Kids are being encouraged to give their smart phones a rest this weekend and get outdoors to enjoy fishing like the old days using a bamboo (stick) rod.

The Cook Islands Game Fishing Club (CIGFC) is hosting a Tamariki (Kids) Fishing competition this Saturday.

Club manager, Sharon William said: “We want to help teach the tamariki to be sustainable and practice the traditional way of fishing in the lagoon.”

“This event is usually held during the kids Christmas function, but due to the unfavourable weather conditions last year, we decided to host the event in the New Year before the kids head back to school.”

This fishing competition is limited to the ages of five to 14, parents or an adult must accompany the kids in the sea while they are fishing. Adults are kindly asked to refrain from fishing for their children.

The entry fee is only $2 per child if they have their own takiri (rod), or $5 which will entitle each child to enter as well as keep their own takiri – all the way from the island of Mangaia. Hooks and fishing line will be provided by the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club.

The “rod n reels” or nets are not permitted in the competition, and kids are encouraged to catch decent sized fish which can be eaten, “not little baby fish”.

The fishing competition will run from 9am to 2pm, with prize giving at 4pm. The boundary for fishing is between the Tamarind House and Club Raro Resort.

Kids will need to bring a bag for their catch, suitable footwear and a hat.

Each child will receive a green wrist band, free ice blocks and drinks and sausage sizzles.

Sponsors for the competition are CITC, Peter Webb and Trader Don. Prizes will include school stationery, cash prizes and goodies.

The prize awards categories are: Heaviest Fish - first, second and third; Aggregate section - first, second and third, and the Most Fish Caught.