NZSFC's POD AND REEL Podcast

Send us Fan Mail We share Baz’s near-drowning at Papanui Point and the choices that brought him home. We unpack why survival hinged on calm thinking, and how rock fishing can be made safer without losing the sport we love. • why west coast rock fishing is so risky • how excitement overrode caution on a big swell • stripping weight and back-floating to survive • shock, survivor’s guilt, and mental...

Send us Fan Mail What does it feel like to grow up where crayfish once filled wooden sea tanks and kahawai boiled along the beach all year, then watch that richness fade to mud and empty reef? Sitting above Omaha and looking across to Goat Island, we talk with Tī Point local and former commercial fisherman Barry Talkington about how the Hauraki Gulf slid from abundance to scarcity, and how we can...

Send us Fan Mail New Zealand's fishing and boating world is being transformed by women who are taking leadership roles, challenging stereotypes, and creating inclusive spaces for everyone on the water. • Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club women describe how clubs should focus on fishing opportunities rather than just becoming social drinking venues • The "Girls in the Bay" fishing compet...

Send us Fan Mail New Zealand's maritime landscape is changing as women step into leadership roles on the water, bringing fresh perspectives and challenging outdated assumptions about who belongs at the helm. • Lisa Noble shares her journey from hairdressing to commercial cray fishing, and charter operating while emphasising how determination matters more than gender • Sarah Psilas discusses h...

Send us Fan Mail The West Coast of New Zealand offers world-class fishing but demands extreme respect, with veterans sharing hard-earned wisdom on staying safe in these challenging waters. Five local legends reveal how they've survived decades fishing this untamed coastline while witnessing the sometimes fatal consequences of poor preparation and decision-making. • West Coast fishing describe...

Send us Fan Mail Our journey takes us to New Zealand's wild west coast, where experienced local fishers share crucial knowledge about surviving the unforgiving surf, beach launches, and bar crossings that make these waters so challenging yet rewarding. • Five west coast legends with decades of frontline experience reveal their hard-earned wisdom • Mark Gill from Manukau Sport Fishing highligh...

Send us Fan Mail The tragic loss of three fishermen off the Gisborne coast last year sent shockwaves through New Zealand's fishing community. What began as a promising day with a forecast of just five knots of wind quickly deteriorated into a nightmare scenario of 20-knot winds and dangerous sea conditions. Roger Faber, president of the Gisborne-Tatapouri Fishing Club, takes us through that f...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of top-quality southern bluefin tuna preservation as we explore Japanese techniques with Tony Walker, aka TK from TK's Offshore Fishing. Discover the meticulous ikijime method and the critical steps for rapidly cooling the tuna's core temperature to avoid internal cooking. Learn why handling the fish on foam mattresses and using ice slurries can mean t...

Send us Fan Mail SUBSCRIBE for weekly episodes. Experience the thrill of the southern bluefin tuna fishery's resurgence in New Zealand since 2017. When large tuna were first spotted near Cape Runaway, the word spread like wildfire, attracting hundreds of boats and turning Waihau Bay into a bustling hub of activity. Reminisce about those chaotic early days of record-breaking catches and extend...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a tranquil fishing trip turns into a life-and-death struggle against the elements? This episode brings you the gripping tale of Will Fransen and his ill-fated solo fishing adventure. Will's love for the sea, which began in his childhood, drove him to purchase his dream boat, Betty G. However, a seemingly perfect summer holiday quickly transformed into a nigh...

Send us Fan Mail What if a simple wristwatch and the will to survive were all that stood between you and the endless sea? This week, we unravel the gripping story of Will Franson, who fought against hallucinations and the elements while stranded off the coast of New Zealand. His tale of despair turns to hope with the unexpected arrival of Skipper Max White and his friends, James MacDonald and Tyle...