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Latest from The Catch

Pillie power!

January 2025
What is it about pilchards that makes them irresistible to so many fish? 

Pillie power!

January 2025
What is it about pilchards that makes them irresistible to so many fish? 
News

Gettin’ jiggy with it!

Heavy metal should feature in every angler's bag of tricks, but there's a huge variety of jigs and jigging techniques. By Mark Kitteridge. One only h...
The Catch

Yay for squid!

The most spectacular demonstration of how good a bait squid can be occurred on a trip to the King Bank, off the Three Kings Islands in the mid 1980s. ...
News

Cover up, buddy!

In addition to the more common freckles, moles and age spots, there are also dry, scaly patches (actinic keratosis) and even a few basal cell carcinom...
Sometimes it’s better to just hang on and wait for a gaffed fish to stop struggling! The gaff hook here is of the diamond design. PHOTO: NZ FISHING NEWS
September 2024

Just gaff it!

Last issue we looked at using landing nets, which requires less skill – even complete novices can be coached through the netting process by an experie...
August 2024

Get The Net!

If the fish is quite modest in size and well hooked, it should be possible to lift it into the boat by holding the lure or trace. However, bigger fish...
Chilly Fishing Hero Image
July 2024

Chilly fishing

The planet might be warming, but we can still expect several months of cooler weather.
June 2024

What a drag!

Properly set, a reel's drag system prevents busted lines and lost fish, but too much drag can be hard on anglers.
Fishing

Fishing smarter with lures

A typical day’s fishing can cost between $100–200 in bait – expensive when compared to a couple of $20–25 slow-jigs or $10–15 worth of soft-baits.
April 2024

The Catch: Spare the rod

I have seen lots of rods broken in lots of different ways. The vast majority of breakages were preventable.
March 2024

CYO mackerel

Skyrocketing bait prices could make justifying regular fishing trips more challenging for budget-conscious anglers. Perhaps it’s time to catch your ow...
February 2024

Deploy the drogue

Dragging a reliable, suitably-sized drogue slows the boat’s drift, making lure presentation easier and much more effective. A drogue can also offer ad...
January 2024

Go small and soft! (Part 2)

A finesse approach to fishing soft baits can pay dividends, especially in heavily-fished areas with educated fish.
December 2023

Downsize for more fun

The day I chose to go smaller with my soft-baits turned out to be a turning point in my fishing life.
May 2023

Leaders in their field Part 3: Rigging baits for Kingfish

Kingfish are an enigma. One day they smash anything remotely edible, baits and lures alike, the next they seem to have their mouths sewn shut. Unfortu...
April 2023

Leaders for kingfish –Part II

Catching a decent kingfish is a dream for many anglers – and once you feel that immense power through the rod and line you’ll understand why!
March 2023

Treats for kingfish

My intentions were good: to continue with my ‘Leaders in their field’ series, this time for catching kingfish. Then I realised I hadn’t yet covered th...
February 2023

Leaders in their field (Part 2) Leaders for lures

Whether bait or lure fishing for snapper, a leader’s primary purpose is to protect against line damage.
January 2023

Festive family fishing essentials

Mark takes a break from his ‘Leaders in their fields’ series to suggest fishing items and techniques that will help Christmas holiday success.
December 2022

Leaders in their field (Part 1)

A leader might be just a relatively short length of line, but its diverse roles make leader use essential to most forms of fishing.
November 2022

Carrots anyone?

Good looking and great in the pan, gurnard is a popular recreational catch.
October 2022

Find those fish (Part 4): Work-ups – a wild gannet chase!

Hovering, fluttering and feeding seabirds often indicate feeding predators.
September 2022

Find those fish (Part 3) Closer to home

Where to fish, when and why: reading the clues the inshore environment provides.
July 2022

FIND THOSE FISH (PART 1): Current favourites

Oceanic currents, temperature breaks, structure and concentrations of baitfish are key factors when searching for pelagic gamefish.
August 2022

Calamari time

The cooler months may not suit some anglers, but they signal productive and tasty times ahead for squid (egi) fishers!
June 2022

More fish in the sea

Why aren’t we doing more to breed and release native fish? A simple question with complicated answers. Alex Stone looks at some of the issues surround...
May 2022

Wrigglier rubber

My advancing years and a long-time passion for soft-plastic fishing probably qualify me as a ‘veteran’, but the challenge of bringing soft-baits to li...
April 2022

The power of movement

Finally, an overall recommendation: don’t overdo the strength of your trace: the thinner the trace diameter, the better your lures’ natural action. Go...
March 2022

KNOW YOUR BAITS PART 1 – You got to move it, move it!

