Whitebaiting

We're in the height of the Whitebait season, where fishermen try to catch the tiny and elusive delicacy whitebait (inanga), which are migrating from the sea to fresh water. In spring, whitebait swim into estuaries, sometimes in shoals, but often as solitary animals. Those that manage to avoid the whitebaiters' nets swim upstream to feed and grow to adulthood.

It's a very relaxed atmosphere, most of the time. The serious ones have their nets all set up for the season, bring their deck chairs and their thermos and woollies, the weather isn't always as nice as today. They all have good catches but how good is good who knows. The more serious ones are behind me, where there are many nets along the river.

This is more relaxed with kids playing, its school holidays here, fisherman about to put his net out and some photographers wondering what is going on and way, way in the distance are the mountains with a good coverage of snow.

It was hot with a gentle breeze - lovely day to be down by the river.

Whitebaiting is huge on the West Coast of NZ, these are the stands they use and also a image of what cooked Whitebait looks like, wish it was my tea for tonight!! :)

Whitebait on the West Coast of NZ

Happy Birthday to my Hubby who shares his birthday with naturelover's beloved - hope they both have an awesome day!! :)

Thank you so much for the hearts, stars and your kind words for yesterdays Mid-week Rise, it was lovely to be back at the beach again even though it was a little early in the morning :))