Filled with promise

Judging by the level of activity on the hardstand area outside Boating’s Westhaven office window, summer is just around the corner. Similar scenes must be taking place up and down the country as keen boaters prepare their vessels for the summer season.

About now is when we really start noticing the days warming up. Daylight saving kicks in, the cover comes off the BBQ and activities involving water become a lot more attractive.

I always think October is filled with promise, not least because of my well documented addiction to recreational fishing! If you like to catch snapper, October is a very significant month.

During October adult snapper of all sizes start to gather in large and small groups as they prepare to spawn. Find these aggregations and the fishing can be spectacular!

But don’t be greedy. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of red-hot fishing, but like the open road speed limit, the recreational catch limit is not a target. So for the the future of the fishery, limit your catch, don’t catch your limit.

On the boating front, the Auckland On Water Boat Show sets the scene for summer. For many boaters, the spring show helps turn their attention towards on-water activities that will feature in the months to come. This magazine goes on sale the day the show opens, so if you are reading this note, it’s probably not too late to get along. See page 24 for details.

This year, the Auckland On Water Boat Show celebrates its 20th anniversary. It has shifted around Viaduct Harbour to accommodate changing circumstances and steady growth, but for the last several years exhibits have centred on the Viaduct Events Centre.

That will change in 2019, when Emirates Team New Zealand claims the Events Centre as its base. Fortunately, an alternative Viaduct Harbour venue has been found for next year. Ironically, it’s much the same space as was occupied by the early shows, which includes Te Wero Island. Watch this space for more details.

Boating NZ magazine has supported the Auckland On Water Boat Show event since its inception, including as a sponsor.

Indeed, back in 1998, Boating NZ’S Tim Porter was instrumental in getting the show off the ground. Along with Boat Mags’ Barry Thompson, Tim approached the Boating Industry Association (now the Marine Industry Association) with the idea of organising a show with boats on the water. BIA Executive Director Peter Busfield liked the the idea and the rest is history.

Happy boating.

John Eichelsheim

Guest Editor