Otago Fish & Game Council officer Steve Dixon released 40 trout into Dunedin's Southern Reservoir yesterday.
The fish were part of a school of 400 trout released for novice anglers to catch at the Take a Kid Fishing Day on Sunday.
Another 400 trout would be released in the reservoir next week for another children's fishing day on September 25.
``It's a great day to get the family out and to get the kids away from their smartphones and iPads ... it's a healthy pastime and it's about getting kids outside again.''
A fight with a trout was a sure way to put a smile on a child's face, he said.
Children could use their own rod and tackle but sets could be provided, and a fishing licence was not required.
On both days, children could fish between 10am and noon.
The new trout fishing season starts on October 1.
The 800 fish released into the reservoir weighed between 1kg and 6kg.
``There are some big ones going in.''
The fish were transported from a hatchery at Macraes' Oceana Gold mine.
Up to 12,000 fish were taken from the hatchery annually and released in Otago waters.
