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I'm slightly offended by this comment...I'm curious to know what you mean by "locals"?
You also seem to be implying that fishermen and women who employ the heave and leave method, are no better than poachers.
And for those that don't think it qualifies as fly fishing, the current regulations say otherwise...
“fly fishing” means to fish for sports fish with fly rod and fly reel and fly line and artificial fly."
"No licence holder when fishing for sports fish shall: 3.3.4 Be more than 15m from the rod being used."
I agree with Snuffit...it's not my scene, but I also don't feel the need to talk rubbish about those that do. Maybe next time any of you are at the pipe, stop and have a yarn and a cuppa with whoever's there...you may be pleasantly surprised
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With respect, and not wishing to cause further offence, can I suggest you look closely at the Second Schedule regional specific Eastern Region regulations that cover Rotorua lakes (not just the First Schedule which are non-specific general regulations).
In certain situations, such as use of gear and closed seasons, the Second Schedule overrules the non-regional conditions.
The Eastern Region regulations state:
"4.1 No licence holder shall fish for sports fish with a set rod unless
he or she is fishing from a boat."
Where (in the definitions section) it states: ...“Set rod” means any assembled rod that is not in physical contact with
a licence holder when being used to fish for sports fish."
Those shore-based 'regulars' who fish at the Pipe, Ruato etc and wander away from their rods while their lines and lures are in the water are in clear breach of the specific regulations that cover Rotoiti.
Heave and leave in a stocked fishery where taking is encouraged is okay by me, as long as the angler holds the rod. But I don't like to see people using it with giant egg flies in places such as Otamangakau (Taupo district) - mainly because fish often suck down the "fly" in a fatal way.
I've seen people casting out floating egg/glow bugs on spin gear from jetties at Tarawera and wandering back to their bach deck with a beer!
In terms of a call for some semblance of etiquette, I don't think it's fair that the regulars can claim a spot by staking a claim at 4.45am and never moving all day, or popping back to their camper for a cuppa or whatever and thinking a deck chair and rod left on the scene means their 'possession' is maintained. Sad if they think that is acceptable.
Also, while Flyfisher can clarify his comment himself, I'm pretty sure his mention of poachers referring to the numerous reported cases of local people prosecuted for poaching using nets, spears etc on spawning tributaries in the area - not any inference about heave and leave.
I believe it's good to have a robust discussion on issues such as those described by the original poster.