15 Oct 2013
New Offshore Fishing Boat Almost Complete
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Tags: Bite Me, Bite Me Gamefishing Charters, Blue Marlin, bluewater, Dogtooth Tuna, Dorado, Fiji, Gamefishing Charterboat, GT, Kadavu, Matava, Popper Casting, popping, South Pacific, wahoo
24 Oct 2012
Issue 94 of BlueWater magazine out NOW!
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Tags: bluewater, bluewater magazine
2 May 2012
BlueWater issue 91 available now!
BlueWater Magazine, new issue out on sale 2nd May 2012
FISHING FEATURES
hot Autumn bluefin
Southern bluefin tuna have returned to Australia’s southern waters in numbers and sizes not seen for a generation – if ever. Richard Abela has followed them extensively and has caught plenty of tuna to 135kg. His guide will show you where and when and how to catch your own.
port of call
New Caledonia
This French territory lies just off the north-eastern coast of Australia. A short flight will transport you into another world – one blessed with tropical coral lagoons and big fish, both inshore and offshore.
The gt goldmine – part 1
Among the elite giant trevally afficianados of the world, New Caledonia ranks as one of the favourite destinations – particularly for the true monsters. Brandon Khoo is a GT master and he details why this area is so special, and how you can find GTs of perhaps 70kg or more.
book review
Complete Guide To Game Fishing
This significant new book is crammed with easily understood how-to expertise.
Maldivian culture-shift
To preserve quality gamefishing in the spectacular Maldives, a visionary team is steering local culture to a sustainable future.
creatures of the deep
Slender sunfish
This bizarre fish has no tail and a vertical mouth, yet zips around the ocean at a sprightly speed!
prey species
Scads, horse mackerels, madfish
Dr Julian Pepperell profiles these widespread and very important baitfish species.
lure lore
Part 9 – Why weight?
Will your lure catch more with a weighted head? Jim Rizzuto explains the pros and cons.
big fish small boats
Long-range adventures
How to prepare and take your trailerboat on a fishing adventure into the wilderness.
classic tomes
In Pursuit Of Big Fish
An intriguing account of the enormous black marlin off Cabo Blanco, Peru in the 1950s and ’60s.
smoke and mirrors
Larva Lures – Tongariki Ash
Innovative design gives you a very effective lure with interchangeable heads.
BOAT FEATURES
bluefix – new zealand craftsmen at work
Brad Rowe is one of those rare treasures: a highly-skilled boat builder with enough gamefishing experience to really understand the necessities of gameboat design. Dean Butler profiles his ‘find’ and outlines the exciting benefits for boaties on both sides of the Tasman.
evaluating and buying your next gameboat
This crucial information is pure gold! It will save you heartache and thousands of dollars.
sailfish – reef runner
This 5.75m alloy cat offers loads of space, a smooth ride and low running costs. What more could you wish for?
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Tags: bluewater, bluewater magazine, magazine
24 Feb 2012
BlueWater Magazine on sale Feb 29th 2012
BlueWater Magazine, new issue out on sale Feb 29th 2012
FISHING FEATURES CAIRNS DELIVERS A CRACKER SEASON
During the final months of 2011, this famous fishery for the world’s largest black marlin lived up to its reputation, delivering one of the best runs of huge fish in years. Kelly Fallon spent the season among the action. Her report and spectacular photos whet your appetite for the season ahead.
BOB & DOLLY DYER – AUSTRALIA’S KING AND QUEEN OF GAMEFISHING – PART 2
In this final installment of the incredible tale of the Dyers, gamefishing historian John McIntyre describes their adventures with marlin, particularly their part in the discovery of the Cairns giant black marlin grounds. Their extraordinary achievements were matched only by their ability to promote them.
PORT STEPHENS INSHORE BONANZA
This gamefishing hotspot has recently been boiling with marlin. Discover how to beat the crowds to find your own billfish nirvana.
GAME CHANGER – AFTCO RDT
This remarkable product is set to revolutionise gamefishing by providing accurate readings of the drag tension on your line.
