Gone Fishing NSW Day
Gone Fishing Day is again making a splash in 2025! Mark your calendars for Sunday, 19 October 2025, and get ready to join the fishing excitement!
Whether you're a seasoned fisher or just starting out, Gone Fishing Day is the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate a shared passion for fishing at a local waterway.
Event details
DPIRD is hosting six fantastic fishing events across NSW, each featuring free fishing sessions, expert advice, casting practice, our one stop advisory trailers and exciting giveaways! You can come along for the entire day or just join in for a fishing session. You'll also have the chance to pick up valuable fishing promotional guides and information.
Locations for the DPIRD FREE events will be announced soon.
Gone Fishing Day activities in NSW are proudly supported by NSW DPIRD, using funds from the Recreational Fishing Trusts, as part of the ‘Fish for life – Building a healthy fishing future’ initiative.
Apply for fishing packages or funding now
Recreational fishing clubs and associated organisations are now invited to apply for fishing packages or grants to help run community fishing events and activities in their own local area on or around the NSW Gone Fishing Day.
The following options are available:
1) a fishing package consisting of rod and reel sets, bags, giveaways and advisory information for participants attending events, or
2) a grant* of up to $2,000 to purchase items required to run their own Gone Fishing Day fishing events, such as casting and fishing activities and information sessions.
*Important: To receive a funding grant, successful applicants will be required to enter into a funding deed with the NSW Government and submit a written report and evidence of grant expenditure following completion of events. Organisations will also need to submit invoices as a condition of receiving grant payments.
To receive either a grant or package, applicants are required to complete an online application form using the SmartyGrants platform, which can be accessed via the NSW grant finder webpage here.
Please read the funding guidelines before starting your application.
The ‘Apply now’ button will re-direct you to the SmartyGrants platform where you will be required to create a log in with a username and password.
Applications close 5pm 24 July 2025.
For assistance with the SmartyGrants platform
For how to register, log in and fill out the forms with SmartyGrants: download the Help Guide for Applicants at https://applicanthelp.smartygrants.com.au/
Or Email: service@smartygrants.com.au Phone: (03) 9320 6888.
For more info
Gone Fishing Day is a collaborative effort between NSW DPIRD and the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation.
Email gofishing.nsw@dpird.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 4424 7429 if you wish to discuss your event proposal or to ensure your application is consistent with the program eligibility and assessment criteria.
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