• Whitebaiting

    • 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.

    By on 11/10/2025
    Rakaia whitebait scoop net.
    Rakaia whitebait scoop net.

    Whitebaiting in the Surf on the Shingle Beach at the Rakaia River Mouth

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    Charles Smith with a good bag of whitebait. Rakaia, whitebaiting. Photograph courtesy of Charles Smith.
    You have to keep one eye on the rolling waves at all time. Photograph courtesy of Charles Smith.
    Life-jackets are a must when baiting in the surf with a Rakaia scoop net. Rakaia, whitebaiting. Photograph courtesy of Charles Smith.
    Whitebaiting in the surf at the Rakaia River mouth 2015 season. Photograph courtesy of Charles Smith.
    Smelt in the whitebait net Rakaia River mouth 2015 season. Photograph courtesy of Charles Smith.
    Whitebait and sea-run trout fishing at the Rakaia River mouth.
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    Here is a short video showing set netting at the mouth of Canterbury’s Waimakariri River.

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    Okarito River Whitebaiting, Westland

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