U.S. Journalists Like New Zealand Fishing

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31018, 25 March 1966, Page 14

U.S. Journalists Like New Zealand Fishing

Two American journalists, who have spent the last three weeks touring New Zealand’s most popular hunting and fishing spots, gathering material for an article for “True” magazine, said in Christchurch last evening that fishing here ranks among the best in the world. „ „ The journalists, Mr P. Barrett who is outdoors editor for “True,” and Mr E. D. Trueblood, said that although fishing here was “superb," New

Zealand hotels did not cater for fishermen. This was their harshest criticism of what they described as “an extremely enjoyable visit.” They were certain that soon more American sportsmen would come to New Zealand for the fishing—but not the hunting. “The deer are good,” Mr Barrett said, “but the fish are much better.” Mr Barrett said that without doubt the fishing here would appeal to American sportsmen. Almost everywhere they went the fishing spots were easily accessible and the catches good. “But the hotels leave a lot to be desired,” Mr Barrett said. Mr Trueblood said the best time for fishing was in the early morning and at dusk and these were the times when meals were served at the hotels they stayed at. “Few of them catered for late meals,” he said. “So we had an alternative—eat or catch fish.” Mr Trueblood said they eventually hired a caravan to overcome this problem. “As fishing could be one of New Zealand’s biggest tourist attractions, I would say that something should be done about this,” he said. Mr Barrett said although New Zealand was a long way from the United States there was a class of sportsmen who would travel anywhere in the world in search of either good fishing or hunting. “But good organisation is essential,” he said. “The average sportsman will only stay about two weeks and the hotel industry should be geared to cater for him.” On the subject of bass, the fish said to have been illegally introduced to New Zealand, Mr Trueblood said there was no fear of their invading established trout waters. “They prefer warm water,” he said, “whereas trout prefer colder streams.” Mr Trueblood described bass as “an excellent game fish—better than trout.” Both men are guests of the Tourist and Publicity Department during their stay in New Zealand and are bring escorted by the department’s hunting and fishing advisory officer, Mr R. Forrester.