An Australian angler asks: Here is another question for you after reading the 2017-2018 rules and regulations and being a tad confused (it happens more as I get older!) – you may know the answer or perhaps know the right people to ask at DOC During the current season I have noticed a few people (including a Silver Fly) when Czech nymphing using a size 20 or 22 sprat hook with a 1.6gram lead split shot soldered over the curve of the hook covering the point. This is used on the end of the leader before the tippet in order to get the nymphs down fast and not snag on the bottom.
Will this technique still be permissible under the 2017-2018 regulations?
I have also seen guides traditional nymphing but using a small swivel at the end of the leader with a piece of split shot (maybe a couple) crimped on just above the swivel. The tippet leads to a single large glow bug. This is also a technique used to get the glow bug deep and minimise bottom snagging.
Will this technique be permitted in the coming season?
Thanks
So TRM provided the explanation of the new regulations by Rod & Reel:
With the new 2017/18 Taupo fishing season only just over a week away, we thought we’d give you a quick run down on some of the new rule changes and how these might affect you.
There are 5 main changes that we all need to be aware of;
1. Reduction in the minimum length of trout that can be taken, from 400mm, down to 350mm;
2. Reduction in stream mouth fishing restrictions, from 300m, down to 200m;
3. Changes to maximum leader length and additional ‘weight’ that can now be used;
4. Introduction of Non-resident, Senior and Family licenses;
5. Change in definition of the term ‘Child’ for licensing.
There are also some changes to license fees, with slight increases in some areas.
For the 2017/18 season, you can now take fish that are 350mm (35cm) or longer.
The rules have also changed to allow you to take 6 fish in total, per angler, per day (where it was 3 last season).
This has been done to allow more fish to be taken. Therefore reducing the overall pressure on the lakes food population.
Previously it was ‘Fly fishing only’ waters within 300m from any stream mouth. These restrictions have now been reduced to allow non-fly anglers to fish within 200m of any stream mouth.
Remember these limits only apply to those anglers not ‘Fly fishing’ i.e. Trolling, Jigging, etc. All those fly fishing can fish inside these limits.
These changes have been introduced to allow for better alignment with the Eastern Region F&G stream mouth restrictions.
These new restrictions apply specifically to those anglers who fish using the ‘Czech’ or ‘Euro’ nymph styles of fishing.
The new changes restrict maximum leader length (which includes leader and any coloured indicator line) to a maximum of 6m (19.68ft). This means you will no longer be able to have a long section of coloured ‘running line’ from your fly line to your leader. You can still use a running line, but only to a maximum of 6m (including your leader length).
Some anglers may be worried about this and their ability to perform this style of fishing, but don;t worry. If you tried to use a traditional WF fly line behind the 6m leader length, it would be too heavy and would catch on your guides and would ultimately be VERY frustrating to cast.
What’s the solution?
Competition fly fisherman have very similar rules to this and use specific Euro / Czech fly lines for this style of fishing. They are very thin and light in weight, which means they can easily shoot through the guides without catching and will not bee too heavy, as to sag between the guides when fishing. Some of these lines need a special ‘attachment process’ so that the line does not snag or hinge during casting. In other words, you can’t just tie a knot from your leader to the line, as it will ‘catch’ when trying to cast.
We will have a large stock of various lines that can be used for this and will also be running some specials for those that need to change their rigs. So keep an eye out for our upcoming line specials and we can set this all up so you’re all legal and ready to go!
Czech / Euro Nymphing Flylines
These new restrictions with regards to the use of weight affect all anglers.
The new changes restrict the use of ‘additional’ or ‘introduced’ weight to facilitate sinking of the leader. This means items such as swivels and sinkers added to assist casting will no longer be permissible.
Split shot, tungsten putty, etc are all still allowed.
This should not affect anglers too much, as Czech style nymphs are very slim in profile and can be tied very heavy, allowing for very fast sink rates. Any other standard nymphs can also be used, that are heavy in nature.
Specialist Czech Nymphing Flies
These are the following;
– Non-resident ($66 and $129.00) – means a person who is neither a New Zealand citizen nor a permanent resident (as those terms are defined in section 4 of the Immigration Act 2009);
– Senior ($90) – A person who is aged 65 years of age, or older, as of July 1st (being the first day of the 12 month license period);
– Family ($149) – means a licence that entitles the holder and the holder’s spouse or partner and, if any member of the holder’s family is accompanied by the holder or the holder’s spouse or partner, the member of the holder’s family, to take trout within the Taupo District (except at the Tongariro National Trout Centre) during the 12-month period, beginning on 1 July and ending on 30 June, that is stated in the licence.
A ‘Child’ will now be classed as a person who is aged under 18 years on 1 July, being the first day of the 12-month period, beginning on 1 July and ending on 30 June, that is stated in the licence.
This has been changed to align with the upper age limit definition used for the Fish and Game junior license category. This has also been put into effect to try to increase the amount of junior anglers fishing and make the sport more attractive to take up.
Finally, license costs will have a slight increase for the coming season. This is the first increase in the last 6 years and is still VERY good value for the sport and quality of fishing we have!
24-hour licence
Adult
$20
Child
$4.50
Week licence
Adult
$42
Non-resident
$65
Whole-season licence
Adult
$99
Senior
$90
Non-resident
$129
Family
$149
Child
$12.50
Turn fishing in to catching
ORIGINAL OTTER’S SOFT MILKING EGGS
LEARN HOW TO TIE OTTER’S EGGS HERE
EGG PATTERNS
Jig style hooks will ride upside down when being fished, this will dramatically decrease snags and tangles.
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