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CURRENT LIMITS & CLOSURES

Marlborough Sounds fishing rules

Check the rules every time before fishing. The Marlborough Sounds sits within the Challenger fishing area and has additional local limits and seasonal closures.
Information status: 30 July 2026

Blue cod

The current Marlborough Sounds snapshot is a minimum length of 33 cm and a daily limit of 2 per fisher. Blue cod must be landed whole or gutted.

  • Seasonal closure: 1 September–10 January
  • Do not fillet at sea unless eaten immediately
  • Fish eaten aboard count toward the daily limit

Snapper

The Marlborough Sounds daily snapper limit is lower than the wider Challenger area.

  • Minimum length: 25 cm
  • Daily limit: 3 per fisher
  • The combined finfish limit also applies

Always verify

Emergency closures, rāhui and local controls may change what can be taken. Open the official source immediately before your trip.

OFFICIAL SOURCECheck official Challenger fishing rules
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