Report 098 Take advantage of the small weather windows with Jetskifishing... 19th of June 2013

With the winter weather here, it pays to be prepared for the cold temperatures so you are able to enjoy some rewarding shallow water Jetskifishing. Fortunately with all of our seasoned Jetskifisho’s research and development towards suitable winter apparel, you no longer need to be wet and cold as we have all the apparel you need in-store. At the Jetskifishing Store we stock the fully proven Sharkskin thermal range and also new on our shelves, are our newest range of additional wet weather layers. Our packages, start from an affordable $260 for a set, including separate top and coastal trousers. Give me a call so I can discuss what is best available to suit your needs.
Something you soon experience once Jetskifishing, is that every trip can easily be turned into a different adventure. Of late, I have enjoyed exploring some different areas amongst my local fishing grounds. My last two local sessions have seen me heading down the inside of Waiheke Island, to fish what is known as the bottom end.
This particular day had me leaving the less than pleasant central Auckland weather, to these magic conditions only fifteen minutes ride away.

If you haven’t fished this area before, I recommend you go exploring, as there are great fish holding there over the next month. Be sure to study your marine charts so you are familiar with the no fishing zone of the local marine reserve and any submerged rocks. You know you are in the right area for the Snapper when you are being accompanied by the local commercial boats working a 3km zone.
As with the majority of my Snapper fishing, it was once again successful with the Gulp soft baits for the shallow waters of 15 metres.

Just like my previous session, the fish were aggressive and hitting any of the coloured baits I threw at them. Curiosity soon got the better of me and I headed over to Gannet Rock where I had released my best Snapper of last week. I’m always eager to have the battles with the big moochas, can’t get enough of that lighter gear action.
I am very selective with what fish I take home for dinner, so many get released, as the biggest attraction for me is the sporting side of Jetskifishing.
When you have your ski setup with the electronics and gadgets such as the systems I have supplied and fitted for my clients, it’s rewarding being able to hunt the fish in the areas you know they are holding. Heading to my GPS spot I had marked on my Raymarine E7 sounder from the previous week, I was able to locate the fish sign. For those unfamiliar with setting for a drift, I then rode about 50 metres past the sign, so I had time to prepare the bait for casting so the bait would float down in to the fish zone.
Great when it works to plan, more fish with the desired eating size getting better.

More fishing and more catching, always exciting when the fish are on the bite. The next fish had some real ‘get up and go’, plenty of string being pulled and I had my hopes set for a solid fish. It was a different species to my all familiar Snapper, this being a nice Trevally, which put up a superior fight.

Eventually the wind started to increase, so I headed back around to Kauri Point to find some shelter.

This is where my better fish of the day came from, just fishing the drop off.

I soon had enough fish to feed our family for a couple of nights meals. So I packed up the gear for a fast ride back to Bucklands Beach beating the approaching bad weather.
Thanks again for all the friends making donations to help make a difference for the Heart Foundation.
http://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/fundraise/page/the-jetskifishing-guy
We now have fifteen riders stepping up to the challenge, and have already raised over five thousand dollars!

Cheers, Andrew Hill

Report 097 Time to get training for the Jetskifishing CannonBall Run... 7th June 2013

This is the time of year where we see less boaties on the water and if you strike the bonus of variable winds, you are in for a high speed treat. This spontaneous session had Brent and I on a full throttle, 65 miles per hour ride to our first fishing area of the day, the Noise’s. Within two minutes of cutting our engines we were enjoying the practicality of no smelly baits and deploying our lures to the depths. Brent was on his game, soon hooking a Snapper with the Jitterbug lure.

Not long and a nice sized Snapper was being added to his Igloo chilly bin.

After each of us binning a few Snapper we took advantage of the flat conditions with an impulsive twenty mile ride out to Anchorite Rock. Along the way we spotted the thousands of birds working the bait fish a few mile before Anchorite in the middle ground. I’ve fished the area lately and being plagued by Kahawai, it didn’t tempt us to stop there on this occasion. We arrived at Anchorite to be greeted with a few Dolphins and Gannets, the area always has such a fishy feeling about it! Brent had his mojo going, with more hook ups, this time a smaller Kingfish giving him some entertainment on the light gear.

Out at this area is typically a popular area to find the work-up activity, I’m always conscious of the opportunity and scanning the horizon. We spotted the odd Gannet flying through from the direction of Great Barrier Island towards Tiri… The activity became more frequent, admiring them flying through in what could be described as regular bomber squadrons. Temptation got too much and I soon encouraged Brent it was time to follow! The birds were travelling quickly, around 35 mile an hour, so any delay could risk us losing them.  One of the big attractions with Jetskifishing, is how quick we can prepare to move spots with a ski rigged correctly to attach your gear for high speed missions. Once all the gear was clipped down, the ski was fired in to life and in search of Gannets we were!

