Come Fish with Us

Looking to get into fishing but don’t know how to get started? Then join us at one of our many FREE Fish with us activities such as Fishing Workshops and Try Fishing Sessions that will teach you all the basics needed to fish for today and tomorrow. The Come Fish with Us timetable below covers all our locations across NSW, including both freshwater and saltwater fishing. To register a  spot, simply click on the book here link in the table, which will take you to Eventbrite, where you can book a place for FREE.

smiling people holding fish

Come Fish with Us timetable

Check out fishing dates and freshwater or saltwater fishing locations below, new locations are continually being added so if a day is booked out don't hesitate to give our Education Officer team a call.

Venue /  RegionLocation
North Coast Region
Melanie Buhler
M: 0458 274 876
melanie.buhler@dpi.nsw.gov.au
23/04/2024 - Kids Fishing Workshop Ballina
23/04/2024 - Try Fishing Session Ballina
26/04/2024 - Community Fishing Day, Bowraville Youth Hub - Fully Booked
01/06/2024 - Community Fishing Day Fortem Australia - Fully Booked
Central Region
Matt McLeod
M: 0455 553 988
matt.mcleod@dpi.nsw.gov.au
16/04/2024 - Kids Fishing Workshop Toronto - Book Here
18/04/2024 - Kids Fishing Workshop Nelson Bay - Book Here
19/04/2024 - Try Fishing Session Nelson Bay
23/04/2024 - Kids Fishing Workshop Woy Woy - Book Here
26/04/2024
- Try Fishing Session Gosford
Sydney Region
Alex Stollznow
M: 0448 725 878
alex.stollznow@dpi.nsw.gov.au
21/04/2024 - Women's Fishing Workshop Clarke's Point
South Coast Region
Dee Payne
M: 0408 437 547
dee.payne@dpi.nsw.gov.au
16/04/2024 - Women's Fishing Workshop Greenwell Point
South West Region
Brett Smith
M: 0447 219 618
brett.smith@dpi.nsw.gov.au
27/03/2024 - Women's Fishing Workshop Forbes - Book Here
18/04/2024 - Kids Fishing Workshop Narrandera Fisheries Centre - Book Here
19/04/2024 - Kids Fishing Workshop Narrandera Fisheries Centre - Book Here
North West Region
Roger Cupples
M: 0419 662 508
roger.cupples@dpi.nsw.gov.au
17/03/2024 - Kids Fishing Workshop Lake Keepit - Book Here
12/04/2024 - Women's Fishing Workshop, Lake Keepit - Book Here
18/04/2024
- Kids Fishing Workshop Lake Keepit - Fully Booked
23/04/2024 - Women's Fishing Workshop Lake Keepit - Fully Booked
05/05/2024 - Kids Fishing Workshop Black Mountain
12/07/2024 - Try Fishing Session Mudgee
13/07/2024 - Try Fishing Session Mudgee

Types of fishing days/ sessions explained

Fishing Workshops

A long session of over 2 hours, FREE workshops for all members of the community, and include workshops dedicated to kids (8 – 14 year old group) not-for-profit community groups (i.e. Fortem Australia, Casting For Recovery, Boys from the Bush, Anglicare), families and some dedicated women's workshops. Prior to fishing, you will learn about fishing rules, how to cast, knot tying, baiting and rigging followed by a supervised fishing session with our Education Officers and Fishcare Volunteers.

Giveaways include a rod/reel combo, sunglasses, tackle box and goodie bag to use on the day and to take home to continue their fishing adventure.

Kids Fishing Workshops

Run FREE, they are aimed at juniors, encouraging them to take up a lifelong passion for fishing. A parent is to accompany each child/ren on the day and bookings are done via Eventbrite.

Women's Fishing Workshops

Run FREE for women, aimed  at providing easily accessible and welcoming entry pathways for women to participate in fishing. Children are also welcome to attend the fishing days.

Community Fishing Workshops

Run FREE and often in partnership with not-for-profit and disability groups, councils, clubs, etc to enhance access to the outdoors and fishing opportunities.

