Hordes out on water for opening day

Jim McIntyre (left) and Bruce Graham enjoyed the opening day of the season on Lake Tarawera. 1 October 2015 Rotorua Daily Post Photograph by Ben Fraser

The region's most dedicated anglers were up at the crack of dawn to mark the opening day of the fishing season.

Fish and Game officer Matt Osborne said yesterday's opening day was always busy and was a tradition for many.

But he told the Rotorua Daily Post as of yesterday afternoon no one had yet caught a tagged fish worth $25,000.

"It's a good day out as well so that's certainly brought people out. Most of those out there have come out [Wednesday] night, launched, and camped overnight."

Boat ramps at Lake Tarawera were packed with trailers as groups came back mid-afternoon from a day's fishing - many with plans to return later.

Rotorua's Marie Haines was out on Lake Tarawera by 5.30am with her partner and brother-in-law. "We have caught five fish and we are happy with it. We threw a couple out that were too small."

She said they counted about 159 boats on the lake.

Mr Osborne said anglers were "pretty happy" given the nice day and the fact that most caught "good numbers of fish".

Most of the fish, as predicted, were 2-year-olds from 1.1kg to 1.5kg, with some older fish tipping the scales at 2.6kg - the biggest seen by early afternoon.

The catch of the day appears to have been on Lake Rotoiti where a 5.5kg (12 pounder) was landed.

Meanwhile, at the Ohau Channel anglers were seeing a big improvement on last season's opening with fish being caught in reasonable numbers, if not of trophy size. One group from Palmerston North and Hastings had been fishing from 7am to 3pm, and was planning to head out again around 5pm. "We heard a lot about it and have been meaning to come for a long time because we always fish in Lake Taupo," fisherman Bruce Graham said.

Forty red-tagged fish were released into lakes Tarawera, Okataina, Rotorua and Rotoiti in a Fish for Gold competition. Anglers who have registered for the event can win a one-off prize of $25,000, or catch a fish carrying a $200 prize.

Four key tips to stay safe
Boaties are being reminded to keep safe on the water as they take advantage of the new trout fishing season.

Bay of Plenty regional harbourmaster Peter Buell said now was the perfect time for people to check their boats and equipment, and refamiliarise themselves with the local navigation safety bylaw.

Key pointers include:
•Stay safe, follow the five-knot rule.
•Carry a correctly fitting lifejacket for everyone on board.
•Out at night, show a light.
•Carry two separate forms of waterproof communication so you can make contact if you get into difficulty.

Go to: www.boprc.govt.nz for more.