Rangers vigilant on angling compliance

Media release from Wellington Fish & Game

Rangers vigilant on angling compliance

As the great summer river fishing conditions continue, Wellington Fish & Game is urging anglers to ensure they are complying with the regulations.

Wellington Fish & Game senior field officer Steve Pilkington says great summer weather has resulted in a lot of anglers hitting the water with most rivers in the region running clear and fishing well.

And while he reports that compliance levels have been good he is disappointed that a few anglers have been caught fishing without licences.

“Fish & Game rangers have been very active over January and they have found more than the normal number of anglers without a licence.”

A fishing licence is required to fish for trout and is available at most sporting goods stores or online via the Fish & Game website. The penalty for fishing without a licence is a fine of up to $5000.

Also concerning, adds Pilkington, are reports of people with spears swimming in our rivers.

Fish & Game has followed up these reports which have resulted in two alleged offenders being caught in a lower Wairarapa river spear fishing for trout.

“Spear fishing is highly illegal, and has potential to deplete fish stocks very quickly,” he says.

Pilkington said that any reports of suspicious activity will be followed up quickly by Fish & Game.

ENDS

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