....... to the September 2008 edition of Reel Life.

Next week sees a new season upon us and the opening of many waters around the country. Anticipation is building! If you haven't bought a licence yet, you can do so here.

Ahead of that, a timely reminder that fishing in felt-soled boots is no longer permitted from October 1st. This will also apply to the Taupo region. For more information about the Taupo Fishery see http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/PlaceProfile.aspx?id=34599. Following the lead set by Fish & Game NZ, Trout Unlimited in the USA is now calling for all manufacturers to phase out felts to halt the spread of aquatic pests.

We have an urgent call to action. Submissions for the Save the Nevis campaign must be in by October 3rd - please support this initiative to preserve this iconic Kiwi river.

There's plenty of new information all around the F&G site, and amongst the regional highlights this month....

North Island

Spring brings with it a new season, and the prospect of some dryer weather in Northland. In preparation, they have produced some new angler access information packs.

Auckland / Waikato take this opportunity to remind us about some local regulation changes, provide some links to local weather predictions for opening week, and focus on October being the month to target big browns in local waters.

Eastern have an Open Day on Tuesday – right ahead of the new season. Excitement is building and many local anglers can’t wait to check out how the Ohau Channel is fishing with the new Diversion Wall.

Hawke’s Bay predict a bright start to the season in rivers and lakes. Spring weather is in evidence!

A busy month in Taranaki has seen a great deal of new content on their regional website – including an analysis of seasons prospects,  an update on local RMA issues and some helpful hints on preparing for the new season.

Wellington anglers are raving about the Rangitikei and Manawatu rivers prospects right now. As well as a detailed description of opportunities on all the main regional rivers, they have added local river flow information to their section.

Into the South Island....

The best fishing for the start of the new season might be in the lower rivers, according to the West Coast, who are excited about this season’s prospects.

North Canterbury provide their usually monthly round-up of everything that has been going on in the region, as well as a detailed analysis of opening week opportunities and prospects.

Central South Island discuss the new season, and the impact of winter weather on it in some depth. They also detail the commencement of research work on didymo in the Waitaki, and share a summary of the report from Angler diaries.

Save the Nevis is the main message from Otago.  Submissions must be made by October 3rd. They also discuss seasons prospects around the region.

The weather is still a bit unsettled in Southland, but locals are optimistic that it will soon settle down and bring some great fishing conditions.

Hugh Creasy has been out and about fishing and looking for golf balls in At the end are the rainbows, whilst The idle thoughts of an idle editor this month has something to say to Rudyard Kipling and his twin imposters Triumph and Disaster after a recent fishing trip.

Local guides have contributed fishing reports and predictions for next week and can be accessed by the menu on the left, and our fast growing page dedicated to local angling club newsletters can be found at: http://www.fishandgame.org.nz/Site/Features/AnglingClubNewsletters.aspx

Enjoy the new season, and please continue to clean, check and dry.

Jerry

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