'Sickie' alert as Opening Day of fishing season looms

'Sickie' alert as Opening Day looms

Thousands of anglers around the country will mark the Opening Day of the 2012/13 sports fishing season on Monday, October 1, and the Wellington region will be no exception.

Wellington Fish & Game manager Phil Teal says benign weather conditions over the last few weeks will mean that rivers such as the Waikanae, Otaki, Hutt, Ruamahanga, Manawatu and Rangitikei will be running clear, which is ideal for trout fishing.

“Recent monitoring has also shown good numbers of trout in the rivers, so prospects are looking good.”

Mr Teal says it is becoming an established tradition amongst anglers to plan an Opening Day outing.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if a few anglers take a long weekend or ‘pulled a sickie’ to take advantage of the promising conditions.

“Wellington, Wairarapa, the Kapiti Coast and Manawatu have world-class trout fishing opportunities right on the doorstep – these regions have a growing reputation for quality river fishing.”

Rivers that have been closed over the spawning period will be open for anglers from October 1, Opening Day. The sports fishing season runs through until the end of April in most rivers – with extended seasons in several rivers and lakes.

A sports fishing licence is required, which is valid for the whole of New Zealand except Taupo.

ENDS

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