WHITEBAIT NETS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30211, 16 August 1963, Page 21

WHITEBAIT NETS

Types Used On Coast Set whitebait nets were used in most rivers on the West Coast, said Mr S. Howman, a former professional whitebaiter, yesterday. He was referring to a statement by Mr G. Isle, of Northcote. who in commenting on a report in “The Press” on Wednesday on whitebait nets, said that nearly all West Coast whitebaiters used scoop nets. Mr Isle said 19 out of 20 professional whitebaiters used the scoop net Mr Howman said the use of set nets was prohibited by law m three or four rivers on the West Coast, including the Grey, where scoop and pole nets were used. In Canterbury rivers fishermen could use the set nets. He said ihat he could remember the days on the Whataroa. South Westland, when he had no time to sleep in the sun. One day m 1929 he caught 10001 b of whitei bait in two hours, and the ; catch was taken through to I Hokitika the same night by 'the local butcher at Matanui

At the time he brought the receipt' for the catch into “The Press.” and it was reported in the newspaper. Referring to Mr Isle’s comment that he had been whitebaiting for about 40 years Mr Howman said he took it that Mr Isle had not been whitebaiting on the West Coast in the last few years.