Young anglers looking for some fun and excitement on the NSW south coast these school holidays are encouraged to come along to a fishing workshop run by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI). 

NSW DPI Education Officer, Stephen Thurstan, said the workshop at Batemans Bay and Merimbula in January will give young anglers aged between 8 and 14 years a chance to learn basic fishing techniques and to wet a line. 

“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 NSW 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:

• Thursday 12 January at Batemans Bay 
• Friday 13 January at Merimbula. 

Bookings: Stephen Thurstan, NSW DPI (02) 4295 1809 or 0438 245 190, or email stephen.thurstan@industry.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Tom Braz (02) 6391 3686 or 0428 256 596