Rules re-write seeks to boost fishing opportunities

Fish & Game says a proposed re-write of some fishing rules will simplify them – and create lots more opportunities for anglers – especially in summer.

The Eastern Region Fish and Game Council is reviewing the rules that apply to fishing for trout in its waters – including the Rotorua Lakes, Tauranga, Waikaremoana and East Coast. The annual review process allows anglers to give their feedback on the regulations in the Angler’s Notice.

Fish & Game Officer Matt Osborne says “this year, we’ve come up with some suggested changes in response to comments from anglers. Changes have been raised to simplify the current rules which have been criticised as unnecessarily complex.

“What we propose is good news for veteran anglers and novices alike: the bottom line is greater opportunities for anglers – and now the Fish & Game Council is asking anglers to consider the suggestions, and write in with their feedback.”

The regulations that apply to the winter shoreline fisheries on Lakes Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina have been identified as particularly complicated – because of the rules on fishing methods permitted in particular areas at certain times.

“The Council proposal is that ‘fly fishing only’ periods for all the winter shoreline sites on these lakes would only come into effect from April 1st. This would mean far more opportuniy for shoreline spin-fishing anglers over summer, but less for these spin fishers during the winter when they’re not normally too active in any case,” Mr Osborne says.

Another proposed change is to open all waters in the region at the beginning of October, providing anglers with more fishable waters earlier. The Council’s suggesting that all fishing waters open at the traditional 1 October season start after the winter, rather than some remaining closed till December. This will open up angling opportunities in areas such as the upper Ngongotaha, Waiteti and Utuhina streams (Rotorua), and the Mokau and Hopuruahine Streams at Waikaremoana (East Coast).

The proposals for the 2012-13 season, if adopted, would come into effect on October 1st 2012. Anglers are invited to view the proposals in detail on the Eastern Fish & Game website (eastern.fishandgame.org.nz), or by contacting the local Eastern Region office.

Anyone who wants to make a submission is urged to send them to Eastern Region Fish & Game by the end of May so the Fish & Game Council can consider them at their June Council meeting.

www.fishandgame.org.nz/eastern

ENDS

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