PREY SPECIES – SLIMY MACKEREL
This mighty baitfish is, in essence, a miniature tuna. They are also a vital food source for predatory species – and exceptional livebait.
FIN-NOR MARQUESA REELS
Fin-Nor’s new 2-Speed castable lever drag reels have been designed for performance fishing with even heavy braided lines.
LURE LORE – PART 8
Sneaky leaders for wary tuna Tuna are smarter than the average gamefish and demand special techniques to ensure success. Classic Tomes Tales of Tahitian Waters Zane Grey’s classic describes his three expeditions to these virginal waters during the 1920s.
CREATURES OF THE DEEP
Phyllosoma larvae Guess which tasty treat these truly bizarre-looking creatures eventually metamorphose into!
SMOKE AND MIRRORS
Black Bart ‘San Sal Candy’ lure This versatile lure has low water drag for use with light tackle and also handles speeds to over 20kts.
BOAT FEATURES
WHEN A BOAT BARGAIN ISN’T
A must-read article before you consider buying your next boat. Since the Global Financial Crisis and the meltdown of the US boat market there has been much talk about the bargains to be had by importing from overseas. The reality for many has been a minefield of heartache. Find out why...
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MARINE GENERATORS
Essential information to save you money and help you select the best generator for your boat.
THE SMOOTH TOUGHIE
Vindicator 720 This tough, surprisingly quiet plate-aluminium fishing boat has been crafted with loving care in Gympie.
BlueWater Magazine
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Tags: bluewater, bluewater magazine
6 Jan 2012
BlueWater Magazine on Sale Today, 6th Jan 2012
A BlueWater world scoop!
This issue is a dedicated GIANT BLUEFIN TUNA Special. See mind-blowing action with tuna to way over 1000-pounds. They are more than 10 feet long! It’s the hottest gamefishing news on the planet – and this issue has it all. Discover the history, join the new action, and learn from the scientists.
Do not miss this one!
Content included in issue 89 of BlueWater magazine
FISHING FEATURES
Techniques for multiple marlin
Why hook just one marlin when you could hook several at the same time? Once you’ve located the bait school there’s a good chance that there will be more than one marlin stalking them. With a little planning and the right strategy, you can capitalise on being in the right spot before they disappear.
what you need to know about polarised eyewear
Investment advice for that most essential of gamefishing equipment – your eyes.
Understanding south pacific cyclones

Knowing how cyclones form, and how they track across the ocean will help you to stay out of danger.
big fish –small boats
Sounders and sounder set-up
This guide will help you set up your sounder and transducer to see better images on screen.
make your own wind-on leaders
They are a fundamental piece of tackle and with this step-by-step guide you can be skilled at making your own reliable wind-on leaders.
creatures of the deep
Ray’s Bream
They are plentiful, they’re great to eat, and they are out there!
Dr Julian Pepperell explains all.
prey species – squid story
What has three hearts and blueish blood? Dr Pepperell reveals the alien-like biology and fascinating life story of these vital prey species.
small boat crew tactics
Your chances for success are greatly magnified when the team works together as a coordinated unit. Here’s how to make it happen.
lure lore – part 7
The 10 best lures for big blue marlin
Who better to judge the 10 best lures than a panel of 900lb-plus blue marlin off Kona, Hawaii?
smoke and mirrors
JB Lures ‘Chook’
Something specifically crafted to be snapped up by big marlin could hardly be called ‘chicken’.
BOAT FEATURES
PEDIGREE CAT
Noosa Cat 3000 Sportsman
Built on a proud history of quality offshore cats designed to break through treacherous river bars, Noosa Cat’s latest offering delivers refined design that will surprise with its rough-riding abilities, economy, and comforts.
TOP SHELF
Sailfish Shelf Runner
With expertise in tough, marine rescue cats, Sailfish have now refocused for the offshore angler.
AUSSIE MADE TO RIVAL THE WORLD
Cruise Craft Outsider 595
Patriotic Aussies will be more than proud after reading Warren Steptoe’s glowing review of this local hero.
