My son-in-law and I caught these last night on Marine Parade, not another angler in sight. The Kahawhai at the back weighed in at 2.1kg the next one at 1.9kg both in very good condition.

The two larger gurnard were around the kilo mark, the smaller around 750gm, we also caught a small smooth hound. All were taken on a bait that once held a lot of favour but now is rarely used although the supply is plentiful and quite cheap.

On our last two trips to the beach we have taken Gurnard, the last trip (three weeks ago) we weighed in a gurnard at 1.4kg, taken by my son-in-law.

Rex, with no disrespect intended, I admire your efforts to bring angling matters to the attention of the public, but I fail to see what politician's salaries and taxes have to do with it. If you wish politicians to listen to genuine concerns, it doesn't help your case by throwing insults. Many are genuinely hard working, they put in very long hours, on occasions seven days a week.

If you have what you perceive as genuine concerns, invite your local MP to a Pania meeting, this will be far more productive that a letter to the editor. Or better still get the N.Z.A.C.A. on the case, they could do with some pro-active publicity, this could even boost their membership. Suggest members of the executive request a meeting with the minister, go directly to the top, he is the man to whom you should be voicing your disquiet.

Again, and with no disrespect for your letter or your anxiety, yesterday's letter to the editor will be used to wrap today's fish and chips.