Fishing in New Zealand ‘exceptional’ but product supply an issue

Fishing in New Zealand this year has been described as ‘exceptional’ – generating strong tackle sales in the region.

Angling International’s New Zealand correspondent, Grant Dixon, reports that the game seasion – sport for marlin and tuna – has been the best for years and does not look like easing off any time soon. He said: “The weather has generally been good and as a result tackle sales are correspondingly buoyant.

“There are no restrictions on fishing and the industry is experiencing good sales growth as people are looking at new activities to fill the void and dollars once taken up with overseas travel.

“The biggest problem for the trade is supply. There is little or no local manufacturing, with most tackle being imported from overseas with product flow restricting trade.”

Dixon also reports that after being cancelled for the first time in its 65th history last year, New Zealand’s biggest marine show has been given the go-ahead for 2021.

The Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show in Auckland – an event that boasts a strong fishing content – is set for May 13 to 16 following an easing of restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.