Fish & Game applauds efforts to "hook kids on fishing"

Fish & Game applauds volunteers’ efforts to ‘hook kids on fishing’

Wellington Fish & Game has praised volunteer anglers for their efforts to “get kids hooked on the thrills of fishing.”

Wellington Fish & Game Regional Manager Phil Teal says the Wellington Fly Fishing Club has provided over the last decade or so, the opportunity for several thousand children to experience the thrill of catching a trout.

“The local anglers make a fantastic contribution to the local and the wider community by offering these opportunities for children from all backgrounds.

“The volunteer effort by the club anglers to maintain a fish-out pond at Happy Valley and provide support, encouragement, and tuition to young anglers is simply outstanding.”

Mr Teal says the anglers work and time commitments go well beyond the days when ‘kids' fish out days’ are held to teach children to fish. The trout need to be monitored and fed daily in these ponds, “and that’s a huge commitment the local anglers are making.”

He says that last week a consignment of trout arrived from Turangi and they’ll need to be carefully looked after until the first open day for children in September.

Each year around 1500 fish are transported from the two North Island trout hatcheries – Fish & Game’s hatchery at Ngongotaha in Rotorua, and DOC’s smaller Turangi facility.

Last year the Wellington angling club held 34 events for children including several open days, and also ran some special days for disabled people.

Mr Teal adds that it’s not anglers but also hunters who get involved in such volunteer activities. “I’d like to take this opportunity during National Volunteer Week to say thanks to all these folk who are helping create a passion for the great New Zealand outdoors and environmental awareness.”

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