What a catch for kids

The workshop, which was run on Tuesday April 17 as part of Youth Week, was aimed at kids aged 10 to 16 and covered casting, knot-tying, and fishing safety, plus a practical fishing session in Lake Forbes.

Forbes Shire Council’s Youth Development Assistant, Lauren Cook said the day was a wonderful opportunity and that it was good to see so many participants.

Mrs Cook said the workshop helps to teach the participants an appreciation of the natural environment.

In addition to the fishing workshop, 10,000 juvenile Golden Perch were released into Forbes Lake and Jemalong Creek.

DPI Narrandera Hatchery Manager Matthew McLellan said it was fabulous that the release of the Golden Perch fingerlings coincided with the fishing workshop.

“I think we’ve got an ongoing program to be sustainable,” Mr McLellan said.

“It’s only fitting that we continue our regular stocking efforts in the region, ensuring native fish populations continue to thrive and provide good fishing opportunities for the local angling community,” he said.

Fishcare volunteer Charlie Haynes said the workshop aims to help children learn the rules and regulations that surround fishing as well as the technical aspects of fishing.

Mr Haynes said it is important for people to learn where to fish and the best methods to catching different species.

DPI workshops are also held in various schools to teach students how to cast lines and tie knots.

Mr Haynes said sometimes the cost of purchasing a fishing license prevented parents from teaching their children how to fish.

However, if you are an adult assisting a person under the age of 18 to take a fish using a single rod or to take prawns using a single dip or scoop net, you do not need a license.