🎣 Get the Net – Tight Lines, Loose Lips! 🎙️

Dallas Abel grew up in Port Douglas, Far North Queensland —fishing, diving and hunting every chance he got. That coastal upbringing sparked a lifelong curiosity about the ocean that took him all the way through a marine science degree, into aquaculture, reef education, and eventually a role as a fisheries observer for MPI right here in New Zealand.
In this episode, Dallas pulls back the curtain on what lifeas a fisheries observer actually looks like — including some of the confronting realities of commercial fishing at scale that most recreational fishers never see.

He breaks down ocean acidification in plain language, unpacks New Zealand's quota management system, and shares his philosophy that utilisation is conservation.

But Dallas isn't just talking the talk. He's the founder of Ofishal— a New Zealand fish leather business turning what would otherwise be waste product into premium, handcrafted leather goods. It's a business with purpose, and a genuinely fascinating story.
We also get into kingfish sashimi, mahi-mahi bucket lists,why he'd ditch the rod and reel for a speargun, and what it's like going fishing with Matt Watson.

This one's got something for everyone — whether you're adie-hard fisho, someone curious about what actually goes on out on the commercial boats, or just after a reminder to make the most of every fish you bring home.

✅ Dallas Abel @ofishal_leather
✅ https://ofishalstore.myshopify.com/
 
⏱️ Chapters /Segments
00:00 – Meet Dallas Abel — proud Australian, marinescientist, ex-MPI fisheries observer, and founder of Ofisal fish leather.
Dallas moved over from North Queensland for a girl and agovernment job — and never left. He shares why NZ's fishing access, lifestyle, and quota management system make it hard to go back.
Fishing, diving and hunting after school every day. How acurious kid from Far North Queensland developed a lifelong obsession with the ocean.
What university actually teaches you — hydrology, coastalchemistry, reef ecosystems — and why Dallas became obsessed with bridging the gap between scientific research and public understanding.
 
10:00 – Growing Up Wild — Crocs, Sharks & the 2025 Season’s First Striped Marlin
Dallas grew up in Port Douglas, Far North Queensland — where crocodiles were a near-daily sighting and a very drunk round of golf once ended in a sprint from a 3.5-metre croc. He discusses how a casual overnight trip out of Whangarei turned into landing the first striped marlin of the 2025 season at 107.6 kilos.

25 :00 – Fist time Blue Marlin, and what the life of a fisheries observer is really like

Becoming a Fisheries Observer for MPI What the role actually involves — going out on commercial vessels and documenting what's happening at sea. Dallas shares what he saw and why it changed his perspective. How coral gets dumped (legally) and the massive On-board processing plants and waste they create

35:00 – The Hauraki Gulf — Dragged Clean
Dallas reveals that the Hauraki Gulf was once dragged with massive chains to rip up the entire sea floor — clearing out the mussels, oysters and reef structures that once lined the bottom — specifically to make way for commercial trawling.

50:00 – Ofishal — Turning Fish Skins into LeatherDallas walks through how a rabbit hole during his time with the Kai Ika project led him to fish leather — watching perfectly good skins get discarded on commercial boats and thinking there had to be a better use.
 
🌟 Links & Socials
- YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@getthenet_nz]
- Apple Podcasts: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/🎣-get-the-net-–-tight-lines-loose-lips🎙️/id1824558692]
 
✅ Follow Us
- Instagram: @getthenet_nz
- TikTok:@getthenet_nz
- Facebook @getthenet_nz
 
🎵 Music Used
✅ Proctor, Topher Mohr & Alex Elena
✅ Satellites, Swello
✅ Momentum, Zplit
✅ Source (YouTube Audio Library)
 
🎥 Production Notes
✅ Shot on: Sony A7iii + Sennheiser Mics
✅ Edited in: Adobe Premiere Pro
✅ Shot, Edited & Produced by Nick Hoyle

In this episode of Get The Net, we sit down with Ethan Bryant, skipper of Te Ariki Nui in the Pelagic Charters fleet, to talk about one of the wildest career pivots in New Zealand fishing.

