Fishing tips for success in Rotorua

There will be plenty of tips and tuition for everyone from seasoned anglers to children, who will have the opportunity (for a $3 donation) to fish for trout from one of the ponds under expert guidance from local anglers.

It provides a great chance for youngsters to learn some fishing basics and get the thrill of catching their first fish. The programme will also include 'fly tying for beginners' and a boating seminar from fishing guide Lindsay Lyons, who will pass on some secrets for successful trolling, jigging and harling, and the use of fish finders.

There is also a focus on the culinary side of trout fishing, as they provide some excellent eating - providing instruction on how to debone, fillet and then smoke your trout.

Fish & Game staff run guided tours of the hatchery on the day, to provide people with an insight into Fish & Game's work managing the fishery.

They raise more than 100,000 fish a year to keep the lakes stocked with big fish through a selective breeding programme.

This is a day to celebrate a new season kicking off and to provide plenty of tips because as part of managing the sports fish, Eastern Fish & Game want anglers to be successful and catch plenty.

Manager of Fish and Game Rob Pitkethley hopes people will take up the unique opportunity, noting that along with interested members of the public, the day is also a chance for experienced anglers to ask any questions they may have.

They can also learn how Fish and Game use the funds collected from fishing licence revenue.

''We hope that people take up what is a unique opportunity and a fun day out, providing just the right sort of exciting lead-up to the new season.''

Open Day Events

• Guided Tours - Of the hatchery and fisheries overview with Fish & Game staff: 9am, 11am

• Boning and Smoking Your Catch - Learn how to get rid of those pesky bones, and hot smoke your catch: 10am

• Children's Fishing - $3 per child (donation). Limited to first 150 participants 9am -11.30am. (No commercial groups please.)

• Fly Tying Plus Knots and Rigs demonstration - Learn how to tie your favourite trout flies and rig your tackle: ongoing from 10.30am till noon

• Fly Casting For Beginners - A demonstration on the basics of fly casting. Learn how to get started or iron out problems with your casting: Noon.