KIDS can learn the basics of recreational fishing during the upcoming school holidays at a Department Primary Industries (DPI) fishing workshop, on the NSW south coast.
DPI Education Officer, Stephen Thurstan, said the three fishing workshops at Greenwell Point, Batemans Bay and Merimbula would give children aged between 8 and 14 years the chance to learn basic fishing skills.
The fishing workshop program is one of many initiatives implemented by the NSW Government using funds from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts to improve fishing opportunities across the State.
“During the workshop, young anglers will be taught about the importance of fishing safely and responsibly, fishing rules and regulations and how to handle fish carefully prior to release,” Mr Thurstan said.
“The fishing workshop program will be assisted by local DPI Fishcare volunteers, who are instrumental in running the program across NSW.
“The volunteers play a key role in teaching the budding young anglers of tomorrow skills such, knots and rigs, baiting, casting, fish habitat, bag and size limits and fish handling for catch and release.
“The workshop costs $40 per child and includes a rod and reel combination, shirt, hat, hooksafe, tackle box and show bag to take home.
“The workshop will run from 10am to 2pm and is strictly limited to 25 participants.
“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.”
Fishing workshops are funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to teaching children about sustainable recreational fishing and habitat conservation.
For more information visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/info/workshop
The workshops will be run over the school holidays from 10am – 2pm on:
April 16 at Greenwell Point
April 23 at Batemans Bay
April 24 at Merimbula.
For bookings, phone Stephen Thurstan on 4220 8484 or email stephen.thurstan@dpi.nsw.gov.au
