Being a kontiki angler, I have also fished with kites, you guys need to understand this unfortunate complaint fits both codes. Many is the time I have had a torpedo out and had a surfcaster come and set up along side me. This is common practice along Marine Parade. I have a GPS torpedo so this doesn't worry me unduly.

I also fish with rods so I appreciate the frustration works both ways. One time I was fishing a kite on a rod and line, there is a kite, a flexiwing, made for this specific purpose, this was at Oportiki. There was not another soul as far as the eye could see in either direction. Two surfcasters set up right beside me. I explained I had a kite out and direction was at the will of the wind, I could not guaranty a straight in retrieve, also I was fishing with 80 kg braid.

I was politely informed the beach was there for everyone, they would fish where they wanted. Fine by me, the first guy cast over my line, and nylon and braid simply do not mix. I don't know how much line he lost but it took an occurrence he was warned about before they would move.

I think you will find other torpedo users on this site can report similar stories where surfcasters have set up too close to those who fish with an alternative method. I have seen this happen frequently, especially at Whirinaki.

There are no set rules, just sensible guidelines. There will always be people who choose to ignore these and be selfish, unfortunate but true. This applies to both kontiki users and surfcasters.

Two weeks ago I was parked in the car park at the Tuki Tuki river mouth. Just off shore, about a hundred metres a group of surfers were having a great time catching a few waves. Two surfcasting 'plonkers' set up their gear and started casting out among them, spinning for Kahawhai. This is an accident waiting to happen, not just a case of lost gear.