Gearing Up for Labour Weekend: Boating, Fishing & Long Weekend Essentials

Labour Weekend is the unofficial start of the boating season in New Zealand. The days are longer, the water’s warming up, the snapper are moving into the shallows and everyone’s itching to get out. Whether you’re heading out for a fish, towing the kids around the bay or packing up for a long weekend away, here’s how to gear up and make the most of it.

Get the boat ready

If your boat has been sitting over winter, a quick check now saves a ruined weekend, or a tow home.

• Batteries. Charge them fully and check the terminals are clean and tight.
• Bungs. Make sure they’re in. It’s the classic first-trip-of-the-season mistake. Carry a spare.
• Bilge pump. Test that it switches on automatically, not just manually.
• Fuel. Old fuel can cause problems, so check it and replace the water-separating filter if it’s due.
• Trailer. Check the wheel bearings, tyres and lights before you tow. The roads are busy on long weekends.
• Outboard. Make sure it starts and runs well before you launch, and flush it after every trip.

Shop: Starting Batteries | Bungs & Drainers | Bilge Pumps | Fuel Filters & Fittings | Trailer Parts | Flushing & Salt Removal

Check your safety gear

Labour Weekend is one of the busiest weekends on the water, so it’s the perfect time to make sure your safety gear is up to scratch.

• Lifejackets for everyone on board, in the right sizes, especially for kids. Check that inflatables are serviced and the gas cylinders are tight.
• Flares in date.
• EPIRB or PLB with an in-date battery, and registered.
• VHF radio working. Do a radio check before you head out.
• Anchor, chain and rope in good condition.

Before you go, check the marine forecast, tell someone your plans and when you’ll be back, and keep a good lookout. There’ll be plenty of other boats out there.

Shop: Inflatable Lifejackets | Foam Lifejackets | Flares | EPIRBs & PLBs | Handheld VHF Radios

Gear up for fishing

Spring is prime time as snapper move into shallower water. Make sure your gear is ready before the bite turns on.

• Respool with fresh line. Old braid or mono can let you down on the fish of the season. Check your leader too.
• Stock up on softbaits and jigheads. They’re one of the most effective ways to target spring snapper in the shallows.
• Service your reels. A quick clean and lube after winter storage keeps the drag smooth.
• Don’t forget the basics. A sharp knife, a landing net, berley and a bait board make a day on the water much easier.
• Bringing the kids? A simple rod and reel set is a great way to get them hooked.

Shop: Softbaits | Jigheads & Soft Tackle | Braid | Leader | Softbait Sets | Kids Sets | Bait & Berley | Landing Nets

Fun on the water

Not everyone wants to fish all weekend. Make it a day out for the whole crew.

• Towables and biscuits are a guaranteed hit with kids, and plenty of adults too.
• Paddle boards and kayaks are perfect for exploring the bay once you’ve anchored up.

Shop: Towable Water Toys | Paddle Boards | Inflatable Kayaks

Long weekend essentials

Heading away for the weekend? Don’t forget the extras that make it.

• A good chilly bin keeps the drinks cold and the catch fresh.
• A portable BBQ for cooking up the catch, on the boat or at the campsite.
• Camping chairs and tables for setting up at the beach.

Shop: Chilly Bins & Cooler Bags | Gas BBQs | Camping Furniture

Don’t forget sun protection

It’s still spring, but the UV on the water is already strong. Pack polarised sunglasses, a hat or sun mask, and SPF 50 sunscreen, and reapply through the day.

Shop: Sunglasses | Sun Masks & Gaiters | Caps & Hats | Sunscreen

Grab a deal before you go

We run specials across fishing, boating and watersports gear throughout the season. Check out our current deals before you head out.

See you on the water

Pop into any of our five Smart Marine stores to stock up before the long weekend, or shop online at smartmarine.co.nz. Have a safe and successful Labour Weekend.