I got to Whakaki to find I had the carpark beach all to myself at 4pm. By 8pm there were 20 rods and 2 kontikis crowded around me. The first two kontiki mobs walked away from all the rod fishermen and did their thing. Fine. Then this plonker drives his ute over the dune and sets his torpedo off in the middle of all the rod fishermen and not 5m from mine! Dickheads........
Posted by GaryK on 23/2/2014, 12:31 pm, in reply to "Kontiki plonkers.."
Some of these guys need to get a life. They will have been told before. They just spoil it for everyone but themselves.The snapper don't know where the car park is! Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.
Re: Kontiki plonkers..
Posted by Hangler on 23/2/2014, 1:43 pm, in reply to "Kontiki plonkers.."
Being a kontiki angler, I have also fished with kites, you guys need to understand this unfortunate complaint fits both codes. Many is the time I have had a torpedo out and had a surfcaster come and set up along side me. This is common practice along Marine Parade. I have a GPS torpedo so this doesn't worry me unduly.
I also fish with rods so I appreciate the frustration works both ways. One time I was fishing a kite on a rod and line, there is a kite, a flexiwing, made for this specific purpose, this was at Oportiki. There was not another soul as far as the eye could see in either direction. Two surfcasters set up right beside me. I explained I had a kite out and direction was at the will of the wind, I could not guaranty a straight in retrieve, also I was fishing with 80 kg braid.
I was politely informed the beach was there for everyone, they would fish where they wanted. Fine by me, the first guy cast over my line, and nylon and braid simply do not mix. I don't know how much line he lost but it took an occurrence he was warned about before they would move.
I think you will find other torpedo users on this site can report similar stories where surfcasters have set up too close to those who fish with an alternative method. I have seen this happen frequently, especially at Whirinaki.
There are no set rules, just sensible guidelines. There will always be people who choose to ignore these and be selfish, unfortunate but true. This applies to both kontiki users and surfcasters.
Two weeks ago I was parked in the car park at the Tuki Tuki river mouth. Just off shore, about a hundred metres a group of surfers were having a great time catching a few waves. Two surfcasting 'plonkers' set up their gear and started casting out among them, spinning for Kahawhai. This is an accident waiting to happen, not just a case of lost gear.
Re: Kontiki plonkers..
Posted by hbfisher on 23/2/2014, 1:50 pm, in reply to "Kontiki plonkers.."
more to the point did you or any one else catch much
Perhaps the title should have been "Kontiki Plonker" (singular) as the other two kontiki users showed a bit of beach etiquette and setup away from the rods. Beach Etiquette rule #1: He who gets there first has right-of-way....
I didn't catch anything worthwhile there, I had to move anyway as the kontiki line had curved past my rod and my next cast would have gone straight over it. I moved to Mohaka and managed to get a Lemon and a couple of Kahawai between 3 and 4am.
Whakaki access is pretty much stuffed now if you don't have a quad. The closure of the dunes road has crowded everyone into the carpark beach.
I won't be going back, at least not on a Saturday night anyway. It might be ok during the week when there should be less people trying to fish. I've always had better results at Mohaka anyway, or less 'zero catch' trips
A couple of shots from Mohaka. Baby bronzie (released) Ahhh solitude Dawn coming.
never tryed there was thinking of a mish up there soon but sounds like I'm better off sticking to mohaka. lost a nice red tail there last weekend.big tail flick at top of wave. big pull then a nice bite threw . still yet to land one on my rods gotta be soon.
Unfortunately Kon tiki idiots are everywhere. In my experience most do respect people with a bit of distance. But theres always one that has to try and push in with no regard for others. It's just greed and pig ignorance really. We've all had them Chris. All you can hope is that one day someone will cut there line. Sounds like Whakakaki is stuffed unless you have a quad. Even when the bank wasn't there it could get very crowded at this time of the year. What annoys me is no one (council) has had the guts to knock it over.
they rekon that lump blocking the access is for dune protection!
ive fished there for afew years now and never seen a veichle parked in the middle of a dune or more to the point on the spiniflex grass or whatever its called, always on the formed tracks that have been there for ever, theres a dirty big sign there about dune restoration, I can understand that but, never once seen a veichle driving on the grass,
mates fished there Friday night, got gurnads and kahawai and sharks no snapper, blacks produced eels and sharks both fri and sat nites
hangler is right, respect on the beach needs to work both ways, id never consider setting up next to a tiki and losing 2 rods and reels that are worth as much almost as a tikiive lost enough brain cells, that now they are at a manageable level!
