The Lateral Line: June 2023

Fishing rules change often, make sure you know what the current rules are wherever you’re fishing by downloading the NZ Fishing Rules app.

Hauraki Gulf fisheries closure: 2-year ban on seaweed and invertebrate harvesting begins March 2026 across Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay, and Whangaparāoa Peninsula.

An amateur fishing charter company that illegally caught crayfish for customers and served it as a meal has been fined $60,000.

Taupō trout fishery sees 4x spike in violations. DOC Rangers issue warning as 40 offences detected, with $400 fines for unlicensed fishing and rule-breaking.

Major changes to NZ's environmental laws could affect fishing access, water quality and coastal areas. Submissions close 13 Feb 2026. Make your voice heard.

Two essentials for autumn fly fishing in the central North Island. Cleardrift egg patterns are producing right now at the Tongariro Delta, and breathable waders will keep you comfortable as temperatures drop.

Boaties share their love of fishing and why it’s so important to ‘protect our paradise’. By keeping hulls, anchors, chains and gear clean, we can all do our bit to stop the spread of invasive pests.

Brendan Lockhead never grew up around boats. Then an impulse buy at 30 changed everything. Now he's chasing snapper in the Hauraki Gulf and says NZ fishing is hard to beat.

New ban on gathering shellfish, seaweed and rockpool life now in force on Hauraki Gulf coast north of Auckland. Fines up to $100,000. Check the rules.

Woolly buggers and low-light polarised glasses - Find the promo-code at the bottom of the report.