Trout and salmon fishing licences go on sale

There are several licence types available to Kiwi anglers. Photo/File

Freshwater anglers eagerly anticipating the start of the new trout and salmon fishing season can now get their hands on a Fish & Game 2017-18 licence.

The new fishing season begins on October 1 and keen anglers have been waiting to buy their new licence.

"Enthusiasts have been champing at the bit to get in and buy theirs," said Fish and Game New Zealand's communications manager, Don Rood.

"While they can't use it for a month and a half, getting their licence is a milestone on the way to the new season.

"It signals the worst of winter is over, spring is coming and their favourite little trout stream or river will soon be open for fishing."

Nine different types of licence are on offer, including those catering for families, older anglers, and people who want to try their hand at trout fishing for the first time.

Mr Rood said this was the perfect time to review the licence options and try to decide which one was the best fit for your lifestyle - or in other words, figure out how much time you can put aside for freshwater fishing and where you planned to fish.

He said all categories offered great value but the premium types were the whole season and family licences.

"These two types of licence provide superb value and flexibility - a year's worth of fishing anywhere in the country, except for Taupo where the trout fishery is administered by the Department of Conservation," Mr Rood said.

"The family licence in particular allows an angler, their partner and children or grandchildren to go fishing together. It is a great way to introduce the next generation to the joys of fishing.

"Young anglers get the best deal of all - if they are under the age of 12 they are entitled to a free fishing licence."

Fish and Game said freshwater fishing in New Zealand was fantastic value.

"Internationally, this country is regarded as having some of the world's finest trout angling.

"We have a website that caters especially for overseas visitors called www.fishaway.co.nz with information on licences, rules and regulations and fishing spots around the country.

"And while overseas anglers view coming here as a once in a lifetime opportunity, Kiwis can enjoy it every day of the year.

"On top of that, they can put a meal on the table for their family. There aren't many recreational pursuits which feed body and soul for so little," Mr Rood said.

"I urge everyone to get out there and give it a try."

Mr Rood said the "newbie" who simply wanted to give trout fishing a crack with some simple spinning gear was well catered for with the One Day Licence at $20.

"The Kiwi going on holiday who's done a bit of fishing but wants to do more is also well served with the Short Break three-day licence or Long Break for nine days of fishing."

The 2017-18 season licences are available now in accredited sports shops and other outlets, or on line through the Fish & Game website, www.fishandgame.org.nz.