Less than a decade ago Ethan was running a tyre shop and working in the automotive world. Now he’s built a name as one of the most effective and hardest-working skippers in the country, spending nearly 300 days a year on the water and leading clients through the madness of the Three Kings fishery.

But behind the results is a real personal cost too, and Ethan speaks openly about how life on the boat takes him away from his young family and how much that sacrifice weighs on him. We get into what makes Ethan and Pelagic so dangerous at the Kings, from teaching everyday anglers how to fight properly on heavy tackle, to chasing the fish that keep serious fishos awake at night.

Ethan opens up about his obsession with swordfish, the forgotten art of nighttime swordfishing, & some properly insane stories from the boat — including a 16-hour battle with a monster broadbill and the constant push to find the grander sword he knows is out there. It’s clear how addicted he is to the job and the fishery, but just as clear that this lifestyle demands a hugely understanding wife and a familywilling to back the mission.

We also unpack just how special the Three Kings can be. Ethan’s crew tagged the most striped marlin of any charter boat in New Zealand last season, but unbelievably they actually caught more swordfish than marlin.

Add in blue marlin, kingfish, bluefin tuna, and the pressure of trying to protect one of the country’s most iconic fisheries, and this episode is stacked with hard-earned knowledge, huge fish stories, and a very real look at what it takes to become one of the top charter skippers in the game — not just professionally, but personally as well.  
This one isn’t just about big fish — it’s about obsession, sacrifice, family, and what it really takes to build a life around chasing the next bite.
✅ Ethan Bryant @esb.offshore & @pelagic_charters_nz (IG)
✅ https://www.youtube.com/@esb.offshore
✅https://www.facebook.com/ PelagicChartersNZ
✅ https://pelagiccharters.co.nz
 
⏱️ Chapters /Segments
(00:00) – Meet Ethan Bryant

Ethan’s path into the game has been anything but ordinary. He shares how he went from running a tyre shop to becoming the skipper of one of the hottest boats in the Pelagic Charters fleet.

(10:00) – The wildest blue marlin footage you’ll ever see

We revisit some unbelievable blue marlin footage shot from the top of the tuna tower — the kind of content that shows just how chaotic and visual this fishery can be.

(20:00) – Night-time swordfishing

Ethan tells the story of the marathon broadbill fight that broke Jonsey & lit a fire in him for swordfishing.

(30:00) – Marlin, kingfish and the magic of the Three Kings

Ethan breaks down what makes the Three Kings such a special and unpredictable place to fish.

(40:00) – How night-time jigging for southern bluefin tunabegan

Ethan talks through how they started piecing together a new way to target southern bluefin at night, and what it means to be a charter skipper whose job is not just to catch fish, but to create unforgettable experiences for clients.

(50:00) – Pacific bluefin tuna | The brutal fight that tests every angler

Not all tuna fights are created equal. Ethan explains why Pacific bluefin are the real deal.

(60:00) – Showing the real Three Kings on YouTube

Ethan shares why he’s putting more of the real charter experience onto YouTube — the highs, the grind, and what people don’t always see from the outside.
 
✅ Follow Us
- Instagram: @getthenet_nz
- TikTok:@getthenet_nz
- Facebook @getthenet_nz
 
🎵 Music Used
✅ Proctor, Topher Mohr & Alex Elena
✅ Satellites, Swello
✅ Momentum, Zplit
✅ Source (YouTube Audio Library)
 
🎥 Production Notes
✅ Shot on: Sony A7iii + Sennheiser Mics
✅ Edited in: Adobe Premiere Pro
✅ Shot, Edited & Produced by Nick Hoyle

In this episode of Get The Net, we sit down with Lisa Noble, founder of Ocean Obsessed Apparel and Swordie Boots, to talk about her journey from working on game boats to building her own fishing brand.

