FISHING.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 312, 18 December 1936, Page 2

FISHING.

(By

“Dry Fly.”)

An interesting point relating to the rights of land owners to fish on their own properties without a license recently came up, and as this apparently has not been fully understood the following is the position: The person ini lawful occupation of land (and this term would cover the owner or lessee of land), has the right to fish without a license on such land. That is to say that the bwner or lessee may fish the stream on both banks if the stream runs through his property, but if the boundary of his land then he can only fish from, his side of the river. No authority to fish on the other side in another person’s property exists.

The section of the Fisheries Act giving the landowner authority' to fish on his own land contains no right for the landowner to delegate his fishing rights to any other person. This is the point which has not been clear to some landowners, because of the fact that under the Animals and Game Act for the shooting of native and imported game during the open season, the landowner or any one son or daughter may shoot on that land without a license. Further the landowner may delegate his right to any other person, providing he does not shoot himself, delegates his authority in writing, and obtains the approval to such delegation of his local acclimatisation Society. I 4r

The difference in rights of landowners under the two Acts is rather confusing and in the case in point may result in disappointment to a very’ keen angler in connection with the annual competition. Our readers or landowners and anglers may have other points on which they would 1 like enlightment and any inquiries will be gladly answered.

One of the most pleasing features from the various reports of anglers is the large number of small fish in the rivdrs. This ,has been very noticeable in the Patea River, and is an indication that ,the consistent stocking has been reasonably successful. An unusual report some weeks ago was that a rainbow of nearly three pounds was hooked in the Patea. Large numbers of these fish hiave been liberated over a period of years but with practically no success. A few remain in the river to yearling stage, but have never previously been reported of a size above about a pound and a-half.

Unsettled weather conditions have, except with the very enthusiastic angler, resulted in less fishing than usual by most license holders, but with the approach of better weather and lower rivers larger bags should be reported. If the .river drops in volume with the beetle here, both the creeper and fly fishermen should take increasing bags, and the younger angler who waits for warmer conditions before taking out a license should have his geai- ready now. To those who complain that when the fish are feeding on the green beetle they’ will not readily take the creeper, we recommend that a dry fly be tried. If you have not a good imitation of the beetle in the fly-box, try a Dun or Greenwells Glory about size 12, and you will be surprised at the result. Another dodge with the creeper, if the fish is not very interested, is to draw it slowly away from him just before it reaches him.

A suggestion has been made that a week-end or Sunday competition should be held and if anglers are interested in such a day we think that one could be organised. Would those interested send in their names and if sufficient are willing, it will be arranged for an early date. Some small trophies have already been promised, and with the support of anglers the week-ends could be made competitive and interesting.