C’mon kids - Get hooked it’s fun to fish

Primary school students are to be introduced to the fine art of fishing in a two year pilot program called ‘Get Hooked…It’s Fun to Fish’.

The NSW Government is backing this new program with the strong support of the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust and the Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing.

Department of Primary Industries Director of Wild Harvest Fisheries Anthony Hurst said the program will introduce young anglers to the basics of recreational fishing.

“The interactive and discovery based program will help NSW primary school students and teachers to enjoy learning about saltwater and freshwater fishing, fish habitats and the importance of sustainable recreational fishing,” Mr Hurst said.

Mr Hurst said “The Get Hooked…It’s Fun to Fish’ program aims to:

• Foster an interest in recreational fishing as a healthy, outdoor pastime.
• Equip primary age students with the basic skills necessary for recreational fishing, with the view that it will become a lifelong interest.
• Introduce primary school children to the concept of sustaining healthy fish habitats and practicing safe and responsible fishing.

“We expect that around 100 primary schools from around NSW will get involved in the pilot program, which will be delivered in two parts. The first being a theory based kit to be delivered to students in the classroom. Schools will be given the option to receive the kit in a printed or CD Rom format, along with a set of interactive activities to complement each module and a high quality DVD with background information,” he said.

“The second part allows participating schools to take part in a fishing skills workshop, held at designated fishing venues, during a “Get Hooked week” each school term.  This will cover all practical aspects of fishing such as: fishing safety, rod & reel basics, knots and rigs, bait selection and identification, responsible recreational fishing, casting skills, fish identification and fishing regulations.”

The program utilises current Recreational Fishing Trust programs such as Fisheries Education Officers, Fishcare volunteers and the popular Fishcare ‘bluey’ advisory trailers.

“This is a great example of recreational fishers’ licence fees being invested into providing opportunities for recreational fishing, and the NSW Government’s commitment to promote sporting activities under the State Plan,” he said.