Hot sunny conditions for Saturday's Stratford kids' trout fishing day meant that the trout were not as obliging as last year and the 112 kids that tried their luck succeeded in landing just 35 of the 550 trout released into the Scout Den Pool.
But, with chocolate fish, soft drinks and barbecued sausages also on offer, no-one went away empty handed, says Fish and Game officer Allen Stancliff.
"The trout are good-sized, well-conditioned fish that will make great eating and the Scout Den Pool will undoubtedly be the hottest angling spot in Taranaki over the next few weeks."
He reminds anglers that they must have a fishing licence (free to under 12 year olds), use a rod and running line (no hand lines) and must stop fishing for the day once they have killed their bag limit of two trout.
"Fish and Game rangers will be keeping an eye on the area, so please carry your fishing licence with you and present it for inspection on request.
"Once again, the Stratford Club Fishing Adjunct and volunteers ran a great event in what must be the best kid's trout fishing venue in Taranaki. We also gratefully acknowledge the support of the Department of Conservation's Tongariro National Trout Centre, which donated the trout and the Taranaki Electricity Trust for covering the cost of transporting the fish from Turangi and event expenses."