Newsletter

Posted on by August 25, 2021

OKUMA Inspired Fishing

 

NZACA NEWSLETTER                                          

 

Hi everyone,

What!!! You ask, who is this guy that we haven’t heard from in a long while?

I am going to pass on apologies as they would be long winded and boring. What I can tell you all is we haven’t been idle and ignoring our valuable membership. So here goes in bringing you all up to date with what has been happening in the big world of fisheries, achievements and Nationals.

OKUMA NATIONALS:

Held during May and hosted by the New Plymouth Surfcasting Club, these Okuma Nationals were in place of the 2020 event that we cancelled because of Covid.

The AGM saw some changes to the Constitution. These will be distributed with the Minutes once our re-registration is sorted.  Also the Committee has a good number and is representative of the whole of the north Island. I am looking for some representation from the South Island still.  A huge thank you to Carey Johns, Allan Simons and the members of the New Plymouth SCC for a great effort in the smooth running and simplicity of this event. Also I cannot speak highly enough of the Sponsors and especially our Major Sponsor “OKUMA” for their solid and ongoing support.

We had 50 participants from across and the top and bottom of the country. It was also great to have 5 members of the South Wairarapa SCC join in the comp. Casting was a challenge as the court was set up in accordance of the wise Allan Simons who was sure the prevailing wind would come from the south. Sure as eggs, when casting was about to begin, the wind gusted a nice 20 knots BUT!!!! From the north East. This made the Accuracy rather tricky and Distances were well down.

In the face of a dreadful weather forecast and sea conditions we all headed to our specific and well planned fishing spots. This turned out to be the complete opposite of the Casting. We were met with great weather and impressive seas. The fish were biting and nearly everyone caught. One of the best stories was that of Craig Boyes from the Wellington Club who had some Snapper and Gurnard but needed some Kahawai so was sent to the Motu river mouth, renowned as the Kahawai mecca. Craig returned with 6 rather nice Snapper.

Congratulations to :

Gary Whitaker- Casting Champion

Alan Simmons- Fishing Champion and Champion Surfcaster

New Plymouth SCC Top Club

Our 2022 Nationals are to be held in Hawkes Bay, during the second week in May. Details to follow.

 

FISHERIES:

There is much happening within our fisheries. The NZ Angling & Casting Assoc has worked directly with our peers, the NZ Sport Fishing Council, in placing our submissions.

Snapper 8 which runs almost the entire west coast of the North Island has been a fairy story with a great ending except that ending is being challenged by Commercial Industry. This fishery has gone from a sad very low biomass some fifteen years ago to and accepted 53% biomass today.

Because of this the Minister has been challenged to raise the TACC. All Clubs around NZ have been given the opportunity to speak to this. I hope you have taken the chance, especially those of you on the east coast. Stepping up for your fellow fisher. I must commend the New Plymouth Boating Club for drawing all fishing clubs on the west coast, both boating and surfcasting, together in fighting this issue. The next challenge will be the appalling biomass of Snapper within the Bay of Empty (Plenty). At the moment sitting at approx. 6-8% Biomass. A sad indictment of those who manage (or not) our resources.

Tarakihi has been in the limelight for almost two years now. Ever since Fisheries NZ (MPI) actually realised the demise of this fish stock. There has been many meetings NZ wide and several that I have attended on your behalf. Having been involved in many discussions involving Minister Nash (at the time)  I have to say I am not surprised that he failed to deliver and has since been held to account through the Courts by Fish & Game. You simply cannot ignore the law no matter who you are. I actually emailed Minister Nash and advised him that sometimes you need to look beyond the hurt. The NZACA have placed a submission along with the NZSFC.

The next issue that we are working on is the demise of the Hapuku/Bass stock. Believe it or not this species was once a shore caught fish. Back in the early 1950’s to be exact. Now, what is left of them are only found in deep water in amongst the foul.

AWARDS AND RECORDS:

Amazingly I have signed off on twelve NZ Record Certificates to date this year and they are from all around the country. Remember too, that the NZACA is now recognising Length Records.

It is official. Our Patron, Life Member and long  time member of the Association, Gordon Jones finally caught that elusive fish, a Kingfish over 8kgs of all things, that gained him his Masters Award. At 84 years of age, what a Legend. Huge congratulations Gordy, this is well deserved and testament to your tenacity and longevity.

