Float method pleasurable with some dangers

Press, 22 October 1988, Page 22

Float method pleasurable with some dangers

GONE FISHING

with

PETER SHUTT

Winds whipping up the waters of the central South Island promise more than lost fishing hours for anglers trying the new American method of fishing: float-fishing. Float-fishing is where the angler rides a specially constructed tube that resembles a set of pregnant body-waders. The waders provide dry conditions for the angler while the tube holds the angler upright once the contraption ventures out of wading depth. There are two dangers. The first is that once outside wadeable depth, the angler has only the propulsion of one’s feet to drive the craft (or should it be called a boat?). That means any change in wind direction may result in an unscheduled departure for the far shore, and with changeable winds such as we have been experiencing recently, this could mean a long and rough passage.

The second danger is that the tubes come ima variety of styles. Some have a back-up inflated section which becomes a backrest, but others a single-tube construction that may prove deadly if punctured. Some safety exists in the special covering used to attach the body-wader to the tube, but that is of little consequence if a treble hook punctures it. Repairs and maintenance is a land-based job, particularly if the hole is behind the angler and difficult to get at. But dangers aside, the method of fishing offers pleasant relaxation and easy method of fishing into the overhanging areas of lakes, where trees frequently obstruct the backcast and matagouri restricts access.

Special note should be taken of the regulations pertaining to individual waters, as float-fishiing can be difficult on waters where trolling is not permitted. It’s

difficult because use of an anchor is confined to still days, as a breeze will blow the angler downwind of the anchor-point, and hand-hauling the anchor line to dislodge it from the lakebed usually results in a drenched angler. Obviously such activity in a windblown lake is even more difficult.

Remember, too, that the angler, while protected from the water, will still get cold, and this inhibits clear thinking on occasions ... so work out a plan before using the craft and tell someone what you’re doing and what time you will be back by. Then stick to the plan.

Anglers will have the opportunity to learn the basics and/or advanced aspects of trout and salmon fishing when the Methven and Mt Hutt summer school programme starts on January 16. A five-day fishing course has been planned, including practical aspects and individual tuition.

You might recall I asked readers why they do (or don’t) fish, and the answer from those who don’t indicated they had never had the opportunity to try. Now’s their chance. * * * Two salmon were cleaned at the Rangitata River mouth recently, and it started a flurry as anglers rushed back to their baches to collect salmon tackle and start casting into the surf. But the two “successful” anglers had collected their fish from a nearby salmon farm and carried them to the river unnoticed in their jetboat. Their ruse worked. Anglers assumed the catch had been made while the jetboat was in the river, and thought the run had started early. Nevertheless, two small salmon have been taken at the mouth of the Orari River this season. While only about 2.5 to 3.5 kg the fish were well conditioned. Fish and game licence fees will remain the same for the 1989-90 season, according to a decision announced at the New Zealand Acclimatisation Society conference in Wellington last week-end. The setting of licence fees is a complex operation, requiring each society district to compile an accurate budget for the new year, and after evaluation by the national finance committee the average figure is considered before presentation to the Minister of Conservation for final approval and gazetting. The national finance committee found that several districts

have operated at, or just below their budget for the past year, suggesting the current licence fee can be held for two seasons. While the question of inflation has not been addressed, the conference felt maintenance of the fees at current levels would assist anglers and hunters. * * * A conference remit seeking a change of name for the acclimatisation society movement was lost because the Quango Review details are not yet complete. Sponsored by the West Coast Acclimatisation Society, the remit was held over from last year when the Quango Review was imminent, but last weekend’s conference decided circumstances were not yet right to consider a change to complement the new identity. * * * The Southland Acclimatisation Society proposed a successful remit seeking a trial period of special licences, or analysis of licences, as required by anglers in today’s economic environment. The proposal included a variety of licences to satisfy a diverse range of fishing periods such as the whitebait season, high summer season, week-ends, and an extended licence to cover school students up to the age of 18 years. The result of the Southland evaluation might well benefit all anglers, particularly those who fish less than a full season, but are prepared to pay a slightly loaded premium to enjoy the Sport. At present it’s just an evaluation, and next season we might see a partial introduction in that &

area. The full evaluation might take a little longer. * * * The South Island will feature in a special salmon brochure currently being prepared. Matthew Hall, of Ashburton, chairman of the Salmon Committee, has been delegated to compile the text, and a number of South Island societies have supplied photographs. All salmon rivers, including the valuable West Coast fishery, will be included, and contact addresses and access points are being considered for what is expected to be a document of necessity for every keen salmon angler. * * * Of interest to every salmon angler must be the decision by the South Island Salmon Committee to the half-yearly meeting of South Island Acclimatisation Societies last week-end. A recommendation was carried unanimously to approve expenditure of $63,000 on rearing 300,000 salmon at Glenariffe. These fish will be liberated in selected South Island rivers after full evaluation with MAFFish, Christchurch, and anglers are expected to gain from this injection of fry when they mature during the next three years. The importance of the salmon fishery was recognised by the recommendation that the new Fish and Game authority investigate the financial and practical aspects of having a suitably qualified person to co-ordinate the management of the recreational fishery. It was resolved that the new authority should report back. 1

The South Canterbury branch of the Salmon Anglers Association has announced its intention to construct a hut for relocation to its newly acquired section at the Rangitata River Reserve (south side). This river mouth location will be popular with local salmon anglers, and assuming there is a booking procedure, will be popular with members from outside the district, too. The South Canterbury Salmon Anglers are putting their faith in the recovery of the Rangitata River to the kind of salmon fishery it once was. They are also contributing to the education of anglers by encouraging courtesy on the river bank, and consideration for the fishery and its future. The new hut should be available early in the new year. Furthermore, the branch has indicated a concern for the fishery by seeking to purchase 5000 fry for release into the Rangitata River. That plus the 20,000 fry purchased by the Ashburton and South Canterbury acclimatisation societies are steps in the right direction for the preservation of salmon fishing in the region. * * * Knots are the doing or “undoing” of many an angler. There can be few anglers who never lost a fish through a poorly tied knot... a knot that slipped when it should not or did not slip tight against the eye of the hook when intended to. It is often suggested the “turtle knot” is as good as any when one is tying a trace to the hook, and perhaps it is. Certainly it is good for tying on a, dry fly.

Ms Laurel Tierney, of Wellington, receives a gift last week-end from the combined acclimatisation societies of New Zealand in recognition of her involvement and dedication to freshwater fisheries. Making the presentation is Dr Donald Scott, a member of the national executive of the societies. A scientist with MAFFish, Ms Tierney has spent a great deal of time drift-diving New Zealand rivers as part of her work involving criteria and conformity of waters for designation as wild and scenic rivers. The gift, said Dr Scott, was “a token of our appreciation for your work in the fisheries and

which has resulted in fisheries and environmental reports which have become valuable tools for our field staff and councillors.” As chairperson of the National Water Protection Committee since 1983, Ms Tierney, said Dr Scott, had administered wisely, and the many anglers in Canterbury, West Coast, Nelson, Marlborough, and further afield, would wish her well in her forthcoming shift to Dunedin. Ms Tierney expressed delight with the gift, appreciating the significance of the piece of obsidian (volcanic glass) with its delicately carved trout and kahikatea base.