When Dr Mike Ladle was in NZ recently we had a discussion on how he targets large bass with cut baits in very shallow water. This is a technique that he has perfected and it came about largely by accident. One day when he was making his way home just after dawn he disturbed a huge bass close to the shore in calf deep water. … Continue reading RUBBER BAND BAIT FEEDER
Text: Alan Bulmer Images: Matt Jones & Irideus Fly Fishing I recently read an excellent article by Tim Angeli in NZ Fish & Game magazine entitled “Do Big Fish fight”(Issue 90 Page 24-30). It really got me thinking and is definitely worth checking out. The wide ranging article discussed the fight provided by big fish, whether the fight from rainbow trout is typically more energetic … Continue reading WHAT DETERMINES HOW WELL TROUT FIGHT?
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Text: Alan Bulmer Lead Image: Sport Fishing magazine Flounder are present in many estuaries worldwide and NZ is no exception. In NZ very few people try to catch flounder using a rod and reel, preferring instead to target them with a spear, drag or set net. While flounder may not be renowned for their fighting qualities, they are delectable on the plate and definitely worth … Continue reading FLOUNDER ON A BAITED SPOON
Fly casting techniques have changed markedly over the past hundred years and this in many ways has been influenced by rod manufacturing developments. In the early part of the 20th century when fly rods were predominantly made of cane the fly casting mantra was to use the wrist more than the arm, straight up and down, 10 to 12 on the casting clock with the … Continue reading HOW TO FLY CAST BY FEEL
Going bibless – Why should you? There are many different types of lures available to shore based, saltwater spin fishermen. In New Zealand, metal spinners and bibbed lures are by far the most commonly used. Blade spinners (Mepps type) and weighted metal blades have historically been used in freshwater but they are steadily growing in popularity in the salt. Trout fishermen, in particular, find it … Continue reading USING BIBLESS LURES
Over the years I’ve gathered quite a bit of information from many sources on the various types of metal lures and how they are used. What follows is a synopsis of this information so I’m not for one minute claiming it is all my own work. However, if you are looking for a definitive book covering all lure types then “The Book of Lures” by Ron … Continue reading METAL LURES
‘The Mayfly’, Ephemera danica, has been well known to trout anglers for a very long time. It is arguably the most well known of the upwinged flies. Most trout fishermen understand that the life cycle of the mayfly follows the pattern of dun – spinner – egg – nymph – dun and that this goes on unceasingly as long as no link in the chain is … Continue reading MAYFLY NYMPH INSIGHTS
I recently wrote an article on the importance of adjusting the reel drag during the fight, especially when the fish has taken a lot of line off the spool. If you want to understand the reason why then click on:- WHY YOU SHOULD ADJUST THE REEL DRAG DURING THE FIGHT It is common practice for anglers to set the drag at 25 – 33% of … Continue reading HOW TO SET THE REEL DRAG PROPERLY
There really is nothing quite like strolling out with a long rod for a cast and enjoying the setting sun. A few fish provide the icing….. Continue reading GALLERY – EVENING SURFCAST
Text: Mike Ladle Feature image: John Kuczala Perch have big eyes and big mouths. These two simple facts suggest that old stripey is a predator largely using its excellent eyesight to find prey. Of course, once they attain a decent size, these fish feed mainly on smaller species or on the young of other fish. The question is do we have any information about when, … Continue reading PERCH (REDFIN) FEEDING BEHAVIOUR
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