I'm sure they could have achieved the same result without blocking a huge area of parking. Sh*t for brains these people. One of the key attractions for Wairoa is fishing. If you can't park then you can't fish. If you can't fish then why bother going there. Ive spent numerous dollars at the supermarket, the cake shop, the petrol stations over the years. Now as I have no incentive to go, due to the very poor access to the beach I spend my money elsewhere. I wonder how many others will do the the same. I hope some of you Wairoa idiots who sanctioned this are reading this as your thick actions are affecting your economy. Is this what your ratepayers voted for Wairoa Council?
Exact same thing happened to me over xmas. Guy strolls up with a shiny new Kontiki, which he obviously had just brought and parks himself slap in the middle of me and another rod fisherman. Big swell running across the beach, he sets his line out about 500m, which of course then gets dragged up the beach taking out the rod fisherman next to me and a bunch of kids swimming. Firstly I dont entirely like the use of these things, but even more I dislike People who dont have a clue on how to use them, and fail to recognise the consequences of their lack of knowledge.
I'm a Wairoa idiot REX,while I agree on the access being restricted,but if you want to moan and call us idiot's,behind the safe comfort of your keyboard,don't fish here simple.
WOD I am not calling all people in Wairoa idiots. I am referring specifically to those who sanctioned this stupid pile of dirt and wont do something about it. If protecting sand dunes is the problem then why not block them off rather than the entire car park. It could have been done in a much more thoughtful way that would have met with the satisfaction of everyone rather than the existing approach.
I contacted Fenton Wilson when this was first put in. He told me it was a paper road and yet regardless it appears it can be blocked off from the public. To me that just seems ridiculous and an insult to all those who pay rates and taxes.
Mate I agree with you. I just dont understand there logic. I get the locals wanting to protect the dunes even if others don't but why penalise people who contribute to the economy, the diversity and ultimately the reputation of the area. Its just crazy amd makes no sense.
They could have done so much better with this.Fishing is one of the biggest drawcards this country has. Why hinder it?
Yes seems to be getting worse and worse,I would say Doc the council and the local Iwi all had a say in it,even though cattle roam freely around the lake
Re: Kontiki plonkers..
Posted by Hangler on 24/2/2014, 3:12 pm, in reply to "Kontiki plonkers.."
This is an article I had published a few years ago in the Tauranga based magazine, 'Bayfisher'. The problem of beach access is not new and is very likely to expand. This concerns pristine beaches in the Bay of Plenty. Somewhere on my pc I have pictures I took of erosion caused by vehicles,at that time it was not difficult to understand why drastic steps needed to be taken.
Sign for the Times.
At some time in the last month or two, Tauranga based Coast Care, have been instrumental in having customary beach access routes at Otamarakau, blocked with the strategic placement of huge boulders. These do not prevent walking access, they are to prevent vehicle access, the reason: continuing damage to the sand dunes and attendant flora and fauna by four-wheel drive vehicles.
This article is not to express a viewpoint, neither is it to be taken as condemnation for what has happened at Otamarakau. Every angler should be very aware of the controversy surrounding some users of four-wheel drive vehicles to gain access to the beach. Most drivers are sensible; sadly there are some who are not. I leave you, the reader, to draw your own conclusions; for only you can decide whether the actions of a few warrant the sledgehammer approach by Coast Care. I have been airing my concerns over vehicles on the beach for some considerable time, especially on the beach at Ohope. I believe the beach to be a safe area where children can play on the sand, and parent’s only real worries being the danger posed from water - not from vehicles being driven along the sand. More recently it has become increasingly obvious some vehicles are being taken off the recognised tracks and being taken through the sand dunes, and this is causing major worries on several fronts.
• Causing harm to the nesting sites of endangered birds. • Adding to the ever-present dangers of coastal erosion. • Damage to native fauna and flora.
All these are very real concerns, so much so institutions such as Environment BOP have set up a separate body to keep these problems under a watchful eye. Coast Care has been given the mandate to take necessary steps to help when needed. They have also taken a major lead in informing the public of their concerns by:
• Working with angling clubs and schools. • Generally trying to educate the public over their concerns. • Running a major campaign to replant the dunes with flora to help arrest the continual erosion problem. Successful, but still in its infancy. • To eradicate pests such as rabbits. • Undertaking an active publicity programme informing the public of the ongoing environmental problems. • Erecting information boards in affected areas, also beach access and exit points.
