Whanganui children reel in fish at Plumber Dan Kids' Fishing Competition

Mason MacKay, 5, holds the flounder he caught at the Plumber Dan Kids' Fishing Competition in Whanganui on Sunday. Photo / Bevan Conley

Aged 5, and on his second fishing expedition, Mason MacKay reeled in the biggest fish caught.

It was also the only fish he had ever caught, his mum said.

Mason won one of the three fishing rods that were prizes at the Plumber Dan Kids' Fishing Competition on April 22.

The contest was organised by Belinda Chalk, officewoman at the plumbing business. It was something she has wanted to do since she worked for the police and organised a Carters Kids Gone Fishin' Day.

Television presenter Graeme Sinclair was there, and, despite the weather, it was a memorable occasion.

"There were nearly 200 kids here on the wharf, but it rained the whole time. They didn't mind, they still fished the whole time," she said.

On Sunday there were 140 children aged 1 to 13 signed up for the competition. Entry and bait were free.

The fishing was on from 1pm-3pm, on an incoming tide. By 2.15pm, 14 fish had been caught, all herrings, one flounder and some stories about eels.

Children who caught fish had their photos put up on a board.

There were also lots of spot prizes, including squeaky little yellow rubber ducks. Plumber Dan's big rubber duck was there, tethered on the riverbank.

Chalk was pleased with the event, and said Plumber Dan will hold it again next year.

"It's just about getting the kids out with their mums and dads, fishing and having fun," she said.