Fishing isn’t just about the catch—it’s about the laughs, mishaps, and unforgettable moments. Discover why every fishing trip brings comedy gold.
Fishing in Aotearoa is as varied as it is entertaining. From sea missions to lake retreats, river challenges to rocky outcrops, each spot offers not only a chance at dinner—but a good dose of hilarity. Whether you’re a solo angler or casting lines with mates, the lighter side of fishing is always worth celebrating.
Sea Fishing: The High Seas of Humour
Sea fishing is often associated with dramatic battles against massive fish, crashing waves, and serious gear. But any Kiwi who's braved the salt will tell you: it's also where some of the funniest fishing stories begin.
Imagine standing tall on the boat deck, rod ready, when a rogue wave hits. Suddenly, you're drenched, your tackle box is halfway to Tauranga, and your mates are in hysterics. Or the classic moment when a fish leaps out of the water and lands squarely in your lap—slapping, squirming, and absolutely uninvited.
Seagulls only add to the comedy. Picture the smug look on your mate's face as he casts his perfectly baited line… only to have a cheeky gull swoop down and make off with it. Laughter erupts, and the tale becomes instant legend.
On the ocean, nothing ever goes quite to plan—and that’s part of the magic.
Lake Fishing: Calm Waters, Comic Timing
Lakes might seem peaceful, but they’re not short on surprises. Tranquillity quickly turns to comedy when a wayward cast lands in a nearby tree or a fish slaps you in the face mid-leap.
There’s the show-off who casts with flair, only to hook their own hoodie. Or the overexcited mate who slips on a wet rock and ends up swimming fully clothed. It’s all part of the lake fishing ritual.
One moment you’re quietly waiting for a bite, the next you’re untangling your line from a duck’s path. Lakes are where serenity meets slapstick—and every trip ends with a yarn worth retelling.
River Fishing: Slippery Laughs and Boot Catches
River fishing in New Zealand often feels like entering a comedy set with waders. Between the current, rocks, and hidden logs, the river has a cheeky way of humbling even the most experienced angler.
There’s the classic boot catch—feeling the fight of what must be a record-breaking fish, only to reel in an old gumboot. Or the time your line got tangled mid-cast, wrapped around a tree, and left you reeling in your own rod tip.
Riverbanks can be traitorous too. One misplaced step and you're sliding into the drink, rod held high like a trophy, while your friends roar with laughter. It’s not a proper river mission unless someone gets soaked and someone else gets the photo.
Fishing Gear: Comedy in Your Tackle Box
Sometimes the biggest laugh of the day doesn’t come from the fish—it comes from the gear.
Lures and Flies: For Fish... and Fools
Lures and flies are designed to tempt fish, but they have a wicked sense of humour. Like when you’re casting with confidence and the lure somehow ends up hooked on your beanie. Or when your mate painstakingly ties a fly for half an hour, only for it to be nicked mid-air by a passing fantail.
There’s also the quiet horror of realising you’ve hooked your own sleeve—or worse, your mate’s ear. It’s slapstick comedy on the water, and it happens more often than anyone admits.
Remote-Controlled Bait Boats: When Tech Goes Rogue
Remote-controlled bait boats are a modern marvel—until they take on a mind of their own.
You set your course with precision, then watch in horror as the boat spins in circles, heads into the reeds, or drifts into duck territory. The angler running along the shoreline, remote in hand, yelling at a runaway bait boat is a sight locals know well.
And let’s not forget the time someone used the bait boat as a drink ferry—only for it to tip over mid-lake. Technology can be helpful, but it’s also hilarious.
Funny Fishing Stories: Tales from the Tackle Box
The One That Got Away (Or Never Was)
We’ve all heard the story of the one that got away—but what about the one that was never real to begin with?
One angler famously fought what he swore was a kingfish for over 40 minutes. His back was sore, his mates were cheering… and then he reeled in a stubborn tree branch. Disbelief turned to laughter, and now it’s a tale told every summer without fail.
Then there’s the phantom fish—hooked, fought, almost landed—until it wriggled free at the boat’s edge, never to be seen again. The debate about its size? Eternal.
The Accidental Catch
Fishing sometimes brings up the oddest things. Sunglasses, cutlery, even a plastic chair have been pulled from New Zealand waterways. One Aucklander even reeled in a full Barbie doll, causing a burst of laughter from the whole wharf.
These moments turn a regular day into a classic yarn. The photos? Essential. The memories? Priceless.
Fishing with Friends: Where Laughter Multiplies
Fishing alone is peaceful. Fishing with mates? That’s where the laughs double.
The shared banter, the mock competition, the roast that follows every bad cast—it’s all part of the experience. Add a chilly bin, some snacks, and someone who forgets their reel, and you’ve got a recipe for a legendary day out.
Boat Fishing: Mayhem in Motion
On a small boat, coordination becomes comedy. Multiple rods, tight space, and someone always dropping the net.
One angler leans over to land a fish, loses their footing, and ends up overboard—still clutching the rod. It’s these chaotic, salt-sprayed moments that become trip highlights. No fish required.
Bike Fishing: A Trail of Laughs
Bike fishing has exploded in popularity, especially with those exploring remote lake or river spots. But riding with a rod strapped to your pack? That’s a skill.
Picture ducking under branches only to have your rod catch, yank back, and tip you off the bike. Or navigating a muddy trail when your tackle bag bursts open mid-ride. It’s a muddy, brilliant, laugh-out-loud mess—and a growing tradition.
Kids and Fishing: Little Lines, Big Laughs
Introducing kids to fishing often results in the funniest moments of all.
Like the child who proudly reels in a stick and names it “Sticky.” Or the young one who accidentally hooks their own gumboot. It’s chaotic, messy, and full of laughter.
Fishing with kids reminds us not to take it all too seriously. It’s about fun, learning, and seeing the joy in every nibble—even if it’s just seaweed.
Wildlife Cameos: Uninvited, Unforgettable
The natural world doesn’t always play along. From curious ducks stealing bait to eels taking over your keep net, wildlife has a way of becoming the day’s main attraction.
One West Coast angler reported being chased by a territorial swan mid-cast. Another found a cheeky weka making off with his lunch while he was distracted by a bite.
Animals bring their own comedy to the mix—reminding us that nature writes the best scripts.
Final Thought: Laughter is the Best Catch
Fishing is more than a sport—it’s a rolling comedy set in the great outdoors. From tangled gear to surprise splashes, it’s full of unexpected moments that create the best stories. Whether you’re reeling in a fish, a gumboot, or just a great time, the laughs are always worth it.
The stories shared, the photos captured, and the belly laughs echoing across the water are the real catch of the day. So next time you pack up your gear, don’t forget to bring your sense of humour along with your bait.
At HOOK LINE SINKER, we believe fishing is about more than just what you catch—it's about the memories, mishaps, and mates that come with it. Browse our hand-picked collection of Remote-Controlled BAIT FEEDERS, LURES, FLY FISHING FLIES, and TRAVEL RODS—the perfect tools to make your next fishing trip productive, fun, and full of laughter.
Keep it reel… and happy fishing! 🎣
