Dec 2, 2012

Gamefishing Fiji: IGFA GT Record up for Grabs


As most anglers will be aware, the IGFA now has a new Record Catagory - The All Tackle Length Record. This is strictly a Release Catagory so all eligible fish must be released in healthy condition.
 As we release all GTs caught here, this record catagory is ideal for us to have a go at the World Record.
Wait ! Measure that !


The current record is 107cm so about 42 Inches, held by Patrick Sebil
We have released plenty of GTs larger than that... This season we will be measuring all the big ones with our brand new IGFA Length Scale !


For those of you aware of the hand made custom Eyre rods we use on Bite Me, you might like to take a quick look at the new Eyre Nano Technology GT Bone Popping rods. I expect them to compare well this season against the top end Ripple Fishers and Hots...

This fish would have taken the IGFA Length World Record !



Gamefishing Fiji: IGFA GT Record up for Grabs

Simply paradise! - Review of Matava - TripAdvisor

Simply paradise! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

"I recently stayed at Matava with my boyfriend and it was heavenly! We disconnected from the world and enjoyed the game fishing (We caught 3 huge tuna thanks to Joe the amazing guide and captain), ocean kayaking, hiking, and stunning food (Sammy, the gardener, is a genius). Go to Matava to reconnect with yourself and your significant other!"

Simply paradise! - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Nov 30, 2012

IGFA GT Record up for Grabs

As most anglers will be aware, the IGFA now has a new Record Catagory - The All Tackle Length Record. This is strictly a Release Catagory so all eligible fish must be released in healthy condition.
 As we release all GTs caught here, this record catagory is ideal for us to have a go at the World Record.


Wait ! Measure that !


The current record is 107cm so about 42 Inches, held by Patrick Sebil
We have released plenty of GTs larger than that... This season we will be measuring all the big ones with our brand new IGFA Length Scale !


For those of you aware of the hand made custom Eyre rods we use on Bite Me, you might like to take a quick look at the new Eyre Nano Technology GT Bone Popping rods. I expect them to compare well this season against the top end Ripple Fishers and Hots...

This fish would have taken the IGFA Length World Record !
 

Oct 24, 2012

BlueWater magazine out now!



Issue 94 of BlueWater magazine


FISHING FEATURES
where even the bad days are sensational!
BlueWater Readers’ Trip to Canada
Editor Tim Simpson led a troupe of Aussie and Yankee anglers to Prince Edward Island where they hooked enormous bluefin tuna in magnificent surrounds. But the trip was not without some unexpected challenges!

australia’s 75 years of organised gamefishing
For 75 years the Game Fishing Association of Australia has provided the organisation and framework to grow our thriving sport and evolve it to become a world leader in sustainable gamefishing. Along the way, Aussies have landed many remarkable captures, as historian John McIntyre recounts.

the longranger
In search of giant yellowfin
Imagine trying to land one of the biggest yellowfin tuna in the world from a stationary boat, amid a bunch of fellow anglers also hooked-up and jostling to follow their tuna around the railing. It’s all part of this long-range adventure.

creatures of the deep
Remoras
These fish aren’t suckers, they know what they’re doing! Why swim when you can hitch a ride?

a day to remember
A Pink Flamingo for Thanksgiving
A remarkable true story with Capt Ron Hamlin and his weirdest catch.

cairns black marlin hall of fame
Three individuals that made exceptional contributions to the development of the Cairns fishery.

prey species
Predators as prey
It’s a dangerous ocean out there! Even the mightiest predators must run a deadly gauntlet from birth.

lure lore
Part 12: A catalogue of the bizarre
Thinking outside of the box can produce some exceptional lures.

big fish small boats
Hooked-up all year
With the mobility of a trailerboat you can follow the seasons and keep catching fish all year.

classic tomes
Saltwater Game Fishing in New Zealand
A great guide to New Zealand’s history and best fishing spots.




smoke and mirrors
Mold Craft ‘Chubby Chugger’
Its big, its chunky, and it’ll catch you a lot of big fish ... just don’t expect it to look pretty.


BOAT FEATURES
a classic reincarnated
O’Brien 34 Custom Express
This custom-built gameboat has been designed with meticulous care by one of Australia’s foremost craftsmen with decades of experience in the gamefishing business.

bluewater tinnies don’t get any better
Vindicator 580
What this plate aluminium pocket-rocket lacks in physical size it more than makes up for in design, craftsmanship and rough-water performance.


