But Kyall McKean not only reeled his almost 3kg catch in, he snagged the monster rainbow trout on his first cast of the day.
The 12-year-old was among 185 children who took part in Otago Fish and Game Council’s Take a Kid Fishing day yesterday.
The "sort of" fisherman said he was pleased with his haul and he had plans to fillet the catch and eat it for tea.
Event organiser Steve Dixon said he was pleased with the turnout to the event, with the children being joined by parents and caregivers in the hopes of catching one of the 400 trout released into Dunedin’s Southern Reservoir by the council.
"Just over 30 fish were caught," he said.
"It’s not too bad. It could have been better, but ... fish will bite when fish will bite."
The weather had played its part, with temperatures reaching double digits and forecast rain holding off.
"It’s gone really well," he said.
It was the sixth time the event had been held and it was the biggest turnout yet, he said.
"It’s a really good turnout and people have had fun."
