Small fish caught in a whitebait net at the mouth of the Wairau River in September 2025. They are possibly yellow-eyed mullet.
How to Catch Whitebait – An Easy Beginner’s Guide with Allan Burgess

New to whitebaiting? This beginner’s guide by Allan Burgess covers everything you need to know – from the rules and best gear to choosing the right rivers, tides, and safe fishing techniques. Learn how to spot the whitebait runs, use pole nets effectively, and prepare your fresh catch for the perfect fritter.

Rakaia whitebait scoop net.
Whitebaiting in the Surf – Rakaia River Mouth

Rakaia River Surf Whitebaiting. Here are some photographs of whitebait scoop netting in the surf. It is potentially the most dangerous method of whitebaiting because rogue sweeper waves can catch you by surprise. A life jacket along with a high level of physical fitness is essential. As you can see in one of the pics, when the bait are running the method can be very productive.

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