REGULAR FEATURES
Newslines
Hot Bites – Australasia
Hot Bites – International
Rum Lines
IGFA Rule Book
BlueWater Calendar
A Site to See
Classic Tomes
Tournament News
IGFA Report
On the Waterfront
Charter Operators
Out of the Blue


COLUMNS
Editorial – Simpson
Pepperell
Butler
Saul
Boyce
The IGFA
The Billfish Foundation

Aug 29, 2012

Issue 93 of BlueWater magazine out now – 29th Aug 2012

BlueWater Magazine is dedicated to bringing gamefishers the essential cutting-edge wisdom on offshore gamefishingboats and equipment.
With stunning photography blended with exciting features from the world’s leaders of the sport, we aim to deliver knowledge and inspiration that will make a real difference to the success and enjoyment of beginners and experts alike.

Issue 93 of BlueWater magazine out now – 29th Aug 2012

Bluewater Magazine 93FISHING FEATURES

Tony ludovico – a life underwater

Driven by a fierce passion to capture the underwater realm on camera – particularly the large pelagic gamefish we love – Tony Ludovico has travelled the world and spent countless hours submerged. His stunning photography reveals a world hidden to most of us behind the surface veil.

riding the current edge

This issue marks BlueWater’s 15th birthday and there have been many extraordinary changes to our sport during that time.
tackle to tackle bigger fishSubstantial advances in reel and line technology have revolutionised gamefishing over the past 15 years.

Issue 93 of BlueWater magazine out now – 29th Aug 2012 — Gamefishing Fiji - The best of Fiji Fishing:

May 26, 2012

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort earns 2012 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Honoured as a Highly Rated Resort as Reviewed by Travellers on the World’s Largest Travel Site

KADAVU, FIJI – 24th May 2012 – Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Lees than 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.
TripAdvisor Excellence 2012
To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travellers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.
“Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort is delighted to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” said Stuart Gow, Director at Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort. “We strive to offer our customers a memorable eco-resort experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive traveller reviews on TripAdvisor.”
TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional businesses for consistent excellence, as reviewed by travellers on the site,” said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business. “The Certificate of Excellence award gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve. From exceptional accommodations in Beijing to remarkable restaurants in Boston, we want to applaud these businesses for offering TripAdvisor travellers a great customer experience.”

About Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava – Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive 5 Star Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian ‘bures’ with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views

About TripAdvisor®

is the world’s largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors*, and over 60 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor’s millions of monthly visitors.
TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) manages and operates websites under 19 other travel media brands, and together the sites attract more than 69 million unique monthly visitors**. TripAdvisor’s travel media brands include www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.onetime.com, www.seatguru.com,
www.sniqueaway.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travel-library.com, www.travelpod.com, www.virtualtourist.com, www.whereivebeen.com, and www.kuxun.cn.
*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, Worldwide, January 2012
**Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Inc. and its subsidiaries, Worldwide, January 2012
©2012 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE TripAdvisor
###



Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort earns 2012 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

May 11, 2012

The Bamboo Spa - a sanctuary on the island of Kadavu | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort Matava - Fiji's Premier eco Adventure Resort is proud to have opened the first full service Pure Fiji Spa on the island of Kadavu.

The Bamboo Spa is the first and only full service Spa facility on Kadavu. We decided to partner with Pure Fijias our environmental policies and missions are so much in line.
We are proud to have Ms Channel Joy join our management team as our Spa Manager and Senior Beauty Therapist since opening. Chanel has been a professional in the spa industry in Fiji since the 1990's and was one of the designers and managers of the Pure Fiji Spa at Pure fiji;s headquarters in Fiji.

Matava Resort is proud to have installed this Spa purely using the alternative power already available at the resort. All water heating and lighting is supplied by purely solar systems. 


The Bamboo Spa
- a sanctuary on the island of Kadavu
Step lightly over the gateway to relaxation - a symbolic beginning to your journey through this oasis - leaving behind cares and the outside world as if on a far distant shore. Each guest's journey is unique... 

