Date:  11 June 2024

DOC Senior Ranger James Barnett, who was on the competition judging panel, says Patrick Clement’s overall winning photo had a timeless feel to it, with a grandfather, father and children, all enjoying quality time on the river.

“Fishing can bring families together around a healthy outdoor pursuit and this year’s overall winner captured this brilliantly,” James says.

“The family-focussed image will appear on the printed plastic licence cards for the upcoming 2024/25 Taupō fishing season.”

The winning photo - Patrick Clement and family fishing the Tongairo River
Image: DOC

Six other winning photographs will be used on the DOC website to illustrate the different licence categories available.

“The photo competition is a great reminder of the variety of people who make up our angling community. Entries captured anglers of all ages actively participating, and this year we were particularly struck by the great shots of children and families,” says James.

All winners will receive a Taupō licence for the 2024/25 fishing season, which begins 1 July 2024 and runs through to the 30 June 2025.

For those who did not win the competition this year, the good news is Taupō licence fees remain unchanged from last year. For residents, season licences range from $159 for a family to $13.50 for a child. Other options are available for shorter time periods.

Taupō fishing season licences for 2024/25 will go on sale a week before the season starts.

“So eager anglers can head over to our website and secure their new licence, from 24 July,” says James, “and it’s a good opportunity to brush up on the Taupō Fishing District rules while you’re there.”

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