Fishing – Sinking feeling

Over a weekend at Matauri Bay, while taking a walk up to the monument commemorating the Rainbow Warrior, we noticed a boat being launched and took some photos.
What we did not expect was what quickly followed. The chap had no help except for the driver of the tractor backing the boat trailer out to sea. Wave after wave crashed over the back of the boat and finally, after three or four large waves, the boat leaned over and sank.
Startled onlookers went to his assistance and tried to get the boat upright again. With the help of a tractor, the boat was then dragged out of the surf. After much effort, the boat was winched back onto the trailer, and the skipper had a bad end to his weekend.
If that wasn’t enough, the next morning I was almost witness to exactly the same drama.

Another boat, no help, and a skipper backing out to sea stern first. Luckily, this time the surf had calmed down, and he did not get enough water over the stern to sink the boat.

A quick lesson here. When launching into the surf, it is crucial that you have enough helpers to turn the boat immediately it leaves the trailer so the bow is facing the oncoming waves. The helpers must then push you out far enough until you are able to drop the motor and start it. Once the skipper has watched the waves, and is ready to take off, he shouts to the crew holding the boat to quickly board, then he pulls away. All must wear life jackets.

With autumn here, fishing has become more of an art and it is not so easy to catch your limit. Nevertheless, we have had some great success with soft baits, especially close in around the kelp and rocks. Good results were achieved in the late afternoon with Shiner bait, which has a more natural looking colour. Nuclear Chicken, which has a brighter colour, did well early in the morning. It is good to have a variety of colour in your tackle box.

Game fishing is still active and locals trolling between the Hen and Chicks and Poor Knights have been successful. Let’s hope the Marlin hang around a good while longer since the water continues to hold its temperature of around 20 degrees plus.

Anthony Roberts, Tackle & Outdoors
tecnisportnz@gmail.com