Fishermen’s Stories Sought

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30206, 10 August 1963, Page 12

Fishermen’s Stories Sought

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 9.

Fishermen’s stories are wanted by the Fresh water Fisheries Branch of the Marine Department.

Anglers are to be asked on how many days they have fished, what they caught, what river or lake was fished most, for how many yeans the angler had been fishing, what method was generally used, his ideas on the limit bag, and the cost of tackle, clothing and travelling.

The Minister of Marine (Mr

Gerard) said today that selected groups of anglers in ■he Auckland, Waimarino, Nelson. North Canterbury and Otago acclimatisation districts were being asked to cooperate with the department by answering its questionnaire.

“All the department’s research is aimed at giving the angler the fishing he wants,” said Mr Gerard.

"It has become possible to control stocks to produce, within limits, any desired type of eatch. a practice which has already been reached in some small lakes.

“The department needs to know’, therefore, what type of catch most anglers prefer—a few large fish, a lot of small ones or something in between.

“The department will be grateful if every angler w’ho receives such a questionnaire w’ill complete and return it promptly. It is only by such co-operation that many of the essential answers in the research programme can be obtained ”

The questionnaire would be sent out during this month and September. Anglers could rest assured that all the information would remain confidential

The Auckland district would receive 1000 copies. Waimarino 400. Nelson 500 North Canterbury 700 and Otago 1000 The scheme had already been completed in the Wellington, district, where the response was very successful—6oo of 700 forms w’ere returned.