Fishing guides are calling for a crackdown on cowboy operators before someone is injured or killed.

The professional fishing guides association estimates less than half of the more than 400 guides now working in the country are operating in a safe manner.

They want all trout and salmon fishing guides to be licensed.

Professional fishing guides association's Craig Smith told Chris Lynch rogue guides claim they're hosting tourists, not guiding them.

"These guys have got no audited health and safety plan, no first aid, no public liability insurance, and no Department of Conservation concession."

Smith says rogue guides are putting the country's reputation at risk, at a time when salmon and trout anglers are flocking to New Zealand.

"If someone comes to you to go on a guy's angling trip, they should have a reasonable expectation that they will be guided in a safe and legal manner, and that's not happening at the moment."

Smith said they all have to jump through the legal hoops and those guys should have to as well.

LISTEN TO CRAIG SMITH TALK WITH CHRIS LYNCH ABOVE