About now I bet your mind is more occupied with what you have to look forward to on your upcoming summer escape.
It’s one of the great Kiwi traditions, getting away over the Xmas break, and we seem to flock to the beaches and coastal hideaways all around the country.
Living in a holiday destination I don’t have the aggravation of driving with the hoards on Boxing Day, but like most locals we make sure the groceries are done so there is no reason to go into town as the population quadruples overnight on December 26. I actually quite like the busy buzz as visitors make the most of the Northland sun, sea and beaches during their short stay; still it's comforting to know that they have to pack up and go home, and I don't have to. The only thing that really aggravates me is finding fish heads and frames dumped at the beaches and boat ramps; if you are one of these clowns, give yourself an uppercut!
Aside from that I have no gripes with the so called ‘silly season’, most, if not all the visitors are likeminded outdoorsy people that are just happy to be away from the daily grind of work. It’s great to trade a smile, a wave, or even a beer and a yarn with another holidaying kiwi. The summer holidays seems to make us all more friendly, we should be like this all year round!
I do worry sometimes that the fish get a bit of a hammering over summer, especially if they are still spawning, but fisho’s these days seem to be a little bit more aware that the fish aren't limitless, so here's hoping this year we are more conservative than years gone by.
So in the interest of happy fishing holidays, I say; locals – be good hosts and be patient with the extra traffic at the boat ramps, and visitors - respect that people live where you are playing.
Now I’m sure you are tired from hearing from me, so I’ll sign off now with a simple message; 'Merry Christmas, happy new year.... and be safe out there'
Keep 'em tight
Matt
