GALLERY – EVENING SURFCAST
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
PERCH (REDFIN) FEEDING BEHAVIOUR
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
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CAST LURES?
Text: Alan Bulmer Lead image: Hook ‘n Surf IS SIDE OR OVERHEAD CASTING BETTER FOR LURES? There is no correct answer to the question “Is side or overhead casting better for lures” as both methods have their place. The choice is ultimately down to personal preference and the purpose of this article is to discuss the merits and shortcomings of both methods. Irrespective of whether … Continue reading WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CAST LURES?
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WHY IS FLY FISHING IN FRESHWATER BETTER AT NIGHT?
Most rivers in NZ have an evening rise when trout seem to appear from nowhere to feed on insects. More fish seem to rise to flies on the surface after dark than during the day. Why is this so and can it be explained scientifically? Dr Mike Ladle, a retired UK fisheries ecologist, spent many years studying this phenomenon and shares some of his insights … Continue reading WHY IS FLY FISHING IN FRESHWATER BETTER AT NIGHT?
ROD REVIEW – Daiwa NewEra SLR Spinning rod – Model No. NESLRSS903-AU (9’, 3 piece)
I’d been looking for a new spinning rod to handle larger saltwater species for some time when I first read about the launch of the Daiwa NewEra rod range in May 2014 on the Daiwa UK website. The website had a video showcasing the innovative X45 technology and I was particularly interested in how the multiple layer blank structure counteracted rod twist whilst still ensuring … Continue reading ROD REVIEW – Daiwa NewEra SLR Spinning rod – Model No. NESLRSS903-AU (9’, 3 piece)
WHY A FISH TAKES THE BAIT
Text: Mike Ladle Lead image: Paul Smith In this article Mike Ladle describes some fascinating experiments undertaken to see what senses fish use to locate and identify prey and explains how anglers can use this information to improve their success rates. While much of the information relates to UK fish species the general principles will probably also … Continue reading WHY A FISH TAKES THE BAIT
FLY FISHING’S DIRTY SECRET?
Recently I wrote about an innovative Scotsman, Alexander Wanless, and how he pioneered fly fishing with spinning tackle. If you want to revisit this article then click on:- https://activeanglingnz.com/2014/06/11/alexander-wanless-spin-fishing-innovator/ Essentially Wanless figured out how to use ultra light spinning tackle to deliver dry and wet flies large distances. His method equalled the Spey cast in efficacy and was much easier to learn and use. It allowed him … Continue reading FLY FISHING’S DIRTY SECRET?
FIGHTING FISH FROM THE SHORE
When I was young and starting out on my shore based fishing journey all of the focus was on hooking the fish. The process of fighting fish once they were hooked was almost an afterthought. My father really only had four pieces of advice and when I did hook up on my first trout he pretty much left me to my own devices which, unfortunately, often … Continue reading FIGHTING FISH FROM THE SHORE
FREDERIC HALFORD – THE HIGH PRIEST OF DRY FLY PURISM
Recently I’ve been reading some articles written by Tony Hayter about the high priest of dry fly purism, Frederic Halford. The following passage in particular piqued my interest. “Once upon a time there was a Jewish businessman called Fred Hyam. He made his pile, as did many others, from the “rag trade”. He worked hard, and in his spare time fished the Thames for bream, barbel … Continue reading FREDERIC HALFORD – THE HIGH PRIEST OF DRY FLY PURISM
VIDEO – SMOOTH HOUND IN THE SHALLOWS
Smooth hound cruising the shallows on a perfect Manukau Morning….. Continue reading VIDEO – SMOOTH HOUND IN THE SHALLOWS
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