Father's Day gift key to 'Family Fun Outdoors'

Media release from Fish & Game NZ

Father's Day gift key to 'Family Fun Outdoors'

Put a smile on Dad's face - buy him a fishing licence for Father's Day

No need to fish around for a great Father’s Day present when you can buy Dad a gift that’ll foster some healthy, outdoor family time – a fishing licence for the new trout and salmon season.

The new season is now just weeks away, starting October 1, 2011. Opening falls on a Saturday so Fish & Game NZ expects a strong turnout of anglers.

In many parts of the country the start of the season has the feel of a special, traditional occasion.

Fish & Game NZ communications manager Hamish Carnachan says the gift of a family season licence is a perfect way to give family members a taste of this magic, and have some healthy quality time together.

A family licence provides for the primary licence holder to take his partner along – as well as up to four children or grandkids under 18 – who can all fish together under the one licence.

The cost of a family whole season licence ($151) represents great value, says Mr Carnachan.

“If you take the family – say, two adults and two children between five and 18 – skiing for the day you’re looking at around $300 just for the lift passes at most commercial ski-fields.

“A party of four to an average restaurant will cost upwards of $160 by the time you’ve paid for drinks. But this just feeds you once.”

By contrast, a family fishing licence lasts for 12 months and provides great outdoor fun in some beautiful parts of the country, with the additional incentive of taking home some tasty wild food for the table throughout the year.

“And if you buy Dad a family fishing licence and he is the primary licence holder he can still use the licence to go out on his own to fish.”

New Zealanders are huge owners of small boats with many people hooked on sea fishing. Remember, though, we have the best trout fishing in the world.

“Boat fishing for trout makes a superb family day out where you can troll, harl, jig or bait fish. And spinning from the shore is also an easy, low-cost way to catch a fish and enjoy some beautiful natural settings.”

The gift of a fishing licence contributes towards safeguarding New Zealand’s economically important ‘100% Pure’ brand too, as licence fees fund Fish & Game’s fishery and game bird management, as well as the important work the organisation does around lake, river and wetland protection.

You can buy Dad a fishing licence for Father’s Day through the Fish & Game website www.fishandgame.org.nz[http://spinitwide.com/go/eea53a] or at fishing stores and other licensing agents.

Our website also has details of Fish & Game Councils around the country where you can get plenty of information on local angling spots and regulations that apply.

An adult whole season licence for 2011-12 costs $116. For those aged 12 to 18 years a junior whole season licence is great value at $23. A 24 hour licence is $23 for an adult and $7 for juniors. Children up to 12 years old at October 1, 2011, can fish for free.

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