For the most part, those anglers were good people who simply forgot to bring their licences with them, he said.
"Most of the 22 cases have already been dealt with, aside from about three where Game is still trying to confirm the anglers hold licences."
He urged fishermen to check their licence before heading for the waterways.
"Be sure to carry your licence in the same place every time, whether it's your wallet, tackle box, or a place on the boat so that it's ready to hand over for inspection."
He said the penalty for fishing without a licence was a fine up to $5000 and possibly the loss of your fishing gear.
"Those who are caught fishing without a licence can face not only a penalty for this, but also for giving false or misleading particulars, a serious offence under the Conservation Act."
He said in some cases anglers were guilty of not making themselves familiar with the regulations contained in the booklet which was always handed out with the purchase of a licence.
Rotorua Hunting and Fishing co-owner Adam Rowbotham said they had sold a lot of fishing licences during the holidays.
"They become more popular towards the back end of the season [which ends in March]."
LICENCE COSTS
Season adult $116
Season junior $23
24-hour adult $23
24-hour junior $7
Adults 18+
THE RULES
A licence is required for fishing in the Rotorua lakes, with the season running from October 1 to June 30.
Fish being returned to the water should be released facing upstream until it swims away.
All gear needs to be cleaned and dried before entering another river or lake.
No licence-holder should fish for any sports fish between midnight and 5am.