Chanel and client in the Frangipani Room
As part of our full body rituals, your path begins with another soothing experience rich with symbolic meaning - a warm foot soak in fragrant coconut milk bath... a welcoming and cleansing gesture which will leave you feeling serene.
Choose your path through this sanctuary, with a promising selection of natural treatments lovingly made with uniquely Fijian plant extracts - heavenly massages and wraps, miraculous facials, and the most luxurious of spa pedicures and manicures. 
Indulge your body with one of our unique signature treatments; experience all of our world-class facilities for a total spa escape and ritual.
With flowers freshly picked from the Resort's gardens and the exotic fragrances emanating from the spa’s entrance and hidden gardens you realise you’re in for a truly unique experience. The tranquil surroundings and discreet staff lend a sense of peace and harmony in balance with nature.  
Not only will skin and body be refreshed and revived - but every choice on this journey will leave your heart a little lighter, your spirit a little brighter until we at the Bamboo Spa welcome you once again.
The Bamboo Spa features the nourishing products of Pure Fiji.

Pure Fiji is committed to quality and embodies a passion for the beautiful people, traditions, and environments of Fiji.

Pure Fiji employs nearly 500 people from seven rural villages, a human network that produces cold pressed nut oils and natural packaging materials. Hand-made paper made from natural fibers, traditional masi bark cloth, woven baskets, and nut oil production provide these communities with sustainable income while perpetuating honored traditions and unique skills.

Pure coconut oil, the base ingredient for all of Pure Fiji's products, has been used for hair care, skin care, and massage for generations. Pure Fiji's natural bath and beauty products include luxurious body butter, hydrating body lotion, coconut sugar rub, shampoo and conditioner, coconut milk bath soak, and nourishing body oil.  


Pure Fiji

discover the south pacific secret for beautiful skin and hair

Pure Fiji
For centuries South Pacific and Fiji islanders have used pure coconut oil and flower extracts to nourish, moisturize and beautify both skin and hair. Pure Fiji brings you the best of these traditional blends for today's natural bath and body care. Discover intensive hydrating body oils, creamy coconut lotions, nourishing hand made soaps and fresh sugar scrubs that will get your skin glowing.

Protecting the Environment & Reducing our Carbon Footprint

Eco Packaging
Pure Fiji is committed to sustainable manufacturing and reducing its carbon footprint. Botanical ingredients such as the blend of nut oils are wild-harvested 
This reduces our requirement for energy dependent irrigation and fertilization methods thus limiting our carbon impact. Bottles used in packaging are PET which are an environmentally responsible choice as they require 24% less energy to produce and generate 40% less solid waste than glass bottles. Gift packaging is made by hand using natural fibers such as handmade paper or in delightful woven baskets.
What are we doing right now to improve conservation?

Eco-smart production

Sustainable Raw Materials

Botanical ingredients produced in Fiji are harvested sustainably without impact on the plants themselves or the surrounding environment.
Processing of several of the ingredients used in formulations rely on hand-operated cold pressing of nuts into oil. This limits the carbon impact on the environment while creating employment opportunities for rural communities.
Green EarthSome of the methods employed in processing the ingredients use a natural source of energy such as passive solar dryers. This eliminates the need to use bio-mass, electric resistance, or liquid fuel-fired heaters.
By-products from coconut husks and the shell material from oil bearing nuts are recycled as mulch and fertiliser.
The structures which support these enterprises are often made of local, environmentally low-impact materials such as plaited sago palm roofing. Such buildings are bright, airy, and cool, eliminating the need for artificial lighting or ventilating. Some suppliers of the processed botanicals minimise any environmental impact by running generators etc on natural, unrefined coconut oil.

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava - Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive 5 Star Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator.  Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian 'bures' with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.Follow us on TwitterFind us on Facebook

Pure Fiji is a natural bath and body products manufacturer which caters to the exclusive spa and salon industry. Founded 12 years ago by Gaëtane Austin and her daughter Andrée, Pure Fiji began research, development, and production of their uniquely Fijian products around the family kitchen table. Organics and natural products are popular now, but Pure Fiji has always appreciated the numerous benefits of coconut oil and the myriad of botanical and herbal curatives and remedies that have been utilized by the Fijian people for hundreds of years. Having pioneered the use of local nuts and botanical extracts into true South Pacific therapies, their spa located within the grounds of the factory premises serves as a invaluable research and development tool for both the products and the uniquely Pacific spa therapies which complement them. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter


# # #

The Bamboo Spa - a sanctuary on the island of Kadavu

Apr 7, 2012

FAD for Bite Me Gamefishing Charters


Our guide Alex was out yesterday installing a FAD and tossed a popper for a few minutes on the way home. This GT went close to 30kg. I am told he is still smiling today....

