Kids Gone Fishin’ day was another Police Blue Light community event in Greymouth.
The event was held in good weather, from 10am – 2pm on a Saturday in February and was put on completely free to one and all.
At the start of the year, thought was given by Police, as to what sort of community activities would be good to run in Greymouth and fishing became a focus. The venue was the wharf along the front of the Westfleet building, with that company also helpfully making their staff room available for the event.
It turned out to be a real family day and even in the early stages, there was a hundred plus people lining the wharf, fishing or supervising their offspring.
Safety was paramount so Kotuku Surf Lifesavers patrolled the venue in their orange inflatable, ensuring the well-being of all present.
The initiative was in partnership with Westfleet Seafoods, Community Patrol, Ministry of Fisheries, Surf Lifesaving, plus product sponsored by local sports store Wild Outdoorsman and Countdown.
There was ice cream and coffee available, with Police operating a BBQ, grilling hundreds of Countdown sausages.
Also a member of the public, Lyall Tait kindly dropped off 300 chocolate fish which were given out as spot prizes.
Kids brought their own rods and those without gear were supplied with the means to catch a fish.
So what was caught? While I was there and talking to organisers, I saw a monstrous eel hauled up, de-hooked and returned to the water, plus herrings and many other nautical finds.
Organisers say it was gratifying to see how many families turned up for the event, to spend time fishing with their children. They also say the event will continue as an important element in their community outreach.
