Whether you’re a seasoned angler yourself, or simply enjoy time outdoors with your kids or grandkids, family fishing is fantastic fun.
Whatever region you live in or plan to visit, there are lakes, rivers, back country streams and spring creeks flowing with brown and rainbow trout. Instil or indulge that sense of adventure in your kids and grandkids, and share the sense of satisfaction that comes with preparing and cooking your catch – and eating it, of course!
WHAT TACKLE & EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?
The tackle and equipment you’ll need will depend on the location and timing of your fishing and of course your chosen technique. Spin fishing in New Zealand is an ideal way to begin trout fishing as the skills involved are easily mastered. All that you’ll need is a basic outfit of rod, reel and line, plus a few lures.
A wide brimmed hat is essential, along with quality sunscreen. Generally you can wade in shorts, but lightweight trousers or waders are often used.
WHAT LICENCE DO I NEED?
To go freshwater fishing in New Zealand, you must first purchase a licence. There are nine different licences to suit different personal circumstances, lifestyles, ages and stages, and these may be purchased at fishandgame.org.nz. Remember: under 12s can ‘go fish’ for free.
A Family Licence ($165) allows mum and dad or the grandparents to fish with the kids (up to 4 children or grandchildren under the age of 18) from 1 October to 30 September.
FISHING HOT SPOTS?
Wherever you go in New Zealand, north or south, inland or near the coast, you are likely to be close to some pretty good trout fishing.
North Canterbury
In the North Canterbury region, the Rakaia, Waimakariri, Hurunui and Waiau Rivers offer excellent sea-run salmon fishing between November and March. More than 30 high country lakes also offer land-locked salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout, mackinaw and splake.
Central South Island
The Rangitata River mouth is one of the best known locations for salmon. Smaller rivers including the Opihi-Temuka and Ashburton together with many high country lakes provide habitat for substantial brown and rainbow trout fisheries.
Otago
Otago has, without doubt, some of the most diverse waters for sports fishing in New Zealand. They range from the unique high country experiences on gin-clear southern lakes river tributaries, to ‘put and take’ reservoir fisheries in Dunedin city. With the proper information and equipment, and forward planning, fishing is incredibly fun and rewarding for the whole family.
