Fish & Game Open Day Mixes Fun and How-to Tips

Fish & Game Open Day mixes fun and how-to tips

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Eastern Region Fish & Game officers are throwing open the doors to their Ngongotaha hatchery on Sunday, September 30 – in an open day aimed at both keen anglers, and the wider public – children included.

The Open Day is an annual event staged on the eve of the new trout fishing season which kicks off the following day, on October 1 2012.

Fish & Game Officer Mark Sherburn says the Open Day, from 9am at the hatchery in Paradise Valley Road, is a great lead in to the new season next day, a “perfect curtain-raiser.”

Fish & Game staff run guided tours of the hatchery on the day, to provide people with an insight into Fish & Game’s work managing the fishery, and raising more than 100,000 fish a year to keep the lakes stocked with big fish through a selective breeding programme.

There will also be plenty of tips and tuition for everyone from seasoned anglers to children, with the kids having the opportunity (for a $3 donation) to fish for trout from one of the ponds under expert guidance from local anglers. It’s provides a great chance for youngsters to learn some fishing basics, Mark adds, “and some kids get the thrill of catching their first fish.”

The programme will also include ‘fly tying for beginners’ and a boating seminar from fishing guide Lindsay Lyons, who will pass on some secrets to successful trolling, jigging and harling, and the use of fish finders.

“We also focus on the culinary side of trout fishing, as they provide some excellent eating – providing instruction on how to fillet, de-bone, and then smoke your trout.

“This is a day to celebrate a new season kicking off and provide plenty of tips because as part of managing the sports fish, we want anglers to be successful and catch plenty of fish.”

Fish and Game Manager Rob Pitkethley also notes that for experienced anglers, along with interested members of the public, it’s a day when they can see how Fish & Game uses the funds collected from fishing licence revenue, and ask any questions they might have.

“We hope that people take up what is a unique opportunity and a fun day out, providing just the right sort of exciting lead up to the new season.”

Caption: Fish & Game's Mark Sherburn shows visitors to last year's event how to fillet and smoke trout.

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Open Day Programme – Sunday, Sept 30

9am – 11am: Guided Tours of the hatchery and fisheries overview with Fish & Game staff

10am: Boning and Smoking Your Catch, learn how to get rid of those pesky bones, and hot smoke your catch

9am – 11.30am: Children's Fishing $3.00 per child (donation) limited to first 150 participants. No commercial groups please

10.30am – 1200 noon: Fly Tying, plus knots and rigs demonstration. Learn how to tie your favourite trout flies and rig your tackle. Ongoing from 10.30am.

1200 noon: Fly Casting for Beginners – a demonstration on the basics of fly casting. Learn how to get started or iron out problems with your casting!

1.00pm: Boat Fishing Seminar with local guide Lindsay Lyons. Learn the secrets to successful trolling, jigging, harling and sounder use. Limited seating, be early!

ENDS

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