Rotorua fishing going on show in Auckland

FAN: A youngster eyes up a tiger trout in the aquarium. FILE

The "incredible trout fishing" in Rotorua's lakes and streams will be promoted to thousands of Aucklanders this week.

Fish & Game trout fishing experts from the Eastern Region office in Rotorua will have a stand at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, which starts in Auckland tomorrow.

It's the fifth year Fish & Game are taking their live trout aquarium and know-how up to Auckland for the show.

Fish & Game officer Mark Sherburn said in spite of the high rate of small boat ownership in Auckland, many locals were only vaguely aware of the "incredible trout fishing resources" just a few hours down the motorway in the Rotorua lakes district.

Fish & Game's key message is that not far from home, Aucklanders can access one of the world's finest trout fishing locations in a city that has a whole range of family-friendly attractions.

"For the more serious fly fisher we are also trying to emphasise that winter shoreline fishing is about to ramp up in the Rotorua district, with some good-sized trout being caught at stream and lake beach locations as fish move into spawning mode.

"Saltwater fishers can be a little apprehensive about how to catch trout, the rules and regulations and the tackle needed. We've got that all covered - with good advice on how to get started.

"Aside from being able to speak one-to-one with keen anglers, we take a lots of 'how to' material with us, including guides to the various lakes, and if you are a complete beginner - brochures on how to get started without the need to buy loads of expensive gear. We have fishing starter packs complete with brochure and DVD for only $5.

"We will also have some fishing gear so that we can demonstrate to people exactly what they need," he said.

Mr Sherburn said their aquarium was always something of a hit because people can get up close to a variety of trout, from rainbows to browns and stripy tigers which were specially bred for release into just one of the Rotorua lakes.