Mar 31, 2012

Weather Situation at Matava, March 2012

A message to all friends and families of the Paradise Dive Group and other guests staying with us.
All of our guests are safe and well.
Many of our guests are attempting to contact their loved ones at home.
You may contact any of our guests via email at info@matava.com if you wish to call you may call on +679-603-0685.
We will continue to put up posts as information comes to hand.
The guests staying at the resort may be here for a couple of more days, depending on when flights can depart Nadi and land in Kadavu.
See also our Twitter feed and Facebook page for instant info.


Weather Situation at Matava, March 2012 | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort:

Mar 9, 2012

Feb 2012 GT Popping & Jigging Update

 GT Popping

So far this summer the bite has been reasonably good on the calm summer days but relatively quiet on choppy days. With all the January flooding on the main island there is a lot of debris in the water and the GTs are not consistently hunting in the barrier reef breakers. On some days we have been catching more GTs on jigs than on poppers....

 

   
 

 
Matt from Exmouth Tackle World caught this cracker of a Yellowfin Tuna using his a Daiwa Saltiga and custom popping rod. The fish ate an assist hook rigged stickbait over the Kadavu Seamount.


Depwater Jigging

We are getting the usualy range of species jigging the barrier reef drop-offs. Plenty of Dogtooth Tuna but so far this season, no real monsters to brag about !


 
  
 A MONSTER Coral Trout for Aaron from Australia

 Jigged up Grouper for Paul

 
 Sometimes the GTs go deep and we get quite a few whist jigging for other species

 Big Rosy Jobfish on the Ono Drop-off

 as well as the usual Long Nose Emperors

Feb 25, 2012

BlueWater Magazine on sale Feb 29th 2012

BlueWater Magazine, new issue out on sale Feb 29th 2012


FISHING FEATURES CAIRNS DELIVERS A CRACKER SEASON
During the final months of 2011, this famous fishery for the world’s largest black marlin lived up to its reputation, delivering one of the best runs of huge fish in years. Kelly Fallon spent the season among the action. Her report and spectacular photos whet your appetite for the season ahead.

BOB & DOLLY DYER – AUSTRALIA’S KING AND QUEEN OF GAMEFISHING – PART 2
In this final installment of the incredible tale of the Dyers, gamefishing historian John McIntyre describes their adventures with marlin, particularly their part in the discovery of the Cairns giant black marlin grounds. Their extraordinary achievements were matched only by their ability to promote them.

PORT STEPHENS INSHORE BONANZA
This gamefishing hotspot has recently been boiling with marlin. Discover how to beat the crowds to find your own billfish nirvana.

GAME CHANGER – AFTCO RDT
This remarkable product is set to revolutionise gamefishing by providing accurate readings of the drag tension on your line.

PREY SPECIES – SLIMY MACKEREL
This mighty baitfish is, in essence, a miniature tuna. They are also a vital food source for predatory species – and exceptional livebait.

FIN-NOR MARQUESA REELS
Fin-Nor’s new 2-Speed castable lever drag reels have been designed for performance fishing with even heavy braided lines.

LURE LORE – PART 8
Sneaky leaders for wary tuna Tuna are smarter than the average gamefish and demand special techniques to ensure success. Classic Tomes Tales of Tahitian Waters Zane Grey’s classic describes his three expeditions to these virginal waters during the 1920s.

CREATURES OF THE DEEP
Phyllosoma larvae Guess which tasty treat these truly bizarre-looking creatures eventually metamorphose into!

SMOKE AND MIRRORS
Black Bart ‘San Sal Candy’ lure This versatile lure has low water drag for use with light tackle and also handles speeds to over 20kts.

BOAT FEATURES


WHEN A BOAT BARGAIN ISN’T
A must-read article before you consider buying your next boat. Since the Global Financial Crisis and the meltdown of the US boat market there has been much talk about the bargains to be had by importing from overseas. The reality for many has been a minefield of heartache. Find out why...

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MARINE GENERATORS
Essential information to save you money and help you select the best generator for your boat.

THE SMOOTH TOUGHIE
Vindicator 720 This tough, surprisingly quiet plate-aluminium fishing boat has been crafted with loving care in Gympie.

BlueWater Magazine
Gamefishing Fiji: BlueWater Magazine on sale Feb 29th 2012:

'via Blog this'

JDM Tackle

JDM Tackle
USAs top GT Popping & Jigging tackle specialists