Kontiki fishing has this author hooked
Fishing has been Steve O’Brien’s passion since he was 10 – one that has led to him becoming a published author.
The Tokoroa born and bred fishing guru has released his book about Kontiki fishing.
The method of fishing uses a small pontoon-type boat, raft-like structure or a kite sail to name a few.
The structures are cast offshore by the wind or a motor and are equipped with hooklines.
‘‘I had a bit of a passion for it and I like writing so I thought stuff it, I’d just make a book.’’
His interest takes him back to the rocks on a Kaitaia beach where he caught his first snapper with a fishing rod.
O’Brien and his father would travel once every six months and trek through farmland to fish off rocks at the beach.
Ever since he would take every chance he could to get behind a fishing rod.
O’Brien picked up on the method of Kontiki fishing at age 35 when his brother gave it a go.
It was a ‘‘very different concept’’ but he found it simple and exciting.
‘‘It’s the mystery of what you’re getting off it. If you use an electric torpedo, it’s exciting to see how fast it goes.’’
The Hamilton petrol station forecourt attendant wrote a book almost 20 years ago but this time round he had gone more indepth.
It took seven months of inter- viewing, writing and taking photographs. He also spoke with some of the most unique characters at places such as the coast of Waihi.
‘‘I met some interesting people. A lady in her 70s, she would go out every day and every night.’’
Tokoroa man Brian Williamson even featured in the 45-page book.
The family oriented sport that Williamson was so passionate about was too good not to share with O’Brien.
His contribution
included photos and his own wisdom from almost 20 years of Kontiki fishing.
The fascination lies within the variety of hooks, lines and torpedo, he said.