Rotorua children to make rewarding catch at Kids Fish Out

Children and their families enjoy some quality fishing time at a previous Kids Fish Out. Photo/Supplied

There will be smiles on faces and a sense of accomplishment as children learn or improve their fishing skills with the annual Kids Fish Out.

The Rotorua Anglers Association will be hosting the first of four Kids Fish Outs at the Eastern Fish and Game hatchery, Paradise Valley Rd, on Sunday August 12 from 9am to 4pm.

Fish and Game have stocked a pool with rainbow trout, and experienced anglers from the Rotorua Anglers Association will be on hand to teach each child how to cast a fly line and catch a fish.

The event is open to children aged 6 years and up, and it essential that parents pre-book a time slot for their children to fish.

Families can get a 'fishing license' for a $3 donation.

Bookings can be made by going online at the Eastern Fish and Game website - fishandgame.org.nz/eastern/news/childrens-fishing-ngongotaha-2018/.

Rotorua Anglers Association president Gavin Corbett says it is an event held annually, and the three other Kids Fish Out dates this year are September 9, October 7 and November 11.

"What we want to achieve is giving children the opportunity to experience the art of capturing fish. It's a vanishing art with children these days."

Gavin says at the Kids Fish Out days he enjoys spending time helping to teach children how to cast a fly line and seeing the smiles on the children's faces when they bring their fish out of the pond.

"Most families now are time poor and the opportunity to take their children fishing is becoming increasingly difficult so we put it all in one place and make it happen.

Eastern Fish and Game officer Mark Sherburn says for a lot of children these days are an opportunity for them to be introduced to the recreation of fishing.

He says it is a great day out and a family activity.

"It's educational to learn about fish and fishing, and it's very rewarding for the kids."

Mark says success in the pond is guaranteed and children will catch as fish, whereas in the wild it is luck and skill.

He says the children will get to take home a certificate and the trout they catch.

"It's a really great programme which has been running for a long time - over 25 years."

Mark says there are now second generations coming along to the Kids Fish Out days, which is heart-warming to see.

He says Rainbow Springs and Kilwell also help to make it happen.