I want to see more attempts at Fishing Records, applications for National Awards/Trophies and attempts at achieving a Masters Award. All relevant details are on the Website. www.nzaca.co.nz (Records)

AAA:

The Australian Angling Association (AAA) Nationals Competition. I would love to have representation at this competition. I will be presenting the requirements once I have the details of the next event. I make no bones about the fact that it involves two weeks away, accommodation, food and fishing costs. The Association will cover entry fees only at this point. I will be looking for some Sponsorship to assist.

CASTING:

We finally managed to get a casting weekend done and dusted at the Rotorua Racecourse this month. Another good turnout and it was also nice to have 5 new people come along for some tuition and to test their abilities. No Records this time but certainly some great distances were posted. Several beyond the 220m. There was a definite drop off in effort as fatigue set in late on Saturday afternoon and Sunday saw many wayward casts and break offs.  Our next event will be in October. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for details.

Welcome back to the Gisborne Surfcasting Club. This long serving member of the Association has been in limbo since the loss of Karla Tardieu in 2016. I had the pleasure of speaking to them at their first AGM since then and it was great to get a unanimous vote from them to rejoin the NZACA. Look out for them as they have some very formidable fishers in their ranks.

 

Well as we head into the next round of Club Comps and those luring Surfcasting Competitions get those rods and reels out of the cupboard. Check all those guides out, respool reels, replace your hooks and get prepared for another great season. Good luck, tight lines, stay safe.

Jim Yeoman

President NZACA

 

 

 

 

Update

Posted on by June 1, 2020

Hi everyone, Time to bring you up to speed.

At our recent meeting the Executive moved to shift enough money over to our Investment Fund to bring it up to $15000.00.  We also Donated $2000.00 to LegaSea. This Donation was for two solid reasons. Firstly, in recognition of the support in securing a $5000 Grant and the support, which is ongoing, in gaining our Financial Sponsorship from Okuma. Secondly this is also in support of “Rescue Fish” the alternative to the QMS. We have been involved and stand with our peers in asking for change. I must stress these have only been achievable because of the work we are doing holding up our end of Fisheries Management.

This leaves the Association with approx $10,000 in our cash reserves. We also have approx $15000.00 in actual Assets. The NZ Angling & Casting Association is in a good state today.

On Thursday last week, we stood proud along side our Peers in the launch of “Rescue Fish”. This has been some time in the making but it is my belief it is the way to go. It will be for the betterment and reward of everyone who partakes in our inshore fisheries. I ask you to read everything, understand it and please sign the petition.. We have an opportunity to save what is ours.

With regard to my local fishery. We have proven that with co operation of local Commercial fishers the inshore can become what it was in a very short time. Hawkes Bay is enjoying very good fishing from shore again. Also in conjunction with the Port of Napier’s Fisheries Management Group, LegaSea HB and the Port, Hawkes Bay will gain three Artificial Reefs. All of these achievements are the result of bringing those Parties affected to the table. I am proud to have been involved in each of these. To have stepped up for the NZACA, have our relevance recognised and accepted and to have assisted in bringing such positive results to fruition is very humbling.

My next challenge is rebuilding the Bay of Plenty Fishery. Using the people I have already worked with within the Commercial Sector, I am confident we will bring some positivity and results that will return this awesome region back to what it was. Feeding our Whanau is paramount and anything less is unacceptable.

We will be Casting in Rotorua again later in June. We have had so many join our Facebook page, I am feeling really good that we are heading down the right pathway in making this a great sport to be involved in. Look for the NZACA Distance Casting Club page on Facebook for dates. We make these weekends value for money so come and join an absolutely friendly group of people out to assist you in becoming a better caster and fisher.

Meanwhile, enjoy wetting a line. Enjoy the company of your fellow fishers and appreciate the fish you land on the beach or boat.

 

 

Xmas 2019

Posted on by December 22, 2019

             Xmas Message NZACA Members 2019

Well here we are about to enter the Xmas/New Year period for 2019. Wow has this year gone by fast or what. But what a year it has been.

Starting with our Nationals in the far north. These were the best by far for some time. Ten Clubs represented and over 100 entries. Seventy Casters alone.

Fantastic Sponsorship from Okuma and others like Black Magic Tackle made our Nationals a very good one.

On the subject of Okuma, I cannot express enough my heartfelt thanks for the continued support we receive from them. Their cash and product Sponsorship deal has made it so much easier to run our great organisation.

