Reel Life October 2011

October 2011

Mixed Start to the Season

Welcome to another issue of Reel Life – Fish & Game NZ's dedicated newsletter for anglers.

Reports in from around the regions suggest a mixed bag for the opening month of the season but at least it's still early days and there's plenty of time for the weather (and river levels) to come right.

Taking some gloss off the excitement of the new season has been the discovery of the Aeromonas disease in lamprey and a single hatchery-reared trout. Naturally Fish & Game is very concerned about these discoveries and we're working closely with MAF on this.You can find out more about what we're doing andwhat symptoms to look for under the 'news' section of our website www.fishandgame.org.nz.

As the season gets into full swing, angler movements between rivers and lakes will obviously increase so the fish disease finding serves as a timely reminder of the importance of checking, cleaning and drying ALL gear when moving between waterways. For those of you who still haven't got around to renewing your licence, or for those waiting 'til nearer the opening of the High Country waters, it's simple to purchase online at www.fishandgame.org.nz .

And if you want to submit a photo to be considered for the Reel Life 'cover', email your image to hcarnachan@fishandgame.org.nz with the appropriate details – i.e angler's name, rough regional location (we're not asking you to divulge your secrets spots!), fish weight, fly/lure pattern and any other information you think is relevant and you might see yourself appearing in a future issue of Reel Life!*

So get snapping and happy fishing!
* Fish & Game NZ reserve the right to use any images submitted in other communications, publicity or promotional material so make sure you're looking your best!

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Creasy's Column - By Hugh Creasy

Greed is good…

Greed is good. The mantra of the excesses of capitalism applies more to fish than to humans. We are weakened by the qualities of mercy, perhaps restrained, but going for the jugular is not often expressed in civilised societies. That's why fly fishing was invented. It gives the fish a chance, and is practised by gentlemen and women who take on a virtuous air when returning fish to the water.

The fish are not grateful. In their savage world you never give a sucker a break, especially one that crawls along the river bottom, dining on algae and cellulose and diatoms and the eggs of larger creatures. Every victim has a victim. Fecundity is a survival tool.

So the mayfly dies before it flies and the trout fatten in the cool spring water. The trout keep a wary eye on each other. From a bridge above the river I watched their war, likened to ships in line astern, Nelson's fleet at the Battle of the Nile – the largest fish swam in the foodline and were harried by smaller fish, darting from the depths to take hatching insects from under the noses of their massive brethren. Read More

Angling Club Newsletters

Fish & Game New Zealand is proud to support angling clubs from around the country. You can read their monthly newsletters through our website by clicking here.