The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show is gearing up to delight boating and fishing enthusiasts with a massive array of boats, motors, marine tech, gadgets, gizmos, safety equipment, kaimoana and, of course, a vast display of fishing equipment.
It’s the dream event for boating and fishing enthusiasts, with exhibition stands, entertainment, and features spanning across a whopping 18,000m2 of indoor and outdoor space at the Auckland Showgrounds – making it the largest marine event in the country.
The powerhouses of the fishing industry will come together, presenting a larger fishing collection than ever before.
On one side of the show, you’ll find an impressive Daiwa site with Just Another Fisherman, On Top Lures and Lo-Cab. You’ll be spoilt for a choice of activations! Hang out with your favourite anglers JE Wilds, Ben Brown, Willy the Fisherman, The Lateral Line, Injun Park, Tony Wood – Moocher Hunters, and Muzza. Jump into one of the daily sashimi demos from Aaron at Just Another Fisherman, and bring the kids along to custom paint their very own Daiwa lures.
Across the way, check out Fishing & Adventure and keep the phone handy to grab pics of the kids with their fishing idols Scott Parry and Mig Rumney on the legendary Surtees 800 Game Fisher – Holy Ship.
But you’re not done yet, the fishing action is just warming up. At the other end of the show you’ll discover the new Shimano Fishing Pavilion, including Hunting & Fishing, Smart Marine, Yeehaa, ICEY-TEK, NZ Fishing News, BLA, LegaSea and of course a huge display from Shimano, nestled alongside the Shimano Masterclasses.
While snapping up deals, discovering new products and finding all the latest kit will no doubt be a top priority, be sure to make time in your day to check out the Shimano Masterclass series. With top-notch celebrity presenters you’ll learn from the best about the art of the catch, fish preparation for meals, top cooking tips to make the most of your catch, and the all-important considerations of fishing sustainably. You’ll come away entertained, educated and far better prepared for your next trip and your next meal!
So, let’s take a look at what’s in store at the masterclasses!
Matt Watson
Matt Watson needs no introduction, being a household name in New Zealand and a true Kiwi icon. Matt will be covering everything from straylining for snapper with his trusty baitrunners, livebaiting and trolling for marlin, as well as daytime swordfishing. You do not want to miss this! Better yet they’re daily sessions so make sure you get in early to secure your seat.
Tony Orton
Professional skipper, international fishing guide, and explorer, Tony has spent two decades travelling the world in search of bucket list fish. With over 3,000 billfish releases, many other bucket list species for his clients, and international tournament wins, he’s always searching for new ways to successfully target and catch fish. In the last eight years Tony has guided anglers out to the stunning Mokohinau Islands targeting the mighty kingfish and has specialised in putting his clients into these amazing fish. Tony will be talking all things kingfish, covering livebaiting, jigging, and topwater.
LegaSea and Kai Ika
LegaSea and Kai Ika will provide in-depth presentations on the art of fish filleting. Dave Ahoia has over 30 years of experience and will teach you how to fillet, skin and bone, process the heads and frames, remove the wings and most importantly, avoid contamination.
Walk away with a greater understanding of how to achieve maximum recovery of every fish you process. This is not just about filleting; the team will also help you recognise different and delicious secondary cuts of a fish.
This demonstration is for everyone. From the seasoned vet to the absolute beginner, it will cater to your experience levels and make sure you leave with the confidence to fillet your next fish like a pro!
Traeger
Next up will be the Traeger masterclass teaching you three different methods to cook fish on the grill, including searing hot and fast, smoking low and slow, and creating ramen soup with a broth made from the head and frame. Traeger work with Kai Ika to promote their ‘waste not want not’ message and show ways to utilise the whole fish. Presented by Traeger and a special guest from The Hunters Club.
Chad Prentice
Chad is an extremely passionate landbased game and surfcasting fisherman, with extensive knowledge of fishing all over the country.
He has won a multitude of surfcasting competitions including the NZACA Surfcasting National Champs several times in Northland and on the East Coast. Chad is also a member of the ‘Bounty Hunters’, who have won the teams section of the famous 90 Mile Snapper Bonanza a record number of times.
Chad will be covering a diverse range of topics related to surfcasting and rock fishing, offering access to an extensive amount of knowledge that has been accumulated over many years of refining his craft. He will be covering everything from rods reels and lines, terminal tackle set-up, how to read the beach, different fishing techniques, how to optimise your casting technique, baits and bait presentation, how to target different species, tides, weather conditions, water coefficient flows, and more!
The full schedule of Shimano Masterclasses, along with a list of all exhibitors will be available on the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show website from March.
But for now – grab your tickets online to save $5.00 off the gate price, plus early bird tickets come with double entry to the Surtees/Yamaha Grand Prize Draw (terms and conditions apply).
Don’t miss the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 16-19 May, Auckland Showgrounds.
