Fishing in Whangarei Waters Improving

Northern Advocate, 13 April 1940, Page 2

Fishing in Whangarei Waters Improving

“While fishing in the accepted good waters of the North Island has been deteriorating in the past two or three years, it has steadily improved in this district—a fact which must be equally satisfactory to members and the council of the Acclimatisation Society." The president (Mr S. J. Snow) says this in his annual report to be presented to Whangarei Acclimatisation Society members next week. “Generally, the fishing season locally has been a good one. “A dry fly proved almost useless, but a large wet fly. or, in heavier waters, a small spoon, have given excellent results." he slates. Outsiders Pleased “Some shooting enthusiasts express concern at the small revenue ' from fishing licenses, but I would remind them that a license taken out anywhere in the Dominion, except Taupe and Rotorua, entitles an angler to fish in Northland. “Even during this past season some 16 anglers when asked to produce a license showed outside tickets. “This is unfortunate, but cannot be. altered under present fishing regulations. so I would appeal to all local ang‘ lers. at least to procure their licenses in their own district. “Many of the visiting anglers expressed surprise at the quality of the Northland fishing, and gratification at the work being carried on by the society. 1 “In defence of the society’s policy regarding the stocking of streams, it is pleasing to note that there is a definite and substantial increase in the fish population of those streams in which .liberations have been made. “The Kaimamaku, which has, as usual, carried the larger proportion of fishermen, could raise fish from 4in to 9in in every stretch of water. Limit Bags “To quote only cne experience, two cf us took limit bags on one day from this stream, the best of these being 51b and 411 b. “1 would like to state (believe it or not) that most of these fish were returned to the stream, as the true angler finds his joy in catching, not killing.

I “Liberations in the Pokeno. Ha Ha, I Taka!au and Kaimara have exceeded I expectations and, although not fished, j two careful inspections of these i streams gave evidence of wonderful j results. j Throughout the whole area, fish from j fry to l ; Ub have been seen, j “Mr E. Wilson, who kindly supplies information from time to time, and has proved himself a valued friend of | this society saw, some two months { ago, a fish of approximately 17in. Remarkable Progress “When it is remembered that liberaj tions of any size only commenced j three years ago. the progress made is j remarkable and exceeds the most optimistic hopes of those who were confident that Northland streams would !carry good fishing. “It is impossible to pay adequate tribute to the work of tire curator (Mr jJ. P. Mcllvride). “His untiring and unselfish' interest, coupled with his knowledge and experience, ensures that the management of the Onerahi hatchery is unequalled in the Dominion. “For proof of this it is only necessary to examine the hatchery figures: 500,000 ova were procured and after | allowing for losses in hatching the fry, !were divided between Hobson and this society. “Here let me express appreciation to the Hobson Society for their co-opcra-ticn in our joint hatching account; it is indeed gratifying to be associated with such good neighbours. “Whangarei’s share of the trout fry was liberated in Kaimamaku, Kauri, Pokeno. Hikurangi, Kaimara and Takatau streams, together with some ! 500 yearlings carried over from last season in our holding ponds ’’