Throughout the year the NZACA has been active in advocating the rights of our members and supporting efforts to bring better practice in the use of our fisheries. Around the table meetings with Industry, Ministry and Ministers, attending discussions on fish stocks, attendances at NZ Sport Fishing Council’s Fisheries Management Standing Committee meetings, LegaSea NZ, LegaSea Hawkes Bay, Port of Napier’s Fisheries Liaison Group and input into many, many submissions to Government covering from the far north to the deep south have all been happening every day of every week. Early next year will see a huge announcement regarding our fisheries going forward and it has been a privilege to have been active in supporting this. Your voice is well represented.

Over the year we have seen the demise of a few of our smaller clubs which is always disappointing but then we are seeing a resurgence in many that have been struggling as well as those that are keen to be part of the association. I have been working with several over the past few months and while we may not get them all I have confidence that we will have some take up the opportunity to join us.

The end of the year sees the NZACA in a very healthy financial and membership position and we will continue to grow. As we grow our voice gets stronger.

Don’t forget the 2020 Nationals in New Plymouth. Entry forms and details will be out very soon.

On that note, I would like to thank you all for being part of and continuing your support to the NZ Angling & Casting Association. May you all have a happy and festive season. Stay safe, fish lots and I will see you all in 2020.

Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year

Jim Yeoman

President

2019 Nationals

Posted on by March 29, 2019

Well what can one say? The 2019 Nationals and AGM, based at the 90 Mile Motor Camp can only be described as a great success. With a spread of Clubs from the 90 Mile Surfcasting Club in the north, Wellington Surfcasting & Angling Club in the south, New Plymouth Surfcasting Club from the west, Rotorua Fishing & Casting Club from the east and the biggest turnout of clubs in between for many a year, this past week has been nothing short of exceptional. Ten Clubs in all represented, 96 Fishers.

Casting on day one saw 73 Casters brave sweeping rain showers before they passed over allowing many to dry out. While the day didn’t produce any great distances, the fact that so many participated created a completely friendly atmosphere where clubs interacted in their own challenges. Top marks must go to Gary Whittaker and his team for a very well run system.

To top it all off, the fishing was to die for. I have attended the past fifteen Nationals and never attended a one where so many fish have been weighed by so many participants. Impressive quality fish. The Ninety spat out some huge Snapper and Trevally but the opportunity to fish the Great Exhibition Bay with its white sands and crystal clear waters was a treasure. I must tender a huge appreciation to the Everitt family for their granting of access across their land for those attending our Nationals. The feedback from those gracing the sands for the first time was a one hundred percent “impressive”

Okuma. Wow!!!!! It was a total privilege to have Murray Veal, from this supportive Company, sharing the week with us. To have this great Company on board as our leading Sponsor is massive and their support with product as prizes was impressive. Thank you Okuma the NZACA appreciates your ongoing support.

Black Magic Tackle. I had a very good meeting with the Team on the way up to Kaitaia and I am hopeful of a good sponsorship outcome when I meet with them again in April but in the meantime a huge shout out to them for the $600 worth of goods provided to be part of our lucky draws. Again I must acknowledge the great support we receive from these leading Companies. I must also mention Creative Landscaping & Design, Travel & Co, Rod & Reel, Le  Baronz Cottage and Glenn & Debbie for their support also.

The Prize giving. What a way to finish a great time in the far north. The attendance was like some many years ago. The camaraderie and enjoyment seen throughout the night made being there worth every minute. The biggest thanks goes out to all those who participated. The fact we may very well have gained another Club intending to affiliate to the NZACA is reward enough for the hours of driving to attend.

Finally, Rick and Lyn Hymers, Brent Rolston, Dave Davies, Gary Whitaker and Steve Maisey. My heartfelt thanks for the way this 62nd Nationals was managed. A worthy and enjoyable event. I am already looking forward to next year’s Nationals in New Plymouth.

 

Jim Yeoman

President

Okuma News

Posted on by February 26, 2019

It is with great pleasure that I advise you all that Okuma has rolled over its Sponsorship to our 2019/20 year. The agreed support package is the same as last year and is hugely appreciated.

Our continual growth, our work with aligned Organisations along with our advocacy work in raising awareness and supporting Fisheries Management has all helped to bring about this fantastic support.

Jim Yeoman

President