Auckland has loads of small boat owners, but many will soon learn there are a lot more paths to fishing pleasure than only chasing snapper out in the gulf.

Fish & Game trout fishing experts from the Eastern Region office in Rotorua will have a stand at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show and will be promoting the world class trout fishing on offer in Rotorua's many lakes and streams.

It's the fifth year Fish & Game are taking their live trout aquarium and know-how up to Auckland for the show.

Fish & Game officer Mark Sherburn says that in spite of the high rate of small boat ownership in Auckland, many locals are only vaguely aware of the “incredible trout fishing resources” just a few hours down the motorway in the Rotorua lakes district.

Fish & Game’s key message is that not far from home, Aucklanders can access one of the world’s finest trout fishing locations in a city that has a whole range of family-friendly attractions.

“For the more serious fly fisher we are also trying to emphasise that winter shoreline fishing is about to ramp up in the Rotorua district, with some good-sized trout being caught at stream and lake beach locations as fish move into spawning mode.

“Saltwater fishers can be a little apprehensive about how to catch trout, the rules and regulations and the tackle needed. We’ve got that all covered - with good advice on how to get started”

“Aside from being able to speak one-to-one with keen anglers, we take a lots of ‘how to’ material with us, including guides to the various lakes, and if you are a complete beginner – brochures on how to get started without the need to buy loads of expensive gear. We have fishing starter packs complete with brochure and DVD for only $5.”

We will also have some fishing gear so that we can demonstrate to people exactly what they  need, he adds.

Mr Sherburn says their aquarium is always something of a hit because people can get up close to a variety of trout, from rainbows to browns and stripy tigers which are specially bred for release into just one of the Rotorua lakes.