Fish & Game Open Day perfect lead-up to new fishing season

Fish & Game Open Day perfect lead-up to new fishing season

Eastern Fish & Game are holding an open day at their Ngongotaha hatchery on Sunday September 29, 2013 – aimed at everyone from seasoned anglers to would-be fishers, general public and kids.

The Open Day is a perfect teaser for the new trout fishing season which kicks off on Tuesday October 1.

Fish & Game Officer Mark Sherburn says the Open Day runs from 9am on the Sunday at the hatchery in Paradise Valley Road - providing just the right prelude to the excitement of a new fishing season.

Fish & Game staff run guided tours of the hatchery on the day, providing some fascinating insights into how staff raise more than 100,000 fish a year - to keep North Island lakes stocked with fish bred from some of the district’s finest fish, from Lake Tarawera.

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 a great chance for youngsters to get a taste of trout fishing and for many, the opportunity to catch their first ever fish,” Mr Sherburn says.

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

“We also cater to those who are keen to cook trout which are extremely tasty if prepared well, providing instruction on how to fillet, de-bone, and then smoke your trout," Mr Sherburn says.

“This is a day to celebrate a new season getting underway and provide plenty of tips because as part of managing the sports fish, we’re very keen for anglers to catch lots of fish and get value from their licence spend.”

Fish and Game Manager Rob Pitkethley says that for anyone who is unsure about Fish & Game and the role it plays “it’s a perfect opportunity to learn what we do – and exactly how we spend the funds collected from fishing licence sales.”

“We urge people to grab this chance for a fun day out combined with a little learning, especially perhaps for those who are thinking of getting into a very fulfilling outdoor pursuit.”

Open Day – Ngongotaha hatchery, Sunday 29th September 2013

Programme

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

10.15am: Boning and Smoking Your Catch, learn how to get rid of those pesky bones, and hot smoke your catch

9am – 11.30: 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.

12.15pm: 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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