How long and how wide is a whitebaiting net?

Whitebait nets must have a mouth no larger than 4.5 m (measured around the inside of the net frame) and framing material no wider than 120 mm. Drag nets must be no taller than 1 m in height and be flat when laid on a flat surface. Both whitebait nets and drag nets must be no more than 3.5 m in length.

1. How far apart do whitebait nets have to be?
2. Can you whitebait under a bridge?
3. How big is a whitebait?
4. What tide is best for Whitebaiting?
5. How far do whitebait swim up river?
6. Can you level Whitebaiting Level 4?
7. Do you have to gut whitebait?
8. What are the new rules around whitebait fishing?
9. Is it legal to sell whitebait?
10. What do whitebait grow into?
11. What does whitebait taste like?
12. Do whitebait grow into bigger fish?
13. What is a mature whitebait?

How far apart do whitebait nets have to be?

Always maintain at least 20 m between fixed fishing gear, except when used from stands. No minimum distance between scoop or drag nets.

Can you whitebait under a bridge?

A person must not fish for whitebait from a bridge.

How big is a whitebait?

Whitebait are translucent in appearance, and are around 4-5 cm long.

What tide is best for Whitebaiting?

Spring tides are favoured for the best catches of 'bait. While the season can be slow in August and September, October and November are my favourite months for whitebaiting. The combination of increasing water temperatures and spring tide, perhaps after a little rain, create the ideal conditions for 'baiting.

How far do whitebait swim up river?

It was always thought that whitebait only travelled upstream during daylight hours. Whitebait can travel up to 18 km over 36 hours, and their maximum migration speed is about 1.5 km per hour.”

Can you level Whitebaiting Level 4?

At Alert Level 4, you can fish for whitebait during the whitebaiting season. Fish locally, stay 2 metres from other river users and remember boating is not allowed. You legally must also comply with all current whitebait regulations, including: only fishing from the banks of rivers or the water's edge.

Do you have to gut whitebait?

Whitebait are eaten whole with the head, tail guts and the lot still intact – most often fried, the tiny, delicate nature of the fish make them a highly sought-after dish. Whitebait has been a hugely popular in the UK.

What are the new rules around whitebait fishing?

Fishing methods

Minimum distance of 20 m between fixed fishing gear, except when used from stands. Only one fishing net can be used from a stand. Maximum length of all fishing gear cannot exceed a quarter of a channel's width. Fixed fishing gear is gear set on the riverbed to catch fish, except when used from stands.

Is it legal to sell whitebait?

The guts is that whitebait is excluded from requiring a registered risk management programme certification and can be sold legally without meeting the standard food safety requirements. This is because it has been determined a low-risk product when balanced against the compliance costs and consumption level.

What do whitebait grow into?

Through spring and summer, the little whitebait grow into adult fish known as inanga. Inanga are slender fish, with a small head and transparent fins. They are a pale creamy colour, mottled or spotted greenish-olive on their back and sides.

What does whitebait taste like?

Whitebait detractors say that Whitebait doesn't actually have any flavour, and that even eggs will overwhelm their taste. Consequently, they are usually rolled in flour and fried.

Do whitebait grow into bigger fish?

Whitebait return

During this migration they are called whitebait. Those that escape the whitebaiters' nets spend the summer in backwaters and slow-flowing sections of rivers and streams, growing into adult fish.

What is a mature whitebait?

Kōaro (Galaxias brevipinnis)

These solitary fish are often found in fast-flowing, cool, tussock or forest streams. They commonly grow to about 160–180 mm, but can reach 290 mm. In bright light, their skin shines with iridescence.