Dead baits might not be quite as effective as live baits, but there are ways to impart an illusion of life to them that fish find hard to resist. Th...
February 2022

Let’s stray-line!

Strayline fishing is perhaps the most effective bait fishing technique, especially for snapper. It’s essentially a simple fishing style, but taking th...
Boat Business

The stray-line rig

Perhaps the simplest and probably the most effective rig for catching snapper, the stray-line rig benefits from a few subtleties. Last month we looke...
Boat Business

Deadly dropper rigs

Novice anglers who read last month’s Boating NZ may now be the proud owners of a new spinning outfit and destined (hopefully) for ‘bait-fishing greatn...
November 2021

Let’s get started!

Fishing success – or lack of it – is greatly influenced by an angler’s skill level and choice of fishing gear. Taking time to learn the basics can mak...
October 2021

Better put a bib on!

Trolling bibbed minnows is arguably the easiest way to catch kingfish – if you know the basics! These essential elements include: using suitable tack...
September 2021

Slip into a slider!

They may look more like Christmas Tree decorations than fishing lures, but kabura or slider jigs do the business on snapper – and a whole range of oth...
August 2021

No limits to greed

Pink maomao. Chances are many Kiwis don’t even know what pink maomao are, but if you have dived/fished the waters of northern New Zealand, you have al...
July 2021

Aquaculture concerns

Aquaculture is often touted as the future of seafood, but is it really? Scrolling through Facebook the other day, I stumbled across a discussion on t...
June 2021

Bracing for winter

I always feel a little sad when the last vestiges of summer disappear and winter can no longer be denied.
The Catch

Catch-and-release a kingie

In the waters of the Hauraki Gulf, kingfish appear to have made a strong comeback in recent years. Every summer they seem to be present in greater num...
May 2021

Salt, smoke & heat

Perhaps only the Scandinavians love smoked fish more than Kiwis.
The Catch

Too much noise?

I’m not sure if I’m a fan of loud sound systems on boats. At least, I’m not a fan of them when I’m quietly communing with nature while trying to snag ...

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HOT OFF THE PRESS

Henri-Lloyd returns to the Auckland Boat Show with The Chandlery

Since October 2024, The Chandlery has been the exclusive New Zealand stockist of Henri-Lloyd, workin...
Auckland Boat ShowThe Chandlery

20 days until the Auckland Boat Show: A show not to be missed!

The Auckland Boat Show is back this March, returning to the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbo...
Auckland Boat Show

NZ marine companies exhibiting at the Miami Boat Show 2025: The world’s largest boat and yacht event...

The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show 2025 is making waves. Opening yesterday, 12 Febru...
Miami International Boat Show

Sail like a Prince: A Superyacht of Unparalleled Luxury

For those who demand nothing but the finest, the Wildcat Project is a superyacht that embodies pure ...
News

Classic boats and historic culture celebrated at the 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival

This incredible spectacle and crowd favourite—experience the Australian Wooden Boat Festival through...
Australian Wooden Boats Festival

Lofty goals and big sails: Can the PIC Harbour Classic go the distance?

With just under 20 days until the third edition of the PIC Harbour Classic, excitement is building f...
PIC Harbour ClassicSports Artices

Australian Boat Industry Association revamps Sydney’s boat show scene with two dynamic new eve...

The Boating Industry Association (BIA) is set to reshape Australia’s boat show scene from 2025 with ...
Boating Festivals & EventsSydney International Boat Show

KPMG SailGP Sydney Full Highlights

All the best moments from 2 days of racing on Sydney Harbour, ending with a surprise upset and leade...
SailGPSydney racing

Slow boat to Racehorse River

Our summer cruise was postponed by those gales. Then there was the truckload of mulch for the garden...
FeaturesFebruary 2025

Check for marine pests 

Marine biosecurity teams are reminding boaties and all marine users to make sure they are across mar...
Boat BriefEnvironmentFebruary 2025

Sunbeam 29.1 GT

SUNBEAM Yachts Australia & New Zealand is never satisfied with the status quo. This is also the ...
Boat BusinessFebruary 2025New Boat Models

H2Ocean Hydrogen power

Fabrum, a New Zealand company leading the world in zero-emission transition technologies, has collab...
Boat BusinessFebruary 2025Hydrogen & Alternative Fuels

Negative carbon footpinrt marine decking

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study conducted by ITECONS1, an independent entity, and in complianc...
Boat BusinessEco-Friendly Boat MaterialsFebruary 2025

Scout Boats unveils the 670 LXS – The world’s largest outboard-powered yacht

South Carolina-based Scout Boats Inc. has officially introduced its all-new flagship model, the 670...
New Boat ModelsNew Boats International

