Abi fighting another Monster Fish in Mozambique

A Wonderful Gift. The Knowledge of Catching Fish! 

Who can ever forget the first time they caught a fish? I certainly will never forget that’s for sure. Don’t get me wrong the fish was tiny and it fit into a small partition in a plastic Tackle Box but who cares it was mine. I caught it and I was very proud. That incredible experience felt like yesterday I can still smell the damp air after the rains. I can still see that little fish come flying out of the murky water and into my very grateful hands. Wow there must be more. I must come here again. Maybe every day. Maybe just maybe I could get pretty good at this fishing game! That day took over my life. I was hooked. I didn’t care what type of fishing I did I just needed to Fish. Fast forward many moons later I found myself firstly Kayak Fishing and then in 2009 Jetski Fishing. I have caught some incredible fish and still continue to enjoy catching Fish. However, my satisfaction in Fishing has somewhat shifted to enjoying teaching people to Fish and seeing them catch Fish. Again, the size doesn’t matter it’s the whole experience of catching Fish that counts. I’m writing this article in early 2024 and to be honest for most people it hasn’t been a great few years for many reasons and there’s a million reasons why we cant go Fishing. Fuel prices, vessel costs, weather etc. etc. Many people have left the pleasure Fishing industry citing the afore mentioned reasons why. I understand that and it’s very sad news. On the brighter side I have seen an upturn in youngsters starting to get involved in Fishing both fresh water and salt water and they have been catching some great Fish and you can see these guys and girls are having an incredible time. In my opinion the sport of angling is on a downward slope and we need to turn it around. Anyone who has taken a friend or a youngster Fishing and took the time to help them I applaud you. Lets give them hunger and incredible experience you have for Fishing.

Luke bending properly!

Kirk & Brendan from Go Fish Magazine have always been great supporters of helping Junior Anglers. Byron Kane is incredibly good at coaching his son Brayden & Daughter Rhori to Fish. In fact now they are too good! Mike Perriera from The Kingfisher and Adam Kamdar from Township Hyper also go above and beyond to help Juniors and support the growth of Angling. Many Skiboat Clubs have initiatives for Juniors and I’m sure there’s many more initiatives out there. Let me know Who and what initiatives!

So what’s the secret? Well, its quite simple take a friend or a Junior Fishing and let them and try it. If they don’t like it try again but don’t force them. Here are a few pointers I have thought about.

Shaun & Brother Ricky who is enjoying his first Jetski outing. I can read Shaun’s thoughts Ohhh here we go. Ricky is now looking for his own Jetski!

The Venue Maybe it’s not a good idea to take a junior angler through a huge shore break launch site and out into a choppy Ocean the first few launches. Try Fishing on a local river or dam or a flat calm Ocean. Be patient and its ok to not catch Fish. They are there for the total experience. Maybe think about a slightly later launch if they are not early risers.

Clothing A very important consideration is the correct clothing and expect the weather to change and plan extra clothing.

Food & Water Take plenty of Food, Water and Snacks for your Fishing session. No alcohol.

Rods & Tackle Make sure you take some relevant size Rods & tackle so the Junior Angler feels comfortable and the gear isn’t too heavy.

Target Species & Tactics Instead of Trolling Baits or Hard Body Lures or Konas a great way to enjoy Fishing and catch lots of Fish is to use Drop Shot, Bucktails, or Small Slow Pitch Jigs. It’s a great way to Fish relaxed and keep talking the beginner through what to do and what to try. Nothing beats the thrill of Jigging up a Lure and suddenly it stops dead and some Sea Creature heads back down to his home! Your Reel can be emptied in seconds so at least they will have a good story to tell.

Fish Make sure you practice catch and release with some species and explain size limitations but don’t over complicate things. Fishing should be fun shouldn’t it?

Timing Make sure you don’t go Fishing all day and make it turn boring. New Anglers need to stay interested and want more don’t we?

Safety It goes without saying that Fishing and especially on the Ocean can be dangerous and Safety is of paramount importance.  Make sure Life Jackets are warn and all safety equipment is working and up to date.

Anru & Ruan enjoy a good days Fishing in Guinjata Bay Mozambique

Come on guys and girls take a youngster or a friend Fishing………Let’s get them hooked!

Tight Lines

Codfather

Motobatt Heavy Duty and Ultra Heavy Duty Jetski Batteries

When it comes to Jetskis there is one thing that is always on my mind when I am out at sea fishing. What if I break down! Yes unfortunately it is a possibility that one day you go to press your start button and click, click...Nothing! I have done it once and I will do everything possible to avoid breaking down at sea again. It is a lonely place out there so what can we do to avoid a potential breakdown? I have listed below some common breakdown failures on Jetskis so you can do your best to avoid breakdowns.

