Annie and Koshy Yohannan’s love for bird watching inspired the pair to pick up trout fishing this year.
Mr Yohannan is an accomplished wildlife photographer and often felt envious of the fishermen he would see during his shoots.
"We watched a lot of fly-fishing anglers and were fascinated by the way they were fishing and catching trout," he said.
They took part in a beginner course with the Otago Fish & Game where Mr Yohannan caught his first fish, briefly.
"I pulled a fish in and it came up to the surface and I was fighting it, but I think I didn’t put enough pressure on and it was wriggling and escaped.
"I was like, ‘There goes my first fish’."
The pair moved to Dunedin from Rotorua two years ago hoping to explore the South Island.
Mrs Yohannan felt fishing was "very mindful" and was excited to catch her own trout for the table.
Otago Fish & Game officer Bruce Quirey said the pair would be among 15,000 freshwater anglers in Otago this season.
"It’s been great fun passing on a few tips to Annie and Koshy,
"We’re anticipating more fishy tales and, of course, some amazing photos from their new adventures," Mr Quirey said.
Otago Fish & Game expected to sell about 130,000 licences this season, which would begin tomorrow morning.
Richie Cosgrove, a spokesman for Fish & Game, encouraged the public to take advantage of the season.
"Fishing is not just an excellent opportunity to catch your own healthy free-range kai, but it’s recognised internationally for its positive impact on mental health and the rejuvenation from being in the outdoors."
He advised anglers to be "flexible" on where they planned to fish, as some rivers would need time to settle after heavy rain.
"But there are plenty of options to explore."
