Finfish bag limits and size restrictions.

Play your part to conserve the resource
Fishing is one of New Zealand's most popular recreational activities. Every year a large number of finfish, rock lobster and shellfish are taken by recreational fishers. This can seriously affect local fisheries. This means it is important for all fishers to act responsibly and help conserve the resource.

Know the limits
Don't take more than your limit.
Don't take undersized fish.
Don't sell or trade your catch.

Finfish Species Total combined bag limit per person is 20 fish of any combination, unlesss stated.
Blue Cod 30 cm
Snapper 27 cm 9 per person
John Dory -
King Fish 75 cm
Sand Flounder 23 cm
Kahawai -
Red Gurnard 25 cm
Trevally 25 cm
Tarakihi 25 cm

To measure your fish, is from the tip of the nose to the "V" in the tail.

Thought you might be interested to know the bag limit here in Queensland for Snapper is 5 per person and that is pretty standard for most reef species they are a little more generous with the pelagic species.

We also have a rule that says we have to cut off one pectoral fin as soon as we catch the fish only commercial operators can leave the fins on this is in place to try and stop amateurs selling their catch. when you come back to the boat ramp they can check your catch to make sure the fins are cut off. The other rule we have is the skin must be left on the fillets so the fish can be identified if they are filleted at sea.

its all getting a bit big brother but I am sure the intention to sustainable harvesting has merit ,

Cheers Hoot

I think I will stay in NZ and hope our dictators don't change the rules

I agree... although if it stops the pillaging of oceans resources, I'm all for it... I've seen too much willful destruction of the fish life in NZ waters to shame most people... I hope to be fishing for the rest of my life!!