Fishing Reports

Gidday from Otago

Many divers often retreat from the water during the cooler winter months however, those who are prepared to show a bit of fortitude are often rewarded with better visibilty and the usual plethora of fauna. There are a number of drysuit promotions at this time of year so if you want to keep diving and warm through winter  now is the time to upgrade.

In saying this, I have to report that the diving has sadly been affected by the floods of late as the mighty Clutha and the not so mighty Taieri Rivers spew their silt laden waters into the Southland Current which runs from south to north up our coastline.

Some divers have been forced to travel to the West Coast, more specifically Haast where the conditions have been more favourable. Details of 30 - 40 metre visibility and more crays than you would find in a Japanese fish market have been filtering through.

Stewart Island in February was as fantastic as usual with great visibility, great diving and great company. The next away trip is to Milford Sound in June. There is no better vista than surfacing after a dive in Milford Sound and seeing those magnificent Alps stretching up to the sky.

Many will be touched by the tragic events in Foveaux Strait last week. Our thoughts go out to the families at this very sad time.

Dave Watson