Jan 21, 2019

Examining the Reality Behind the World Record Trout Catch in New Zealand

The New Zealand Herald recently reported that a world-record 25kg (55 lbs) trout was "believed to have been caught in a South Island hydro canal - but the lucky fisherman is lying low." In an interview with the newspaper a Fish and Game field officer refers to the size of the fish in the area "reinforces how good New Zealand's trout fishing is. If we can confirm this brown trout record, then the next thing is setting a new world record for rainbow trout."

While we love New Zealand's people, fish and natural scenery so much... but the reality is that these catches are not indicative of the experience one may expect. Catches like this should have no bearing on your decision to fish in New Zealand. Go for the challenge! Go for the beauty! Go for the fun! But don't go expecting a rod-bending catch. The memories of stalking and landing wild trout will surely live with you longer.

Let's unpack the statements above and set expectations on the reality of fishing in New Zealand.

1) Hydro Canal Fishing

The problem with world record fish is that people will see the pictures later but without context to accompany the photo. No doubt the caption will say "World Record Trout New Zealand" and although one may travel to New Zealand and not truly expect to catch a 50 lb Brown, their thinking is skewed toward "well if there are 50 lb trout there, surely I'm good for a 10 pounder."

The answer is: Sure! You too can catch a fat trout if you are willing to fish along the banks of a hydro canal.

Look in the background of the photo below (credited to Richard Cosgrove, Fish and Game NZ). These canals hardly look to us like they "flow through spectacular high country scenery." What a shame to travel to New Zealand and relegate one's time to the canal network because they are one of "the country's most popular freshwater sports fishery."

2) This catch reinforces the quality of New Zealand fly fishing

We would argue that these catches have nothing to do with the quality of New Zealand fishing. Trout that are this massive are due to salmon farms upstream. Fish are fattened through the introduction of food into the water and while the salmon can't swim downstream through nets any food not eaten will float to waiting trout. It's completely independent of how good the trout fishing is in New Zealand... which is excellent by the way (just keep your expectations in check).

As for conjecture to why the angler is "lying low" is anyone's guess. Perhaps they don't want the publicity? Perhaps they are planning to shop the story and pictures to the highest bidder? Perhaps they were fishing without a license?

Source

Author: Frank Krieger