STAFF REPORTER
An Otago Fish & Game soft-bait fishing clinic was gate-crashed by a school at Henley on the Waipori River last month.
A school of hungry kahawai was an unexpected addition to Otago Fish & Game’s fishing clinic for about 50 anglers targeting trout.
About half of the participants hooked into the feisty kahawai, more than 8km upriver from the Taieri River mouth, Fish & Game officer Bruce Quirey said.
‘‘Fish & Game manages freshwater sportfish, like trout, salmon and perch, but we certainly don’t mind that kahawai busted on to the scene.
‘‘Anglers got a thrilling lesson in how effective soft-bait fishing can be, and there were multiple hookups happening all at once.’’
The guest speaker at the clinic was expert angler Lance Gill, of Okuma.
Mr Quirey said soft-bait fishing was an increasingly popular method for catching trout, salmon or perch.
‘‘Remember, you will need a sports fishing licence whenever fishing for trout, and check the regulations for the legal methods in your local waters.’’
The Otago Fish & Game Council represents the interests of anglers and game bird hunters.
Fish & Game receives no money from the government.
All funding is provided by freshwater anglers and game bird hunters in a ‘‘user pays, user says’’ tradition dating back 150 years.
Registrations for Otago Fish & Game Council clinics can be completed online.
