Young Anglers Shine at Dunedin’s “Take A Kid Fishing” Event

On September 30, 2023, five-year-old friends Howie Craig and JJ Nareki enjoyed a memorable day at the “Take A Kid Fishing” event held at Dunedin’s Southern Reservoir. The young anglers made their mark by catching a trout together, marking a special weekend as JJ’s father, rugby player Jonah Nareki, celebrated his return with the Ranfurly Shield.

Howie’s father, Jason Craig, expressed pride in the boys’ friendship, stating that they have been close companions since their days in daycare. “They are real good pals, so we took JJ fishing while his dad was away playing rugby,” he noted. The experience proved enjoyable for both children, who remained engaged and entertained as they cast their lines into the water.

Howie, who has been fishing since the age of three, managed to catch the trout independently. Jason Craig emphasized the importance of introducing children to fishing, saying, “It was good to get them out fishing. They had a ball.” This event also marked JJ’s first fishing experience. “He learned how to cast and stuff like that. It is good to bring the younger ones along,” Jason added, highlighting the value of passing on fishing knowledge, a skill he learned from his own father and grandfather.

Community Engagement and Success

The “Take A Kid Fishing” event has become a staple in the community, attracting over 250 children and their caregivers during its first two days. Jason Craig noted the significance of such initiatives, particularly for families who might lack fishing gear or experience.

Steve Dixon, an officer with Otago Fish & Game and hatchery manager, described the weekend as a resounding success. “The weather was perfect — sunshine and warm conditions,” he stated. On the first day alone, approximately 25 fish were caught and brought to the cleaning table. Although fishing was slower on the second day, the joy of the children was evident. “The kids’ smiles and thank-yous showed they had a great time,” Dixon remarked.

In preparation for the following weekend’s event, another 300 rainbow trout will be released into the reservoir. Dixon expressed gratitude to the volunteers and organizations that made the event possible, including the Otago Community Trust, OceanaGold, and the Dunedin City Council.

Given its popularity, the Southern Reservoir will remain closed to public fishing until October 1, 2023, to ensure that the event continues to provide a rewarding experience for young anglers. The enthusiasm generated by such community-driven initiatives highlights the importance of fostering a love for fishing among the younger generation.