The last time we had a warm, settled summer and autumn the kahawai started to appear in the northern estuaries around the end of April. When you get gin clear water, a chilly start to the morning and the promise of a nice sunny day this is what will likely happen….. “The strident alarm clock broke the early morning silence at 6.00 am and I … Continue reading KAHAWAI MAYHEM AT DAWN
Stalking the flats – Part 4 – Lure size and general comments on lures Before embarking on a discussion about the types of lures suitable for estuarine spinning and how to use them, I’d like to briefly discuss lure size. Over the past twenty years I’ve used lures of various sizes in my favourite estuary and meticulously recorded success. Based on an analysis of the … Continue reading FLATS LURES – THE BASICS
In Stalking the flats – Part 2, I discussed what to look for when walking across the flats. I mentioned that “I am always on the look-out for freshly dug depressions in the sand and shell, roughly 0.5 – 1 metre in diameter. These depressions are often easy to spot as entire areas will be pockmarked with them and they are surrounded by piles of … Continue reading STALKING THE FLATS FOR SNAPPER
Text: Alan Bulmer Lead image: Mark Hoffman Rod handles – Which is better Cork or EVA foam and why? The two main materials used in the fishing rod handles are cork and EVA foam (also called Duplon). Each material has its advantages and disadvantages but which is better? Cork handles tend to be lighter than foam ones and also maintain residual heat in cooler temperatures. … Continue reading ROD HANDLES – CORK OR EVA FOAM
This “tongue-in-cheek” article looks at one of the hidden dangers of fishing near rivers in New Zealand. It was late on a hot summer’s day in mid-February. The ground was still shimmering from the oppressive day time heat and everything was limply hanging out for the respite that would come with dusk. We were dressed in tee shirts and shorts but it made little difference. … Continue reading RIVER SIDE DANGERS – ELECTRIC FENCES
The ideal spin fishing tackle for flats fishing is always going to come down to personal preference. You need to find a rod and reel combination that feels comfortable and suits your casting style as you will make a lot of casts in a two hour flats session. However, having said that, a safe starting outfit would be a 2.1 metre (7′) soft bait rod, … Continue reading SPINNING TACKLE FOR THE FLATS
Here’s a hard case tale from Alan Bulmers fishing diary… Cedric the Black backed gull – a fishing session with a difference! Yesterday’s fishing session on my favourite estuary was interesting. Low tide was at 2.00 pm so I timed my assault to be in the main channel fishing by 12.00 pm. It was an uncharacteristically warm, humid, overcast day. The moisture laden, concrete grey … Continue reading BEWARE OF BLACK BACKED GULLS
(Words – Alan Bulmer/ Images – Kiyoshi Nakagawa) The day dawned cool and clear in Auckland. I had slept fitfully as I always do before a serious fishing trip, scared to drop off unless I missed the alarm and excited about what the day would hold. I was already up when the alarmed sounded at 4.15 am, ready and breakfasted by the time that my … Continue reading NGONGOTAHA – TROPHY TROUT MECCA
Shortly after we received the article from Mike Ladle on his Mullet catching exploits in England (https://activeanglingnz.com/2014/04/21/dr-mike-ladle-mullet-fishing-for-new-zealand/) I received an email from Alan Bulmer, describing the flies that he tied for Mike Ladle to entice Mullet species in the UK….. The e-mail went:- “Hi Paul, First things first, the species of mullet that Mike Ladle catches in the UK is not identical to the NZ Grey … Continue reading MULLET – KIWI FLY CATCHES THEM IN UK
Stalking The Flats – “What to Look For” The most important skill to be learned in order to spin fish estuaries effectively is identifying where fish are likely to be located. This process starts well before you reach the water. In fact, it starts as soon as you get out of your vehicle. The first thing that I’m looking for are the channels which drain … Continue reading STALKING THE FLATS – “WHAT TO LOOK FOR”
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