Love at first bite for kids

TOP CATCH: Whai Pine, 9, and her sister Ashar, 7, of Masterton, show off their prize-winning fish.PHOTOS: PAUL ORDISH WTA100114POFISHING03

Kahawai and crabs were the catch of the day for kids at Castlepoint.

The 19th annual Castlepoint fishing competition, which started yesterday and continues today, included a kids' fish-off.

Event organiser Mary Taylor said she loved seeing children fishing on Castlepoint's beaches.

"Their little faces beam, you know, what else can I say?"

The competition was split into two age-group categories.

The under-8s grade was won by Ashar Pine, 7, of Masterton. Asher said she loved the competition because "we get to catch fish and win prizes".

Older sister Whai Pine, 9, took out the 12-and-under grade with her kahawai.

The adult competition wraps up today and includes boat and land-based fishing.

Ms Taylor said that some of the contestants were fishing from kayaks this year.

Organisers had to have a flick through the rule book to find out if it was legal and it turned out it was, she said. About 30 kids competed yesterday and Ms Taylor said she expected today to be even busier.