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Tackle Tactics Surfcasting Message Board
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Sounds Spring Snapper.

Posted by ThomasW on 22/10/2011, 9:04 am

I gotten bored looking at Gary's nice Snapper, so last night I decided to try and restore the South Islands reputation by catching a equally nice fish.

This one was first to volunteer itself.

A smaller Snapper then volunteered, but it did not reach the size criteria to deserve a photo.

Then a big, fat strong fighting Sounds snapper volunteered itself to represent the South Island's snapper fishery. It posed for a few photos before swimming away.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Re: Sounds Spring Snapper.

Posted by Chad on 22/10/2011, 9:17 am, in reply to "Sounds Spring Snapper. "

Nice fish thomas. Whats the size of the bugger. Cool

Wairoa
Hawkesbay

Take Nothing For Granted

Re: Sounds Spring Snapper.

Posted by ThomasW on 22/10/2011, 9:23 am, in reply to "Re: Sounds Spring Snapper. "

Did not weigh them... no scales.

I guess the first would have been around 15lb, the second should have reached the 20lb mark... It was a fat fish.

Re: Sounds Spring Snapper.

Posted by GaryK on 22/10/2011, 11:39 am, in reply to "Re: Sounds Spring Snapper. "

Nice catch Thomas! A real humpy head. The Sounds fame is safe.

The snapper don't know where the car park is!
Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.

Re: Sounds Spring Snapper.

Posted by ThomasW on 22/10/2011, 12:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Sounds Spring Snapper. "

Certainly is, now for Hardy to step up and secure the reputation of the Westcoast. Maybe a large Westport Line Wrecker, a Karamea Crasher or even a 20lb Buller Bull should do the job nicely.

Re: Sounds Spring Snapper.

Posted by geno on 22/10/2011, 2:50 pm, in reply to "Sounds Spring Snapper. "

Good stuff Thomas... at least some of you are doing your bit to make the rest of us jealous.
Enjoy it while it lasts... those biggies disappear all too fast nowadays.
Nice to hear you put 'em back too.

***********************************************************************************

We do not stop playing because we grow OLD... we grow old because we stop PLAYING.'

Re: Sounds Spring Snapper.

Posted by GaryK on 22/10/2011, 2:51 pm, in reply to "Re: Sounds Spring Snapper. "

Pick up the glove Trev!

The snapper don't know where the car park is!
Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.

Re: Sounds Spring Snapper.

Posted by Ron Nelson on 24/10/2011, 8:21 am, in reply to "Sounds Spring Snapper. "

Great to see the snapper are back feeding in the Sounds. Well done Thomas.

Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper.

Posted by ThomasW on 29/3/2012, 3:28 pm, in reply to "Re: Sounds Spring Snapper. "

I was unable to catch any Sounds Summer Snapper this year (only pannies), but this little fellow become the first of my Autumn Snapper for the year.

He was approx 60cm long, and very fat. So I am guessing he was 10lb.

It looks so young and tender compared with the battle worn veterans I caught in the spring.

Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper.

Posted by Chad on 29/3/2012, 5:52 pm, in reply to "Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper. "

Nice fish bro. When ever ya nexr birthday is, tell ya miss's to buy you a decent camera with a good flash and faster shutter speed.

You have caught some great fish, and released some. Its just as greater feeling nailing a good shot of it to keep forever. . . . . .

Wairoa
Hawkesbay

Take Nothing For Granted

Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper.

Posted by ThomasW on 29/3/2012, 6:06 pm, in reply to "Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper. "

Yeah, I badly need a new camera. All in this thread has been taken on my cellphone which takes crap photo's at the best of times. I do have a decent (but old) camera , but its to bulky to fit in my fishing pack. For the time being, the cellphone photo's are "good enough" to refresh my memory of what I have caught.

I been looking at getting a new camera for a few years, but none really meet all of my requirements. Was going to get a Canon 60D but then Olympus released this which seems to be the perfect Fishing/Outdoor camera. Just needs a decent water resistant prime lens.

http://www.dpreview.com/products/olympus/slrs/oly_em5

Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper.

