Getting kids offline and on a line

Organisers of the ‘Take a Kid Trout Fishing Day’ at Winston’s Ō taki Lakes are expecting a big turn-out this year for the hugely popular event.

The free event, which will be held on Saturday, provides children with the opportunity to experience trout fishing in a safe environment under supervision from experienced volunteers.

Gregory du Bern says there is “a high chance of catching a beautiful trout which they can take home to eat”.

“Hundreds of hatchery-reared trout are released into the lake just ahead of the fishout day. They are usually hungry and happy to oblige young anglers by jumping on the line. Most participants will get to experience the excitement of catching a trout, and for many it will be their first fish. We hope it spurs them on to take up fishing which is a healthy outdoor pursuit that gets kids off screens.”

Members of the Kāpiti Fly Fishing Club and the Horowhenua Fresh Water Angling Club organise and run the event with support from Wellington Fish & Game, Ō taki Hunting and Fishing, Pub Charity, and NZ Community Trust.

The fish-out day is often oversubscribed so organisers anticipate that the limited number of places available for this year will fill up quickly.

“Word has got out about how great this annual event is, so we’re expecting really strong interest again this year.”

Children between the ages of six and 16 from the Kāpiti and Horowhenua area are invited. Each child will be allotted a 30-minute time session which is filled on a firstcome-first-served basis.

More details and information can be attained from Hunting and Fishing Ō taki.