A first-time opportunity for Western Bay children to catch a wriggly, live rainbow trout at Eastern Fish and Game's Ngongotaha hatchery is on offer today thanks to help from Tauranga Anglers Club.

Running 25-plus years to promote trout fishing, outdoor recreation and conservation, with manpower from Rotorua Anglers Association, this year TAC is offering the Kids' Fish Out programme to youngsters.

Tauranga's Toby Currin, 7. Photos: Ross Brown.

Michaila Bourne, 6.

Approached by Fish and Game, TAC spokesperson Mike Jarvie says 10 adult member anglers are giving as many Western Bay children – aged six to 14 – the chance to learn how to fly fish, catch a trout and reel it in.

He says children are walking away with smiles on their faces.

The beauty of the event is Fish and Game provide fishing tackle, fly fishing rods, a plastic bag to take home a catch, safety glasses and a certificate, while TAC members teach the skill.

'Members are round the pool assisting children, helping with casting instructions on fly rods before they head out and catch their own fish,” says Mike.

Fish and Game communications advisor Grant Dyson says trout flinging out of the water in front of the children creates an exciting atmosphere.

'We have particular ponds dedicated to fish of a certain catchable size. Some children end up catching their first fish – with trout being quite fighty little fish to catch on a fly rod.”

Mike says children initially use spin fishing rods to fly fish, 'and you should see the smiles on their faces when they pull up a fish – it's brilliant to see – they pull it in, net it and get to take the fish home with them.”

Mike says this Western Bay-first will hopefully translate to more young trout anglers this side of the region – with the event enjoyable for children and parents alike – and more than 27 per cent of Eastern Bay trout licences currently sold to Tauranga residents.

'To that effect, we'd like to promote fly fishing to Tauranga children and their families. It's quite a thrill and can be the introduction to a great outdoor pursuit they continue to follow as adults – even passing on the knowledge to their children.”