Posted by Charlie on 30/3/2012, 8:29 pm, in reply to "Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper. "

Hi Thomas have a look at an Olympus 770SW waterproof to 33'00" and shock proof to 5'00" incase you drop it.Mine cost me about $800 well worth it.If it gets dropped in the sand or dunked in the salt water all you do is rinse it in fresh water.

Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper.

Posted by GaryK on 30/3/2012, 8:38 pm, in reply to "Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper. "

Most of the pics you see on here Thomas I take with my Olympus 720SW waterproof and shockproof. I think they have a new model since this one. Probably the one Charlie is talking about. Reliable brand!

The snapper don't know where the car park is!
Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.

Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper.

Posted by Charlie on 30/3/2012, 8:46 pm, in reply to "Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper. "

Yes I think you are right Gary the only difference is that you catch more fish than me and therefore you know how to use your camera properly as I dont.

Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper.

Posted by GaryK on 30/3/2012, 9:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper. "

Come on Charlie, you live in Snapper City. Get out and nail them.

The snapper don't know where the car park is!
Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.

Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper.

Posted by ThomasW on 1/4/2012, 11:30 am, in reply to "Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper. "

I have looked at the waterproof compacts such as the ones from Olympus, but I would rather the better image quality and performance which is offered by a ILC or SLR type of camera. (Coming from someone who been using a terrible mobile phone camera

)

All of the main manufacturers have released new waterproof compacts this year, so would keep a eye on them. I liked the previous generation sony, but it used a touchscreen (like my phone) which are difficult to use when wet.

Cameras for fishing

Posted by racepics on 1/4/2012, 11:49 am, in reply to "Re: Sounds Autumn Snapper. "

While its nice to have the image quality produced by 'proper' SLR camera's. you do run the very real possibility of destroying some very expensive gear. I've seen SLR camera bodies and lenses that have been merely splashed with salt water and they are completely stuffed. Unrepairable. They have as many delicate computer bits on board as your laptop PC. Would you stand in the surf holding your laptop?
There are no waterproof SLR's that I'm aware of. Yes you can buy sealed perspex housings for them (these are what surfing photographers use) but they are very expensive, often as much as the camera itself.
The upside to this is that compact waterproof cameras are getting better as to image quality and usability.
Many still suffer from the horrible electronic viewfinders (like a video camera) instead of the optically better view through-the-lens that you get from an SLR.
That aside, the image quality, (if the camera is used properly) is very good.
Most people just want a snap of someone holding a fish, or a snap of the beach itself. Hardly challenging photography. Most waterproof compacts could do that with relative ease.

http://www.paniasurfcasting.org
http://www.surfcaster.co.nz

Re: Cameras for fishing

Posted by GaryK on 1/4/2012, 4:26 pm, in reply to "Cameras for fishing"

Well said race, I get a few published and they are not too bad. Have a look at the photo of my daughter Kerry holding up a kahawai in the latest Fishing News. That was with my Olympus.

The snapper don't know where the car park is!
Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.

Re: Cameras for fishing

Posted by ThomasW on 1/4/2012, 7:00 pm, in reply to "Cameras for fishing"

SLR cameras have different degrees of watertightness, the most resistant is probably the Pentax K5

Then its probably the Nikon and Canon pro bodies, then going down to the likes of 7000D, 5D and 60D which have varying degrees of watertightness but can normally survive showers.

The Olypus OM-D E-M5, the one I am interesting in seems to be quite well sealed and I would be condifdent in it surviving anything short of a dunking.

http://forums.dpreview.com/previews/olympusem5/page4.asp?comments=2

A lot of people take their entry level Nikons and Canons on boats and on the beach and they have no water resistance at all. PLus I have had my old Canon S2IS on the beach many times and its no worst for wear. Just need to avoid it getting a direct hit.

Another Autumn Snapper

Posted by ThomasW on 15/4/2012, 10:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Cameras for fishing"

With even worst photo quality this time

. Probably should of taken a few more shots with the hope of getting a sharper image but I wanted to get the fish unhooked and back into the water ASAP.