With a slight head start on us, we could no longer see the Gannets, so we had no choice but to go with our instincts. We scanned their last general direction and rode a further fifteen odd miles before coming into some low rain clouds. When chasing Gannets on blue sky days it is far easier than the visibility we experienced on this overcast day. As we passed the area of Flat Rock I spotted a single boat in the distance, normally when in the middle of nowhere it can mean work-ups! 
This was the case, once arriving within five hundred metres of the boat, the adrenalin kicks in once spotting hundreds of dive bombing Gannets. 
Excitement was on, lures dropped and string pulling action! There was acres of larger Kahawai, a good opportunity to measure up a few for the New Zealand Jetskifishing Club leaderboard.

We tried various lures and all lures were being hit, with the fish on a feeding frenzy. If we managed to get to the bottom, there was the opportunity of some nice sized Snapper.

Another big bonus with Jetskifishing is you have freedom on and off the water and on this occasion with commitments back at work, I could conveniently head home without shortening Brent’s day on the water. I headed back on a solo ride at 65 miles per hour enjoying the horsepower fix we experience with our sport.  The ride back to the ramp was twenty five minutes, about the same length of time (weather permitting) of our next charity ride, the Jetskifishing CannonBall Run, which all experienced riders can participate in. After recovering from my recent heart attack, we are proud to be raising all proceeds from the July 28th ride to my charity of choice. I personally and our committed Jetskifisho’s would really appreciate your support, firstly with sharing our cause to increase heart disease awareness with people you care about.  Secondly, please post a message on my link, with a donation to help make a difference for the Heart Foundation. http://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/fundraise/page/the-jetskifishing-guy  If you have your own ski set up for fishing, you too could be one of the 35 who step up to the challenge, we have already raised two thousand dollars!

Cheers, Andrew Hill

 

 

Report 096 Ticking all the boxes with Jetskifishing... 20th of May 2013

Here in New Zealand we have just completed the annual Hutchwilco Boat Show and this is the first year that our New Zealand Jetskifishing Club had representation at the show. We had two member’s skis on the club display and bonus exposure with BRP getting behind the sport by having my own second ski on display at their main stand. After a few days working both stands, it was great hearing the growing interest from the public towards the sport. It sure was a great opportunity, with our rostered club members sharing their experience, inspiration and passion with others wanting to learn more about the sport.

As the show came to an end, I had talked so much Jetskifishing, I just wanted to get out there and do it!
The weather on Monday was one of those days, you should just clear the diary and take advantage of the freedom we have with Jetskifishing and not requiring a crew. I fully prepped for winter mode, wearing my first layer of the all proven thermal Sharkskin clothing and an upper wet weather layer to be ready for any unexpected salt spray and wind chill. The next accessory is a “don’t leave home without it” in my kit, which is the ultimate face protection... Jetskifisho’s who have experienced the benefits of a SavePhace Jetskifishing Mask will know what I’m talking about, no more uncomfortable wind chill or saltwater spray in your eyes!
Exclusive in NZ to the Jetskifishing Store, MENTION THIS REPORT on any email mask orders and you will receive a once only offer of any of our current shop stock at a SPECIAL PRICE $100 each NZ plus freight. Offer expires 31/5/2013

This day was what makes all the challenging days on the water worthwhile, where it is full speed spot to spot, enjoying every minute with the opportunity to head wide in search of a work-up!
That’s where I headed, out wide, to this following pictured area where the fish should be holding there for the next few weeks.

For those new to fishing the work-ups, it is what I call “not for the faint hearted” nor for inexperienced boaties or novices, being new Jetskifisho’s.
More often than not, the larger and intense work-ups with Dolphins, Whales and Gannets are further off shore therefore you require significant sea hour experience, a wing man, appropriate safety equipment, a reliable ski and your wits about you for the unexpected.
It is an amazing experience when you find them and if new to it, understand do not drive through the middle of the activity, as you risk dispersing the action and missing out on the potential of what acts as a giant burley trail. It is very frustrating to be enjoying some great fishing and see skippers drive right through the middle of the action...

On this adventure the fish were of a consistent sizeof 40cm plus Snapper, with nothing special but perfect for some dinners over the next few nights.

I got a little overexcited in all the action and started fishing two rods... After catching the first few fish on my favoured Gulp soft baits, I opted for the ever popular work-up slow jig lure of the Jitterbug. As expected I was soon on to another fish, this time a string pulling Kahawai to add to the New Zealand Jetskifishing Club – Leader Board.

In our all jet-ski fishing club with over 50 members there is plenty of fun and educational activities. We have regular seminars, social events, a members only comp and now the measure your fish to be added on the newly introduced annual leader board.

Many of you seasoned fisho’s will already know, fishing two rods has a risk of losing any good strikes which is what I was doing throughout this session...

