Ten tagged trout will be released into each of three lakes -Tarawera, (pictured), Rotoiti and Ōkataina. Photo / File
Ten tagged trout will be released into each of three lakes -Tarawera, (pictured), Rotoiti and Ōkataina. Photo / File
Anglers have the chance to take a 'fishy lucky dip' that could net them a trout worth $10,000.
Rotorua anglers are again being given the opportunity to fish for gold at the start of the new trout season, with prizes totalling nearly $18,000 up for grabs.
Fish & Game has unveiled details of the 2018 Fish for Gold promotion, where anglers have the chance to catch trout carrying orange-coloured tags — one being a prize of $10,000.
The event starts on opening day, October 1, and runs until October 14.
Fish & Game staff will release 30 rainbow trout in the lead-up to the opening, marked with the specially numbered orange-coloured tags.
Ten will be released into each of three lakes -Tarawera, Rotoiti and Ōkataina.
Fish & Game eastern region manager Andy Garrick says Fish for Gold has been around long enough to be turning into something of an institution, an established part of the fun and festivities that surround the opening of the Rotorua lakes fisheries.
"It's about inspiring people to get their licences and get out there fishing, with something tantalising thrown in — will I catch a winning fish?
This photo shows where the orange tags will be attached to the Fish for Gold trout. Photo / Supplied
"The promotion aims to inject some additional suspense into the new season, whether it be for families out on the lake boating or shore-based fishers.
"We've seen in the past that Fish for Gold generates a fair bit of banter and competition among anglers as fish are pulled in."
He says that while it is a bit of a lucky dip, obviously the more time you spend out there the better the odds.
Andy says Fish & Game is grateful to the local businesses which put up prizes, including Makaira Orchards and some anonymous benefactors from Te Puke, and Telfer Marine (Rotorua), Hamills Rotorua, Kilwell, and the Outdoorsman Headquarters who have also supported the event.
Numbers on the tags correspond to prizes contained in sealed and numbered envelopes, and one of them contains the grand prize of $10,000, and another a Yamaha 2HP outboard motor valued at $945.
The other envelopes each contain a $250 tackle or voucher prize, so every eligible angler who returns with an orange tagged fish will be a winner.
Andy says Fish & Game sees the promotion as a way of contributing something extra to Rotorua's tourism and its reputation as one of the North Island's adventure capitals.
Fish for Gold is free to enter. Anglers just need to have a 2018-19 Fish & Game sports fishing licence and register online prior to opening day.
Children under 12 are not eligible to enter on a free child's licence, but are if included as part of a family fishing licence.
Details including entry forms and terms and conditions can be found at fishandgame.org.nz/eastern/events/fish-for-gold/
