Much to the amusement of some of you back in the UK I am now a semi-obsessed fisherman. Rok n Roll eh!
The main reason I guess is having the opportunity to go and grab free fresh fish whenever I want, no permit, no stress, no clubs. Just get a rod, go down to the sea and get busy. Even if you're not catching fish the scenery (I mean natural rather than semi-clad!) makes for a nice few relaxing hours.
I must admit that for the first 6 months I had no luck (apart from in the Marlborough Sounds where you can scoop the things out with your bare hands) but recently, and since getting some local knowledge bestowed on me, I have really been pulling them in. The Red Snapper have nearly all moved off now for the winter but I have been catching a few decent sized ones just off the beach in my new rubber, chest high, waders. Oh yes.