Although I binned up and had a great time, a reminder again, to catch the solid fish put all your concentration into one rod and reel.
Another tip for soft baiting, I personally find my best success is with constantly feeling of the braid while soft baiting, rather than the visual. Example is, I will be scanning the surrounding area, looking for sign on the sounder/water for any potential fish activity. No need to be watching my rod tip as I am feeling for that important strike through the sensitivity of the braid, with the rod tip low enough so I can strike the fish at the necessary moment it hits the soft bait.
P.S. Breaking strength of braid is brutal, never risk fully restricting braid in any way with your fingers or hand, as it will slice faster than you can detach.

 With enough fish it was time to head back home with a 60 mile an hour plus ride on flat waters, feeling how good we have it with Jetskifishing.

The ease of the sport has more than its share of boxes ticked as far as a practical fishing platform. A big bonus is the wash down process which is quick and convenient, being able to store the ski with minimal space required at home.
The hardest part of the day was all the fish filleting! Life is good if that’s the down side of Jetskifishing.

Our next social trip is “Goes Wild 3” October 17th to 20th 2013 back to the Coromandel, get in fast as there is only a few spots left.
There is some great fishing over the next few months, come see me at the Jetskifishing Store to be properly prepared and see the new and on behalf Jetskifishing skis I have available.

Cheers, Andrew Hill

Report 095 "Goes Wild 2" Another Ultimate Jetskifishing Experience... 18th April to 21st April 2013

Here is another one of our fun social trips organised for friends and clients of the Jetskifishing Store. This adventure was back to the region of Port Charles, to a piece of paradise located in the native New Zealand bush of the Coromandel. These trips see Jetskifisho’s travelling throughout the North Island to meet up with other like minded fisho’s keen on enjoying the true lifestyle of our sport. One of the big attractions which got me started with Jetskifishing six years ago, is the skis are easy towing and launching, allowing you increased fishing opportunities at remote spots in New Zealand.
We had a group of twenty five booked and most timed to join our Jetskifishing convoy from as far away as New Plymouth. There were a few stops along the way, with this being our last stop at the Colville Cafe before heading to the more rugged part of the Coromandel.

 

 Leaving Colville towards our stay at Port Charles.

 Some of the group following.

 After a further thirty minutes of gravel and scenic roads, we were not far from our base.

 Always a great feeling arriving at Kiwi Retreat, with quality accommodation and meals catered for a Jetskifisherman’s appetite!

The pics tell the story, we had another brilliant trip with plenty of personal bests and a good time had by all.

Jason with a big snapper caught at Great Barrier Island,  on the Gulp – Sardine.

We fished for the Kingies as well, but were limited to our disgust, with the commercial gill netter who now completely surrounds the structures we usually target at Curvier. One of the pins fortunately had some real bad boys on it that I was not so well prepared for and will be heading back there another day.
Some of the others in our group managed to get in to some smaller Kings closer to the island, making for a great day all round.

While most of the guys were of fishing the ladies were enjoying the opportunity of holding one of the sponsored Kiwis.

This was another great trip with a few good nights reflecting on our days on the water in some challenging conditions. The lodges are a great place to relax after a big day on the water, not a bad lifestyle we enjoy on these social trips.

There are plenty of pics from the start to finish of our trip uploaded on our Facebook Page. Check out some of the feedback from Jetskifisho’s who attend our social trips.

Iain Robertson Andrew and Kristy, thanks from me.
Thoroughly enjoyed myself and well worth the haul from New Plymouth.
 

Stu Mcmillan Thanks Andrew Hill and Kristy for organising this great adventure.
Also a big thanks to everyone that took part in the four days of fishing.
What a great bunch of people, looking forward to the next one!

Rachel Young Thanks Andrew, was an amazing trip as always.
Wow what a place, beautiful. With amazing people. Thanks again!

Graham Wallace Thanks Andrew and Kristy what a trip.
If you haven't gone on this trip before you need to go!!!!

Lewis Beer Huge thanks to Andrew & Kristy...
What a seriously great four days away.
Awesome weather, accommodation and playground.
Sharing it with a bunch of fun jetskifisho’s adds the icing to the cake.
Memorable trip... Cheers Lewis & Nicole

Matt Wilmot Thanks for an awesome time! Had a blast! Having serious withdrawls :) Cheers Matt

Joe Holden Thanks Heaps Andrew & Kristy. We both loved our time away at such a special Place. All the effort you put in is so much appreciated. Loved seeing you pulling in a fish today Kristy!

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page so you too can follow or be part of our fun social events (next Coromandel trip - October 17th 2013) that can help you improve your fishing skills and meet other Jetskifisho’s.
We are back into work mode now and available at the Jetskifishing Store to get anyone started with the sport or complete any winter upgrades for the Jetskifisho’s already enjoying the sport.

