AeroKontiki fishing - the evolution
- Kyle Parshotam
- Mar 15, 2015
- 2 min read
The AeroKontiki is a fishing drone, used to haul a baited fishing long line from shore to sea. The name "Aero Kontiki" was derived from "Aero" for flying, and "Kontiki" which is a New Zealand name for equipment used to take baits out to sea.
The AeroKontiki fishing drone was developed in New Zealand in 2013 using various multirotor platforms to conduct hauling tests over land. In March 2014 a baited line was successfully hauled out 500 meters and dropped over sea. Since then the company (Envirobotics Ltd) released two products families, initially the Scorpion, and later the CF Raptor.
The CF Raptor is a high performance machine which uses a customised carbon fibre composite frame with an elegant airbrushed fibreglass canopy. It has the required structural integrity to handle the hauling loads, jolts and knocks while protecting the electrical control systems from vibration, shocks, moisture and particle ingress.
In February 2015 Envirobotics Ltd released the SPORTS version with new features such as Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC). This was a longer range delivery system which worked well with an electric game reel spooled with 100lb braid attached to a nylon leader line carrying sinkers, hooks and bait. Further distances were possible, however, the range was limited by line of sight (aviation laws) and the maximum length of braid spooled onto the Electric game reel.
The AeroKontiki is a flying Kontiki, so the operator must always comply with their local Civil Aviation rules and operate the Kontiki in a safe manner so that it doesn’t create a hazard to other aircraft, persons, and property. The operator must also observe the drop zone for people or property before delivering baits. Based on visibility at the time of use and the operator’s eyesight the AeroKontiki and the drop zone can be seen up to about 800 meters.
Hauling out baits to catch fish is not about getting the maximum distance, but rather getting the baits out to where the fish are, be it close to shore, behind breakers or near rocks. If the operator takes time to learn about the area they intend fishing this can vastly improve their chances of improving their catch. Other accompanying skills such as selecting bait, the type of traces and hooks help the operator target the species they want to catch. The AeroKontiki becomes the ultimate tool used to deliver baits, hooks and traces to the desired location. Once all the baits have been delivered, and fish are caught, the electric game reel helps pull in the fish, quickly and easily.
"Now that’s clever fishing"
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