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Tags: bluewater, bluewater magazine, magazine
12 Nov 2007
BlueWater Magazine : Kadavu record breaker
A great old article I stumbled on from BlueWater Magazine : Kadavu record breaker
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A grand total of 330 islands, sprawled out over 500 square miles of Pacific Ocean, makes up the magnificent Fiji group. For many years it's been well documented in
My trip to Fiji last year, which I covered in BlueWater, not only provided excellent
The success of that particular trip sparked plenty of interest, and I must admit that I couldn't wait to get back over there myself. Editor David Granville also displayed a keenness to have a look at the place, and we started negotiating a trip with Xtasea Charters, which is based at Pacific Harbour on the Coral Coast of Fiji's main island Viti Levu.
These guys specialise in light- and heavy-tackle gamefishing and offer daytrips and extended trips down to the beautiful island of
With the assistance of the Fiji Tourist Bureau, the owner of Xtasea Charters Capt Brad Cupid and his right-hand man Rob Krause, were able to put the trip together for David and me back in July. Accompanying David was his charming wife Robyn - a keen fisho herself, who made our plan of targeting some line-class records even more interesting.
As we found in Fiji last year, the wahoo in particular are surprisingly large, and the prospect of both a men's and women's claim to world recognition was a real possibilityBlueWater Magazine : Kadavu record breaker
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25 Aug 2007
Oh Nuts!..Yellowfin.....Run Away..Run Away...
I recently had the pleasure of that renown angler, author and editor of BlueWater magazine, Tim Simpson fishing aboard Bite Me. Its becoming an annual event when Tim and I get together every July, throw caution to the wind and fish 4kilo (8lb) line class in Kadavu island's tropical waters.
Most people think we are nuts to even contemplate fishing such light tackle in waters that are filled with marlin, big sailfish, wahoo, mackerel and dogtooth tuna but I have to say, as far as fishing goes, its the most fun you can have without a tub of Haagen Daz ice cream and a lady I know called Mandy.
The challenge is simple. You meticulously spool and prepare your gear, measure your doubles and leaders to comply with IGFA regulations, set your strike drags at 1.3kg (3lbs), troll a limited spread of small lures with specially selected hooks and wait to see what jumps on.
Then all hell breaks loose.
If its a wahoo or mackerel, the fight is relatively normal.
If its a sailfish, you clear the deck and then go charging backwards like a maniac to try to get to the fish whilst it still leaps around on the surface.
If it a yellowfin, the skipper puts the kettle on, makes you a cup of tea and hands it to you so you have something to cry into for the next 4 hours of the fight.
And the yellowfin were everywhere....
Its the only time of the year where I will actually drive AWAY from a baitball on the surface being smashed by diving birds and feeding tuna. Our target fish were wahoo and Pacific sailfish so spending hours on a stubborn yellowfin was not at the top of the agenda. Its a strange feeling, for as a charterboat captain, I spend half my life staring at the horizon hunting for birds and to have to steer a zig zag course to actually avoid baitballs....well, its just not right !
I was not entirely successful. The yellowfin were so prolific that we did end uphooking a number of fish and my respect for these beautiful speeding bullets just continues to grow. On 4 kilo line class they are probably one of the most difficult fish in the ocean to best. On strike, they immediately plummet down as far as they can go and once down there, extend their pectoral wings, nose into the current and sit there like an immovable truck. With only three pounds of strike drag and 400 yards of 8lb line out, a half decent sized yellowfin has a better chance of winning than you do.... But that's the whole point of sport fishing....
The Creed created by the Tuna Club of Avalon states "The underlying spirit of angling is that the skill of the angler is pitted against the instinct and strength of the fish and the latter is entitled to an even chance for his life"
We ended up having an absolute ball with the small schooling yellowfin and Tim even took the M-04kg Fiji National Record with a fish weighing 14.6kg (32lbs). A most respectable weight for a yellowfin tuna on ultra light tackle. The fight time of 50 tense minutes reflects the strength of these fish and Tim's skills in working the drag beyond safe limits to win the fight.
