Fish for Gold returns for trout season opening

Anglers can 'fish for gold' again this trout season with more than $11,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.

Fish & Game unveiled details of its Fish for Gold promotion where anglers can target trout with special pink numbered tags with the chance to win a major prize of $10,000, or an outboard motor valued at nearly $1000.

There are lots more fish with pink tags and anglers entered can win tackle or voucher prizes worth $200 each.

The major fishing promotion gets underway on opening day October 1 and runs for eight days until October 8.

Fish & Game Officer Mark Sherburn said Fish for Gold captured the public's imagination last opening "and got anglers fizzing".

"It was all about what you might call delicious anticipation - every fish landed had anglers peering into the net to see if it has a tag...wondering will this fish be a winner?"

Fish & Game staff will release 30 rainbow trout with specially numbered pink coloured tags - 10 into each of the three lakes, Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina, in time for the opening.

Numbers on the tags correspond to prizes contained in sealed and numbered envelopes and one of them contains the grand prize of $10,000, and another a Yamaha 2HP outboard motor valued at $949.

The other envelopes each contain a $200 tackle or voucher prize.

"Every eligible angler who returns with a pink tag fish will be a winner," Mr Sherburn said.

"It's a great incentive for families to get out on the water, catch a fish and maybe win big."

Mr Sherburn said the promotion allowed Fish & Game to make a modest contribution to Rotorua's tourism.

"Fish for Gold adds to the thrill and excitement that fishing offers, which is appropriate for an adventure city like Rotorua.

"We are hopefully helping to attract more visitors who will be spending on accommodation, various other outdoor activities, fishing stores and more."

Fish for Gold is free to enter.

All you must have is a 2017-18 Fish & Game sports fishing licence. Children under 12 are not eligible to enter on a free child's licence, but can if they are included as part of a family fishing licence.

The promotion is limited to the first 1200 entries - and you must register online prior to opening day.

Details including entry form and terms and conditions can be found via Eastern Fish & Game's pages: https://fishandgame.org.nz/fish-for-gold/

Local businesses that have put up prizes are Telfer Marine (Rotorua), Hamills, Kilwell, and the Outdoorsman Headquarters have all supported the event. The big cash prize is provided courtesy of several generous benefactors, including Makaira Orchards of Te Puke.