Fisheries New Zealand Otago-Timaru fisheries compliance district manager Ian Henderson said a patrol took place on Saturday aboard the Toro.
"We found a lot of non-compliance on this patrol.
"It’s disappointing to find fishers not following basic rules, particularly taking undersized fish and using small blue cod for bait, which undermines not only the sustainability purpose of the minimum length but also ... the daily catch limit.
"Fishers should always be aware of the rules before going fishing."
Fishery officers covered an area from Otago Harbour to Kakanui and back.
Most of the 22 vessels and 30 fishers who had their catch inspected were fishing around the Shag Point and Moeraki offshore reef areas, along with some fishing in the East Otago Taiapure, Karitane or Seacliff areas, he said.
Fishers aboard 11 of the vessels inspected had broken various fishing rules including taking undersized blue cod and having blue cod in an unmeasurable state by using it as bait.
Undersized trumpeter and butterfish were found.
In one incident a fisher had taken a female crayfish that was carrying eggs, and excess shellfish.
Six infringement notices and five warning notices were issued.
Infringement notices ranged from $250 to $500, depending on the seriousness of the offence.
The blue cod daily limit in the patrolled area was 10 per fisher at a minimum size of 33cm.
If anyone caught undersized fish, they were to put it back immediately.
All fish that were seized were returned to the sea.
"Fishers can expect to see us on the water patrolling, and at boat ramps inspecting catches all year round."
Information on fishing rules is available online, in leaflets and by downloading the NZ Fishing Rules mobile app which works even without phone coverage.
• Report suspected illegal activity 0800 4 POACHER line (080047-62-24).
