Gary, I would like to support you on your perceived catches taken on torpedoes, sadly I can't. To date I have seen one snapper caught on local beaches, my personal tally is nil, and I don't expect that to change any time soon and it worries me not one jot.

Right, so we cut down the hook limit to five claiming this levels the playing field. Someone fishing for Kahawhai at Awatoto will therefore reduce their casts to five every hour and a half, about the time it takes to make a short set and retrieve.

I remain fascinated at idea of seeing bins full of fish, I never seen this yet and I consider a good set to be when I land three fish. My tally so far this year works out at three sets a session, with a total return of six fish per session (not set). This compares very favourably with others I know who run torpedoes, there seems to be a lot of highly vivid imagination running riot around this thread.

Information sharing. This is interesting, especially as three weeks ago I reported a large shoal of Kingfish working very close to shore behind the aquarium on Napier's Marine Parade. Isn't that useful for local surfcasters? Note I gave the correct location, not spot 'X'.

Anyway, I think my time on this message board has run it's course. In the period I have posted I have read nothing but complaints about the state of the fishery, a petition regarding how poor the fishing is, there are no gurnard around, and the methods used by other anglers.

I have never experienced such negativity in all the years I have enjoyed the sport. I got my first rod when I was eleven years of age so that makes it about fifty-nine years ago. I have no idea why my fish tally and enjoyment does not reflect those moans. I find it rare to visit the beach and not come home with a fish, last Sunday eleven fish for our party of three anglers. When you do catch fish they are described as rubbish, crap or s**tfish, this leaves me cold.

I do appreciate I am the odd one out as I love fishing, I get a huge kick out of helping others. I love what is on offer and how easy it is to take a fish home for dinner. I love our beaches, the variety of fish to be caught, some for dinner some to be returned but all good sport. We have some wonderful spots around Napier, and the angler's reward is pleasing. Two of three gurnard and a couple of Kahawhai are very acceptable for most. To be blessed with a lovely clean sea and a pristine environment is a gift I hold dear, also the patience to know one day a nice snapper will happen along, but if that doesn't occur I am not about to pack a huge sad over it.

Carry on complaining chaps, I'm sure one day someone may listen to you but it's unlikely they will take and notice. Is it any wonder with attitudes such as this clubs are not patronized and membership is so low when compared to the size of the local population? Is it any wonder why by far the majority of anglers have never heard of the NZACA.

As for chilling out, I will do so by visiting a local beach. I will have either rods or torpedo in hand and enjoy every single moment, including an expectation of fish for dinner.

Right' let the put downs begin, it seems to be the usual way.