In many respects Coast Care’s work has been successful. I believe the vast majority of anglers have been made aware of the problems, and do their best to help in the work to preserve the delicate coastal infrastructure - especially the dunes. Sadly, there are those, including some anglers, who openly raise two fingers to any body trying to get them to understand their driving habits are no longer acceptable, and these people are causing major headaches all round. I must add anglers are far from the only people at fault, I have seen motorbikes being driven through the dunes. This is an ideal area for riders to practice motor cross, with built in jumps and a soft landing when it all goes horribly wrong. Why do anglers especially, want their vehicles on the beach? The answer to this is not difficult to find and this is where Coast Care may have shot themselves in the foot, and are in grave danger of aggravating the very people who have offered a helping hand. It is essential that people from both sides of the coin, fully understand the others point of view, for failure to do so could involve a separation which will lead to irreparable harm to both parties. The majority of anglers do understand the aims of Coast Care; can the same be said in reverse? Many anglers simply do not wish to leave their vehicle by the side of the road as it makes an easy target for theft and vandalism. The same can be said for parking in a spot to the rear of the dunes, away from the angler’s view. Again, this is a cherry ripe for picking, especially when the vehicle may have hundreds of dollars worth of equipment and items such as CD’s plus the player simply begging to be removed. Of course there are also people who can’t or don’t wish to walk too far, just being able to fish with the vehicle close at hand has many benefits. Comfortable seating, shelter from bad weather and everything within easy reach, such as food, drink and bait, all kept free from sand, rain and sun. Coast Care, out of sheer frustration, seeing the damage to the environment; have blocked some beach access ways to all vehicles, this move will have an especially detrimental effect on anglers. There are three distinctly different issues to think about from the environmental point of view.
• The issue of vehicles on the beach. • The issue of taking vehicles into the dunes. • The issue of damage to Flora and fauna, especially the nesting sites for endangered specie of bird, a rare Dotterel.
First let’s look at the vehicles on the beach. From the arguments before parliament at the moment, it is abundantly obvious there is no clear cut case as to who exactly has the right of ownership and therefore can say who of what can or cannot go on the beach. The foreshore act is far from settled, and it’s purely conjecture as to whether the crown or Maori have control on this somewhat delicate matter. Taking vehicles into the dunes is a matter of common sense, and sadly that is its downfall, for there always will be people who have simply no concept to the meaning of such an expression. It could be readily suggested instead of huge boulders blocking access ways; an enforcement of a council made bylaws with monetary penalties for those who insist on ignoring these rules should not only be encouraged, but also firmly enforced. Is it right that the many who behave, should be penalized by the few who don’t? Now the last part, damage to flora and fauna is very probably one of the simplest to cure. Environment BOP should install and maintain proper access ways to the beach for users, also make efforts to seal off the sides of these paths to stop people from straying onto the dunes. Signs erected informing errant drivers of the penalties to be expected from their folly should act as a deterrent. Knowing there is an endangered bird now facing further risk, I suspect that Forest and Bird have a hand in the blocking of angler access, their name features regularly when there’s a dispute and they are strong proponents on environmental issues with a history of having no regard for other interested parties. This is indeed a matter of fair play, but I ask you to give just a quick thought to one small, but rather important consideration. By prohibiting access to this one out of the way beach access, obviously the dunes must recover and flora and fauna improve. With those statistics to hand, what better evidence will Coast Care need to ask for all beach access be stopped along the entire Bay of Plenty coast? Don’t worry, of course this could never happen … could it?
I see there is already a quad bike size track over the dirt mound blocking the road. A few serious 4x4 attempts or 30min spade work and it would be open again
But seriously - If I had to pay $5 at the gate somewhere to get better access, I certainly would. When we spend so much on petrol, bait, gear and all the "necessities" of our hobby, paid restricted access would be a drop in the bucket.
Hangler your article is well written and raises some valid points. In my view vehicle beach access is going to disapear over time. Some of the reasons such as erosion, birds are valid. But heres the thing, there has been no
Working with angling clubs. Anglers dont exist accordinfg to council
Generally trying to educate the public over their concerns. I havent seen any?
Running a major campaign to replant the dunes with flora to help arrest the continual erosion problem. Successful, but still in its infancy. In some cases. The problem is the sea comes over the dunes there trying to protect and wears them down anyway so is it a waste of time?
• To eradicate pests such as rabbits. Are there rabbits at the beach. So thats whats been pinching my bait!
Undertaking an active publicity programme informing the public of the ongoing environmental problems. Do they???? Where the Arctic Times?
Erecting information boards in affected areas, also beach access and exit points. Well heres the problem. There isnt any access. Its all blocked off If there going to take away access to beaches is it to much to ask that Councils think about recreational fishing by creating some legit carpars so people can walk to the beach.
Just another bunch of politicians doing as they please with no regard for there constituents?
I dont have an issue with them blocking off dunes if theres a problem as long as when they take they give back by creating parks etc for walking access. But thats the problem. They dont.
The article was written, at a guess, about ten maybe twelve years ago, it was aimed at beach access generally around the Matata area, in the Bay of Plenty.
At that time there was good communication between those trying to protect the beaches and the Whakatane Angling Club. They worked together, along with schools to get new grasses to take hold to help prevent erosion from the sea.
