Whether with a stand or getting their nets out and theirfeet wet, eager whitebaiters braved the rainy and cold conditions yesterday, the first day of the season.
However, it was not all smooth sailing, as early in the day they were struggling to catch anything.
Whitebaiter Chris Bruce flew back from Australia specifically to fish for whitebait, not minding the temperature difference, and said he was happy to be out fishing, if not catching.
Last year, he got only about three days at his stand at the Mataura River before being flooded out.
A few pounds of whitebait was all he had to show for the 2024 season, due to the torrential rain and flooding.
Across the way yesterday, retiree Bill Holland was keeping warm in his caravan, happy to be back at his stand despite a dismal catch so far.
"It’s been a slow start. The river’s not in a good condition, doesn’t look good.
"But that’s fishing, sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s not."
Last year, a massive jump in the price for a stand led to plenty of complaints by whitebaiters throughout the region.
This year prices have not jumped up, but Mr Holland said it seemed a bit strange to not only have previously shortened the season, but escalated the prices.
At the end of the day, it was just about getting out and having a fish though, and hopefully heading home with a bit of tucker to show for it, he said.
"It’s just a hobby for me. I’m retired now. But it’s like everything; regulation just seems to ruin it all, doesn’t it?" he said, laughing.
The season runs until the start of November.
