Department of Conservation (Doc) ranger Benjamin Davies said he wanted everyone to enjoy their time out in the water this whitebaiting season.
However, he also reminded everyone to stay safe, be courteous and to ask for help if they were not sure how it all worked.
"We want everyone to have fun on the river, but in light of two recent boating tragedies, we also want everyone to stay safe as well, especially if you’re new to whitebaiting."
He reminded people they did not need any licences for whitebaiting and there was no bag limit for what they could take home, but there were rules around gear.
"There are different restrictions around nets.
"If you’re scoop netting versus set netting or drag netting, just ensure you know the regulations around all of that before heading out."
Mr Davies said anyone not sure could call Doc, check in with the staff at fishing shops, or ask a local fishing club.
"If you’re just starting out and don’t have experienced friends or families around to head out with, try your local fishing club.
"There is usually someone who is happy to take you and show you the ropes."
The season begins on September 1 and runs until October 30.
That time of year it was possible to go whitebaiting from 5am to 8pm, until daylight savings on September 29, when it will switch to 6am to 9pm, Mr Davies said.
Fish & Game officer Bruce Quirey said to add to their catch, many whitebaiters set up a fishing rod for trout, which fed on baitfish in estuaries at this time of year.
"Late winter and spring are a highly productive time for trout fishing in our coastal reaches.
"A valid sports fishing licence is required for trout fishing and the usual regulations apply."
Both Fish & Game and Doc rangers would be out around waterways to provide help, and to make sure everyone was following the rules.
Hunting & Fishing fishing manager Ryan Dunbar said he usually tried to sneak out at least once a year nearer the end of the season, and his spot was the Taieri River.
He said he was excited for the season, as whitebaiting also meant trout would be in the area chasing after them.
"If the start of the season is a good run then we usually see a few first time whitebaiters come on in keen to give it a try, but if it starts off a bit slower then it’s usually just the usual crowd coming in to replace their nets."
Whitebaiters well behaved
Police have praised Southland whitebaiters after an operation at the Waiau River mouth found everybody on their best behaviour.
The joint operation targeting illegal whitebaiting involved also involved the Department of Conservation, Fisheries of New Zealand, and Te Rūnaka o Ōraka-Aparima.
Western Southland area response manager, Senior Sergeant Pete Graham said the aim of this operation was to target illegal fishing, anti-social behaviours, or fishers driving while impaired.
“We are proud to see our Southern community abiding by the rules and regulations around whitebaiting season and we hope this activity continues.”
Police and Doc would continue to work together over the whitebaiting season.
“To avoid any confusion, we encourage all whitebaiters to educate themselves on the rules and regulations to ensure their 2024 whitebaiting season goes swimmingly.”
