Reeling in the sites for anglers

By MICHAEL FOREMAN

General information

Fishing.net.nz provides comprehensive coverage of both the freshwater and sea-fishing scenes. The site is owned and operated by website firm Real Developments, whose management also happen to be keen anglers.

A highlight of the site is its up-to-date reports of conditions and reported catches around the country.

Fishnhunt covers game-bird shooting as well as fishing and has been going since 1997, making it one of the longest running websites of its kind. The fishing component of this dual interest site puts the emphasis on river and lake fishing, but there is plenty of sea-related content as well. There are regular reports on fishing conditions at the big trout lakes, and links to webcams which reveal the actual water flows at several rivers.

FishNZ is the website of New Zealand Fishing News and includes a useful guide to local saltwater and freshwater fish species, and links to other fishing sites.

New Zealand Fishing has a little bit of everything for this online version of New Zealand Fishing magazine, covering sea and freshwater fishing from game-fish records to fish recipes. The visual layout of the site at times leaves something to be desired but the content is fresh and interesting.

Fish and Game is the official site of the non-Government organisation (NGO) responsible for managing freshwater fisheries and gamebird hunting. It is livelier than you might expect, including a region-by-region guide to freshwater fishing opportunities. An online shop allows you to buy your sports fishing licence over the net.

New Zealand Fishing Network is an association of 38 companies involved in the freshwater fishing industry. It is a good place to find details on the most popular regions to fish with information on seasons, tackle, guiding, accommodation and fishing licences.

Marinews is an Australian website providing comprehensive coverage of saltwater fishing across the Tasman.

Weather, Tides and Knots

The Met service provides a wide range of free weather information services, including tidal reports, satellite photos and recreational marine weather forecasts.

Ocean Fun Unlimited displays the tides at various locations in graph form.

Moon Phases means you just enter a date and the site tells you whether the moon will be waxing, waning, crescent-shaped or gibbous.

River fishing knots animations.

Animated diagrams for sea fishing knots.

Others

Picot's New Zealand Charter Guide is the online version of the well-established charter boat directory listing hundreds of fishing vessels for hire around the country, from "bareboat" fishing boats in the Hauraki Gulf to ice-worthy expeditionary vessels that could take you on a trip to Antarctica.

Fishingtackleonline is the website of Hamilton-based fishing tackle chain Fish City. It offers an extensive range of fishing tackle and chandlery, and new and second-hand boats.

Tackle and Gear Direct is an online supplier of rods, reels, lures, and accessories for salt water and fresh-water fishing.

Fishing.net.nz

Fishnhunt

FishNZ

New Zealand Fishing

Fish and Game

New Zealand Fishing Network

Marinews

The Met service

Marinews

Ocean Fun Unlimited

Moon Phases

River fishing knots animations

Animated diagrams for sea fishing knots

Picot's New Zealand Charter Guide

Fishingtackleonline

Tackle and Gear Direct