Our Interview with Peter Burling: “It was really nice to have the boat back at 100%”

A turbulent weekend in Sydney turned into a valuable learning experience for the New Zealand SailGP ...
NewsSailGPSydney racing

‘Kiwis Can Fly’: The Lupton legacy dominates the 2024 Hydroplane Racing League

In the world of hydroplane racing, commitment, focus, and relentless hard work are the pillars of s...
Powerboat RacingSports News

The 100th Anniversary year of the Masport Challenge Cup ends in chaos at Lake Karapiro

The 100th anniversary of the Masport Challenge Cup was set to be a momentous occasion—a celebration ...
Events & GatheringsNews ArticlesPowerboat Racing

Scott Coker executes a near-perfect start and finish to win Round 3 of the Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder S...

Lake Karapiro came alive this weekend with the thrilling spectacle of high-speed powerboat racing as...
Events & GatheringsPowerboat RacingSports Artices

Emirates GBR claims dramatic victory in SailGP Sydney winner-takes-all final

The final race of SailGP Sydney delivered everything fans could hope for—drama, high-speed action, a...
NewsSailGPSydney racing

The Flying Roos win final fleet race in Sydney, the Black Foils hold steady mid-pack

New Zealand’s SailGP team put in a steady performance in the final fleet race of the KPMG Australia ...
NewsSailGPSydney racing

Black Foils bounce back with dominant second race win at Sydney SailGP

New Zealand’s Black Foils returned to form in spectacular fashion during Race 2 of Day 2 at the Sydn...
NewsSailGPSydney racing

Super Sunday in Sydney: Emirates GBR dominates Race 1, New Zealand takes second

The Sydney leg of SailGP kicked off its Super Sunday in spectacular fashion, with Emirates GBR claim...
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Black Foils battle through tough day in Sydney

After a promising build-up to the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney, the Black Foils were dea...
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Australia dominates opening day of Sydney SailGP

SailGP’s return to Sydney brought thrilling action, dramatic penalties, and a dominant display from ...
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Australia dominates as New Zealand hits rock bottom in SailGP Sydney

The final race of day one at the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix saw the Flying Roos—Australia—ceme...
SailGPSydney racing

Australia Takes Command as New Zealand Falters in Race 3

The third race of the 2025 KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix delivered high-stakes drama, with Austra...
SailGPSydney racing

Great Britain edges Australia in SailGP Sydney showdown

A nail-biting second race at the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney saw Great Britain take a...
SailGPSydney racing

Switzerland Shines in Thrilling SailGP Sydney Opener

A dramatic day of racing unfolded on Sydney Harbour as SailGP’s 12-strong fleet battled it out on ...
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International SailGP teams push limits in Sydney’s high-stakes racing

The international teams at the Sydney SailGP event brought the heat, navigating tight courses, high ...
NewsNewsRun-up to Sydney

White Pointer boats celebrates 30 Years with Anniversary Fishing Competition

To honour its impressive 30th Anniversary milestone, White Pointer Boats hosted a fishing competitio...
Anniversaries & MilestoneEvents & GatheringsFishing

NZ Antique & Classic Boat Show 2025: A Celebration of Timeless Craftsmanship

The stunning alpine backdrop, the beauty of vintage boats, and a uniquely charming atmosphere have m...
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Close calls, a capsize and a collision between Germany and Mubadala Brazil: Inside Sydney’s drama-fi...

Tension rises as Sydney’s practice races set the stage for intense competition in SailGP's 2025 seas...
Run-up to SydneySailGP

New Zealand’s SailGP Challenge: Lessons from Auckland, Eyes on Sydney

The Black Foils faced a tough outing in Auckland, struggling to find their usual dominance. Now, wit...
Run-up to SydneySailGP

Historic boat sinks in D’Entrecasteaux Channel en route to 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival

A rare and historic vessel has been lost in Tasmania’s D’Entrecasteaux Channel while on its way to t...
Australian Wooden Boats FestivalBoating Festivals & EventsGlobal Coastguard Updates

Flying on water: Lift Foils redefines eFoiling with the LIFT5 and LIFTX

Lift Foils has taken the eFoil experience to a whole new level with their new LIFT5 and the LIFTX.
New Boat ModelsNew Boats International

The final frontier: Vendée Globe’s toughest endurance test

As the leading skippers cross the finish line, the real test of endurance continues at the back of t...
Race Day ReportsVendee Globe - Round The World Yacht Race

Timber, tradition, and time-honoured craft: The 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival

The Australian Wooden Boat Festival is one of the largest maritime celebrations in the Southern Hemi...
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Reel real adventures exploring New Zealand’s waters

A story of passion, innovation, and adventure on New Zealand’s untamed coastlines.
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Operation Resolution: Salvage Efforts Continue on HMNZS Manawanui

After 17 days of intensive work, salvors have reached a critical milestone in the removal of diesel ...
Incidents at Sea

The End of an Era: Royal Caribbean’s Song of America Sent to the Scrapyard

A beloved icon of the cruising world, Song of America has met its final chapter. Once a jewel in Roy...
Boating history

NZ Events Worth Adding to Your Calendar

Have an event you'd like to list on Boating New Zealand. Contact us with the details.

