Episode 8: Breaking Boundaries: Wahine Leading the Way in NZ Fishing
Send us a textNew Zealand's maritime landscape is changing as women step into leadership roles on the water, bringing fresh perspectives and challenging outdated assumptions about who belongs at the helm.• Lisa Noble shares her journey from hairdressing to commercial cray fishing, and charter operating while emphasising how determination matters more than gender• Sarah Silas discusses her 10-year Coastguard career and passion for teaching water safety to children across New Zealand• Wild Chicks founders Isabell Zitzelsberger and Shanel Honore explain how they created workshops to teach women boating and fishing skills they'd otherwise never learn• The Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club team highlights the success of their Girls in the Bay competition and growing female participation• Hear how women in clubs play a vital role in communities, creating opportunities for learning, mentorship, and giving back• The importance of wearing life jackets and carrying safety equipment can't be overstated - "Wearing a life jacket has never given anybody a bad day ever"The NZSFC Pod and Reel podcast is brought to you by the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council with support from Maritime New Zealand and the Safer Boating Forum.Support the showThis Podcast is brought to you by The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council a not for profit, incorporated society funded by its member Clubs. You can find your nearest club herePlease SUBSCRIBE to this podcast to receive new episodes weekly! If you want to hear more episodes like this please consider supporting the podcast here
--------
1:02:24
Episode 7: One Mistake Is All It Takes: Real Stories from NZ's Deadliest Waters
Send us a textThe West Coast of New Zealand offers world-class fishing but demands extreme respect, with veterans sharing hard-earned wisdom on staying safe in these challenging waters. Five local legends reveal how they've survived decades fishing this untamed coastline while witnessing the sometimes fatal consequences of poor preparation and decision-making.• West Coast fishing described as "second to none" but protected by dangerous conditions• Fishery relatively untapped compared to East Coast due to challenging weather and access• No islands or sheltered harbours to provide safety when conditions deteriorate • Drowning statistics reveal 192 recreational fisher deaths since 1980, with 66% occurring on rocks• Only 26% of rock fishers wear life jackets, while 36% can't swim more than 50 meters• Proper safety gear includes fitted life jackets, appropriate footwear (not gumboots), PLBs• Fishing with mates creates crucial safety network for emergencies• Local fishing clubs provide vital knowledge, assistance and community safety systems• Bar crossings require careful planning around tides, swells and wind conditions• Recovery efforts for drowning victims create lasting trauma for rescuers and familiesIf you're heading out fishing, check weather forecasts, wear appropriate safety gear, tell someone your plans, and remember - no fish is worth your life.The NZSFC Pod and Reel podcast is brought to you by the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council with support from Maritime New Zealand and the Safer Boating Forum.Support the showThis Podcast is brought to you by The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council a not for profit, incorporated society funded by its member Clubs. You can find your nearest club herePlease SUBSCRIBE to this podcast to receive new episodes weekly! If you want to hear more episodes like this please consider supporting the podcast here
--------
47:15
Episode 6: Launching Through Surf: West Coast Wisdom and Warnings
Send us a textOur journey takes us to New Zealand's wild west coast, where experienced local fishers share crucial knowledge about surviving the unforgiving surf, beach launches, and bar crossings that make these waters so challenging yet rewarding.• Five west coast legends with decades of frontline experience reveal their hard-earned wisdom• Mark Gill from Manukau Sport Fishing highlights the importance of proper vehicle preparation and weather forecasting• Chris O'Neill and Duncan Clarke from Piha Deep Sea Fishing Club explain why club membership provides essential safety networks• Craig Ross from Muriwai Sports Fishing Club describes his 37 years of beach launching experience and techniques for reading surf conditions• Dr. Mick Kearney from Drowning Prevention Aotearoa emphasises planning as the foundation of west coast fishing safety• Local knowledge passed through clubs provides crucial information about changing conditions, safe launching spots, and rescue protocols• Proper preparation includes deflating tyres to 10 PSI, carrying spare parts, and always wearing life jackets• Understanding tide, swell, and wind patterns is essential before attempting a west coast launch• The west coast is "self-governing" - its challenging conditions naturally limit fishing pressure and maintain healthy fisheries• Experienced fishers prioritise safety over catching fish, often cancelling trips when conditions appear marginalThe NZSFC Pod and Reel podcast is brought to you by the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council with support from Maritime New Zealand and the Safer Boating Forum.Support the showThis Podcast is brought to you by The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council a not for profit, incorporated society funded by its member Clubs. You can find your nearest club herePlease SUBSCRIBE to this podcast to receive new episodes weekly! If you want to hear more episodes like this please consider supporting the podcast here
