Tides Out Maps booth displaying NZ coastal maps for fishers

🎣 Inside the Shimano Fishing Masterclasses at Hutchwilco 2025

🎣 Inside the Shimano Fishing Masterclasses at Hutchwilco 2025

Level up your fishing game with pro insights from NZ’s best.

Keywords: Shimano fishing class NZ, Hutchwilco Boat Show speakers

📍 Catch pro fishing tips from the legends.

We spotlight the biggest masterclasses and what you’ll learn from the experts.

The Shimano Fishing Pavilion at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and educational hubs for keen anglers. Whether you’re just getting into soft baiting or chasing that next trophy kingie, these live fishing masterclasses are packed with insights, techniques, and storytelling from some of the most respected names in NZ fishing.

From gear guides to target species breakdowns, these sessions will help you fish smarter, not harder—and leave you with plenty of notes to test on your next mission.

🎤 Who’s Speaking: Hutchwilco’s Top Shimano Presenters

🧢 Matt Watson – The ITM Fishing Show

Known for his wild fishing adventures and serious gear know-how, Matt brings both entertainment and education to the stage.
🎯 What to Expect:

  • Lure selection for big pelagics

  • Boat positioning for shallow water strikes

  • Humorous, real-world stories from life behind the rod

🌊 Tony Orton – Offshore Adventures

Tony is a saltwater pro with experience across the Pacific and NZ’s own deep spots.
🎯 What to Expect:

  • Kingfish tactics (live baiting vs topwater)

  • How to read current and structure

  • Travel tips for overseas fishing expeditions

🎯 LegaSea & Fisheries NZ Reps

Get updates on local fishery health, bag limit changes, and sustainability trends.
🎯 What to Expect:

  • Q&A on snapper and kahawai limits

  • How to support marine conservation as a recreational angler

  • The latest gear that reduces bycatch

🛠️ Masterclass Topics You Can’t Miss

These Shimano-backed sessions run daily and are free with your show ticket. Here’s a taste of what’s on:

✔️ Softbaiting 101: Get More Bites on Lighter Gear

  • When to use paddle tails vs curly tails

  • Jig head weight based on depth and drift

  • Rod and reel combos built for finesse setups

✔️ Kingfish Mastery: Hook, Hold & Land Big

  • Live vs dead bait rigging

  • How to avoid bust-offs on reefy ground

  • Topwater vs stickbait—when and why

✔️ Reading Your Sounder Like a Pro

  • Identifying fish vs bait balls

  • Understanding bottom composition

  • Syncing GPS with depth data

🎣 Bonus: Exclusive Shimano Gear Demos

Hands-on areas will let you test:

  • The newest Stella reels

  • Shimano SLX and Tranx baitcasters

  • Lightweight rods for travel and boat setups

  • Matching soft plastics, hardbaits, and jigs

Want to touch before you buy? This is your chance.

📍 Where & When to Find the Shimano Fishing Class Area

📍 Location: Inside the Shimano Fishing Pavilion, Hall 3
🗓️ Dates: May 15–18, 2025
🕒 Schedule: Sessions run hourly between 10am – 4pm daily
🎟️ Hutchwilco Boat Show Tickets & Info

🗺️ Don’t Forget to Visit Tides Out Maps While You're There

After catching a masterclass, swing by Hall 2, Stand #218 and check out our handcrafted bathymetric maps—designed with fishos in mind.

You can:

  • Mark your favourite kingfish reef

  • Add your boat name or GPS spot

  • Choose from locations like the Hauraki Gulf, Bay of Islands, and more

🎁 Add a bespoke touch to your fishing map

🎯 Final Cast: Why These Masterclasses Matter

It’s not just about better gear—it’s about becoming a more skilled, sustainable, and confident angler.

These Shimano sessions at Hutchwilco 2025 are your chance to:

  • Learn from the best

  • Test new techniques

  • Ask real questions

  • Connect with a community that lives for the ocean

And hey—when you land that personal best fish, you know where to get the map made.

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