ANGLING CONFERENCE AT TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 152, 24 December 1954, Page 2

ANGLING CONFERENCE AT TAUPO

VIEWS ON WINTER FISHING This year's conference between officers of the Department of Internal Affairs, and representatives of the fishing and shooting organisations in the Taupo Fishing District, was held in Rickit's Hall, Taupo, on Saturday, December 11, commencing at 1(1 a.m. Mr G. L. O'Halloran, Assistant Secretary for Internal Affairs, presided. Among those present were Mr G. F. Yerex, Controller, Wild Life Division; Mr S. A. McNamara, Conservator of Wild Life; Mr D. F. Hobbs,, Senior Fisheries Officer; Vice- Admiral H. Hickling, Messrs A. D. Kitto and G. Sanderson (Tongariro Anglers' Club); Messrs P. White, A. Stebbing and H. Little (Lake Taupo and District Anglers' Federation) ; Messrs L. H. Cheal, K. E. Young and B. F. Pepperell (Taupo Rod and Gun Club); Messrs F. Fletcher and C. R. Watson (Taupo Commercial Launch Owners' Association) ; Messrs O. S. Hintz, F. Logan, A. Hutt and S. Williams (Waitahanui Anglers' Association) ; Messrs Chas. Lane, F. Needham and C. K. Hill (Motuoapa Fishing Association). Experimental Season Following his report on the experimental winter season (see Taupo Times, December 17) Mr D. F. Hobbs suggested that those present might care to give brief impressidns of the season. Mr P. White said that the weather had been exceptionally good. From a fishing point of view, it was not up to the wild expectations of p^st years as to what winter fishing might be. They had expected too much. He thought Mr Hobbs' average of about 5 lbs weight for fish taken in the rivers was too high. Mr L. H. Cheal said the fishing had been more leisurely, v/ith not the same angling pressure. After June the condition of the fish was poorer, although they looked all right. From an angling point of view he thought the experimental season worth while up to the end of June only. - Mr O. S. Hintz said that Waitahanui anglers thought the season had been highly successful for the information it had made available. The edible quality of the fish deteriorated as spawning time came. - He thought the regular fishing season could with benefit be extended to take in June, and to commence with October. Vice-Admiral H. Hickling said that the fish fought with declining vigour as the season went on. The condition factor was no worse up to September than in March, April and May. Mr F. Fletcher, referring to fishing conditions in winter said that the fishermen liked pleasant weather, and as regards Lake fishing the weather was not good in winter in the Western Bays. Mr Lane said the Motuoapa fish were not as good as last season. There were not as many fish in the Waiotaka River pools as last year. In June the fish went soft and were not good eating. Mr F. Logan said that at Waitahanui in June and July the fish were excellent and fought well falling away in September. Ninety per cent were taken in the river. The further up stream in August and September the more quality deteriorated. Heavier casts were needed to hold the fish in June and July. Mr O. S. Hintz (Waitahanui Association) referred to the fact that the retiring Minister of Internal Affairs, Sir William Bodkin, had sponsored the Taupo fisheries re-

search project, and moved a resolution, which was carried, asking the Chairman to convey to him their warm appreciation of his interest in the Fishery and their • best wishes in his retirement. Mr Hintz also congratulated the Departmental officers on their work on the research project, which he hoped would be continued under the new Minister.