ANGLING

Southland Times, Issue 21820, 24 September 1932, Page 15

ANGLING

(By

“Creel.")

Opening Day. Next Saturday, the fir#t day of October, ushers in the 1932-33 angling season, and for the past few weeks, enthusiasts have been busy overhauling their gear, buzzing in and out of tackle shops, inspecting new and old devices, and expressing on their faces that pleasant sense of anticipation which the glorious first always germinates within the bosom of the true bom angler. At the time of writing there is every indication that the beginning of the season should open under auspicious circumstances, reports disclosing the presence of fair numbers of trout in most rivers, and certainly the climatic conditions recently have been of a nature to ensure the satisfactory hatching of both water and land flies. One whitebaiter informed the writer that he had observed some hefty fish on the Makarewa, busily gulping in large quantities of surface flies about a fortnight ago. Reports such as these tend to create a spirit of optimism, a necessary adjunct both in angling and in business. In conversation with Mr C. Evans, it was disclosed that the past season has been somewhat of a record in the number of trout stripped and ova collected. This, in Mr Evans’s estimation, proves that our rivers are well stocked once again, and he expects to learn of some really good catches this season. An appeal is made at this moment for the transmission of reports of anglers activities, both from individuals and the secretaries of the various district angling clubs. The publication of such news will be of interest to others. Tagging Operations.

Tagging operations have been continued on various rivers by the local members of the Research Committee, and quite a large number of trout have been operated on. Mr George Jaquiery, the local secretary, wishes to impress on anglers catching any of these fish the desirability of taking the length, girth, weight and a set of scales scraped off the right shoulder of these fish for tracing the life history and the migratory tendencies of specimens so numbered. The tag itself, of course, is of the utmost importance. The necessary envelopes, with the required data, are obtainable from Mr Jaquiery or the secretary of the local Acclimatization Society, Mr D. Cuthbertson. Many anglers have expressed disappointment at the failure of the local Acclimatization Society to increase the limit from ten to eleven inches for this season. It is alleged that the majority of anglers favour this move, and as a matter of conservation they contend it is a necessary step. However, it is sometimes difficult to know just what the effect will be of innovations of this kind, and perhaps at the conclusion of the forthcoming season, the research authorities will be able to definitely state whether the procedure would be to the betterment of angling or not. It appears that the increase instituted some few years ago from nine to ten inches has had no detrimental effect, and the argument in favour of a further increase is asserted by many rod weilders to be commended. The preceding paragraph covers to a certain extent matters appertaining to this important subject, but there are other prominent factors that must be weighed also. First and foremost is the more thorough suppression of the illicit methods adopted in poaching, our streams and esturial waters. The limeing of streams, dynamiting pools in the large rivers, the dragging, of nets in both the Aparima and Oreti rivers, the “canaries” caught in the meshes of nets in the vicinity of Riverton and Sandy Point, all require a combined and concentrated effort by the angling clubs, Acclimatization Society, and its responsible officers. If the slogan, "It can be done—it must be done,” were invoked right from the commencement of the present season, it is safe to say that this greatest drain on the angler’s supply would be reduced to a minimum. The old cry, “Oh, most of this poaching business is imagination, cannot be truthfully stated to be the case. There is every evidence that both in Otago and Southland far more fish are taken out by foul means than by fair. Anglers’ Dairies. A large number of anglers are unaware that a supply of these useful books is obtainable from the secretary of the local Acclimatization Society. Provision is made for entering the number of trout taken on any particular trip, weights, lures, condition factor, state of river, weather, wind, etc. When completed at the end of the season, the submission of the dairy to the Central Research Committee is of a great assistance, and although a few enthusiasts have been helping for the past two seasons, many more returns would be appreciated by Professor Percival, of Christchurch. The writer recently received last season’s diary from the authorities with a grateful acknowledgement, and felt that the little assistance offered had been worth while. Let this season produce not a dozen, but a hundred or two of diaries for transmission north at the end of our angling operations. Catalogues are to hand from Messrs Tisdall’s, (Christchurch), A. W. Hamilton, John Edmonds Ltd., and A. and W. McCarthy. A perusal of these publications discloses the fact that the prices for most necessary gear are on a par with last season’s, and all of the firms are carrying comprehensive and large stocks in anticipation, of a keen demand. All branches of angling are thoroughly catered for from the humble boy’s outfit to the more elaborate, expensive turn-out. Quite an advancement is noted in the variety of reels offering, “specialty” makes and styles being in evidence. Another article which will appeal, is the list of dry flies, patterns that were practically unprocurable a season' or two back now being scheduled in the various stocks on display. For the benefit of visiting anglers the following particulars are published concerning our district rivers:— The Oreti. A snow fed river rising in the Eyre mountains and graining a large area of country, before emptying into the Estuary at Otatara, a few miles from Invercargill. The lower waters in the early part of the season often produce good heavy trout to the artifical minnow, natural, and Matuku fly. .Good fly fishing is generally not obtainable below Centre Bush, especially if there is any quantity of snow-water in evidence, but this fact is important as to the distance from town it is necessary to travel by the fly enthusiast. The worm fishers usually have the best innings for the first month along the reaches within easy distance of the town. The Aparima. Another snow-fed river emptying into the sea at Riverton where it joins the Pourakino above the railway bridge. Good trout are encountered with the minnow and natural lures from about Hazlett’s Siding down stream, fly fishing only being satisfactory from about Otautau up stream. Bayswater is generally a good possie for the opening providing the river is clear. The trout are strong, virile specimens, and good fighters. The Makarewa. About nine miles from town, this river contains some hefty fish, “S rather sluggish flow necessitating a

good breeze for the fly expert or a strong wind for the minnow weilder. The Oravria. About 50 miles from town, this river entails a long run, but is really worth while if in suitable order. It is a fine wet fly stream in the early part of the season, and ideal for dry in the autumn. The trout generally show a good average of about 21b. The Hedgehope. About 17 miles along a good road to the most satisfactory water, this scrubcovered stream requires patient fishing. A good average trout will be encountered and the wet fly method is generally more successful for the opening month, providing the river is clear. The Lora. Further out than the Hedgehope, about 30 miles from town, a stream with somewhat the same characteristics, but providing more “ripples” and faster flowing water. A stream to delight the lover of scenery and environment. The Otapiri. A delightful fly stream, about 28 miles from the city, it lends itself to the use of light rods and fine tackle. In the early part of the season, trout up to about 31b may be encountered, although the average may not be as heavy as in the Lora or Hedgehope rivers. The Waimatuku. Along the Riverton road about 15 miles from town, a small stream which produces some of the nicest culinary trout in our district. It is somewhat patchy for fly work in the early part of the season unless one travels as far as Isla Bank, this side of Fairfax. Wet fly is generally used as the dry fly does not apparently appeal to our fish until the warmer days are encountered. Killing Flies. The following patterns should be found effective for this month: Purple Grouse, Dk. Red Spinner, Claret Jessie, Male March Brown, Samuel, Red Waipahi, Haggard, Jessie No. 4, Red Tip Governor and Greenwell’s Glory. Angling Club. The annual meeting of the Southland Anglers’ Club will be held in the Federal on Tuesday, the 27th inst., at 7.30 p.m. The annual report and balance sheet will be presented and the presentation of trophies will take place. During the evening several interesting scenic and fishing moving pictures will be screened.