Cheers, Andrew Hill

Report 094 Sea-Doo King of Jetskifishing 7 in association with Woodbine Marine... 24th March 2013

The day had come again to see who would earn the title of the newest King of Jetskifishing. With this bi-annual event and being the seventh King of Jetskifishing, it is always exciting to see who has entered. The summer format features our spectacular shotgun start leaving Eastern Beach. All entrants are required to make the early start with their skis around to the beach for registration. On registration at the Sea-Doo tent, they receive their complimentary King of Jetskifishing Tournament bag with our sponsor’s goodies.

 

We were fortunate with the weather and had great turnout with 78 registered anglers. The competition is continuing to attract nationwide interest with anglers travelling from as far as Whakatane and Taranaki, making the most of meeting others involved in the fun sport. After the early morning briefing, each Jetskifisho would set off and give it their best at the generous $6,000 prize pool.

Also up for grabs, the bragging rights for the Logitech “Mad Mile”, you can view this exciting aerial video footage by viewing at our Jetskifishing YouTube page.

After a few minutes of horsepower fueled adrenalin, we soon had new King of the Mad Mile, Lemar Patterson on his Sea-Doo RXT.

Here is the full video clip of the day’s action, including the winners of the major species categories.

It was another great event involving the whole family, with the BBQ and refreshments enjoyed at the end of the day. Plenty more photos are now loaded on our Facebook page, thanks very much too all our sponsors that continue making the event possible. Great to see another newbie to the sport taking out the King of Jetskifishing, just proves that all entrants have as good a chance as each other on the day. The next event is later in the year; look forward to seeing who is
King of Jetskifishing 8, scheduled for Sunday November 3rd 2013.

FULL RESULTS

LOL Heaviest KIDS Snapper
1st Cooper Hill (Yamaha FX HO Cruiser), Prize & Trophy – Daiwa rod & reel combo & LOL pack.
Weight - 1.00kg
2nd Matt Kemode (Yamaha FX HO), Prize – Sharkskin SPF50 Top & LOL pack. Weight - .75kg
3rd (Raffle Draw), Prize – Jetskifishing cap & LOL pack. Weight – n/a

JFK’s Jet-ski’s Heaviest Kahawai
1st Cooper Hill (Yamaha FX HO Cruiser), Prize & Trophy – Daiwa rod and reel combo.
Weight – 2.70kg
2nd Wayne Denby (Yamaha FX HO),Prize Sharkskin SPF50 Top. Weight – 2.55kg
3rd Joel Keen (Yamaha FX HO Cruiser), Prize – Cock & Bull Voucher. Weight - n/a

Top Catch Heaviest “other species”
1st Joel Groenewegen (Sea-Doo GTX), Prize & Trophy – Berkley soft bait rod and reel combo.
Weight – 4.25kg (Trevally)
2nd David Beasley (Yamaha VX), Prize – Sharkskin SPF50 Top. Weight – 1.80kg (John Dory)
3rd (Raffle Draw), Prize – Cock & Bull Voucher. Weight – n/a

Raymarine Heaviest Kingfish
1st Peter Todorov (Sea-Doo GTX), Prize – $500 Raymarine Voucher. Weight – 7.35kg
2nd Daniel Michev (Sea-Doo GTX), Prize – Sharkskin SPF50 Top. Weight – 6.50kg
3rd (Raffle draw), Prize – Cock & Bull Voucher. Weight - n/a

Attwoods packaging Average Snapper
1st Neil Inns (Sea-Doo RXT), Prize & Trophy - $500 CASH. Weight – 1.00kg

New Zealand Jetskifishing Club, Legend of Jetskifishing
1st Daniel Michev (Sea-Doo GTX), Prize & Trophy - $400 CASH from NZJSFC.
Weight – 10.10kg (3 species)

Rent a Dent and Jitterbug, Team of Jetskifishing
1st Daniel Michev and Steve Manuel THE TWO AMIGO’s
(Sea-Doo GTX’s)
Prize & Trophy - $200 CASH and 2 x Jitterbug Packs.

Weight – 10.10kg (Combined prize winning fish)

Sea-Doo King of Jetskifishing in association with Woodbine Marine
Heaviest Weight Snapper
1st Jarrod Langstone (Yamaha FX HO Cruiser), Prize & Trophy - $1,000 CASH. Weight – 4.35kg
2nd John Hickey (Yamaha FX HO), Prize – Daiwa rod and reel combo. Weight – 1.80kg
3rd James Johnston (Sea-Doo GTX Ltd), Prize – Berkley Tackle Bag. Weight – 1.70kg
4th Stefan Orzel (Yamaha FX HO), Prize – SavePhace Jetskifishing Mask. Weight – 1.65kg
5th Eddie Braun (Sea-Doo Wake), Prize – Cock & Bull Voucher. Weight – 1.60kg