Lisa grew up around the ocean and spent time working aboard game fishing boats before settling down and starting a family. Her passion for fishing never faded, and while on maternity leave she finally took the leap to launch an apparel brand aimed at filling a gap she’d always noticed — fishing gear designed specifically with women in mind.

That journey eventually led to the development of Swordie Boots, purpose-built fishing boots designed to be comfortable, practical and tough enough for long days on the water. Lisa shares the story behind the brand, lessons from working in the industry, and why her connection to the fishing community helped bring the idea to life.

✅ Lisa Noble @lisa.noble_ & @ocean_obsessed.apparel (IG)
✅https://www.facebook.com/oceanobsessedapparel
✅ https://swordiebootsbyoceanobsessed.com/

⏱️ Chapters /Segments

(00:00) Meet Lisa Noble
Lisa shares how her lifelong passion for the ocean and fishing shaped her journey, eventually leading her to found Ocean Obsessed Apparel

(10:00 )From Boat Show to Tonga Game Fishing
A chance meeting with legendary skipper Steve Campbell opens the door to an unforgettable trip deckhanding in Tonga.

(20:00) First Blue Marlin (Almost) & Giant Thresher Shark
Lisa recounts the highs and near-misses of chasing her first blue marlin, plus an incredible encounter with a huge thresher shark alongside Helen Horrocks.

(30:00) Joining the Gladiator Crew
How Lisa landed a role working aboard Gladiator with Ken and Donna, gaining valuable offshore experience and industry knowledge

(40:00) Rigging Their Own Boat for Marlin
Lisa explains how she and her partner Leighton set up their trailer boat for gamefishing success and the lessons they learned along the way

(50:00) Back to Fishing & Rapid Fire Close
Lisa talks about her plans to get back out chasing big fish and wraps up with the Get The Net quick-fire questions.

🌟 Links & Socials
- YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@getthenet_nz]
- Apple Podcasts: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/🎣-get-the-net-–-tight-lines-loose-lips🎙️/id1824558692]

✅ Follow Us
- Instagram: @getthenet_nz
- TikTok:@getthenet_nz
- Facebook @getthenet_nz

🎵 Music Used
✅ Proctor, Topher Mohr & Alex Elena
✅ Satellites, Swello
✅ Momentum, Zplit
✅ Source (YouTube Audio Library)

🎥 Production Notes
✅ Shot on: Sony A7iii + Sennheiser Mics
✅ Edited in: Adobe Premiere Pro
✅ Shot, Edited & Produced by Nick Hoyle

In this episode of Get The Net, we sit down with private skipper Jimmy Brown, a fisherman with a seriously impressive career spanning New Zealand and some of the world’s best sportfishing destinations. From his time aboard the legendary Carol Libby — part of a program that raised nearly 900 blue marlin in a season — to chasing giant bluefin tuna in Nova Scotia, Jimmy shares what it takes to operate at the highest level of gamefishing.   

Jimmy now runs Advanced Sport Fishing, helping Kiwi anglers rig their boats properly and fish more effectively. We dive into how to set up a trailer boat for success, the importance of presentation and precision, and how small details can make a huge difference when chasing big fish. From lure spreads to ocean conditions, Jimmy explains what separates consistent crews from everyone else.  

We also talk blue marlin in Costa Rica, giant bluefin tuna in Nova Scotia, broadbill swordfish in New Zealand, and even shallow-water snapper fishing. Jimmy shares practical advice for everyday anglers plus insights gained from fishing professionally around the world — including the mindset needed to chase big fish and keep improving.
  
✅ Jimmy Brown @jimmybrown24 & @advancedsportfishing (IG)
✅ https://advancedsportfishing.co.nz
✅ https://www.titangaffs.com/

⏱️ Chapters /Segments

(00:00) – Meet Jimmy Brown: From Deckie to Elite Skipper
Jimmy’s journey into game fishing and how he built a career chasing big fish around the world.

