I caught a total of 5 Snapper last summer. All in the 30-35cm range.
That's more than I've ever caught before. All but one were caught at Mohaka or Whakaki.
The most I've ever caught in one outing was three.

I guess I've never been in the right place when a school of them come by.
This is what I believe happens when you hear of people catching their limit. It's a case of being in the right place at the right time.
In Napier that would be a freak event, rather than the norm.
I'd count myself very lucky to catch one or two in an outing at a local Napier beach.

However, if one day I strike it lucky and encounter a hot snapper bite, I'll be really disappointed if I could only take three. Especially after the expense of driving 100+ Km etc.

Grant is right, charter boats should be under commercial take.

I don't think the Gov't has taken into account the amount of money the recreational fishing sector spends on fishing. I know my own figures, and its pretty scary really. (approx $100 for every kg of fish taken home)