Fish for Life 'Try Fishing' sessions

Join us at one of our FREE community Try Fishing Sessions across the state, which are open to everyone and all ages. They are a great opportunity to learn the basics of fishing, talk fishing with our Education Officers and Fishcare Volunteers and try your hand at casting a line. We provide all the equipment, bait and fishing advice for the day. You may even get a goodie bag or a prize to take home on the day.

Your safety on the day

Safety and clear policies are paramount to NSW DPI, staff and volunteers, as such the following is standard for all our fishing days:

  • a parent/guardian must accompany all juniors (under 18 years) to help their child with baiting, knots, casting and during practical fishing. Parents/guardians are to ensure their child is appropriately dressed for the workshop activity, including enclosed shoes and a hat. Please bring a water bottle and ensure your sun safe.
  • Allergies - if you or your child has any medical conditions or allergies, it is your responsibility to bring aid and administer care. Prawns are used and remnants will be found in the area from other fishers.
  • Photo consent is given as part of your Eventbrite booking, sessions are public and as such photos taken will be used by NSW DPI for promotional purposes.
  • All DPI staff and volunteers meet working with children checks and all sites used are risk assessed.

How do I get involved in these fishing workshops and fishing sessions?

Promotion for workshops and sessions open to the public is done this webpage with additional more promotion on our NSW Fisheries Facebook and Instagram pages. Bookings are essential and links to Eventbrite are provided in the table above before each event.

Groups/organisation

Not-for-profit groups and partner agencies/organisations can get involved with dedicated group workshops with NSW DPI. For more information, contact your local Fisheries Education Officer (details above) to discuss workshop opportunities.

Schools

Schools can get involved through the “Get Hooked it’s Fun to Fish Fishing” Schools page

Further Contact Information

For more information about the Department's fishing workshops contact fish.care@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

DPI workshops feedback

"Many of the students that I brought would never get the opportunity to learn about fish, fishing and conservation. As part of our outdoor educational program, it was a wonderful opportunity for our boys to develop knowledge and understanding about responsible fishing practices, fishing rules and regulations, fishing safety and fish anatomy. Our school cannot wait until next year, we would like to bring more! Once again, thanks."

Tracey, Canberra

"I'd like to thank you and all the people involved for the excellent workshop held at Tuross Head last Wednesday 15th April, 2015. I was informed of it through the local Tuross Head Fishing Club and its involvement with the Tuross Head Country Club. I am retired here and offered my grandchildren in Canberra the experience. 4 of them joined it enthusiastically. Aged from 9 to 14, 3 boys and 1 girl, all were delighted with their experiences. Not only did they learn sound basic skills but they remain keen to continue their fishing. The day was cleverly organised to teach the range of age groups and the fishing and safety gear they received served to cement their interest in fishing. What a great concept and adventure! Thanks."

Ian

"I just wanted to write to you to thank you for offering such a wonderful fishing program. Aaron had a wonderful day and came home reiterating all that he had learnt about fishing and its restrictions. He is now very keen to talk about his experience in an assessment task due next term. It is always a challenge as a parent to find engaging and educational activities during school holidays. I congratulate you and particularly the volunteers for providing such a memorable day. I will certainly be singing your praises."

Mary, Sydney

"As it's the last day of the school holidays I just wanted to tell what a great time fishing my boys have had these holidays. They have spent the best part of the holidays riding up and down river on their bikes to various fishing holes, fishing and swimming. All thanks to the workshop. They have become fishing obsessed and get up at 5.30, unheard of for most 14 yr olds!!, just to go fishing. Best of all they have caught some really big fish that they thrilled with. Cheers."

Michelle, Central West Tablelands

Crab Gear Exchange dates

Venue/region

Crab Gear Exchange Dates

Location

North Coast Region

Melanie Buhler

M: 0458 274 876

melanie.buhler@dpi.nsw.gov.au

  

Central Region

Matt McLeod

M: 0455 553 988

matt.mcleod@dpi.nsw.gov.au

23/03/2024,  9am-12pm

Lake Macquarie - Book Here

Sydney Region

Alex Stollznow

M: 0448 725 878

alex.stollznow@dpi.nsw.gov.au