Kids fishing
Reporter: Anthony Peridis
These fishing workshops are designed to teach responsible fishing practices to children providing an educational experience that is enjoyable. The major goal is to teach the basics of fishing to a newcomer and to encourage them to continue in the sport.
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The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Recreational Fishing Trust run general fishing workshops in both saltwater and freshwater locations. The location sites vary over time but generally are located in either departmental owned facilities or safe coastal locations which have been risk assessed by agency staff.
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Freshwater workshops are run at the Gaden (Jindabyne), Dutton (Ebor), Narrandera and Grafton fish hatcheries.
Saltwater workshops are run in places such as, Coffs Harbour, Urunga, The Entrance, Lake Macquarie, Patonga, Narrabeen, Cronulla, Lake Illawarra, Narooma and Batemans Bay.
Workshops are for children aged between 8 and 14 years and generally last no more than 5 hours with the maximum number of participants at 30.
The activities include a guided fishing session and talks on:
- Rules and regulations
- Fishing safety
- Conservation of fish habitats
- Activities
- Knot tying
- Line rigging and baiting
- Casting techniques and retrieval of fish
Each child receives a rod, reel, tackle box, shirt, cap, water bottle and sample bag to take home with them. A lunch and or morning/afternoon tea is also provided. At the end of the day, a quiz session provides each child with a prize to take home, plus a certificate of achievement.
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Recreational Trust Education Officers run the workshops, in conjunction with other DPI staff. Fishcare volunteers and local angling club members also provide invaluable assistance and experience on the day.
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More Information NSW DPI and Recreational Fishing Trust Fishing Workshop Program Various locations throughout NSW Telephone: (02) 9527 8515 The next workshops are on in Gunnamatta Bay on the 10th and 12th of July and cost $40 per child. |
Prices correct as at 05/07/08
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