FIVE SALTY ESSENTIALS WITH: FINN HENDERSON, DECK HAND & JAF ANGLER

Originally from the Bay Of Plenty, Finn now skippers part-time for our good friends at Hauraki Express up here in Auckland, after spending a good couple of years crewing on the legendary Pursuit in the Far North & around the East Cape. With over 5 years experience working in tackle stores, there's no denying that he's one keen fisho'

When he's not on the water making sure you and your mate's reels are screaming, he's out targeting kingfish on topwater, hunting for his new P.B.

Here are Finn's Five Salty Essentials which he must have before

leaving the dock...

JUST ANOTHER FISHERMAN - FIVE SALTY ESSENTIALS

ANGLER TECH CARGO SHORTS

If I’m fishing or crewing, you can guarantee these little numbers will be on my lower half. Built tough to last the distance with 4-way stretch for when you get bent over the rail on those hard fighting kingfish. The quick dry materiel make the decision easy to go overboard for a dip on a hot summers day or to swim a battling kingfish down. Plus the handy magnetic-closure pocket means scissors/pliers are stored safely and with no niggly zips to rust, make these ideal shorts for quick or multi-day sessions.

BERKLEY BRAID & MONO SCISSORS

When you are constantly altering rigs, changing weights or connecting braid to mono, you want the right tool for the job. With their small profile and nifty design, these scissors not only sit snugly in your pocket or on your belt, but cut braid like a Japanese blade and trim mono tag ends to the highest of standards. Give them a little spray of inox or a dousing of fresh water at the end of a day and they will keep going and going and going.

HEADWEAR - J.A.F MERINO BEANIE

With the lack of hair over the last couple of years, appropriate headwear has become crucial for me. Being a small boat fisherman means my dome needs to be covered 24/7. In summer I rock the trucker style hat and with it’s breathable mesh back, means sweat isn’t constantly dribbling down my face. In winter I rug up with the JAF merino beanies; no itches, no cold ears, no worries.

DAIWA SALTIGA 14000XH 2020

Although this is a relatively new bit of kit on the market, it very quickly became an essential item on the boat. Packed full of epic features such as magseal for longevity, a monocoque body to improve the reel strength and an impressive drag system that almost allows you to summon fish to the boat. I have used it for jigging, topwater and live-baiting, with a hearty number of kingfish captures to boot. And yes, dribbling is normal when using it; it’s that good!

ORION NAMBAS 100G

If I had to throw one lure while topwater fishing for the rest of my life this would be it. Made out of resin these lures are built to last and come in a range of colours that are sure to catch the eye. They put out a naughty erratic side to side dart when worked fast and a more lazy wobble when slowed down. Both actions seem to rark up the kingfish and there isn’t much better than big kings piling over each other on the surface to demolish your offerings; just remember to hold on!

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