Catch them if you can these school holidays

[Member]

Catch them if you can these school holidays
08 Jan 2013 - NSW Fisheries

Give school holiday boredom the flick and hook into some fun in the Christmas school holidays by coming along to one of the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fishing workshops at the Narrandera Fisheries Centre.

The fishing workshop program is one of many initiatives implemented by the NSW Government using funds from the Recreational Fishing Trusts to improve fishing opportunities across the State.

DPI Education Officer, Brett Smith, said the fishing workshops would give keen young anglers aged between 8 and 14 years the chance to learn basic fishing skills such as knot tying, rod rigging and casting.

"Youngsters will also learn about recreational fishing rules, fishing safety, responsible fishing practices, native and introduced fish species and aquatic habitats," Mr Smith said.

The workshops will be held on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 January at the Narrandera Fisheries Centre, Buckingbong Road, off the Sturt Highway, from 10am to 3pm.

"The Narrandera Fisheries Centre is the NSW Government’s flagship site for native fish species research and is the ideal place for community groups to learn more about freshwater fishing," Mr Smith said.

"Young anglers will get the chance to put their skills into action when they fish for Golden and Silver perch and the iconic Murray cod.

"The fishing workshop program is assisted by local Fishcare Volunteers, who are instrumental in the running of the program across NSW and teaching the next generation of anglers about one of Australia’s favourite pastimes."

Mr Smith said that each year, funding of $50,000 is provided from the Recreational Fishing Trust for community engagement fishing workshops as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to teaching children about sustainable recreational fishing and habitat conservation.

Each workshop costs $40 a child, which includes a quality rod and reel, tackle box, shirt, hat and a BBQ lunch.

Numbers are limited to a maximum of 25 children a day and bookings are essential. To secure a place please telephone (02) 6958 8200 by Monday 14 January before 10am. For more information on the program, visit http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/info/workshop