Fish are weird, I have caught fish with damaged and broken gills which show signs of healing but have seen plenty die from what seems like minor wounds. As a general rule, when its legal, I do keep any fish which is bleeding but release such a fish is no guarantee of death either.
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Whitebait Season starts 1 September 2026 and ends 30 October (inclusive). Chatham Islands: 1 December to the last day of February (inclusive)