Catch all the action of the Vendée Globe Race, starting 10 Nov, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Follow along with excitement at Boating New Zealand.

FISHING

Stabicraft Fish N Chicks Tournament, 6 - 8 Feb 2025 in Tauranga. Dress up theme is “Ladies of their Time”. Raising funds to help find a cure for Breast Cancer.

Surtees Annual Fishing Competition, 28 Feb - 1 Mar 2025 in Whakatane

Hook Me Up Fishing Competition - Matakana vs Hillside, 7 Mar 2025 in Whakatane

The Kubota Billfish Classic, 12 - 15 Mar 2025 in Mercury Bay, Whitianga

ITM Fishing Competition, 13 - 16 Mar 2025 in Whangaroa

NZ Lure Masters (Catch, Measure and Release competition), 3 & 4 Oct 2025, New Zealand wide

Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic, 25 - 27 Oct 2025 TBC in Te Anau Manapouri

REGATTAS

New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, 8 & 9 Feb 2025 in Sydney

Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup, 26 Feb - 4 Mar 2025 in Auckland

PIC Harbour Classic, 28 Feb - 1 Mar 2025 in Auckland

Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025, starting 11 Oct 2025 TBC from Sydney Harbour

PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic, 24 Oct 2025 TBC from Auckland to Russell

Rolex Sydney to Hobart, 26 Dec 2025 starts in Sydney, Australia

Bay of Islands Sailing Week, end of Jan 2026 at Bay of Islands

NZ Millenium Cup, Feb 2025 at Waitemata Harbour

HYDRO THUNDER

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Karapiro, 7 - 9 Feb 2025 at Karapiro

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Rotoiti, 8 - 9 Mar 2025 at Nelson Lakes

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Twizel, 29 - 30 Mar 2025 at Twizel

JET BOAT RACING

UIM World Jetsprint Championships, 25 Jan -2 Feb 2025 at Wanaka (25 & 26 Jan) and Wanganui (1 & 2 Feb)

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R4, 23 Feb 2025 at Wanganui

2025 NZ Marathon Coast-to-Coast, 16 to 25 Mar 2025 starting at Greymouth ad finishing at Christchurch

2024 Golden Homes NZ Jet Boat Marathon, 2025 dates TBC on Southland Rivers (Oreti, Waiau and Mataura)

National Jet Boat Rally 2024, 2025 date TBC at Oliver Road, Bendigo (near Cromwell)

WATERSPORTS

Yamaha Rollo's Marine Bridge 2 Bridge, 2025 dates tbc Staged on the Waikato River between Cambridge & Taupiri, based in Hamilton, New Zealand

ANTIQUE, CLASSIC & RETRO BOATS

25th NZ Antique & Classic Boat Show , 1 & 2 Mar 2025 at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes

SHOWS

Moana Auckland - New Zealand's Ocean Festival, 27 Jan to 9 Mar 2025 in Auckland

Auckland Boat Show, 6 - 9 Mar 2025 to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 15-18 May 2025 to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

NZ Boat, Fish and Dive Show, 30 & 31 Aug 2025 to be held at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Waipa

NEWS TIPS?
Send your photos, videos, stories, and tip-offs to ahoy@boatingnz.co.nz or call us on 022-023-7507.

ADVENTURES AT SEA

The Norwoods World Tour

Mayotte to Richards Bay, Part 3: – Officials and Machine Guns

Doing an emergency stop can be a delicate matter. Normally stopping in a new country requires you to...
The Norwoods World Tour

Mayotte to Richard’s Bay, part 2: Breakages

After five days of terrible anchoring at Ilha do Fogo, eight boats made a run for it. There was a br...
The Norwoods World Tour

Mayotte to Richard’s Bay, Part 1: A Fishing Story

We picked a really good window for the first leg of the Mozambique Channel. Whilst it may have been ...
The Norwoods World Tour

The Mozambique Channel – Hopefully not living up to its reputation 

We are members of two WhatsApp groups with people sailing the east and south coast Africa, and over ...
The Norwoods World Tour

Mayotte – where is everyone?!

  Well, we are enjoying it. Sailing around the island we stop to snorkel, dive and swim ...

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