Juniors invited to catch a fish

Children in the Mahurangi area are invited to join the annual Take a Kid Fishing excursion, on Sunday, February 26, organised by the Warkworth Lions Club.

Boats will depart from the Warkworth Wharf mid-morning, returning to Sandspit Yacht Club around 1.30pm for giveaways, quickfire raffles and prizegiving.

Last year, around 100 children took part and the heaviest fish pulled in was a 2.8kg snapper.

Club first vice-president Bruce Clegg says it’s a fun day for all concerned and is designed to give kids a day out on the water, as well as instilling some good fishing practices.

“The kids have a whale of a time; for some of them, it’s their first time on a boat,” he says.

The day is open to children aged between five and 12 years old, who must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Participants need to bring their own fishing gear, appropriate clothing, lifejackets if possible, and food and drink. Bait is supplied.

Registration is appreciated as it helps the club organise sufficient boats to meet demand.

Registration forms are available at Warkworth Sportsworld and Hunting & Fishing, as well as Leigh, Matakana and Snells Beach primary schools. They can also be obtained by emailing Bruce at suelulu@xtra.co.nz

The club also welcomes enquiries from boat owners who are interested in helping out on the day.

“They just need to have lifejackets on board and be a confident skipper,” he says.