Central South Island Fish & Game compliance co-ordinator Hamish Stevens said all anglers who targeted trout, salmon, perch and other sports fish in freshwater were required under the Conservation Act 1987 to hold a valid sports fishing licence and adhere to the sports fishing regulations.
Anglers also needed to check the sports fishing regulation guide as regulations can differ between various waterways.
"Fish & Game rangers will be active over the holiday season to observe the success of anglers and that rules are being followed.
"Anglers who choose to fish for sports fish without a licence or otherwise break the regulations can expect to end up in court.
"It’s not a risk worth taking and it is much cheaper and less stressful to purchase a licence and follow the rules."
Mr Stevens said anglers who were unsure of regulations or requirements should contact their local Fish & Game office.
Staff were happy to help and in addition to regulations could also provide information on where to go and how to fish the waterways in the region.
During the 2023-24 season, that ended on the September 30, Fish & Game rangers undertook their duties at 45 waterways across the Central South Island Fish & Game Region, interviewing 2442 anglers.
Of those, 107 people were found offending, accounting for a total of 120 offences.
Most offences were detected at the Mackenzie hydro-electric canals near Tekapo and Twizel.
Mr Stevens said the most common offence was fishing without a current licence — 54 unlicensed anglers were found by rangers last season.
Other common offences detected by rangers were using unauthorised bait, fishing out of season, providing false and misleading information to a ranger, continuing to fish after having taken a bag limit, using more than one bait assembly and using more than one rod.
Rarer offences detected included: breaching the requirements of the sea-run salmon season bag limit, obstruction, failing to return unwanted sports fish with as little injury as possible, and being more than 15m from rod.
In 54 of these cases, offenders were charged and summonsed to appear in the District Court.
Fish & Game rangers have interviewed 600 anglers already in the current fishing season, detecting seven people offending.
The maximum penalty for fishing without a licence, and most regulation breaches, is a criminal conviction, fine of up to $5000 and forfeiture of fishing gear used.
— APL