(00:10) – Learning the Hard Way at the Three Kings
Jimmy’s early charter days at the legendary Three Kings Islands and the lessons that shaped him as a skipper.

(00:18) – Giant Swordfish & Why Marlin Still Win
Landing a massive NZ broadbill and why Jimmy still believes marlin are the ultimate gamefish.

(00:30) – Giant Bluefin & World-Class Tactics
Fishing Nova Scotia for monster tuna and practical tips to improve your results anywhere.

(00:40) – Building Boats That Catch Fish
Inside Jimmy’s business Advanced Sport Fishing and how he rigs boats for serious performance.

(00:50) – Finding Fish with Technology
How ocean charts, temperature breaks and data help locate pelagics faster.

(01:00) – Stay or Move? The Toughest Call in Fishing
Jimmy explains when to stick it out — and when it’s time to run.

(01:10) – Wash Fishing: Jimmy’s Kiwi Obsession
Why shallow-water snapper fishing is still some of the most exciting fishing around.

(01:15) – The Famous Get The Net Questions
Rapid-fire questions covering gear, stories and Jimmy’s personal favourites.

🌟 Links & Socials
- YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@getthenet_nz]
- Apple Podcasts: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/🎣-get-the-net-–-tight-lines-loose-lips🎙️/id1824558692]

✅ Follow Us
- Instagram: @getthenet_nz
- TikTok:@getthenet_nz
- Facebook @getthenet_nz

🎵 Music Used
✅ Proctor, Topher Mohr & Alex Elena
✅ Satellites, Swello
✅ Momentum, Zplit
✅ Source (YouTube Audio Library)

🎥 Production Notes
✅ Shot on: Sony A7iii + Sennheiser Mics
✅ Edited in: Adobe Premiere Pro
✅ Shot, Edited & Produced by Nick Hoyle

Ben Chissell didn’t set out to build New Zealand’s biggest online fishing platform — he started it after getting absolutely slammed for asking what he thought was a simple fishing question. Instead of backing down, he decided there had to be a better way for Kiwi fishos to connect, learn, and share without being ridiculed. That moment sparked what would become the NZ Fishing Community, now the largest online fishing group in the country.

In this episode, Ben opens up about the early days — the criticism, the backlash, and the growing pains of running a fast-scaling Facebook group. We talk about moderation, online pile-ons, misinformation, and the responsibility that comes with leading a platform where thousands of anglers share reports and opinions daily. We also unpack some of Ben’s early boating mishaps and hard-earned lessons — the kind most fishos can relate to — and the journey from figuring it out the hard way to landing a world record gemfish.

We also dive into the One Ocean Protest, and how — much like starting the Facebook group — it came from frustration. Frustration with government decisions, frustration with how recreational fishers were being represented, and the decision to channel that energy into action instead of just noise. This episode is about resilience, community, learning publicly, and what can happen when you turn criticism into something constructive.
✅ Ben Chissell @chissellben (IG)
✅ https://www.facebook.com/groups/nzfishingcommunity
✅https://www.facebook.com/profile.phpid=61583108365415 (one ocean project)

🌟 Links & Socials
- YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@getthenet_nz]
- Apple Podcasts: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/🎣-get-the-net-–-tight-lines-loose-lips🎙️/id1824558692]

✅ Follow Us
- Instagram: @getthenet_nz 
- TikTok: @getthenet_nz 
- Facebook @getthenet_nz
🎵 Music Used
✅ Proctor, Topher Mohr & Alex Elena
✅ Satellites, Swello
✅ Momentum, Zplit
✅ Source (YouTube Audio Library)
🎥 Production Notes
✅ Shot on: Sony A7iii + Sennheiser Mics
✅ Edited in: Adobe Premiere Pro
✅ Shot, Edited & Produced by Nick Hoyle