Tauranga's grey, showery weather might have put a damper on some outdoor activities today, but there was still a strong turnout for the annual Blue Light Kids Gone Fishin' event at the Tauranga Bridge Marina.

Tanya Grimstone, from the Te Aranui Youth Trust, says around 200-300 people came down to enjoy a day of fishing with their kids, which for many would have been their first time doing so as a family.

'We had free face painting and a free sausage sizzle, as well as Mr Whippy and a coffee stall on site,” says Tanya. 'The Ministry of Fisheries was there as well as the Coastguard and Mount Maunganui Fishing Club.”

There was also a strong police presence as local officers met and mingled with the community. Although there was no competitive aspect, there were spot prizes awarded, and Tanya says some big fish were hooked.

'When I left there were a couple of large tarakihi on the wharf. I've never seen big fish like that caught down there before.”

The event was organised by Blue Light, which supports community engagement events with the police.

'It bolsters the community spirit,” says Tanya. 'We had a lot police staff there, and it's always good to see them interacting with the kids in a friendly capacity, not just when someone is in trouble."