Otago Fish and Game officer Steve Dixon said the Take a Kid Fishing event was usually held over the last two weekends of September each year.
The organisation had registered about 120 children for the fun family day where children got a chance to try fishing and many caught their first fish, Mr Dixon said
"Especially with technology, cell phones and computers, getting them outside and trying to catch a fish is just awesome," Mr Dixon said.
Now 54 years old, Mr Dixon said he had been fishing since he was 9.
It was rewarding to see young people catching their first fish and also to welcome back the children who looked forward to the event every year, he said.
Southern Reservoir had been stocked with about 400 two-year-old rainbow trout for the weekend’s fishing.
Another 400 trout would be released ahead of next weekend before the the reservoir was opened to other anglers on 1October.
Assistance from volunteer rangers, a blanket licence and fishing rods were provided for the event, which had been running since 2010, Mr Dixon said.
Rahul Prasad said the event got his family out and about enjoying some of the things Dunedin had to offer and they were pleased to be attending for the second time.
"There’s so many cool things happening for families ... We’re really grateful this gets put on, we’re really happy about it," Dr Prasad said.
His daughter Ashreya Prasad was excited about the event which she described as fun.
Last time the family attended, her brother had snagged a rainbow trout, but it had got away.
She was optimistic about their chances of catching a fish which they planned to eat after frying it with some garlic and butter, she said.
