EMFMI / Sunfish Lifestyle Kids Fishing Day

[Bracey]

A Sunfish Queensland initiative gave members of Ewen Maddock Fish Management Inc. the privilege to host a Sunfish Lifestyle Kids Fishing Day recently. Andrew Kennedy, a hard working member of our stocking group and an accredited Sunfish instructor made the day possible which in the end everyone enjoyed immensely.

Twenty five lucky year six students from Unity College at Caloundra West, who were studying environmental impacts in the Mooloolah catchment area where Ewen Maddock Dam is situated, were given the opportunity to go fishing for the day at the Suncoast Barra Fishing Park at Bli Bli.

Proceedings on the day consisted of the kids being informed about identifying various species that live within the Sunshine Coast region, how to measure and properly handle these fish along with informing them of various rules and regulations that need to be adhered to and of course were instructed in knot tying and the rigging of their rods.

While Andrew captivated and informed the kids, snags were sizzled over the BBQ for the kids’ lunch in readiness of the fishing to be had. With full bellies, the kids put their new found skills into practice with quite a few good fish being caught and lost. It was fantastic to see the kids enjoy themselves, even the ones that weren’t so lucky to land a fish, witnessing Barramundi smashing pallets off the surface giving the kids a visual spectacle on how these fish can feed keeping them extremely interested throughout the day.

At the end of the day the kids were given a Sunfish information pack also consisting of a fish rule, some lures and DVD’s that were donated by members of the stocking group and Barra Jacks Kawana kindly did a great deal for us to supply the kids with new rods for the day in which they got to keep.

A great day was had, angling passions were born and memories not forgotten for some with one lucky little lady landing an 83cm Barramundi on 9lb mono.

I’d like to extend a huge thank you to all members who were lucky enough to be present, especially Andrew for making the day possible and assisting the stocking group in coordinating the event, a special mention also needs to be extended to Sunfish Queensland, Unity College, Barra Jacks Kawana and to the Suncoast Barra Fishing Park.

Cheers Dave

Here are a few photos of the day’s event, due to child protection safety I apologies for the kids being cropped from the photos.