Freshwater Learn to Fish workshops for kids

Keen young anglers and would-be anglers in the New England and the Snowy Mountains areas who want to fish over the upcoming Easter school holidays have a chance to learn some skills at fishing workshops on Saturday March 17 and Wednesday April 14.

One workshop will be held at the Gaden Trout Hatchery at Jindabyne on Saturday March 14 and the other at Jindabyne Dutton Trout Hatchery at Ebor on Wednesday April 14.

Funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, both workshops will be run by experienced Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fisheries staff, local club members and Fishcare volunteers.

“Children aged between eight and 14 years will have the chance to practise casting, rigging, tying knots and fishing.

“They’ll also learn about ethical fishing practices, aquatic habitats and threatened species,” said DPI Education Officer Kerrie Deguara.

“They might even catch a big one and be the envy of their family and friends.”

Ms Deguara said fishing workshops were run around the state as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to teach children about recreational fishing.

In the afternoon session youngsters will put their new skills into action by fishing for trout in a dam at the hatchery, and they’ll also learn the importance of safe handling techniques for releasing fish back into the water.

“Each child will be provided fishing gear, including a rod, reel, hooks, swivels and lures, and a cap and shirt, to take home, and lunch is provided.”

Ms Deguara said the enjoyment and education messages of the day were not confined to the young fishers.

“Many of the guardians who attend the day with the youngsters, listen to the messages and tips and appreciate that the children are receiving comprehensive education on how and where to fish,” Ms Deguara said.

The cost is $40 a child.

Where: Dutton Trout Hatchery, Point Lookout Road, Ebor
             Gaden Trout Hatchery, Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne

When: 10am-3pm on Saturday 17 March 2007 (Gaden Hatchery)
            10am-3pm on Wednesday 14 April (Dutton Hatchery)

Bookings: Call NSW DPI on 02 95278515 during business hours

 

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