It to death’

run from 1 September to 14 November.

DOC Renwick compliance officer and backcountry ranger Ray Bennett had whitebaited in Marlborough rivers for 45 years.

DOC would be out in force to ensure people were following the rules and enjoying the season, he said. ‘‘I’m there to police the law as it stands, all I have to worry about is it being done legally. I’m not anti-whitebaiting, I’m anti people whitebaiting illegally.

‘‘It’s funny how such a small fish can bring out the best and worst in people on the river.’’

Bennett said the vast majority of whitebaiters followed the rules, such as using one net at a time, staying within 10 metres of their net and making sure it did not exceed more than a third of the water channel’s width.

Illegal whitebaiting carried a maximum fine of $5000 and fishing equipment could be seized.