I think I might be turning into a confirmed light tackle nut. Now, if I can just figure out how to deal with the 4 hours of heart stopping boat manoevering and tense stand-off waiting, watching line steadily peeling off the spool before the line goes 'ping' and the angler turns and says 'I've lost him"......
Its a roller coaster ride that makes grown men cry.
I'm hooked.
Posted Unknown 0 comments
Tags: 4kilo, bluewater, light tackle, magazine, sailfish, spanish mackerel, tuna, wahoo, yellowfin
24 Jul 2007
More Fiji National Records fall to Bite Me !
This week I had the pleasure of that renown angler, author and editor of BlueWater magazine, Tim Simpson fishing aboard Bite Me.
Calling for some investigative boat manoevering to find the direction the tuna was happiest with and 50 minutes of gaining line inch by inch only to watch it scream off again, we finally boated a new M-04kg Fiji National Record Yellowfin Tuna. Weighing in at 14.6kg (32lbs) it was not a massive tuna by any standards but significant on 4 kilo line class and tastey to boot!
Fishing 4 kilo line class in Fiji waters is entirely beyond the comprehension of most local anglers. Fish are generally caught here for food not for sport. Most local anglers consider 10 kilo line class to be 'light tackle' and look on in horror when I pitch up at the Pacific Harbour 3 day International tournament with a plethora of 4,6 and 8kg outfits.
Last year (2006) we took 2 National light tackle Records and our anglers walked away with thousands of dollars in prizes, much to the chagrin of some of the 'old guard'!
This week, the yellowfin were so prolific that it was common to have multiple hook-ups, even when trolling right beside the barrier reef. Deckie Joe frequently found himself clearing second and third rods with yellowfin attached. I often had to run down from the bridge to clear rods as Tim and Joe had their hands full of speeding tuna.
One morning, whilst trolling a mixed spread for wahoo and sailfish, we got jumped by yellowfin in the usual manner. (lots of shouting and screaming reels). Tim selected a rod and Joe then selected the next.
Out on the rigger however, the skipbait garfish with Pakula Fluzy rigged on the nose simply sat quietly and slowly began to sink as I nudged Bite Me to a stop. No problem there I thought, these were only very small tuna and Tim was already making headway with his fish coming under control. Jut leave the skipbait out there - its well clear of the props and the anglers lines.
Suddenly the rigger clip pops and the reel gives a short sharp ratchet blast. Tim starts yelling "Strike on the rigger" but I'm not so sure. Its not that deep here and that skipbait might just have sunk deep enough to snag coral. (Oops..Darn).
A second later the reel starts to tick over and Tim calls me down from the bridge to grab the rod. I'm still not convinced its a fish.... By now the two little tuna are coming on board and Tim pops up to the bridge to drive on the fish I don't think I have. Moments later all doubts are dispelled as the bit of coral I envisage on the end of my line barrels off seaward in a long thumping run.
Hmmm... What eats a sinking skipbait in 40 meters of water right next to the reef....Dogtooth tuna ? shark ? Oh oh, was that skipbait rigged on wire leader for wahoo or mono for a sail ? Sinking feeling...I can see this all ending in tears...but after 10 minutes, I am still connected (Phew! wire rig)
So, anyhow, long story short...from gain a bit / lose a lot to gain a lot / lose a bit we finally get colour and all eyes are on the fish to try to see what it is just in case it busts us off on the home stretch and we don't identify it. (Don't go there - its a painful experience) Lo and behold up comes a very grumpy Giant Trevally. Now, we normally release GT's but this one turns out to be a new Fiji National Record on 4 kilo line. I have to say I was quite chuffed at landing a GT on 4kg line after an hour long fight so close to the reef as these bruisers are notorious for spooling or 'reefing' anglers even on heavy tackle so I elected to weigh the fish which set a new Fiji record of 10.20kg (22.5lbs). Very nice, Thank you. Beers all round!
