Fishing is more than just a hobby in New Zealand; it’s a way of life! Fishing with a rod and reel is not only a great way to catch fish but also a relaxing and social outdoor activity that allows you to connect with nature. With stunning coastlines, rivers and lakes all holding fish, New Zealand offers some of the best fishing experiences in the world. If you’re a novice angler looking to cast your line, this guide will help you get started.  

Understand the basics

The fundamental concept of fishing involves using a rod and a reel that holds line attached to a hook. The hook is either baited or adorned with a lure, then cast or dropped into the water – the aim is to fool a fish into biting the bait or lure, so it can be hooked in the mouth and brought in using the rod and reel. The basic components of fishing include:

•    The rod – typically made of fibreglass or graphite, the rod allows the line to be cast and is crucial for bringing hooked fish in.

•    The reel – a device attached to the rod that allows you to store, release, and retrieve fishing line. Common types include spinning reels and overhead reels. Spinning reels sit below the rod and have a stationary spool on the side of which is a revolving metal arm. This arm catches the line and winds it onto the spool as a handle is turned, the metal arm being disengaged during casting so the line spirals freely off the spool. On the other hand, overhead reels sit atop the rod and feature a spool that rotates as line is released and retrieved. Overhead reels are generally harder to cast than spinning reels – the exception being baitcast reels that feature a release button that enables direct contact between the thumb and spool, allowing departing line to be more easily controlled.

•    The line – a strong, thin cord that connects your bait or lure to the rod and reel. Line comes in various strengths (rated by breaking strains in pounds or kilograms) and the two common options are clear monofilament or coloured braid. 

•    The leader – typically a heavier line, called a leader, is used at the fishy end as it is more abrasion-resistant. The leader is generally tied to the mainline with a swivel.

•    Swivels – used to connect mainline to leader and account for twisting of the line. 

•    Hooks – sharp metal pieces that catch fish when they bite your bait or lure.

•    Sinkers – typically made of lead, sinkers are used to take rigs to the bottom and also provide weight to assist casting. 

•    Knots – a crucial part of fishing, knots are used to connect the line and leader to swivels, hooks, and sinkers. As knots are the weakest point in the fishing chain, it pays to practise knot-tying! The uni knot is a great beginner’s knot and can be used in many applications. There are lots of great knot-tying tutorials available on YouTube. 

•    Bait or lures – real baits such as chunks of fish, whole small fish (dead or alive) and squid, and artificial lures attached to the hook(s) in order to attract fish. Lures come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, depending on the species being targeted.  

The basic process for typical Kiwi fishing involves:

•    Casting or dropping the line out – the line is cast by raising the rod behind you, then swinging it forward while at the same time releasing the line to send the bait or lure into the water. If fishing from a boat or a platform over deep enough water (such as a wharf), the line can simply be dropped down without the need to cast. 

•    Waiting – once the bait is in the water, you wait for a fish to bite. If using a lure, these are generally ‘actively’ fished with movement imparted from the rod and reel. In either case, some patience is usually required! 

•    Getting a bite and setting the hook – when a bite or tug on the line is felt, fish often hook themselves (particularly if using circle hooks). However, sometimes the rod needs to be pulled upwards to embed the hook in the fish's mouth.

•    Reeling in – after hooking the fish, the rod and reel are used in conjunction to pull the catch in. The rod should do most of the work, pulling fish inwards when it is lifted, and the reel should simply wind in the ‘easy’ line as the rod is lowered. The reel is not a winch! This lifting and winding/lowering process should be repeated smoothly until the fish is ready to be landed, making sure there is no slack line at any stage as this creates a greater chance of the hook dislodging. For larger fish, the tension needs to be managed carefully via the reel’s adjustable drag system to avoid breaking the line.

Choose what kind of fishing you’d like to do

Now you understand the basic concepts, you’ll need to decide what kind of fish you’d like to catch and what kind of fishing style you’d like to use. 

Freshwater fishing focuses on lakes and rivers, targeting species like trout, salmon, and perch. A fishing licence is required for freshwater fishing and different waterways have different rules around seasons and permitted techniques. Visit Fish & Game New Zealand’s website for more information. 

Saltwater fishing is generally more accessible for Kiwis as we’re surrounded by ocean and there are no barriers to entry. Common saltwater species caught in New Zealand include kahawai, snapper, blue cod, mackerel, sprats, trevally, gurnard, tarakihi, and kingfish – all making great table fare. Familiarise yourself with local fishing regulations, including bag limits and size restrictions. These rules help protect fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing practices. You can find this information on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

Do some research online or talk with helpful local anglers about what species are available to catch in your area, some spots to start out at, and what popular methods are employed. You can then decide what kind of fishing you’d like to do, which will determine what kind of fishing equipment you’ll require. For example, if you’d like to target kahawai and snapper from the beach, you might want a long surfcasting rod with a large spinning reel, partnered with some surf rigs appropriate for casting decent distances and breakaway surf sinkers, or some kahawai spinning lures. On the other hand, if you’ve been invited out on a friend’s boat to do some fishing for blue cod and tarakihi in deeper water, an overhead rod and reel combo with some pre-tied rigs and large sinkers would be ideal. Or, if you simply want to take the kids down to the local wharf to catch some sprats, you’ll only need small spinning rods and reels spooled with light line, attached to sabiki baitfish rigs and small sinkers.  

Practice makes perfect

Just like any new sport or hobby, it can take some time to climb the learning curve and ‘get your eye in’. Fortunately, there are always opportunities to work on your fishing even when you’re not fishing! You can practise tying different knots and rigs at home, scope out tips and tricks online, and refine your casting technique in the backyard or at the local park. With each trip, you’ll get better at rigging baits, working lures, detecting subtle bites, and converting takes into hook-ups. You’ll also discover patterns around spots, species, tides, time of day, and time of season that will help you become a better angler and catch more fish. 

Fishing is as much about relaxation and enjoying nature as it is about catching fish. Take the time to appreciate your surroundings, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch anything right away. Remember that every trip is a learning experience, and don’t try to push the boundaries too far too early. Stay safe out there and happy fishing!

For all your fishing tackle and boating equipment, visit jarviswalker.co.nz

- NZ Fishing News