Aim

To introduce primary school students to recreational fishing while practising safe and responsible fishing.

Background

Launched in 2008 the 'Get hooked..its fun to fish' program is funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, and involves an extensive network of dedicated local Fishcare volunteers. The program encourage children to take an active role in the management of their waterways and fish stocks. During the course of this program, primary school students are introduced to freshwater and marine fishing, the significance of aquatic life and life-cycles, catch and release skills, and the importance of sustaining a quality fish habitat, while practising safe and responsible fishing behaviours.

Each year schools are asked to register for the program, once registered they receive a program manual,  a DVD and an interactive discovery-based 'Get hooked - it's fun to fish' kit involving hands-on activities and games to cover topics such as fishing safety, habitat protection, fishing rules and responsible fishing. The manual is split into 6 codes, with three of the teaching modules levelled at Stage 2 (Year 3 and 4 students) while the other three are levelled at Stage 3 (Year 5 and 6 students). After completion of the in-class components, the class may attend a half-day fishing workshop run by DPI staff & Fishcare Volunteers at a local fishing spot. The Fishcare volunteers local knowledge and experience plays an essential part in ensuring the best and safest places are chosen to 'wet a line'.

Students learn rules and regulations at a Get Hooked Workshop day

Schools Fishcare Volunteer, Bill Harvey, assisting students with the in class, feeding frenzy game

How does the program work?

DPI is committed to ensuring quality education programs schools. Get Hooked underwent an extensive development to ensure it excels as a program in the school education market. The program meets Board of Studies syllabus outcomes across all Key Learning Areas, and our staff and volunteers are dedicated to ensuring these educational requirements are achieved in an fun and exciting way for both teachers and students.
Get Hooked… its Fun to Fish comprises six teaching modules which form a Junior Fishing Code. The Junior Fishing Codes are then linked to specific syllabus outcomes across all Key Learning Areas.

What do you receive FREE once you register your school?

A colourful catch which was safely released back into the water

Once your school has registered for Get Hooked…It’s Fun to Fish you will receive FREE:

• A Comprehensive Teachers Manual – Complete with teacher background notes, activity instructions, educational resources and a helpful list of links to other organisations.
• A Fun Resource Kit – A box jam packed with items to run the activities in the Teachers Manual.
• Enthusiastic Accredited Fishcare Volunteers - trained volunteers ( http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/info/fvp) can come into your classroom and help you with any Get Hooked activity.
• Nomination to the Get Hooked Fishing Workshop Weeks – Once you have commenced teaching the Get Hooked… It’s Fun to Fish codes you school will have the opportunity to register for a practical fishing workshop in your area.
• Get Hooked Supporting DVD - Our interactive DVD is available to all registered schools to support the Get Hooked… It’s Fun to Fish program codes. The DVD includes cool cartoon characters and real students having fun fishing.

Check it out today by viewing the DVD promo (www.youtube.com).

Wetting a line in local waterways....Putting theory into practice!

At the end of each year students get a chance to put theory learnt in class into practice, when they are invited to participate in the annual Get Hooked Workshop Weeks run throughout NSW. Workshop weeks are run in regional and metropolitan NSW and commence around September each year. To register your place, schools need to book with DPI staff on the following numbers.

Bookings

What schools say about the program

Lots of smiles at a workshop day in Narrenderra, October 2011

Learning about safe and sustainable fishing practices can be fun and entertaining. Here are some of the comments from teachers and students about their experiences with Get Hooked.

The kids were enthusiastic and many have been out fishing with parents since the workshop already….

Matthew Frost (Teacher), Buninyong Public School

The enthusiasm displayed by all members of your team and the volunteers ensured high levels of engagement for all students. The attention given to the safety of students at all times was outstanding. Again many thanks.
Neil Robertson (Principal), Sackville Street Public School

… it is the best fishing program … and the children just loved it. We are very keen to participate again next year and would be more than happy to recommend the program to other schools.
Lynn Balfour (Deputy Principal), Ettalong Public School

… A special thank you to all the friendly and helpful volunteers for making time in their schedule to teach us how to fish legally, carefully and properly. The Get Hooked program taught us how to tie knots, how to know if we have to throw the fish back and of course we all loved the goodie bags that you gave to us. We all enjoyed the fishing at Gunnamatta Park and seeing ourselves on television that night. … Thankyou.
James Howard and George Farmakidis, on behalf of all Year Six students, Carlton South Public School

Lines out on a great summers day

Students participating in the 'Rules and Regulations' rotation.

A young participant reading the DPI saltwater fishing guide which is part of the Goodie bag handout to all students. 

Fishcare Volunteers

Our team of Fishcare Volunteers are central to the success of Get Hooked… Its fun to Fish. Volunteers assist teachers with in-class activities, as well as assist at the Get Hooked fishing practical workshops. The DPI Fishcare program is one of the most successful volunteer programs in NSW. As a Fishcare volunteer you will provide a valuable resource for teachers, both in the classroom assisting with activities and during the fishing workshop component of the program. If you would like to join this enthusiastic team and have an interest in fishing and environmental education, see the Fishcare Volunteers Program to find out more information and have a nomination form sent out.

New north coast, schools fishcare volunteers learning how to play the 'Ball of String' game

New North Coast schools fishcare volunteers learning I&I NSW fishing rules and regulations 

For more information or to register your interest please contact us on 02 95278515 or Gethooked.fisheries@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

To learn more about education programs offered by DPI visit, www.landlearnnsw.org.au.