J.A.F 4-WAY STRETCH CREWMAN SHORTS

These bad boys are so utilitarian I don’t even know where to start. Super stretchy for leaning over the gunwale to land those pesky rat kingfish, quick-drying after unscheduled dips overboard to untangle braid from the propeller, a spot for your fishing pliers, and even magnetised pockets to stop your phone bailing out on you during that big session at Swashbucklers.

BOUZ LINE CUTTER II

As a PR knot aficionado, I love this refillable butane-fuelled lighter. It’s specifically designed to burn off your knot tag-ends to a neat bulb without damaging your mainline or leader. While standard lighters can be about as useful as a chocolate teapot in the great outdoors, this sucker’s flame always burns straight up the guts and the special groove in which you place your tag-ends means no more burnt fingers or mainline. Also great for lighting up a high-speed ciggie or the gas-cooker for a morale-boosting brew. 

JAF HARBOURAGE JACKET

Nothing is more important than staying dry when out on the briny – especially given the temperamental weather we’re exposed to in NZ. This jacket keeps you warm, dry and looking cool. An added bonus is the comfy soft plush found in both the hand pockets and around the neck lining – making this jacket feel like you’re own little safe harbour 😊.

MARES X-VU LIQUIDSKIN SUNRISE MASK

I love jumping in the water and freediving a feed or crays or scallops once the days’ punters have been offloaded. But due to my Neanderthal-like brow, I find standard masks super uncomfortable. Then I found this Mares number which is an absolute wet dream – now all I have to worry about are bronzies and scallop dredgers…

~ YOU CAN FIND IT HERE ~

How could I leave these beauties off the list! They are remarkably simple for our beginner charter clients to use but feature enough nuances and scope for refinement to keep things interesting for even the savviest of anglers. The Daiwa Kohgas are simply the best kabura / slider lures on the market; featuring high-quality componentry, gun hooks, and deadly colours and patterns. The variety of species that are partial to the gentle movement of the Kohga is insane. I’ve seen snapper, kahawai, kingfish, trevally, gurnard, john dory, skipjack tuna, terakihi, blue cod, porae, pup hapuka, jack mackerel, slimy mackerel, leather jackets, both sexes of pigfish, and scorpionfish all fooled; and that’s just in the Hauraki Gulf!