Laird said he was expecting some differences compared to his usual practice spots on the Waipawa River.
This included a shift in his target species from rainbow and brown trout in New Zealand to grayling in Slovakia.
He said the grayling species was not as scared as trout.
“You can walk through the water and they will come right up to your feet.”
Laird said he had a mix of nerves and excitement for the July 2027 competition.
He said practice came in the form of getting down to the river as often as possible.
“I enjoy it, just being out there; you never know when the next fish is going to be like the biggest fish you have ever caught.”
Laird said the Waipawa River had a good number of fish to perfect his skills before his monthly squad meet-ups, with mentors to train him for the rivers in Slovakia.
He was modest in saying there was always room for improvement.
“I would like to get my skill level up for when I go.”
He said his selection came after a late entry into the Sport Fly Fishing New Zealand’s (SFFNZ) youth development plan.
He took part in workshops in Rotorua in July and August.
“I wasn’t expecting to have a spot because that development squad was going for a bit … when I joined.”
Sport Fly Fishing angler development officer Aaron West said Laird came to his attention through the weekend camps where active younger anglers mentor keen kids to share their passion for the sport.
“Charlie stood out due to his natural ability to find and catch fish, plus his willingness to ask questions and learn.
“Since being part of the development squad, he has shown how determined and committed he is.”
West said SFFNZ would support Laird and the team through training weekends, and hoped to attract others like Laird to future events.
He said they are excited to have selected the first full New Zealand youth team for the competition.
“We have had individuals compete before, but these events are primarily a team event with five youths per team.
“To have a full team heading off next year is a big deal.”
SFFNZ is a small volunteer organisation and is unable to fully fund the team, which has a Givealittle with a $50,000 target to help cover flights, accommodation, competition fees, equipment and travel.
Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.