THE third annual Gone Fishing Day has been described as a “huge success” with more than 20,000 people taking in part in free community events held last Sunday, October 15.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) hosted events at six locations across the State with thousands of families, young people and other members of the community enjoying a day of fun fishing activities.
“It was great to see so many people attend who were interested in fishing, whether they were experienced recreational fishers or beginners,” Bryan van der Walt, manager of DPI’s Recreational Fisheries programs, said.
“The NSW Government is proud to support its recreational fishing sector, which generates $3.4 billion to the State’s economy each year and accounts for more than 14,000 full-time jobs.”
- Free NSW DPI Gone Fishing Day events were held at:
- Botany Bay, Dolls Point, Peter Depena Reserve
- Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Park
- Nelson Bay foreshore, Victoria Parade (eastern groyne)
- Lake Illawarra, Judbooley Parade foreshore (north side of Windang Bridge)
- Albury, Noreuil Park foreshore
- Inverell, Campbell Park, Captain Cook Drive
Activities at each site included how-to fish workshops, casting comps, goodie bags, expert fishing tips, touch tanks, fish cooking demos, boating safety stands and activity marquees as well as loads of kids’ activities.
Gone Fishing Day was supported by NSW DPI and the Recreational Fishing Trusts.
“A number of other events were held by fishing clubs across the State to celebrate Gone Fishing Day,” DPI’s Bryan van der Walt said. “It was great to see communities brought together by one of the state’s most popular recreational activities.”
Dates and venues for 2018 Gone Fishing Day events are expected to be announced soon.
