with Derek Robertson
derekthechef@clear.net.nz
Derek Robertson, also known as Derek the Chef, describes himself as “a chef who goes fishing”, but such is his passion for fishing that the description also works the other way around.
2010
Winter fishing - August
When it comes to winter fishing, I should explain, I’m not a ‘woose’; I was born and bred in the South Island and don’t mind the cold. However, as I get older so does the pain threshold decrease and level of suffering increase.
Cold weather fishing - July
The recent NZ Boat show was a great opportunity to catch up with keen fishers that visited me on my Backyard Gourmet stand. The all new fisherman’s hall was jammed packed with all sorts of equipment, so I took the time to look around and see what was available. Local tackle shops were represented and many reported a lot of interest and good sales.
Tough times, what tough times? - June
The toughest time for me has not being able to get out to fish lately, due to the opening of the Jambalaya Restaurant in Manly where I am head chef, plus the launch of my internet based business at the recent NZ boat show in Auckland. Nevertheless, my neighbours have been out at every opportunity, so Heather and Simon thanks for the following.
Fruitful fishing in Gulf - May
Out in the Gulf at present there are any number of snapper and kahawai, as well as some trophy kingfish (if you can find them) – just look for groups of birds such as gannets diving – a certain indication that there are ‘bait fish’ around. Bait fish can be anything from yellow tails and pilchards to piper. Once you have located the fish, there is no need to go motoring through at any great pace (slow is good). Generally the snapper are working underneath and the kahawai are chasing them.
Keeping it legal – April
Despite the importance of preserving our fish stocks, and never bringing in undersized fish, even some of the hardiest old time anglers let their guard down on a slow day and put the first snapper that comes along straight into the bin, no matter what size it is.
Rocky start for new fishers – March
Most beginners start out fishing off the rocks or beach, and only take to sea when they are more fully committed to this great Kiwi pastime. There are a great many suitable, easily accessible spots around the Hibiscus Coast, and greater Rodney.
Movie Review - End of the Line
If nothing changes, scientists predict that we will see the end of most seafoods by 2048. End of the Line, which screened to a packed house in Matakana on Sunday (March 14), tells the sad story of how our ocean resources are being over-fished by well-organised and well-financed multi-national companies.
The Whangateau cockle and pipi beds will be closed for three years from March 25.
The closure is in response to the dramatic fall in shellfish numbers in the harbour, which occurred last year.
To report illegal or suspicious activity on beaches and at fishing spots CALL 0800 4 POACHER (0800 4 762 2437)