The first and most important upgrade I would recommend on any Ocean going Jetski is to install a Dual Battery System. When I say Dual Battery System I mean you have 2 Cranking Batteries available not a second Battery for Electronics. The installation would consist of a new Battery Tray to accommodate a second Battery. Some extended quality marine wiring. A 4 position Battery Switch and a Mounting Bracket. Any Radio or Fish Finder installed can be tied in to the new system so that when the Dual Battery Switch is in the off position everything is turned off.  These are our Jetski Dual Battery Systems we install at Jetski Fishing SA for Yamaha Sea Doo and Kawasaki Jetskis. We also supply all the components if you want to install yourself you can order at the link here Jetski Dual Battery System  

While you are installing your new Dual Battery System you now have the opportunity to upgrade your standard Lead Acid Batteries to Motobatt Heavy Duty AGM Batteries or Motobatt Ultra Heavy Duty AGM Batteries. These Batteries are amazing they simply pack more available cranking amps into the same size or slightly larger casing than your original equipment Battery. In simple terms that means when you press the start button on your Jetaki you will have more power available and your motor will turn faster. Our Motobatt AGM Batteries also have 4 poles per Battery 2 Positive and 2 Negative. The advantage here is that you can install accessories without disturbing your Jetskis main Battery Cables. You  can view our Heavy Duty Battery range here  Jetski Heavy Dual Battery range

 2023 Marine VHF Radios in South Africa

Are you confused about VHF Radios? DSC, SRC, VHF, MMSI, ICASA, Wondering WTF is going on? Then read on and all will be revealed!

The subject of VHF Radios for Marine use became a very hot topic of debate way back in.....well a long time ago to be honest. I remember writing numerous articles and giving presentations at Boat Shows stating that it was imminent VHF Radios would become law on any vessels above and including a category D who knows it may even include category E vessels. Here we are again in 2022 edit 2023 :) and finally I can say with confidence (puts on tin hat) that when you do your next COF you will definitely require a VHF DSC Radio and both you and the Radio will need to be licenced. That doesn't mean get a Radio and don't do the SRC (Short Range Certificate) course. Everything will be checked to make sure you comply. If you own a Category E vessel you may also not be able to launch at a launch site if the launch site says you do require a  VHF Radio. Yes the decision is up to the launch site on a CAT E vessel! Again you don't just require a DSC enabled VHF Radio. It must be licenced and you must be licenced to operate the Radio. If you have a CAT E vessel make sure you check with the launch site before you travel. Some of the Launch Sites I know where you need a VHF Radio even for CAT E are as follows....Durban, Umhlanga, Ballito, St Lucia, Warner Beach, Rocky Bay, Shelly Beach, Port Edward. However like I said check before you travel!

South Africa has had to implement the use of VHF Radios to fall in line with international Maritime Regulations. So now its law let's look at some of the advantages of owning a VHF Radio. 

• First and foremost of course is safety. You have the option to use voice calling on channel 16 to get help or use the DSC channel 70 facility.
• You can use the working channels to communicate with other vessels. Lets face it there's no point in leaving the Radio switched off all the time because if everyone did that who would hear you if you were in trouble?
• Radios become a habit. Use them but don't abuse them. They are there to assist you and maybe save your life one day!

In the early days I was a big believer in using a Hand Held Radio on a Jetski. Mainly due to the fact that if you have your Radio attached to you and you fall off your Jetski it could save your life one day. Fast forward years later and the Base Mount VHF Radios are a lot smaller and can even fit easily in a Cubby Hole and there really is no excuse not to install a Fixed Base Unit. We don't moan and make excuses when we install a Fish Finder! I'm not saying don't use a Hand Held as a back up, however I think a Base Mount is now in 2023 the way forward. Oh yes and I nearly forgot about the Aerial, Ariel, Arial, Antenna or whatever its called. No longer do we need a 1.8 metre ugly Antenna as we can now have a 1.2 metre and even a detachable 45cm or 25cm and even a tiny Dorsal Antenna. My personal testing of these Antennas has been nothing short of an amazing reception compared to a 5 or 6 watt Hand Held Radio.

Advantages of a Base Mount DSC Radio 

• 25 watt of transmitting power, as opposed to a Hand Held which is 5 or 6 watt. 

• Small and compact. Ideal for a Jetski. Models like the  ICOM M330GE seen here M330 

• Antennas come in a range of sizes. Smaller Antennas mean they do not hinder your fishing but increase your safety due to covering a wider area.

• An emergency call will be heard by anyone litening in to channel 16 in the area should you require help.

• Radios are constructed to handle the harsh environments we subject them to.

• Base mount 25 watt Marine Radios have a range up to about 50kms if set up correctly and using the correct Antenna.