--------
43:14
Episode 5: The Tragedy Off Gisborne: Lessons from a Fatal Bluefin Expedition
Send us a textThe tragic loss of three fishermen off the Gisborne coast last year sent shockwaves through New Zealand's fishing community. What began as a promising day with a forecast of just five knots of wind quickly deteriorated into a nightmare scenario of 20-knot winds and dangerous sea conditions.Roger Faber, president of the Gisborne-Tatapouri Fishing Club, takes us through that fateful day when experienced club members Elwood Higgins, Taina Sinoti, and Damien McPherson headed offshore to chase bluefin tuna. Despite their experience, the rapidly deteriorating weather caught them in its grip, leading to one of New Zealand sport fishing's darkest chapters.We hear from Henry Van Teel, Hawke's Bay Coast Guard skipper, who provides a gripping account of the rescue attempt amid six-metre swells and 50-knot winds. His team's agonising decision to turn back, despite knowing men were in the water shows the brutal risk calculations that sometimes must be made at sea. "There's no point hammering the boat and crew arriving on scene if you can't do anything," Van Teel explains, sharing the Coast Guard's disciplined approach to safety that recreational boaties can learn from.The ripple effects of this tragedy transformed fishing practices nationwide. Hayden Johnson of the Whakatane Sport Fishing Club describes how his members rallied to raise funds for affected families while implementing mandatory safety equipment requirements. Clubs across New Zealand revisited their safety protocols, with increased emphasis on buddy boating, better weather forecasts, and the critical importance of EPIRBs and Personal Locator Beacons.From improved communication systems to fundamental shifts in how fishers approach risk assessment, this powerful episode offers essential lessons for anyone who ventures offshore. As Van Teel poignantly states, "The most important piece of equipment is between your ears." Listen, learn, and ensure you come home safely from your next fishing adventure.The NZSFC Pod and Reel podcast is brought to you by the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council with support from Maritime New Zealand and the Safer Boating Forum.Support the showThis Podcast is brought to you by The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council a not for profit, incorporated society funded by its member Clubs. You can find your nearest club herePlease SUBSCRIBE to this podcast to receive new episodes weekly! If you want to hear more episodes like this please consider supporting the podcast here
--------
55:31
Episode 4 : Southern Blue Fin Tuna Part 2
Send us a textUnlock the secrets of top-quality southern bluefin tuna preservation as we explore Japanese techniques with Tony Walker, aka TK from TK's Offshore Fishing. Discover the meticulous ikijime method and the critical steps for rapidly cooling the tuna's core temperature to avoid internal cooking. Learn why handling the fish on foam mattresses and using ice slurries can mean the difference between a premium catch and a wasted effort. We also discuss the high standards set by Japanese buyers and the financial benefits of maintaining these quality practices.Get expert tips from Toby Barkla and Christine Elminger on preserving and processing tuna to ensure it remains in prime condition. We delve into the importance of using ample ice and proper bleeding techniques, as well as the benefits of vacuum packing. Learn why joining local fishing clubs can support marine research and conservation efforts while offering a platform for competitions. We also highlight practical and safety considerations for weighing and gutting fish in tournaments, stressing the importance of careful handling to avoid accidents.Celebrate the success of Southern Bluefin tuna fishing tournaments with us. Hear about the unique cooperation between commercial and recreational fishers and the diverse tactics used in bluefin fishing. John Holdsworth shares insights on sustainable practices, including tagging and releasing fish, to ensure future populations. Finally, we examine the unexpected high turnout at the Whakatane winter tuna tournament and how a creative eating competition led to a surge in club membership. Don't miss these innovative ideas and valuable insights—subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes!Find out more on looking after your Bluefin Tuna catch hereSupport the showThis Podcast is brought to you by The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council a not for profit, incorporated society funded by its member Clubs. You can find your nearest club herePlease SUBSCRIBE to this podcast to receive new episodes weekly! If you want to hear more episodes like this please consider supporting the podcast here
Welcome to the Pod and Reel podcast, presented by the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council, a national body with over 50 affiliated clubs across New Zealand, and over 37,000 members. Since 1957, NZSFC has focussed on setting standards for responsible fishing practices, collating records, organising events like the Nationals, and supporting its affiliated fishing clubs. This podcast dives deep into the history, the people, and the clubs that make up our fishing community. We'll explore the highs and lows of fishing and learn from mistakes made, striving to be better, safer, and smarter when we interact with the water. With 15,000 kilometres of coastline, New Zealand's fishing history is rich with stories of the tussle between us and the sea.Join Mike Plant as we delve into these topics and more on the Pod and Reel podcast, your gateway to the world of all things fishing in New Zealand.
Australia