Young angler 'stoked' to catch thrill of fly fishing (+pics)

Kayleigh Waerea, 6, proudly shows off her tagged rainbow trout she caught at the Kids Fish Out yesterday. Photo/Ben Fraser

There were trout and mini anglers aplenty at the Kids Fish Out.

Fish & Game Eastern Region opened its Ngongotaha hatchery yesterday to give the opportunity for 6- to 14-year-olds to catch a rainbow trout.

Fish & Game officer Mark Sherburn said up to 250 children were booked to take part in the day at varying sessions.

"It's been chilly but it warmed up nicely, there were some nice fish being caught and the kids were happy," Mr Sherburn said.

"We're the agency that manages the trout fishery and have an interest in having children learn how to fish.

"It's a great pastime and a good outdoor activity. We're just wanting to make sure they are aware of the fun that can be had," he said.

Image 1 of 10: Osheana Corbett, 8. Photo/Ben Fraser

Each participant received a fishing licence and members of the Rotorua Anglers Association assisted them with their casting and fly fishing skills before helping them catch a fish in a pond.

"It's encouraging kids to come along and learn how to do it. Trout aren't the easiest fish to catch, it can be quite challenging, but the Rotorua Anglers Association do a great job tutoring them. For a lot of them they are catching their very first trout and for others it's their first fish ever," he said.

Spot prizes were handed out throughout the day to the delight of one Kayleigh Waerea, 6, who pulled out the first tagged trout of the day. She said she needed some help to reel it in.

"I was really excited, I won a pink fishing rod and a black beanie," she said.

Her mum Nicky Waerea said they attended the Kids Fish Out with her husband and their son Phoenix, 9, also taking part.

"They had lots of fun and Kayleigh was absolutely stoked," Mrs Waerea said.