Let's go fishing

Going Fishing

Hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders go fishing as a leisure time activity. Recreational ( or amateur) fishers are also sometimes called anglers.

Fishing is part of the New Zealand way of life. Most of us live close to the sea, so it isn't hard to go fishing - and for those who live away from the sea there are plenty of rivers and lakes to try.

Why do we do it?

Some people think you have to be crazy to want to dangle a line in the water all day but there are plenty of reasons why people like to fish.

These are some of them.

For sport
Some people take fishing seriously indeed. They belong to clubs, buy all sorts of fancy equipment, and enter competitions to see who can catch the biggest fish.
Sport fishers like to catch trout and kahawai because they are good "fighting fish" and fun to catch. Some fishers, have enjoyed the thrill of the catch, carefully return their fish to the water alive. ( We must always put the undersized ones back quickly, while they are still alive.)
Big game fishers often have their catch (e.g., a shark or swordfish) carefully weighed and measured and photographed. Some people have their trophy stuffed and proudly mounted on the wall.

For Food

Fresh fish is nice to eat, and many people enjoy eating what they catch fresh from the sea.

For many people, the fish they catch is an important part of their diet, They might catch fish or shellfish to help make their weekly food budget go further, or fish might be an important part of their traditional diet ( e.g. Maori or Pacific Island).

For Fun
For most of us, fishing is an excuse to get outdoors and spend a day by the water, If the fish aren't biting we've at least got some sun and fresh air. And if they're biting there's the bonus of a meal of fresh fish.

Where do we fish?

Fresh water
There are fish to be caught in most lakes and rivers, Some of them, like trout and salmon, are not native to New Zealand. They take special skills, equipment and patience to catch, and a fishing licence is always required. Eels (tuna) are a traditional Maori and European delicacy.

The sea
The easiest place to catch fish is in the sea. If you are lucky enough to get out in a boat, there are plenty of good fishing spots right around the coast of New Zealand. You don't have to go miles out to sea to catch a fish. Plenty get caught off the wharf, rocks or beach.