Kids ‘Get Hooked’ on fishing in Tamworth

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Kids ‘Get Hooked’ on fishing in Tamworth
11 Oct 2010
Over 90 Tamworth students will put their knowledge into practice during their first fishing workshop as part of a program organised by Industry & Investment NSW (I&I NSW). 

I&I NSW Schools Manager, Louise Roberts, said ‘Get Hooked…It’s Fun to Fish’ encourages children to take an active role in the management of waterways and fish stocks.   

“During the course of the program, primary school students are introduced to freshwater fishing skills, the significance of aquatic life and life-cycles, catch and release skills and the importance of sustaining a quality fish habitat, while practicing safe and responsible fishing behaviours,” Ms Roberts said.

“The program is coming to a close for 2010, and now that students have completed the in-class component and gained their fishing passport, they are attending a hands-on fishing workshop to put all of the theory learnt in class into practice.

“Students will learn the practical aspects of fishing including rod and reel basics, knots and rigs, bait selection and identification, casting skills, fish identification, fishing regulations and catch and release techniques. 

“The students will be assisted by Fishcare volunteers, whom have been instrumental in the success of this program, teaching the next generation of kids about one of Australia’s favourite pastimes.

“These volunteers will be on hand throughout the workshop, imparting their experience and skills onto the budding anglers of tomorrow.

“Teachers have reported that the students are excited about the chance to ‘wet a line’ during the workshop.”

More than 77 schools across NSW are registered in the program. 

The workshop will be held at Peel River Reserve, Tamworth (near the walkway bridge) on October 12. Three schools from the Tamworth region will participate for the day. Sessions will be held from 9.30am until 2pm. 

Ms Roberts said the ‘Get Hooked…It’s Fun to Fish’ program is funded by the NSW Government using funds from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, to improve fishing across the state. 

“Every year $435,000 from the Trust is allocated to providing this program to all NSW schools as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to teaching the community about sustainable recreational fishing,” Ms Roberts said.

“The program plays an important role in ensuring the State’s freshwater resources are enjoyed now and in the future.” 

For more information on the program, visit http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/info/get-hooked

Media contact: Alyssa Fitzgerald (02) 6391 3785 or 0459 141 561

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which schools are doing the program in tamworth? is oxley high school?