Trout catches thrill first-time anglers at Rotorua

Local children spent the weekend with reels in hand, embracing the fun of Kids Fish Out.

Kids Fish Out is held four times a year at the Ngongotaha Trout Hatchery on Paradise Valley Rd.

The purpose of the event is to introduce children to the intricacies of fishing, teaching them how to catch rainbow trout.

Today marked the last Fish Out of the year, with about 130 children taking part.

Event organiser Han Hofstee said it was a great opportunity for kids to try something new.

"It's about getting them outside and away from their computers. Even if they don't stick with fishing, we want to show them the importance of the outdoors."

Image 1 of 6: Joel Mitchell, 12, Photo/Ben Fraser

He said this was the first time fishing for many of the children.

"Catching a fish for the first time is a great experience and a memory these kids can keep with them forever.

"We have a lot of parents that come down and recall doing the same thing when they were young so it's a nice day for the whole family."

For Kaleb Heke, 10, it was his first time fishing and he said it was a blast.

"My favourite part was learning all the skills to catch a trout."

Joel Mitchell, 12, has fished multiple times, but none were more special than today as he celebrated his birthday.

"I love fishing. Every time I try to catch the biggest fish possible," he said.

Before they fished for trout, the children were taught how to safely handle a fishing rod, reel it in and fillet their fish. They were also given safety glasses so they didn't harm themselves while casting their rod.

It was also mandatory to pay $3 for a licence that allowed them to fish on the day.

"It's crucial we teach them the importance of a fishing licence so they know the legalities when they fish on their own," Hofstee said.

Each child was guaranteed to go home with a certificate and a freshly filleted rainbow trout.

Hofstee said in some cases the children put their trout back in the water but still came away with a certificate.

There was also a prize of a brand new rod and assorted fishing gear for anyone who caught a tagged trout.

"There are instructors who guide the kids and teach them the right skills, but when it comes to reeling in the fish it's up to them to do it themselves," Hofstee said.

"We hope what we teach them and the experiences they have here will encourage them to turn it into a hobby. Hopefully we end up with a few avid fishermen and fisherwomen in the future."