Fish Out days will recommence in 2022 COVID permitting. Dates are:

7 August

4 September

9 October

6 November

Please keep watching Fish & Game's Facebook page for updates.

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The Association has been involved in these fish out days in conjunction with Eastern Region Fish & Game for a number of years. Children aged from 6 to 14 years-old are able to catch a rainbow trout at Fish & Game's specially designed fish-out pond at its Ngongataha hatchery, 1130 Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua.

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Pre-booking is required through the Fish and Game website to guarantee a spot at this popular event (fishandgame.org.nz). Children pay $5 for a special fishing licence and all fishing equipment is supplied by Kilwell, Rotorua. Please bring $5 cash as there is no eftpos machine. Children learn to cast, catch their own fish, after which the fish is weighed. Fish can be filleted on site. Refreshments are available on the day. Our members take a lunch-break of 1 hour at midday.

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Mark Sherburn of Fish & Game says "for many children, this will be their first trout fishing experience and with expert tuition from members of the Rotorua Anglers Association, they’re guaranteed to catch a trout that can be taken home for dinner. These events really are a wonderful experience for young children. For most of the children it's their first fish. It's very exciting and leaves them on a real high, grinning from ear to ear".

The first and only event (unfortunately COVID got in the way again) for 2021 was held on 8 August. Around 220 children got to experience the thrill of catching what was, in many cases, their first trout. Periods of rain throughout the day didn't dampen spirits although many had to wait a while because of unco-operative fish. One young angler had a real thrill when he caught a 4.2kg rainbow trout that had been specially released into the pond. We look forward to being able to run four events in 2022.