fishingmag.co.nz

Whitebaiting with Rakaia Scoop Nets - Rakaia River Mouth - by Allan Burgess - Scroll down page for YouTube Video

Rakaia River Scoop Nets
The roar and splash of the surf are a constant companion when whitebaiting at the Rakaia River mouth. All the right gear. Lifejacket, scoop net, bucket, and neophrene chest waders. This type of scoop net is only used in the surf.
The roar and splash of the surf are a constant companion when whitebaiting at the Rakaia River mouth. All the right gear. Lifejacket, scoop net, bucket, and neophrene chest waders. This type of scoop net is only used in the surf.
Scoop netters on the north side of the Rakaia Rivermouth. With the sea on one side and the river on the other; all are wearing life-jackets. Tipping bait from the net into a plastic container strapped around the waste. A reasonable level of physical fitness is required for this.
Scoop netters on the north side of the Rakaia Rivermouth. With the sea on one side and the river on the other; all are wearing life-jackets. Tipping bait from the net into a plastic container strapped around the waste. A reasonable level of physical fitness is required for this.
The river current is very quick and powerful through the narrow gut. It is a simple matter of catching the waves as they bring in the bait. Humans are not the only whitebaiters working. Gulls pic silveries and whitebait from the stones that are left stranded by the breakers.
The river current is very quick and powerful through the narrow gut. It is a simple matter of catching the waves as they bring in the bait. Humans are not the only whitebaiters working. Gulls pic silveries and whitebait from the stones left stranded by the breakers.
The whitebaiter on the far right is tipping his catch into his holding bucket. Every so often the contents are tipped into second bucket kept further up the beach. When the bait are running your buckets can fill quite quickly! This whitebaiter is using a carrying net made with an alloy frame secured around his waist to hold the catch. It has a funnel top and importantly the water drains away. These are great but cost about $130.00 each.
The whitebaiter on the far right is tipping his catch into his holding bucket. Every so often the contents are tipped into second bucket kept further up the beach. When the bait are running your buckets can fill quite quickly! This whitebaiter is using a carrying net made with an alloy frame secured around his waist to hold the catch. It has a funnel top and importantly the water drains away. These are great but cost about $130.00 each.
Scoop netting is potentially the most dangerous as rouge sweeper waves can catch you by surprise. The lifejacket is a must! A plastic bucket around the waist is the option employed by most baiters. Probably because it is the least expensive.
Scoop netting is potentially the most dangerous as rouge sweeper waves can catch you by surprise. The lifejacket is a must! A plastic bucket around the waist is the option employed by most baiters. Probably because it is the least expensive.
You can't beat a four-wheel motorbike with balloon tires for crossing the loose shingle. It can be very hard walking especially when carry gear! The Rakaia scoop can also be used a bit further back up river from the mouth where the current is still quite fast flowing.
You can't beat a four-wheel motorbike with balloon tires for crossing the loose shingle. It can be very hard walking especially when carrying gear! The Rakaia scoop can also be used a bit further back up river from the mouth where the current is still quite fast flowing.
image: Rakaia River scoop netting for whitebait.

Return to: New Zealand Fishing home page. More Rakaia River Mouth Whitebaiting.

 

© fishingmag.co.nz 1999 - 2012