on how others have observed fish numbers if they have lived a few years in one location.
I never concidered just how tough a prospect sight fishing snapper would be, just know the opportunity exists, but would have to conceed they are bloody flighty sods when approached , so I guess the drift fishing option if possible along a sand bank may work if done very quietly, what type of fly would you concider using here Craig ? all I know is when I catch them conventionally in this state they are full of crab, just those little buggers (guess I just answered my own question)  ------------- Fish don't make mistakes |