Another tourist has been caught illegally fishing in Otago, and three Swiss anglers were caught hours before they left the country and fined $500 each for fishing illegally in Wanaka earlier this month.
The Swiss trio caught by Otago Fish and Game earlier this month, had their gear confiscated, but as it took time to process fine documents, they had left Wanaka, operations manager Ian Hadland said.
"They were fishing within 100m of a Fish and Game sign which stated the angling restrictions including the need for a licence."
He was not optimistic they would find the trio again, but the campervan hire company the tourists were using flagged the vehicle so when it was returned, the tourists were handed the fine paperwork.
"The offenders were encouraged to resolve the situation before they departed that afternoon. They got quite a surprise I think," Mr Hadland said.
Each of the tourists paid the $500 fine for unlicensed angling.
Mr Hadland said it was a great, but rare result.
"Catching up with short-stay international travellers who have offended is a nightmare, so we were appreciative of the help from the campervan company."
Fish and Game was already dealing with another illegal angler, this time an Englishman fishing at Albert Town, who claimed he did not know a licence was required.
"But again, as with the Swiss, there is nearly nowhere in England where one is permitted to fish in freshwater. The obligation is still on the tourist to know the local rules and regulations, including the need for a licence."
