Issue 93 of BlueWater magazine out now – 29th Aug 2012

BlueWater Magazine is dedicated to bringing gamefishers the essential cutting-edge wisdom on offshore gamefishing, boats and equipment.

With stunning photography blended with exciting features from the world’s leaders of the sport, we aim to deliver knowledge and inspiration that will make a real difference to the success and enjoyment of beginners and experts alike.

Issue 93 of BlueWater magazine out now – 29th Aug 2012

FISHING FEATURES

Tony ludovico – a life underwater

Driven by a fierce passion to capture the underwater realm on camera – particularly the large pelagic gamefish we love – Tony Ludovico has travelled the world and spent countless hours submerged. His stunning photography reveals a world hidden to most of us behind the surface veil.

riding the current edge

This issue marks BlueWater’s 15th birthday and there have been many extraordinary changes to our sport during that time.

tackle to tackle bigger fishSubstantial advances in reel and line technology have revolutionised gamefishing over the past 15 years.

Issue 93 of BlueWater magazine out now – 29th Aug 2012 — Gamefishing Fiji - The best of Fiji Fishing:

New Shortbill Spearfish Fiji Record

Fishing report from Rick & Sheila from Australia who recently completed a live-aboard fishing trip aboard Charterboat Ika Levu. He writes;

The trip I just had was an awesome trip fishing from first landing and heading out wide to the inside of the Yasawa Islands. Then East through the Bligh Waters and onto Koro Island. Next we headed for Savusavu for a re supply. We then headed out wide and took a North direction and headed onto Taveuni, then further North to the Ringold Isles. We had a really good trip and will do something similar next year and hope to extend our trip from the 12 days this year to maybe 21 days next year and travel a further a feild.

Over the course we caught some nice Mahi Mahi to 20 kg, Spanish Mackeral to 23 kg, Wahoo to 25 kg,

 

Some large GT's, some big Rainbow Runner ( 14 kg ), a Blue marlin 130 kg, Short Bill Spearfish 24.8 kg,

Yellow Fin Tuna to 35 kg, the other Tuna Species and also Travelly Species, scad were around, barracuda in numbers, whales were very playful........so all in all we had a wonderful trip.

Its great to hear of successful fun fishing trips from all over Fiji, not just from our Kadavu neck of the woods !

Fiji 3 Day Gamefishing Tournament Returns

I am delighted to report that the Fiji International Game Fishing Association will be running their annual 3 day Tournament in September !
This Tournament is based out of Pacific Harbour so very convenient for visiting international anglers and game boats from Denarau, Suva and maybe even Kadavu ! From Pacific Harbour anglers can fish The Golden Triange - an area bounded by Bequ Lagoon, Vatuleilei island and Kadavu Island - generally recognised as the best gamefishing area in Fiji including sites such as The Golden Mile, The Washing Machine and Cakaulekaleka....
Special accommodation rates are being arranged at Club Oceanus, Uprising Resort and The Pearl Hotel. Currently being discussed is the possibility of some charterboats starting the first day from their home bases....
Great to see this prestigeous Tournament up and running again !
Here is some basic info :

Thursday 6^th September

1830 - 2100 Registration at Club Oceanus.

Team briefing for Anglers and Skippers All Skippers & team Captains must attend. Kegs and pass around food provided. Drinks of your choice can be purchased at the bar at SPECIAL Happy Hour prices.

IGFA Reps available for questions and one on one discussion to clarify the IGFA rules and fishing regulations.

Official Opening.

DON’T FORGET YOUR IDENTITY BRACELET! These will be in your Boat Bag which you will collect at registration.

Friday 7^th September

0645* Leave River for Fishing Tournament starts outside breakwater with firing of flares from the breakwater at 0700 sharp.

0700 - 1600 Fishing Start / Finish

1700 Weigh in Fish to be off loaded at Weigh in area riverside at Club Oceanus, then proceed immediately for refueling if required. Food and beverages will be available.

Saturday 8^th September

0645* Leave River for Fishing Tournament starts outside breakwater with firing of flares from the breakwater at 0700 sharp.

0700 - 1600 Fishing Start / Finish

1700 Weigh in Fish to be off loaded at Weigh in area riverside at Club Oceanus, then proceed immediately for refueling if required. Food and beverages will be available.

Sunday 9^th September

0645* Leave River for Fishing Tournament starts outside breakwater with firing of flares from the breakwater at 0700 sharp.

0700 - 1500 Fishing Start / Finish

1600 Weigh in Fish to be off loaded at Weigh in area riverside at Club Oceanus, then proceed immediately for refueling if required. Food and beverages will be available. Prize giving will commence 7pm with roast pig on a spit and happy hour beers.

*earlier departure times will be given for those that request it - still based on all boats actually starting fishing at 7am

REMEMBER YOUR IDENTITY BRACELET.

Boat mooring will be tight but we would appreciate courtesy and helpful docking with rafting up a necessity….bring buffers, fenders and ropes. Fuel will be available please see Mark (9993675), you may wish to use your own fuel filter for added safety because of the general quality of fuel in Fiji...

