Taranaki Kayak Fishing Classic 2014 overview

Firstly we want to give a massive shout out and thanks to the guys who organize the Taranaki Kayak Fishing Classic...this year again shows why the event is the biggest kayak fishing event on the calendar! Another fantastic year with record numbers attending yet again (we lost count at 220 so don’t know the official final number of entries), kayak anglers travelled from far and wide, as far as VIC AU, Christchurch, Greymouth, Wellington, Waikato, Bay of plenty, Coromandel, Auckland & Northland. All hoping for… more

When kayak fishing I wouldn't be without my...

This article on preparing your priority gear for a big trip was written for the NZ Fishing news in May 2012 by Stephen Tapp, some good tips for all that think they may have ticked all the boxes on the gear check list.
Stephens article begins:  I’m in the middle of getting all my kit together for a far North kayaking expedition; I have equipment checks under way, gear lists to sort through, and tackle to accumulate. Everything is sitting in one big well organized heap (as Tui succinctly put it: Yea Right…!)… more

what was I thinking, why did I bring a knife to a gun fight?!

The winning kingfish from the Taranaki Kayak Classic; despite being anchored in only 5m and briefly ending up amongst the stones, leader selection on the light snapper outfit made the difference in winning this furious battle.
This article was written by Stephen Tapp post competition for the NZ Fishing News, and may serve as a timely peice of info for those of you planning to compete at the up coming Taranaki Kayak Fishing classic or for any other missions you have planned where being prepared could make all the difference… more

Taranaki Tuna hunt

This footage is from on board Stephen Tapps Profish Reload while fishing the 3rd Taranaki Tuna hunt which was held in February 2014. This competition has been put together by the same guys who run the very popular Taranaki Kayak Fishing Classic, which is on next weekend. This comp is all about Tuna and nothing else, which is a great chance for those planning to compete at the Taranaki classic to brush up on their Tuna chasing skills.

The video footage you see below is of Stephen landing a Tuna during the competition,… more

Matt Watson adds Profish Reload to his fleet

Matt Watson host of the ITM Fishing show has long been a fan of Viking Kayaks using them as his brand of choice when showcasing kayak fishing in the show. Matt has just added the new Profish Reload to his fleet of kayaks  and after a test paddle the other day he is pretty stoked with the advantages it offers, in particular the removable Tackle pod.

So look out for more great action on film when Matt Watson gets out there and puts the Profish Reload through its paces in some of his favorite fishing spots…… more

Kayak Fishing with the NSKFC

Stephen Tapp & Jason Milne entertain USA visitor Bill Bragman of Yakgear with a kayak fishing session at Sullivan’s Bay, Mahurangi..This session is timed well as they join the North Shore Kayak Fishing Club  for their monthly get together. This is a great way to showcase to Bill how we do things here in NZ, the weather turned out perfect and the club had its best turn out yet with some 25+ anglers on the water together.

Bird activity at the very beginning of the journey was a good sign, Stephen &… more

Profish Reload Review - Shelley Bradish-Cooney

First Glance
It was with eager anticipation that I first laid eyes on the new Reload from Viking Kayaks.  Since the launch of the Viking 400 in 2010, the guys have been working on this new design.  My first impression is that it is a version of the 400, only longer and with a different bow.  And the massive Tackle Pod™ – bloody hell but you could carry a lot of gear in that. 

The first thing that came to mind was fitting a pump and running the Tackle Pod™ wet as a live bait… more

Kayak Fishing & Exploring Cuvier Island with Viking Kayaks

Kayak fishing and exploring the remote Cuvier Islands, mothership trip. This video report is small taste of the adventure Stephen Tapp and others recently had on a kayak fishing mother ship trip - Why Mothership? this trip to Cuvier Island the obvious reason for using a mothership is that it’s too far for almost all paddlers using sit-on-top fishing kayaks. To do the trip safely a paddler would need to overnight at the island and this isn’t normally possible. Cuvier Island is a predator free Nature Reserve… more

Why trolling bibbed lures can be so successful

One lure out, one lure in, and beginning a fast down-wind run to try for another king. Trolling bibbed lures from kayaks is gaining popularity as a way of targeting a wide variety of fish including tuna, kingfish, and even snapper
Flashing silver and shuddering kayaks
It’s just like the anticipation of circling gannets: excitement is building, the first test dives are producing, and the frenzy is about to begin! There’s a growing swell of whispers and stories about kayakers having great success trolling… more

Safety on the water with Railblaza

Safety on the water with Railblaza - by NZBlokes Fishtales
To be safe on the water is to be seen. With multiple colour options available when you order you’re new Viking Kayak it is a good idea to think about the best way to be visible on the water.
FLAGS

Flags are a great way to gain visibility on the water. With the additional height and bright color you will be able to make yourself easier to be seen by boaties and other ocean traffic. Railblaza have a couple of options available -  The Flagwhip… more