Discover the fun of fishing at Lake Illawarra

Children eager to learn about fishing have the opportunity to get tips from the experts by attending a Department Primary Industries (DPI) fishing workshop at Lake Illawarra.

DPI Education Officer, Stephen Thurstan, said the workshop on 8 December will provide participants aged between 8 and 14 years the chance to learn basic fishing skills.

"Children attending will learn about recreational fishing rules, sustainable fishing practices, native and introduced fish species and aquatic habitats," Mr Thurstan said.

"Participants will be taught casting, knot tying, setting up their own rod and rig, and how to play a fish in the morning session.

"In the afternoon, they get to practice those skills when they go fishing.

"After the workshop, the kids will have the skills and equipment to be able to go fishing, which is a great activity to keep them occupied over the school holidays.

"Local Fishcare Volunteers will be on hand to help the next generation of anglers learn about one of Australia’s pastimes from experienced experts."

The workshop costs $40 a child and will be run from 10am to 2pm. Each child receive a quality rod and reel, hooksafe, tackle box, shirt, hat and a BBQ lunch.

The fishing workshop program is a NSW Government initiative supported by funds from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts to improve fishing opportunities across the State.

Parents are encouraged to ensure children participating have plenty of sunscreen, bring along a drink bottle for water and wear enclosed footwear.

Numbers are limited to a maximum of 25 children a day and bookings are essential.

To secure a place, please call Stephen Thurstan on 0438 245 190.

For more information on the program, visit the DPI Fishing Workshop web page.

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