Boat ice will be available daily please see please see Mark (9993675), empty bags must be returned to receive a replacement.

For an Entry & Registration form, contact:

Mark Spurling
Managing Director
Marketing Solutions (Fiji) Ltd
Tel : (679) 999 3675
Fax :(679) 345 0767
Email : msolutions.mark@gmail.com

 

Wahoo fishing in Fiji on board Bite Me in Kadavu

Wahoo fishing in Fiji on board Bite Me in Kadavu by BiteMeFiji

Finally Someone we can respect at ICCAT

The Billfish Foundation’s Ellen Peel, two others

named by President Obama to key White House posts

FT LAUDERDALE, Florida, USA — Ms. Ellen Peel, the much respected president and CEO of 

The Billfish Foundation, who has also served for three years as a U.S. representative to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), has been named by President Obama as U.S. Commissioner to ICCAT.

The announcement by the White House, along with the appointments of two others, was made May 10. Russell F. Smith III was also named a U. S. Commissioner to ICCAT. The third appointee was Caitlin Durkovich, named to the Department of Homeland Security as Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection.

In making the appointments President Obama said, “It gives me great confidence that such dedicated and capable individuals have agreed to join this Administration and serve the American people. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”

Because of her passion and dedication to marine resources, Ellen was asked in 2009 to serve as the Acting U.S. Recreational Fishing Commissioner to ICCAT, pending final approval by the President.

ICCAT is a 42-year old inter-governmental fishery organization of some 50 member nations responsible for the conservation of tunas and migratory species like billfish and sharks in the Atlantic Ocean, and its adjacent seas like the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Peel said, “I’m very much honored to be appointed to serve for the White House in the Commissioner position. The challenges are great, but I am committed to advancing and defending the fishing opportunities for all U.S. fishing interests, including raising the priority of both the recreational fishing industry and the billfish species.”

Peel recently began her 16^th year as the head of TBF, a post many in billfishing and marine conservation say was a position she was born for.

Growing up in Long Beach, Miss., with the Gulf of Mexico as her back yard, she’s at home on deep blue water oceans as she is fly fishing a remote trout stream. She broadened her appreciation for the outdoors by working for the National Park Service, before pursuing a law degree at Ole Miss. With a desire to represent big migratory fish including billfish species she continued her studies with a masters of law in marine resources at the Univ. of Washington in Seattle. With her specialization she worked in Washington D.C. at the Center for Marine Conservation getting a solid background with the law-making process.

Despite many challenges like the reduced worldwide populations of billfish caused by commercial longlining and netting, her message has remained clear – good conservation pays in benefits to the fish stocks, the oceans’ ecosystems, improved fishing opportunities, strong economies and prepared future generations of ocean stewards and users. Through education, research, science, advocacy and uniting the recreational fishing community as one powerful voice, TBF’s accomplishments have been many including key socio-economic work in Central and South America, its Tag & Release program and worldwide technology on three oceans.

Now in its 26^th year The Billfish Foundation works globally to advance the conservation of billfish and associated species and to improve the health of oceans and dependent economies. TBF’s website is billfish.org. Ms. Peel can be reached at 800-438-8247 ex 108.

 

The Bamboo Spa @ Matava - a sanctuary on the island of Kadavu, Fiji

Matava - Fiji's Premier eco Adventure Resort is proud to have opened the first full service Pure Fiji Spa on the island of Kadavu.

The Bamboo Spa is the first and only full service Spa facility on Kadavu. We decided to partner with Pure Fijias our environmental policies and missions are so much in line.

We are proud to have Ms Channel Joy join our management team as our Spa Manager and Senior Beauty Therapist since opening. Chanel has been a professional in the spa industry in Fiji since the 1990's and was one of the designers and managers of the Pure Fiji Spa at Pure fiji;s headquarters in Fiji.

Matava Resort is proud to have installed this Spa purely using the alternative power already available at the resort. All water heating and lighting is supplied by purely solar systems. 

The Bamboo Spa

- a sanctuary on the island of Kadavu

Step lightly over the gateway to relaxation - a symbolic beginning to your journey through this oasis - leaving behind cares and the outside world as if on a far distant shore. Each guest's journey is unique... 

As part of our full body rituals, your path begins with another soothing experience rich with symbolic meaning - a warm foot soak in fragrant coconut milk bath... a welcoming and cleansing gesture which will leave you feeling serene.

Choose your path through this sanctuary, with a promising selection of natural treatments lovingly made with uniquely Fijian plant extracts - heavenly massages and wraps, miraculous facials, and the most luxurious of spa pedicures and manicures. 

Indulge your body with one of our unique signature treatments; experience all of our world-class facilities for a total spa escape and ritual.

With flowers freshly picked from the Resort's gardens and the exotic fragrances emanating from the spa’s entrance and hidden gardens you realise you’re in for a truly unique experience. The tranquil surroundings and discreet staff lend a sense of peace and harmony in balance with nature.  

