Young Rotorua anglers learn quickly

Lian Ormsby, 6, with her trout. Photo / Stephen Parker

The next generation of fishermen and fisherwomen have been taught the intricacies of trout fishing at the Kids Fish Out.

The event, which is run four times a year by the Rotorua Anglers Club, was booked out with 250 children learning how to handle a rod, catch a trout, as well as fillet and smoke the trout from seasoned local anglers yesterday.

Organiser Terry Wood said all the instructors had given up their time to teach the children at the Fish and Game grounds.

"We want them to physically handle the rod, so once we have taught them the casting skills then they move to the trout pool. Once again they use the casting skills to get their fish so they learn how to control the rod and they come away with a big smile on their face."

He said it was important to get the next generations involved with fishing.

"A lot of them come from outside Rotorua and for many of the kids this is the first fish they have caught."

Mr Wood said the event was able to run because of support from sponsors like Kilwell Sports and Rainbow Springs.

"Another incentive is in the pool there are tagged fish and anyone who catches a tagged fish is eligible to win a rod and reel from Kilwell as well as spot prizes."

Rotorua mother Rebekah Wong brought her daughter Lian Ormsby, 8, and son Shaun Ormsby, 6, to the fish-out, and said they had been "hanging out" for a month to attend the event.

Both children caught their first fish.

"It was fun when I was trying to pull it in," Lian said.

The family was going to smoke one trout smoked and take the other one home.