… like Casey from Auckland who caught a 43.5cm long prawn at Huka Prawn Park in Taupo. After 3.5 hours of fishing I thought I’d have to settle for being a prawn star photographer as all I’d done was photograph other peoples prawns and feed fish that were continually stripping my hook of bait.

Casey’s catch

However I kept baiting and kept waiting and after four hours I finally hooked a prawn. Did I taste success?

I was so excited …. a prawn at last

No, I looked at my little prawn and thought about how Mike had eaten some of its mates for lunch. I also realised that the bucket of cold water I had to knock it out had spent so much time in the sun the water was warm, so I unhooked my prawn and let it swim away. Turns out I don’t have what it takes to be a prawn star after all. Besides, if it was going to be another four hours between prawns I’d be paying to stay the night.

Prawns for lunch at the waterside restaurant

It costs $26 per adult to fish at Huka Prawn Park, I can’t tell you the most prawns ever caught but we met a couple who caught 14 in a couple of hours so it is possible to catch lunch. You can cook your catch onsite or take them away.

Cook your prawns here

If you don’t have any luck catching your own prawns you can place an order at the restaurant – it’s not the cheapest dining option in town, six battered prawns and salad cost $21. Your admission is valid for the day though so you could take a picnic or go elsewhere for lunch and return for an afternoon of fishing.

Prawn fishing at Huka Prawn Park

Success!

Given the sum total of our catch was one prawn between two (and yes, supposedly there are 28,000 prawns in Pond 3), I’m hardly qualified to give fishing tips. However a tour of the park (included in the admission fee) will give you some useful pointers. During the tour you’ll also get to hand feed baby prawns, learn more about the Malaysian fresh water prawn, and the geothermal features of the park – in winter fish from the heated orange seats and pipes.

28,000 prawns in Pond 3

Hand feeding baby prawns

I may not be a prawn star but I’m a fan of Huka Prawn Park, I learned I have the patience to spend most of the day fishing, and that one prawn on the end of a line can be all it takes to make my day.

One of the park’s water features

P.S. I’m curious to know how successful people are at prawn fishing, especially if anyone has caught more than 14, comments below would be great.