By militaris at

Caught around 9pm, only fish of the night. I estimated its length to be 64cm and weight of 11-12lbs.

Re: Another Autumn Snapper

Posted by Naki-Fisher on 16/4/2012, 12:43 am, in reply to "Another Autumn Snapper"

Nice Thomas
Gee you do well down there on the bigges.
Was that 9pm Saturday or Friday?

Re: Another Autumn Snapper

Posted by GaryK on 16/4/2012, 8:24 am, in reply to "Re: Another Autumn Snapper"

Nice work. Same spot?

The snapper don't know where the car park is!
Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.

Re: Cameras for fishing

Posted by Mark Roberts on 16/4/2012, 9:19 am, in reply to "Re: Cameras for fishing"

My Olympus E3 has stood up to pouring rain (below). It's important to have sealed lenses as well. I believe the new Olympus EM-5 will offer sealing on both body and the kit lens, and as a fishing camera it will be more portable than an SLR. I haven't seen one to check out the electronic viewfinder, but I understand that it's a step up in both size and resolution compared to the average compact. I'd buy one if I had a few spare dollars.

From Hastings Harrier Club

Re: Another Autumn Snapper

Posted by ThomasW on 16/4/2012, 12:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Another Autumn Snapper"

Ummm, yes it was the same spot.

Caught it Saturday night. Have to make the most of the Autumn fishing before the water temp drops and the Snapper go off the feed.

Re: Cameras for fishing

Posted by ThomasW on 16/4/2012, 12:28 pm, in reply to "Re: Cameras for fishing"

According to one review the viewfinder is excellent, and the only electronic view finder better then the one on the EM-5 is the one which Sony uses on their mirror-less camera.

Re: Another Autumn Snapper

Posted by GaryK on 16/4/2012, 7:11 pm, in reply to "Re: Another Autumn Snapper"

Great stuff Thomas.

The snapper don't know where the car park is!
Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.

Re: Cameras for fishing

Posted by ThomasW on 8/5/2012, 11:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Cameras for fishing"

Thought a few of you could be interested in this

[url]https://www.dcresource.com/news/newsitem.php?id=4501

Its the new tough camera from Olympus, but this time it has a F2.0 lens which would allow it to take photos in lower light conditions (good for photos of big fish at dusk). Its specs are not perfect imo (no cameras are) but on paper its certainly seems to be a step up compared with the competition....

Re: Cameras for fishing

Posted by racepics on 9/5/2012, 7:37 am, in reply to "Re: Cameras for fishing"

Built in GPS coordinates embedded in the photo data.

Buy it and post some photos of big fish, we can find out exactly where you were fishing

http://www.paniasurfcasting.org
http://www.surfcaster.co.nz

Re: Cameras for fishing

Posted by Mark Roberts on 9/5/2012, 7:57 am, in reply to "Re: Cameras for fishing"

It's true that a fast lens is good for shooting in low light, but ideal lighting rather than equipment is the key to a good shot. Too much light such as intense midday sun or a flash is likely to create blown highlights on a snapper. Too little light and the colours will be drab. This shot was taken in late sun, which is the best light of all. I took a few moments to angle the fish to the sun. Sun directly on the white belly of a snapper is never good.

At night, a flash can be used take a shot of a fish on the beach or on rocks. The further you are from the fish the more diffuse the light from the flash will become, which is good. You need a medium-long focal length and a reasonably powerful flash for this. The further you back off, the more difficult it is to get the right angle on the fish on a flat beach, so you might want to prop it up on a slope or a rock. Seeing the fish at night in the viewfinder is another problem.

Photobucket

Re: Cameras for fishing

Posted by ThomasW on 9/5/2012, 12:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Cameras for fishing"

" Seeing the fish at night in the viewfinder is another problem."

