Summer is fast approaching and many Bay of Plenty anglers are gearing up for the pursuit of trout fishing.

Fish and Game New Zealand has come up with some answer to many anglers' questions about how to get started.

A new brochure has been developed with sensible how-to advice on spinning – a well-tested, simple but effective way to catch trout with inexpensive gear.

Communications advisor Grant Dyson says the new brochure is perhaps overdue, especially for those who've always wanted to give trout fishing a go but were convinced, wrongly, it was a bit high-tech and complicated.

'This brochure explains trout fishing can be accessible to almost anyone in terms of cost, equipment and the skills and experience required.”

He says the beauty of spinning lies in its simplicity.

It's a method that offers an effective means of getting started in the fun, exciting pursuit of freshwater sport fishing, Grant says.

'Spinning is very do-able for a huge range of folk, from a five-year-old boy or girl, right through to their aunty or uncle. And it works well, sometimes even out-performing other fishing methods. You can be casting effectively after only a few minutes practice.”

Grant says spinning can serve as a highly productive method which opens up more water and more fishing opportunities for experienced anglers.

The brochure has been written mainly as an introductory guide for those new to the sport, but also provides useful tips and advice on some of the latest techniques to help keen anglers catch more fish.

Grant says it starts with what gear to buy – rods, reels and lines – and moves on to topics such as what lures work best, finding fish and casting.

He points out the brochure is only a starting point.

'We strongly urge people to take the extra steps of visiting their local Fish and Game office, or at least our website, www.fishandgame.org.nz for more information.

'Our staff are happy to pass on lots of tips to help you catch fish, on good spots and lures in particular. They can also advise you on any local waters that are closed, or in some cases, closed to spinning.”