Wellington Fish & Game

All smiles as youngsters reel in trout

Palmerston North youngsters were all smiles on Sunday as they had a crack at trout fishing at the Hokowhitu Lagoon thanks to Fish & Game and local anglers.

Nearly all of the 350 children participating caught a trout. While children had the option of “catch and release” back into the lagoon, most opted to take them home to eat.

Wellington Fish & Game released 1000 good-size two-year-old rainbow trout, transported in the ‘Live Trout Truck’ from the organisation’s hatchery at Ngongotaha near Rotorua.

Children aged from four to 12 were able to fish for free – with all their fishing gear supplied and expert instruction provided by Manawatu Freshwater Anglers Club members.

Wellington Fish & Game regional manager Phil Teal says this year’s fish out day was hugely successful thanks to the work of volunteers from the Manawatu Freshwater Anglers Club and generous donations from a variety of sponsors.

Fish & Game hopes to turn the fish out day into an annual event for the chance it gives youngsters to have a go at fishing.

“The support given by Pub Charity, Palmerston North City Council Events, and local sponsors has been greatly appreciated” Mr Teal says. “The look on the children’s faces when they caught a fish was priceless.”

Mr Teal hopes this event will encourage more family “day outs” in the future, and give the opportunity for children to get outside and enjoy the thrill of fishing for sports fish, a healthy outdoor activity.

After the event all remaining trout were released from the children’s ‘fish out’ area, with nearly 600 trout still swimming around the lagoon. These can be caught by any local anglers with a current trout fishing licence.

Whole season licences are free for children under 12 years old as of October 1, and cost $23 for under 18’s.

ENDS

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