Pity by gannets or a pseudo-reward for humans like us handling the local level 4 lockdown, either way the near tear-inducing workups west of Rangitoto area have moved further out, mostly out of sight, so almost out of mind. They did however increase in intensity and density out off north of the Noises way for a few days. And further off out and about theyโre roaming after getting in amongst the naval manoeuvres over the past week or so.
From Kawau across to the Ahaa islands thereโs been quite the military activity and what a spectacle to see HMNZS Te Kaha and Aotearoa during the daytime, then HMNZS Aotearoa put on a night-show of dazzling lights under this current bold Blue Moon, luminosity all โround! Squid and mackerel freshly caught from over the side for the onboard menu surely?
Prime Jack Mackerel, microjgged!
Many mackerel schools are still popping up west of Rangitoto and south of Tiritiri Matangi , rising here and there keeping the terns and other seabirds busy in their never-ending game of chase, although this activity has ย ย dopped off noticeably as well just the last day or so. These fish are small, yet with stunningly subtle colours, delicious too, with a life-span of 20+ years their abundance is a vital part of a healthy food chain.
Procrastination is the thief of time and the mother of mishap, so hit the relaxation mode button, give your beautiful and trusted reels a bit of tender-loving-care and wile away some time in the shed/workshop/aboard the boat parked in the driveway, or similar favourite zen-space? Itโs fascinating how even after careful and seemingly thorough post-fishing care, there still appears the odd salt stain or worse, corrosion prior to catastrophic reel failure i.e. a lost fish โ and you know itโll be a goodie!
Fresh water is your friend, salt isnโt. Sodium Chloride (NaCl) comprises 3.5% of seawater so even small amounts of saltwater left to dry will leave salt residue, which being hydroscopic will absorb moisture from the air and create salt water all over again โ spreading like a virus on your fishing gear, unrelentingly. Depending on how much salt, sand etc is on your reel after a dayโs fishing โ a good general guideline is to rinse the reel and rod with a fine spray of fresh water. This spray dissolves and rinses away that corrosive salt. Shake the rods/reels to get the majority of water off, then wipe off and/or leave to dry. A quick squirt of silicone along rod guides, and over the reel followed by a gentle wipe is a great way to finish once everything has had a chance to dry out. I like to use a quality silicone spray directly onto the braid line as well, making sure that excess is wiped off the reel handle โ otherwise the next time out, slippery when wet! Take care not to over-do the rinsing or water pressure on the tiny, but very important bail arm bearings on spin reels in particular. These tiny bearings do amazingly high revs when a fish is on the charge, so they need lubrication now and then (now), something you can do but be careful, there are various types of screw heads, tiny threads and easily dropped bits that can instantly go to never-never land.
Rods – it really does pay to check the inside of your guides for tiny little nicks or cuts or cracks, use a magnifying glass if you need to. These scratches can be caused when hooks are put into a guide to hold it instead of using a hook holder on the rod. Many โbustoffsโ have been caused by these nicks โ it doesnโt take much especially with braid. Get the guide replaced with any sign of damage โ itโll avoid that look of disbelief and the subsequent tantrum when the fish of the day is lost, more than once.
Coming up soon will be a Facebook LIVE on Fishing Inchiku!โฆwhat makes them work, how to triple your hook-up rate in one easy technique, what to avoid, a technique or two to try if you havenโt already, and Iโll be answering questions as well. Stay tuned for date and time, coming to a device soon near you.
Thereโs some pretty crud weather forecast, so weather your own lockdown storm and no doubt thereโll be plenty of opportunities to experience the sights, sounds and awesome feeling of fishing again. Be prepared and make the most of it.
Enjoy.
