Seven of those were caught by Fish and Game rangers in the lower Taieri River and have also had their fishing gear confiscated.
A report in the Otago Daily Times earlier this week about Fish and Game cracking down on illegal fishermen on the lower Taieri had produced protests from some fishermen who believed, after discussions with the Otago Acclimatisation Society in the early 1960s, it was agreed no licence was required to fish below the Taieri Mouth bridge, and others who questioned the ''legality'' of Fish and Game's stance.
Fish and Game Otago operations manager Ian Hadland disputed those claims, saying a sports fish licence was not required to take other marine species such as herring, kahawai or flounder, but if trout or salmon were caught while fishing for other species below the bridge, a licence was required, unless they were released unharmed.
Where the river mouth started was clearly defined in the 1987 Conservation Act and Fish and Game were tasked with implementing the law.
''This unwritten agreement is not consistent with the law.''
As a result of people illegally fishing in the area recently, seven people's rods had been confiscated and they faced either an instant fine or court prosecution.
''The easiest way to avoid any doubt is to invest in a fishing licence and take advantage of its full benefits.''
Those fishing illegally were in minority and there were many fishermen legally fishing in the area, he said.
Ministry of Primary Industry's compliance manager Otago, Murray Pridham agreed with Fish and Game.
Recreational fishermen were required to have a licence to catch salmon and trout, regardless of where they were on the river, he said.
''If an unlicensed fisher is in possession of a salmon or trout while fishing, they are in breach of the rules.''
Mr Hadland said in other areas around Otago, fishermen had been well behaved, although the fishing had been a ''mixed bag'' due to the wet and windy weather.
However, three groups of international tourists, including two Australians fishing at Glenorchy, had been found without licences. They received instant fines of $500 and their gear was temporarily detained.
''Hopefully, they think twice before they do it again somewhere else.''
