...... to the September edition of Reel Life.

As we gear up for the new season, Reel Life brings you all the latest news and seasonal prospects from around the country.

Reel Life classifieds has now launched – if you want to sell fishing gear, rent out accommodation or promote your services, then Reel Life classifieds can take you direct to  40,000 NZ and international anglers.

Do you keep records of your fishing catch? This information  is vital to help in F&G surveys which help us to advocate the protection of key water bodies.

With didymo still an issue, the National office has released new guidelines for Bringing fishing gear into NZ.

Applications are now available online for the annual F&G Research Scholarships.

Around the regions, Northland reminds us that trophy browns are waiting eagerly for the new season. Auckland/Waikato also has some big browns in the Waikato, and provides a few good websites for checking local fishing conditions.

The Eastern Region round up says a mild spring has boosted seasonal prospects and brings us up to date with local events and fishery management.

Taranaki is predicting a great season with good fresh fish already in the rivers, whilst Wellington is waiting from some rain to get the sea-run trout moving.

West Coast previews early season opportunities on the Coast; Central South Island reports encouraging spawning numbers and anticipates the chance of catching Sockeye Salmon.

Otago are excited about the new season, and report beneficial weather conditions. Big floods in Southland appear to have cleared didymo out from some waters, so spring fishing should be good.

Local guides have reported about current fishing and seasonal prospects in Eastern Region, Hawke's Bay, Nelson, North Canterbury, Central South Island and Otago – check them out.

Regular columnist Hugh Creasy charts the life and times of a fingerling trout in At the end are the rainbows.

After years of losing big fish, I have finally gained a unique insight into exactly how this happens – you can read about it in The idle thoughts of an idle editor.

By the way, if you want to check out back issues of Reel Life, they are now available here.

Good fishing for the new season!

Jerry Flay
Editor, Reel Life
reellife@inbox.net.nz