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To most of us squid is just another bait choice which occasionally features on a restaurant menu as calamari.

On a regular basis around our wharves and shores, fishers are out at night in stealth mode, hunting down squid as a ‘sport’ fish. For many years the mainly Asian angling population kept this dark secret to themselves but more recently have enlightened the greater fishing fraternity with this fascinating facet of our sport.

On most nights around Auckland, the promontories are full of squid fishing fanatics and among them is Paul Senior.

Paul is better known for his snapper exploits, targeting this popular species with the latest in lures. He has recently been bitten by the squid fishing bug and shares with us this issue what he has learned so far.

Imagine you were being posted to a desert island and could take just one rod and reel and limited tackle – what would be in your luggage. Sam Mossman ponders this question this issue and you may be surprised with what he has come up with.

While on the tackle subject Mark Kitteridge shared with readers his favourite big-game tackle and he also tests a soft-bait set that will retail for less than $100.

No stranger to big fish around the Hauraki Gulf, charter skipper Brett Rathe ventured a little further afield and found himself among some hot action at Cuvier Island.

Also heading offshore was Adam Clancey who checks out the options available in the Chatham Islands. Editor Grant Dixon, never one to keep his feet under the desk for too long, hosted along with his wife Faith a readers’ trip to The Banks Islands, Vanuatu, aboard Island Passage – ‘the floating fishing lodge’.

Josh Worthington this issue pays tribute to koheru as a bait while his dad Craig takes a look at the frustrations of being a land-based fly fisher.

In the kayak section Stephen Tapp explains why ledger rigs are so effective from a small craft while we have an expanded dive section with month with the introduction of a crayfish photograph section where there are some great monthly prizes to be won, including a $3500 set of dive kit from Pro-Dive.

For the freshwater anglers Chris Dore offers some tips and tricks for better nymphing while Aaron West recalls the Silver Flies efforts in Poland where they contested the world fly fishing champs.

There is also an excellent subscription offer this issue so why not put in your order for father’s Day on ww.mags4gifts.co.nz

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