Join a Club

Hi Recreational Fishers

Trust your Christmas holidays were a time of good relaxation and a time of great fishing.  Hope the weather was kind to you wherever you may have been and was conducive to enable you to keep your lines tight and chilly bins full.

Well the 'Soundings' document and resultant discussion has been well and truly aired and now it is the turn of those who are in charge to collate all the submissions and bring us back a composite report.  A big thanks to all of those who gave of their time and energy to present the discussion papers to us and to cop all the flack that seemed to fly at times.  Also, to all of you who took the time to put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboards, and sent in submissions, whether they be great or small, thanks to you.  As for those who just didn't bother - well what can I say - I put money on it that you will be the first, and moan the loudest, to make your feelings known if things don't go your way and you find that you are not allowed to fish where you want to, or can't catch the species you like.  Well you will only have yourselves to blame. 

New Zealander's are great-do-it-youselvers and often don't want to be bothered with others or with structures and organisations.  However when it comes to recreational fishing there is a lot to say for belonging to a local fishing club.  Apart from the camaraderie, and the chance to swap yarns and ideas, there is also the chance to learn from each other and encourage the younger ones to get involved.  Clubs don't have to be over-structured with fish bins full of rules etc. - often the simpler the better.  If you can not find a club near you that suits - start one yourself - it only takes a few mates and a common goal.  The NZACA is only to willing to give assistance where it can. 

This takes me on to the next point I want to make and that it is important that Clubs be associated in some form or other with a national organisation.  It is the strength of these national organisations which is important today if recreational fishers are to have any clout and to be able to stand up to the power of the commercial dollar and the fickle whims of government.  There is simply just to many fishing clubs in God's Own that are not affiliated with their National Associations and these Associations are struggling to make an impact where it matters most because of the lack of the strength of numbers.  We are not talking dollars here - although that is part of it - it is the mighty numbers game  which is important.  We are known to be an apathetic lot except when something starts to hurt, but by then the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff is to late.  We need to be united at the top of the cliff so we can not be pushed around by others who think they know best. 

So I guess my message to recreational fishers is :-

     Enjoy your fishing

           Enjoy it with others

                 Join a Club

                       Clubs become part of the national scene. 

Together we can make a difference

     Apart we can be conquered and we will eventually miss out. 

If I can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me

Graeme Dawber
National Secretary
NZ Angling & Casting Association
P.O.Box 12 042, Rotorua
ph/fax 07 357 4446
email  <[email protected]>