IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 2/ 5/ 2014

Anglers urged to ‘have a say’ on proposed changes to trout fishing rules

(NOTE TO EDS AND REPORTERS – this applies to Eastern Region only – not for use beyond Fish & Game Eastern region boundaries. See map at:http://eastern.fishandgame.org.nz)

Any anglers who have yet to have their say on proposed changes to trout fishing rules in the Eastern Fish & Game Region are urged to take up the opportunity.

The Eastern Fish and Game Council have outlined five possible changes to the current fishing rules laid down in the Angler’s Notice, that could be brought in for next season.

Eastern Fish and Game regional manager Rob Pitkethley says “it’s important to the Eastern Fish and Game Council that we do hear from as many anglers as possible before pushing ahead with all or any of the changes.

“We’ve done our best to consult as widely as possible and indeed, we’ve already received a good number of submissions.”

Mr Pitkethley says that the Eastern Council is still seeking further feedback from anglers who might want to comment on the proposed changes.

“This is your opportunity to be heard – please take it as others have,” he adds.

The proposed changes in brief focus on:

1. Reduce or remove the maximum size limit for wild trout on Lake Tarawera.
2. Remove the autumn no-boat fishing area at Ruato Bay (Lake Rotoiti).
3. Open a section of the lower Ruakituri River to spin fishing and winter angling.
4. Consider some bait (bread, insect and worm) fishing opportunities on Lake Okaro or Okareka.
5. Prohibit the use of anchors and motors on the Tuai Lakes (Waikaremoana).

Mr Pitkethley says that in the biennial reviews of the Angling Notice, the council must endeavour to ensure that trout fisheries remain sustainable, but at the same time strive to avoid too many restrictions on angling opportunities.

”If trout populations can support a variety of fishing methods, bag limits and season length, then we shouldn’t unnecessarily restrict opportunities for people to go trout fishing.”

The Council has already received a large number of submissions on the proposal to remove the fly-fishing-only status and open the river to all-year fishing on a section of the lower Ruakituri.

He says the idea of allowing some spin fishing and winter open areas in the lower Ruakituri River was proposed to create opportunities for younger or novice anglers to fish in the “renowned” East Coast river — the lower part of which is at present less heavily fished than the upper reaches, and has few trout spawning areas.

Fish & Game have had a restriction on boat fishing off Ruato Bay during the autumn as part of a three-year trial and this has also attracted a number of submissions. The trial has shown that restricting boats has made no difference to shoreline angling success, so there seems little reason to continue these restrictions on fishing opportunities, he said.

Mr Pitkethley says that Fish & Game invites those that want to submit on these topics to please do so as quickly as possible, as Councillors will review all submissions on the five proposals at a meeting on June 11. All viewpoints will be closely examined and discussed before a final decision is made.

The proposals for the 2014-15 season, if adopted, would come into effect on October 1st
2014.

A more comprehensive paper on the proposed changes can be viewed at eastern.fishandgame.org.nz

Have your say by writing to Eastern Fish & Game, Private Bag 3010, Rotorua, 3046.
Or email: mosborne@fishandgame.org.nz by 26 May, 2014.

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