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Our journey takes us to New Zealand's wild west coast, where experienced local fishers share crucial knowledge about surviving the unforgiving surf, beach launches, and bar crossings that make these waters so challenging yet rewarding.

• Five west coast legends with decades of frontline experience reveal their hard-earned wisdom
• Mark Gill from Manukau Sport Fishing highlights the importance of proper vehicle preparation and weather forecasting
• Chris O'Neill and Duncan Clarke from Piha Deep Sea Fishing Club explain why club membership provides essential safety networks
• Craig Ross from Muriwai Sports Fishing Club describes his 37 years of beach launching experience and techniques for reading surf conditions
• Dr. Mick Kearney from Drowning Prevention Aotearoa emphasises planning as the foundation of west coast fishing safety
• Local knowledge passed through clubs provides crucial information about changing conditions, safe launching spots, and rescue protocols
• Proper preparation includes deflating tyres to 10 PSI, carrying spare parts, and always wearing life jackets
• Understanding tide, swell, and wind patterns is essential before attempting a west coast launch
• The west coast is "self-governing" - its challenging conditions naturally limit fishing pressure and maintain healthy fisheries
• Experienced fishers prioritise safety over catching fish, often cancelling trips when conditions appear marginal

The NZSFC Pod and Reel podcast is brought to you by the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council with support from Maritime New Zealand and the Safer Boating Forum.

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