• Easy to install especially if the PL259 Screw in connector is alreadt attached.

• Built in DSC facility on high end models to assist in finding you in an emergency situation by transmitting your details and GPS co ordinates.

Advantages of a Hand Held VHF Radio

• In all honesty there are very few advantages of a Hand Held Marine VHF Radio now. However the most important advantage of a Hand Held Radio is that if you fall overboard and you have your Radio with you it could save you. You may not have the range as the Hand Held is only 5 watts with very limited range, however you do have the DSC button! If you press that any vessels near by would recieve your distress signal and your gps co ordinates.
• Cost would be an advantage as Hand Held units are generally lower in price however the gap has now closed if you compare a DSC Hand Held Radio to a Base Mount DSC enabled Radio.

 Bottom line is Marine VHF radios are now law and they are here to stay. They are for our safety so lets use them but not abuse them.

You can buy your VHF Radios from my website here BUY VHF RADIOS   VHF DSC Radio

Tight Lines 

Codfather.

Questions? Whatsap me 072 938 1769 

D.I.Y. Portable Rod & Tackle Holder

Some of the best ideas of course come from problems. You have a problem and someone solves it.......Easy! Well one of the problems I had was when I finished fishing or when I was preparing all my tackle to fish I always found that I leaned my Fishing Rods up against a Car, or a Wall, or a Jetski, or a Trailer or if against someone happened to stand still for too long, I would use them for support. Inevitably that temporary Rod Stand would either move or the Rod would be blown over by the wind. The consequences would be a scratched, damaged, or broken Rod or Reel. Then I seen that some of the overseas Kayak Fishing guys used Milk Crates as Rod Holders and Temporary Tackle storage systems. This seemed to be a perfect solution for my requirements as I could organise some of my small tackle items also. That was anothe rissue for me, keeping everything in one place before I launch and when I return form Sea. So off to the plastic shop I went! 

I found an ideal size and shaped Plastic Crate which measured 550mm long x 350mm wide and 300mm high. The rest was easy here is a list of parts required and heres how to do it......

• Plastic Crate
• White P.V.C. 50mm Pipe
• Plastic Cable Ties
• Drill
• Hacksaw to cut the P.V.C. Pipe
• Hot Air Gun and Towball if you want to flare the top of your Rod Holders

Step #1 Purcahse some 50mm o.d. P.V.C. Plumbing Pipe and cut into lengths just higher than the Plastic Crate  

Step #2 Drill holes 6mm (or a bit wider than your Plastic Cable Ties) at the top, bottom, and centre of your P.V.C. Pipe.  

Step #3 Drill some holes the same size in the Crate and secure the White Rod Holders to the Crate with the Plastic Tie Wraps

Step #4 You can make the White Rod Holders look better and easier to insert your Rods by Flaring the Top of the P.V.C. Pipes like I showed you here Rod Protectors

As you can see below the Rod Holder Carrier can facilitate 6 Rods and lots of tackle....Job done!

Close up view of hot to fasten the Plastic Cable Tie Clips

Jetski Rod Holder Elastic Tie Downs

As mentioned in a previous article Top 10 Tips an ideal way to stop you from loosing your valuable Jetski Rods & Reels is to secure them safely with Elastic Tie Downs, as pictured above. There are a choice of two to choose from and both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Firstly the quick "Loop Over Type"

This type is very easy to make. This is what you require....

• 4mm Shock Cord Elastic
• 8mm Heat Shrink Tube
• Medium size Cable Tie Wraps
• Medium size because it gives the Heat Shrink Tubing something to grip onto.
• Pliers
• Lighter.

Firstly burn the ends of the Shock Cord Elastic so it doesn't fray. Slide on the Heat Shrink Tubing over the Shock Cord Elastic. You can use 2 pieces also. One on top of the other to make it more durable.

Overlap the two pieces of Elastic and join with 3 Cable Tie Wraps. Pull the Cable Tie Wraps tight and cut the ends off as close as possible so there is less chance of the plastic damaging the Heat Shrink Tubing.

Slide the Heat Shrink Tubing over the Cable Tie Wraps. If it is tight use a pair of Long Nose Pliers (see picture below) to widen the Heat Shrink Tubing.

Heat up with your lighter until it shrinks neatly onto the Cable Ties 

Voila....And there you have it. Protection from stopping your Rods going for a trip into the Ocean. Just hook onto your reel. A cheap and cost effective solution!