Find the fish with the headlamp beam on, lock the desired focus. Turn the light off then take the photo

" Built in GPS coordinates embedded in the photo data."
I been waiting a long time for someone to forget to turn off the GPS feature on a big fish photo

Re: Cameras for fishing

Posted by racepics on 9/5/2012, 1:16 pm, in reply to "Re: Cameras for fishing"

Very few camera's have GPS capabilities at the moment. DSLR's don't as yet but more of the compact 'outdoors' cameras are starting to use it. which is great.

Very handy for plotting exactly where you've been when you overlay your images in Google Earth

A map and a photo is much better than "50m past the 3rd cabbage tree on the left" when you want to tell someone how to get to a spot.

http://www.paniasurfcasting.org
http://www.surfcaster.co.nz

Re: Cameras for fishing

Posted by ThomasW on 9/5/2012, 3:19 pm, in reply to "Re: Cameras for fishing"

Fuji has also just announced a new Waterproof camera but it seems to be nothing special.

I beleive the only interchangeable lens camera with GPS currently is the Nikon 1 V1.. Although I believe there is GPS add-ons for most cameras which have a hot shoe. I think its only a matter of time before it becomes more common.

Its also commonly found on "travel zoom cameras", at-least on the top end travel zooms.

Olympus has certainly been annoucing a few very nice cameras, first the zx1 which is one of the best compacts on the market with its large F1.8-1.5 lens. Then a few months back the brilliant OM-D EM-5, a camera which can produce photos as good as most dSLR at half the size and bulk. Then just today the Tough TG-1 with its F2.0-4.9 lens which bets most on the market.

Hopefully they have done enough to save themselves from bankruptcy.

Spring Snapper 2012

Posted by ThomasW on 22/9/2012, 10:25 pm, in reply to "Re: Cameras for fishing"

Also got a new camera. I assume you guys would be happier with the quality of the photo. Was taken at night with a flash, hence the blown highlights.

My first Snapper of the year, did spend a week up northland trying but only caught Rays. First trip back into the Sounds and got this one.

Snapper3 [1280x768] by Thomas J. Walsh, on Flickr

I sometimes wonder why I even bother to go up north for the fishing.

Re: Spring Snapper 2012

Posted by Phill on 22/9/2012, 10:53 pm, in reply to "Spring Snapper 2012"
Tackle Tactics

Nice fish ,nice photo, but you have your measure upside down just like your rod stands backwards facing .
What's the go,

Re: Spring Snapper 2012

Posted by ThomasW on 22/9/2012, 11:11 pm, in reply to "Re: Spring Snapper 2012"

Measure was right way, but the fish was upside down. So I rotated the image to make the fish up the right way, which then made the measure upside down

.

Fish was released so had to minimize time out of water.

Rod stand is around the right way also. With the gap of the V facing the sea.

Re: Spring Snapper 2012

Posted by Naki-Fisher on 23/9/2012, 12:03 am, in reply to "Spring Snapper 2012"

yet another dam nice fish mate what time did you nail it.
My length to weight chart gives the 11kg very nice

Re: Spring Snapper 2012

Posted by Chad on 23/9/2012, 10:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Spring Snapper 2012"

Very nice fish Thomas

Naki Fisherman, here are a few weights to lengths for you, its not very relevant after 5-6kg

7.6kg 75cm
7.3kg 73cm

13.3 79cm
14.2kg 93cm
13.6kg 86cm
10.5kg 87cm
10.3kg 81cm
9.3kg 83cm
9.8kg 88cm
9.19kg 85cm

These are just a few lengths that I have recorded. Very hard to judge weights from length, I saw a 13 and a half kilo snapper in the weekend which appeared to look less that 80cm in length, very short fish, but built like a shit house. I have seen 7kg snapper longer, in particular sand fish are always longer.

Anyways, outstanding, Thomas, is it possible for a few scenic shots of the area without giving your spot away?

Chur

Wairoa
Hawkesbay

Take Nothing For Granted

Re: Spring Snapper 2012

Posted by ThomasW on 23/9/2012, 10:56 pm, in reply to "Re: Spring Snapper 2012"

Here are a few

Snapper1 [1024x768] by Thomas J. Walsh, on Flickr

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