The wahoo and sails just didn't cooperate with us this week as the water temperature hovered at 26.6 but all the other species here kept us busy with screaming reels and busted lines. Tim had a definite world record wahoo on but the line mysteriously parted about 15 minutes into the fight. Probably got bit by another fish. He also fought a sailfish for over 5 hours and my colleague Richard fought a yellowfin for over 4 hours. More on that later.
To all you heavy tackle anglers out there, the next time you skull drag a mahi or wahoo in on your 130lb marlin gear, imagine how much fun it would have been to fight that fish on 8lb line.....4 hour chair fight on a big blue marlin?
Pah. Try a 50lb yellowfin on 8 pound line. Now thats what I call a fight. Any takers?
Posted Unknown 1 comments
Tags: bluewater, GT, sailfish, Tim Simpson, wahoo
8 Jul 2007
Bite Me’s Celebrity Guest of the Month
Who is this weeks mystery guest pictured here earning his keep aboard Bite Me ?
Some clues :-
- This expert angler hails from down under
- He talks softly but carries a big pen
- He doesn’t have a brother called Bart or a sister called Lisa
- He’s happiest when surrounded by blue water…
Yeeeeeessss…
Hello Tim Simpson, Editor of Bluewater magazine. Good to see you showing the local boys how a proper deckie earns his keep.
Hope you had fun fishing with us aboard Bite Me.
Rumour has it you took some
Posted Unknown 1 comments
7 Jul 2007
Welcome to casualangler.com
Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2007 1:49 PMSubject: RE: Welcome to "casualangler.com" - http://casualangler.com/phpBB3Adrian,I am doing a bit of redesign and will have you back up by tomorrow morning or sooner. I hope you like the new look and feel I have been working on.How has the fishing been in the islands?John KesslerCasualangler.com-----Original Message-----
From: Adrian at Matava.com [mailto:Adrian@Matava.com]
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2007 7:44 PM
To: webmaster@casualangler.com
Subject: Re: Welcome to "casualangler.com" - http://casualangler.com/phpBB3I looke at the website and couldn't find anything ?----- Original Message -----Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2007 2:37 AMSubject: RE: Welcome to "casualangler.com" - http://casualangler.com/phpBB3Adrian,I added you site to my featured sponsors. Take a look and see if you are OK with what I did www.casualangler.comJohn KesslerCasualangler.com
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Tags: bluewater, casualangler.com, sailfish, Tim Simpson, tuna, wahoo, yellowfin
8 Apr 2007
Offshore Fishing Report – March 2007
For the waters around Kadavu Island- Fiji Islands
Charter Operator – Matava Resort Gamefishing
Boat Names – Bite Me (Offshore)
Average Water Temp – 28.5
Average Sea State – Calm / mild chop
Average Winds – 5-10kts
We have had a hot bite from the blue marlin over Feb / March with most of the fish following the schools of skipjack tuna around the Kadavu seamount and up the Kadavu trench. The largest blue caught (was sadly gut hooked by a circle hook) weighed in at a respectable 420lbs with a couple of much bigger fish lost on lures. The average size as been about 200lbs.
Normally the water temp goes up to 29/30 by Jan / Feb and this kills a lot of the action but this year it rose to 28.5 and there it has stubbornly stayed which I think is why the blues are still here in numbers.
This lower than average water temp happed last year as well and it lead to a spectacular sailfish season from May – September. We found packs of sails on every attempt.
The Yellowfin are around with lots of fish in the 20 – 40lb range close in to the barrier reef and some nice cow Yellowfin around 100lbs farther out on the trench.
Mahi mahi are a bit thin on the South side of the island but round the North side there are quite a few juveniles chasing the flying fish a couple of miles offshore.
Posted stuartinfiji 0 comments
Tags: Bite Me, Blue Marlin, bluewater, Fiji, fishing, gamefishing, IGFA, mahi mahi, offshore, sailfish, sportfishing, tuna