Some of the nation took the day off and went fishing on Sunday for National Gone Fishing day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Longford Fishing Club held an event, tailored at children at its Cressy dam.
The club’s president Morgan Leath said it was about getting children outside.
“It’s all about really being part of the community and getting kids hooked on fishing. It’s a good community thing,” he said.
“This year we’re putting a real effort in to getting kids off the couch and away from computers and outside with their rod in hand.”
The club’s dam was stocked with rainbow trout about two weeks ago, adding to the dam’s stocks.
“There would be in excess of 500 fish in there as well because we have our usual stocks in there well,” he said.
More than 100 children and their parents were expected to try their hand at snagging a big one on Sunday.
“We were always hoping to have in excess of 100 children [take part]. We hit our target and beyond,” he said.
Mr Leath said there was no secret to reeling in a good catch.
"There is a lot of luck involved. It helps if you have an idea of what they’re feeding on at the particular location that you’re at, too,” he said.
“My top tip here would be a power bait called chunky cheese, I don’t think there is any cheese in it … or worms or grubs.”
Spot and lucky gate prizes, along with a free barbecue and plenty of catches made the day a success.
“I would say Anglers Alliance would be very happy for us to hold this event next year. The club would have to talk about it but I would say we will in light of the success of today,” Mr Leath said.
“Basically it was about mum or dad, or whoever, being able to bring the kids out for a free day out.”
The club has about 40 junior members and about 200 members in total.
“The good thing about this club is that it’s not too competitive. It doesn’t matter what level of fishing you’re at, you can come along to our club and have a great time,” he said.
“We’re a pretty casual and laid back club. We have prizes at all our events and it’s pretty cheap to be a member of. It’s only $10 for kids, $50 for families and $30 for adults. We just meet once a month at the Longford showgrounds.”
National Gone Fishing Day is an Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation initiative.
Journalist at The Examiner Newspaper
Journalist at The Examiner Newspaper
