ANGLERS MEET

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 3, 24 July 1946, Page 5

ANGLERS MEET

WHAKATANE ROD & GUN CLUB FISHING MATTERS DISCUSSED A general meeting of members of the Whakatane Rod and Gun Club took place in the Borough Council Chambers recently, a representative attendance being present. The discussion, which centred mainly round fishing activities will be of interest to district anglers.

Dealing with the question of the classification of rivers, and. the desire to cater for all types of fishing it was, after some discussion decided that the Department should be approached with a view to (1) reserving the several small streams flowing from Galatea Estate solely for fly fishing, and these to be so gazetted as fly areas; (2) reserving Waimana solely for fly fishing, and this also to be so gazetted as a fly area; (3) the rivers being reclassified and defined as “open” as distinct from fly areas only, and to have notices erected to that effect. That the Tarawera, Rangitaiki and Whakatane Rivers have the restrictions lifted and.be declared “open” waters; (4) that the Department be requested for some arrangement to be made for the erection of names of streams and rivers. Next Season’s Prospects

The general opinion regarding next season’s prospects was that these were not particularly bright. It was decided to urge the Department to completely stock one stream and keep it closed for a period of at least two years as a trial, and that streams and rivers be closed alternatively each year for a spell. The stream which it was suggested should be completely stocked was the Heraparu stream, flowing from Rotorua. Fry and Fingerlings A lengthy discussion on the liberation of trout fry took place and it was decided that certain locations should be inspected and reported upon as to their suitability. Mr Stephenson Snr. gave a brief interesting account of the methods used in the liberation of fry, and later sound useful advice on the rearing of fry up to the fingerlings stage. Outlining the position with regard to fingerlings, the chairman intimated that the club was permitted to rear them, and that fry for the purpose would be made available by the Department provided an assurance was given that the various details with regard to care and attention would be carried out. Salmon and Shags

Members were advised that plans for the introduction of salmon from the South Island were under way, and that conditions which had been tested here had proved suitable. The proposal that a shag drive be held found favour with members who expressed the hope that a special allocation of cartridges would be made available. All anglers were requested to advise the committee of the location of rookeries, and it was intimated that the drive, which would be properly organised, would take place in the nesting season. License Regulations

With regard to the fishing regulations, it was decided to recommend that a copy of these be issued with each license. The meeting was also of the opinion that an anglers authority relating to poachers should be clearly worded and defined on the license, together with what action was to be taken. It was decided that at the forthcoming conference at Taneatua, delegates from the Whakatane Club should include representation from the Fishing Committee. The response to a query as to whether arrangements could be made to sponsor a casting competition and an anglers day was not enthusiastic, but it was resolved that the Fishing Committee arrange for the programme, and advise members accordingly. A final decision of the meeting was that the method be adopted of forwarding written recommendations through the District Ranger (Mr K. Francis).