Gone Fishing Day

By Gary Brown

25 September, 2018

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will be running a host of events to celebrate our love of fishing and they encourage everyone to get out on the water. It doesn't matter if you haven't fished before, or if you're the keenest of anglers, Gone Fishing Day is for everyone.

The Shire's main Gone Fishing for a Day event will be held on Sunday 14 October at the Peter Depena Reserve at Dolls Point, Botany Bay from 9am to 3pm.

There will be hourly fishing workshops, with expert DPI staff and Fishcare volunteers. Expert chef Nathan Brindle will be giving filleting and cooking demonstrations and fishing guide Alex Bellissimo will be showcasing angling tips and local places to fish.

Watch Brett Thomson and Michael Cooke will demonstrate how to cast on the Berkley Super Tank and then try your hand a casting at the Casting Station and try and win some of the prizes galore.

The kid’s area will feature a petting zoo, touch tank, jumping castle, face painting and Snappy the mascot who loves to have his picture taken with the entire family. There will be stalls from services such as RMS, Georges River Sailing Club, NSW Police, Hunts Marine and other local business. Rotary will be cooking a BBQ and a local cafe will cater to all your coffee break needs.

There is no need to register for the event. All you need to do is bring yourself, family and friends and all the activities are free. No fishing licence will be required on the day.

Muddy Creek Boating & Amateur Fishing Association Inc (MCBAFA)

This event is run as an open day with emphasis on juniors and families to 'Have a Go" and participate in the enjoyment of our local waterways and amateur fishing. Included in the format of the day’s events is the efforts of our volunteers and experienced MCBAFA Angling Committee fishermen teaching the basics of safety and fishing skills required for the enjoyment of our waterways.

They incorporate the use of their water’s edge pontoons to allow juniors (accompanied by a parent and or guardian) to learn the basics and have a go and enjoy fishing the waterway.

Some of their club members volunteer to their time, boats, fuel and equipment taking family groups out to fish in Botany Bay. For this you would need to contact the club to see if they have space. MCBAFA also stage a lunchtime Sausage Sizzle followed by the presentation of prizes to the junior participants.

Gone Fishing Day is on 14 October and is supported by the Recreational Fishing Trusts and NSW DPI.

Gone Fishing - Photo courtesy of NSW Fisheries

Learn how to fillet your next catch - Photo courtesy of NSW Fisheries

Get a photo with Snappy - Photo courtesy of NSW Fisheries

Fishing with the grand kids - Photo by Gary Brown

Riley with his biggest bream yet - Photo by Gary Brown

Plenty of activities - Photo courtesy of NSW Fisheries

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