Anglings

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 28, 6 October 1894, Page 5

Anglings

[Readers are invited to contribute items of local fishing news for insertion in this column.]

OPEHIHG OF THE SEASOH

[By Phantom.]

The piercing cold wind and angry looking clouds on Monday morning caused many town anglers to alter their plans and defer wetting their lines until more settled weather set in. The average fisherman rather likes a breeze, and does not mind a shower or two ; but a howling, piercing, bitter cold blast, travelling at about 150 miles an hour, takes the go out of even him. Of the few who did face it the majority made for different points on the Oreti, between Oporo and the Ferry. In the tidal water fishing was almost out of the question. The wind backed up the tide which came out over the flats. Higher up, the river was in grand order, and if the wind had not been so cold there would have been a very large take of fish. The hardy country fisherman turned out in strong force, and I saw many bags of from two to six fish. I think all who ventured out managed to get something. The average weight of the fish would be about 31b each. They are rather low in condition yet, but another month’s feeding on whitebait will add greatly to their weight, flavour, and strength. The lure most in favour with the anglers I met was the Ho. 0 Phantom Whitebait.

Amongst the hags I have heard of was that of Mr R. Patterson, 8 fish ; Mr A. Tapper, 6 ; the Crengle Bros, (two rods), 14; Mr A. Simpson, 5 ; Mr P. A. CSteans, 5 ; Mr D. Ross, 2 (one of them turned the scale at 71b) ; Mr S. P. Whitcombe, 6 ; Mr J. Pink, 5. Mr Steans had a brace on view in his shop on Monday morning. They were inspected and admired by a large number of people during the day. There was a good show of rods on the Aparima. The fishing, takes, and weather wer« about the same as on the Oreti, except that a few fish were taken with the fty. The small streams are rather low and clear. Prom all accounts fish are plentiful in all the rivers and streams, and anglers all over Southland may safely look forward to a good season’s sport. Steans’ tackle shop was the centre of attraction last Thursday, three finely-shaped trout, weighing 7|lb, 81b, and B|lb, being on view. They were landed by Messrs Batchelor and Cruickshanks from the Waihopai about a mile above the North Road

bridge. The fish in that locality rather like the blue back phantom, but owing to the bush and snags there is not much room for spinning. Anyone going there had better be provided with very strong tackle. The fish are all lai’ge, and there is no room for play. It is just a matter of strength. What are they —trout or salmon ? Whilst strolling on the jetty the other evening I saw three fine fish repeatedly jumping out in the channel. One of them must have been a ten pounder at the least, and on having a chat with a fisherman 1 was told they are very plentiful just now down the estuary. On a calm night they are to be heard splashing about in all directions. I still cherish the fond hope that the salmon will turn up some day. At any rate we shall have in the near future good fishing from points close to the town. I had the pleasure last week of inspecting a choice selection of “Buchan ” trout flies They are beautifully tied, and the material in them is of the very best. A good many patterns found their way into my flybook. They are dressed by the Misses Buchan, of Dunedin, who have lately arrived from Scotland, where they have been fly-tying in one of the leading bouses for a number of years. Long may we have such skilful workers in our midst! Mr F. A. Steans is their agent for Southland.