Not only will skin and body be refreshed and revived - but every choice on this journey will leave your heart a little lighter, your spirit a little brighter until we at the Bamboo Spa welcome you once again.

The Bamboo Spa features the nourishing products of Pure Fiji.

Pure Fiji is committed to quality and embodies a passion for the beautiful people, traditions, and environments of Fiji.

Pure Fiji employs nearly 500 people from seven rural villages, a human network that produces cold pressed nut oils and natural packaging materials. Hand-made paper made from natural fibers, traditional masi bark cloth, woven baskets, and nut oil production provide these communities with sustainable income while perpetuating honored traditions and unique skills.

Pure coconut oil, the base ingredient for all of Pure Fiji's products, has been used for hair care, skin care, and massage for generations. Pure Fiji's natural bath and beauty products include luxurious body butter, hydrating body lotion, coconut sugar rub, shampoo and conditioner, coconut milk bath soak, and nourishing body oil.  

Pure Fiji

discover the south pacific secret for beautiful skin and hair

For centuries South Pacific and Fiji islanders have used pure coconut oil and flower extracts to nourish, moisturize and beautify both skin and hair. Pure Fiji brings you the best of these traditional blends for today's natural bath and body care. Discover intensive hydrating body oils, creamy coconut lotions, nourishing hand made soaps and fresh sugar scrubs that will get your skin glowing.

Protecting the Environment & Reducing our Carbon Footprint

Pure Fiji is committed to sustainable manufacturing and reducing its carbon footprint. Botanical ingredients such as the blend of nut oils are wild-harvested 

This reduces our requirement for energy dependent irrigation and fertilization methods thus limiting our carbon impact. Bottles used in packaging are PET which are an environmentally responsible choice as they require 24% less energy to produce and generate 40% less solid waste than glass bottles. Gift packaging is made by hand using natural fibers such as handmade paper or in delightful woven baskets.

What are we doing right now to improve conservation?

Eco-smart production

Sustainable Raw Materials

Botanical ingredients produced in Fiji are harvested sustainably without impact on the plants themselves or the surrounding environment.

Processing of several of the ingredients used in formulations rely on hand-operated cold pressing of nuts into oil. This limits the carbon impact on the environment while creating employment opportunities for rural communities.

Some of the methods employed in processing the ingredients use a natural source of energy such as passive solar dryers. This eliminates the need to use bio-mass, electric resistance, or liquid fuel-fired heaters.

By-products from coconut husks and the shell material from oil bearing nuts are recycled as mulch and fertiliser.

The structures which support these enterprises are often made of local, environmentally low-impact materials such as plaited sago palm roofing. Such buildings are bright, airy, and cool, eliminating the need for artificial lighting or ventilating. Some suppliers of the processed botanicals minimise any environmental impact by running generators etc on natural, unrefined coconut oil.

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava - Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive 5 Star Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator.  Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian 'bures' with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.

 www.Matava.com

Pure Fiji is a natural bath and body products manufacturer which caters to the exclusive spa and salon industry. Founded 12 years ago by Gaëtane Austin and her daughter Andrée, Pure Fiji began research, development, and production of their uniquely Fijian products around the family kitchen table. Organics and natural products are popular now, but Pure Fiji has always appreciated the numerous benefits of coconut oil and the myriad of botanical and herbal curatives and remedies that have been utilized by the Fijian people for hundreds of years. Having pioneered the use of local nuts and botanical extracts into true South Pacific therapies, their spa located within the grounds of the factory premises serves as a invaluable research and development tool for both the products and the uniquely Pacific spa therapies which complement them.  

www.PureFiji.com

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The Bamboo Spa - a sanctuary on the island of Kadavu | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort:

'via Blog this'

Tagging a Blue Marlin aboard Bite Me

New Custom Eyre Rods for Bite Me

Bite Me now carries a new pair of Eyre Wishbone Series 15kg custom rods and we got the chance to try them out on some 20kg yellowfin last week. These rods are built tough for Bite Me but have the superb finishing that comes standard with any Eyre hand built rod.

 

 

 

Needless to say they made short work of a little yellowfin tuna !

They were brought over from Australia by one of my regular clients, Graeme, who like nothing better than to knock off a trophy fish on ultra-light tackle. Last trip he knocked off an 18kg Wahoo on 3kg.
We actually had a quadruple hook-up so whilst Graeme went after the fish on the 3kg Eyre Pirate, Joe and Alex skull-dragged the two yellowfin in on the new Wishbones.

 The weather wasn't kind this trip but when you fish 3kg and fish is a good fish !  This Narrow Barred Mackerel was fun (and technically a Fiji National Record) but we wanted bigger and it did make wonderful Kokoda for dinner !

 One of our Eyre Pirate rods trolling 3kg whils we tried to dodge thunderstorms...

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?

Teasing Wahoo for Fly fishing & Popper casting.wmv