Secondly the "Hook Over Type"

The Hook Over Type Fasteners are definitely stronger but are a little bit more complicated as you will need to source the Stainless Steel Clips. If you can't give me a shout. I would definitely use this type for larger rods like Popping Rods where your Spinning Reel (Coffee grinder Reel) is much higher in the air. This type will also stop the Rod spinning around when launching and travelling. This is also a very simple way of securing your Rods once you have made them. The idea of this design is to fasten the Elastic Shock Cord Permanently to your Jetski Cage and simply hook the Elasticated Clips over your Reel and fasten to the bottom part of your Cage. 

You will need the following

• Stainless Hooks
• Cable Tie Wraps Medium Size 
• 6mm Elastic Shock Cord
• 8mm Heat Shrink Tube
• Pliers
• Lighter

To make Hook Over Type Elastic Tie Downs simply get some 6mm Elasticated Shock Cord and either use a single piece and join it with Cable Ties like in the previous design or double the Elasticated Shock Cord and attach a Stainless Hook to each end. You can also use Heat Shrink Tube to make it look neater.

You simply Make a U shape and push the Elastic Shock Cord through the end of the clip and then push the tag end through the U shape. Pull tight and tie loose end with a Cable Tie for extra safety.

This is what it looks like when you use the Hook Type

Remember to check the Elastic Tie Downs before every trip. Or why not double up on them, especially when launching your Jetski in the surf zone. 

Better safe then sorry. I welcome comments below.....

Tight Lines.

Codfather.

Codfathers Top 10 Tips to prevent loosing your Jetski Rods & Reels

Loosing a Fishing Rod and Reel is very unpleasant and very expensive. If you haven't done it yet on your Jetski you will, that is almost guaranteed. Its the nature of the environment. Wet, bumpy, rough conditions  and slippery hands are a recipe for disaster. Rod Holders coming loose or breaking are another example of how we may loose a Rod & Reel, and of course the classic. "I will just put it there for a second even though I shouldn't" scenario. The famous balancing your Rod & Reel on the edge of your Jetski knowing that you shouldn't as it could (and will) fall off into the deep blue abyss. You know what I mean! All the fore mentioned words are pretty much a guarantee that one day you will loose your pride and joy if you are not careful.

All of the above incidents usually happen while we are out at sea, and to be honest most could be classed as accidents and may have been out of our control and genuinely an accident. We can however take extra precautions and limit the chances of loosing our Rods & Reels whilst what I consider is the highest risk area and that is in the surf zone. So many times I have seen guys loose expensive tackle in the surf. A few times up to six Rods & Reels. Now that's a lot of cash! Loosing Rods & Reels can be easily prevented by fitting Rod Holder Elastic Hold Downs. This is a very simple system that you can either purchase from us or very easily make your own. Full details here Rod Holder Elastic Hold Downs   

Rod Holders are a great accessory and a must on any Fishing Jetski

Another sure way of loosing a Rod or two is to leave them lying around after you have finished fishing. There are so many things on your mind when you finish fishing your mind is constantly working and its so easy to lean a Rod & Reel up against a wall or another vehicle and simply drive off and forget about them. What I have found is a good idea is to make a Rod Holder for transporting and storing Rods & Reels and its also a great platform to keep your Rods & Reels together while cleaning and hosing them down after fishing. Here's how to make one Portable Rod & Tackle Holder 

Theft of course could be a problem and expensive Rods & Reels on view in a vehicle or left untended is an invitation for a thief to help themselves to your prized tackle collection. I would suggest keeping all Rods & Reels safely locked on your vehicle or hidden away in a Trailer Rod Holder like these Trailer Rod Holder

 Codfathers Top 10 tips to prevent loosing your Jetski rods & Reels

Tip #1 Always tie down your Rods & Reels in the surf zone and when travelling form reef to reef with a Rod Holder Elastic Hold Downs   

Tip #2 Always tie down your Rods & Reels in the surf zone and when travelling form reef to reef with a Rod Holder Elastic Hold Downs

Tip #3 Always use a Rod Leash when fishing

Tip #4 Use quality Rod Holders like a Scotty or a Railblaza. Budget Rod Holders are ok if you do not fish tight drags

Tip #5 Don't put your Rod down just for a second where it doesn't look safe!

Tip #6 Use a plastic BG type internally mounted Rod Holder when fishing deep lipped lures as they may break Scotty & Railblazas

Tip #7 When travelling store your Rods in your vehicle or in a purpose built Rod Carrying Box which fits on your Jetski Trailer.

Tip #8 Dont leave your Rods lying around or leaning against a car or a wall unattended where they can be easily stolen

Tip #9 When travelling with your Jetski on your trailer remove the Rods from your cages as they could catch on overhanging trees, fences, overhead wires, cables etc. Been there done that!

Tip #10 Finally make sure that you insure your tackle. Speak to the nice people at Club Marine as they specialise in Marine insurance. Club Marine Insurance

Tight Lines

Codfather