Hunter Gatherer Boating and Fishing Tips with Captain Swish
Whether you’re a new boat owner, experienced fishermen, or somewhere in between, learning to fish from a trailer boat along New Zealand’s diverse coastlines is an adventure. This series, featuring Bruce Duncan, aka Captain Swish, devoted to fishing, invites you to learn essential fishing skills that you can use to create your own unforgettable memories with family and friends around some of New Zealand's most picturesque fishing spots.
Bruce Duncan, respected author of *Hauraki Gulf Fishing Hot Spots* and *Spot X* and an expert in fishing, partners with Haines Hunter for an exciting video series. This series will cover essential skills like planning your trip, boat handling, baiting and burleying, fishing techniques, and caring for your catch. Here’s a sneak peek into what you'll learn from Bruce and his years of experience in fishing.
1. Planning Your Trip
A successful fishing day starts well before you hit the water. Bruce emphasises checking weather forecasts, tides, and fishing reports so you’re equipped to pick the best spots. A comprehensive equipment checklist helps ensure you have everything you need.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SERIES2. Efficient Boat Launching
Launching might seem straightforward, but there's a technique to doing it right. Bruce walks viewers through the setup and approach for launching in different conditions, from calm days to those a bit more challenging. Knowing how to launch efficiently and courteously also helps make busy ramps more enjoyable for everyone.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SERIES3. Boat Handling and Trimming
Once on the water, understanding boat handling and trim makes for a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency. Bruce breaks down the basics of trimming the engine for balance and control, offering tips for new boaters who may be unfamiliar with how boat weight and trim affect ride quality. His choice of the Haines Hunter SF485 powered by a Yamaha F70 demonstrates his preference for reliability and performance.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SERIES4. Hunting For Fish
Using his Furuno TZ electronics, Bruce shows how to read the sounder, interpret fish signs, and understand underwater structures that indicate where fish are likely to be. His approach emphasises not just locating fish but understanding why they’re in specific spots, which can transform a casual fishing day into an exciting hunt.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SERIES5. Anchoring
Once you’ve found the fish, knowing where and how to anchor is critical. Bruce discusses anchoring techniques that factor in wind, tide, and underwater structure to position your boat ideally for casting. Proper anchoring can be all the difference between a day of constant bites and a day of waiting.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SERIES6. Bait Types
Bruce offers expert advice on choosing the correct bait, to match the target species and waters you’re fishing in, increasing your odds of a successful catch.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SERIES7. Burley
A well-prepared burley trail is Bruce’s secret weapon for bringing fish to the boat. He explains the importance of using the right amount of burley and positioning it to drift naturally with the current, attracting fish without over-feeding them. Bruce’s knack for knowing when and where to drop burley helps even novice anglers draw fish to their spot.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SERIES8. Fishing Techniques
Bruce’s video series will also delve into different fishing techniques. Each method has its nuances, and Bruce provides guidance on the right techniques based on fish species, tide, and weather conditions. With years of practice and experimentation, Bruce’s techniques are designed to maximise every fishing session.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SERIES9. Catching
With Bruce’s techniques, you’re likely to get bites—but catching the fish takes skill. He walks viewers through setting the hook, fighting the fish, and reeling them in without losing them at the last second. This part of the process is about patience and timing, which Bruce demonstrates with both calm and excitement.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SERIES10. Handling and Caring for Fish
Once a fish is on board, handling it carefully ensures both quality of the catch and respect for the resource. Bruce discusses proper handling techniques to keep fish fresh and avoid damaging it, as well as how to handle fish for catch-and-release scenarios to ensure survival.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SERIES11. Boat Retrieval
As the day winds down, retrieving the boat at a busy ramp can be stressful for beginners. Bruce offers practical tips for smooth, quick retrievals, handling lines, and working with tides. His emphasis on courtesy at the ramp makes this segment invaluable for maintaining a positive experience with other boaters.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SERIES12. Clean-Up and Flushing
Bruce demonstrates his boat clean-up process, and how he keeps his Haines Hunter SF485 in peak condition. Flushing the engine and cleaning the boat after saltwater exposure is critical for longevity, and Bruce’s routine ensures his equipment remains in pristine shape.
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