What's On: Fish & Game kids' fish out day

ANGLERS: Kids' fish out. PHOTO/FILE

Rotorua's young anglers can try their hands at fly fishing with the Fish & Game kids' fish out day.

Held at the Ngongotaha trout hatchery on Sunday, children between 6 and 14 will be given a fly rod and taught how to fly fish for rainbow trout.

The young fishers will be given a casting lesson by volunteers from the Rotorua Anglers Association and awarded a certificate documenting the weight of their catch to celebrate their achievements.

All the equipment is provided and children are guaranteed to catch a trout, which they can then take home for dinner that night. The event will run in two sessions from 9am to noon and 1pm to 3pm.

Rotorua Anglers Association Kids fish out convenor Terry Wood said it was a good way to introduce children to fishing.

"I've never met a child who doesn't get a thrill telling their mum and dad they've caught a fish. We get both girls and boys coming along to try their hand at fishing and everybody loves it. We hold four events a year and as long as they continue to be successful, we will keep providing them."

Mr Wood said there were lots of other activities on offer.

"The children and their families can wander around the hatchery and there will be a barbecue with coffee and soft drinks available."

The $3 donation goes towards partly covering the cost of fish food. Rotorua Anglers Association members volunteer their time to tutor the children during the day. Mr Wood said booking was essential.

"There are a limited number of spaces, even though we can see from 200 to 300 kids a day, we don't want them to have to wait too long."

Parents can phone the Fish & Game office during office hours (07) 357 5501 to make their booking.

DETAILS

WHAT: Fish & Game kids' fish out
WHERE: Ngongotaha trout hatchery
WHEN: Sunday, 9am to noon and 1pm to 3pm.
COST: $3