FIELD AND STREAM

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 17, 23 October 1945, Page 5

FIELD AND STREAM

RELEASE OF FINGERLINGS ROD AND GUN CLUB*ACTIVI TIES At ft recent meeting of the Whakatane Rod and Gun Club the president Mr J. D. Uive.tt, reported favourably on the activity he had witnessed during his visit to Roto, rua where lie was the guest of Mr A. Keane Conservator of Fish and Game, for this; district. The Department of Internal Affairs according too the. president it was .stated, was certainly putting its best foot forward in an endeavour to increase stocks in the streams and fields. Mr Kcanc was willing to co-operate in every possible way with the. Whakatane Rod and Gun Club for the. betterment of fishing and shooting in the district. At present the Deparament of Internal Affairs was considering the question of establishing holding ponds and releasing from them fingerings or yearlings instead qf the present method of releasing trout ova. i here were strong arguments against the holding ponds on the ground that through being artificially fed ? the. young fish became pampered and were easier to catch when they were released. After many members' experiences last season we can hear fishermen saying "Give us the fing. erlings." However it was contended by experienced anglers that mortality would be much lighter than under the present system of releasing ova or fry. Fishermen can rest assured that the Whakatane Rod and Gun Club is watching the interests of all sportsmen in this district and whatever is done will -be for the improvement of both shooting and fishing.

The shag pest was discussed at length at this same meeting and it was decided that a shag drive should be held oil the 27th and 28th October. Those wishing to take part in this drive should contact the secre. tary m Mr F. or the president before the 24tli October. Cartridges will be procurable through the Rod and Gun Club for this occasion. The shag is an enemy to the fisherman and causes an alarming mortality rate among trout. Every shag destroyed means the saving of dozens of trout —thus can the shoot, er help the fisherman. Also in the near future is to be held a Gun Dog Trial. This will be something entirely new to Whakatane and those -wishing to participate are asked to contact the secretary.