It must be recognised that councils have a budget to work to, they cannot be seen raising rates to keep anglers happy, I fear that would not go down well with rate payers. However, if anglers got together and offered their services to do the necessary work, plus police the beach through appointed beach wardens, this may be acceptable. All it takes is a few number plates recorded photos, easy with cell phones, then prosecutions can take place.
However, again a criticism, for anglers to sit back and criticise councils without any positive input will only alienate locals and councillors who are doing their best with very limited funds.
Has anybody discovered the cost of keeping that area open to the public, or if it saves the council money by closing it off. No matter how unpopular this move may be, you can only combat the problem with facts, not insulting the people of Wairoa.
Anglers need to start thinking outside the square. There are several other groups of people who use the foreshore for recreation, anglers do not have first claim, although sometimes one would be forgiven for thinking so.
Use a few dollars of club funds and put a notice in the Wairoa newspaper calling for public submissions regarding access. This is a useful first move and if the response is positive, it gives an excellent approach for a proper request for the council to set up a consultation process. Approach other clubs and get their input also, unity is strength and this should never be forgotten.
It's been a long time since I have posted on here but this is one of my pet hates. The denying of access to beaches via vehicle. I have no issue with vehicles being driven reponsibly along any beach unless it will be dangerous to bathers and the general public. Otomarakau. The dunes of which were substantially planted out in a regeneration project by both the Whakatane and Rotorua Surfcasting Clubs. Once finished they were shut out. The biggest laugh has been the closing off of the far end of Ohope to any vehicle access because of the Dotrills. They then opened up a new Subdivision opposite the nesting sites and guess what???? Cats, the new home owners cats wiped them out. That's the idiot type of public servant that is controlling our beaches. Whakaki. A bloody joke. I have spoken to so many people. Even our local Regional Council head, who, I might add, was adamant that the hill would go. I believe the blockage is there for more than dune protection and more like crop protection. The blockage is across a public road. Fact. It should not be there and should be removed but it appears those that should be using their powers have their own agendas. All beaches are public roads and all beaches are accessable. However this does not give you the right to cross private land to get there. Councils cannot actually legislate to block you out. What they can do is enforce the law. ie speed limits, vehicle safety quality( WOF) and driver capability.(Correct Licences)
I have an idea, since this blockage at whakaki is illegal, would anyone be keen to chip in say $10 bucks and put in for the fuel cost to get a digger to remove said lump of dirt, im guessing no one will be keen, cause we would hate to upset the people of the land!
we could all gather bring a spade each on a set day next month and do it by hand if anyone is keenive lost enough brain cells, that now they are at a manageable level!
Only today a man is in court over his use of a four wheel bike on the beach at Haumoana, he has pleased not guilty. He hit and killed a dog.
I must question the legality of all beaches being roads. If this is the case why are people, including anglers, allowed to take farm quads and trikes on a beach when they clearly do not have a roadworthy status? There are members of this site who have four wheel farm bikes and to the best of my knowledge these have neither a registration or a warrant of fitness, so how come they are allowed on the beach if it is designated as a road?
Because the police do simply not have the manpower or resources to properly enforce it. Could you imagine seeing a policeman sitting at every beach countrywide? Or one every k or so down a beach? Just because they can't enforce it doesn't mean a beach is not a road, they are and always have been, and if they do happen to catch you then yes, you are subject to the same rules as other road users..
Posted by SNAPPA NAPIER on 25/2/2014, 9:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Whakaki Access"
No fish there so what are you worried about
Re: Whakaki Access
Posted by Rex HB on 26/2/2014, 10:11 am, in reply to "Re: Whakaki Access"
How can you say that when you park your quad there all the time? Or do you?
Re: Whakaki Access
Posted by SNAPPA NAPIER on 26/2/2014, 6:08 pm, in reply to "Re: Whakaki Access"
Hey Rex don't you own a quad? Fished there monday bombarded with small Kahawais and tope, and small kahawais, and did i mention small Kahawai? Caught a nice 23lb Snapper last week, it didn't know where the car park was so i caught it down the beach.
Good luck to those with quads this weekend if they choose to fish Whakaki. I wont be there either. Its a pity that the council cant do a bit of work opening up the back track to spread the visitors around a bit. Surely it would be possible to make marked (fenced) tracks to the beach from parking areas all the way down to the old cut. Now that might make some friends for them. I note that signage is up re quad and vehicle registration and requirements to wear helmets on the beach too. The quad plod squad might just be about to hit the beaches soon. "The Beach is a Road" is the headline on the signage.The snapper don't know where the car park is! Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.
I guess that it sounded a bit like the signage was at Whakaki. It wasnt.The snapper don't know where the car park is! Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.
on 23/2/2014, 11:52 am
Dawn coming. 
Caught a nice 23lb Snapper last week, it didn't know where the car park was so i caught it down the beach
. 