A free fishing school on Tenterfield Dam is being lined up for Sunday, October 15 thanks to a workshop hosted by local Ozfish ambassadors.
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Ozfish’s Michael (‘Harry’) Davey said the four-hour workshop from 9am to 1pm will be a good trial for allowing limited fishing on the dam, with Tenterfield Shire Council supportive of the endeavour.
The workshop will run along similar lines to the fishing workshop run by Fishcare (a division of DPI NSW Fisheries) at the dam back in April educating local indigenous children on the joys of fishing and the importance of sustainability.
Participants will learn how to fish safely, handle fish and the importance of maintaining fish habitats. Hands-on skills include tying knots and casting rods in a fun family environment, with lots of giveaways. In fact the first 30 receive a free Shimano rod and reel.
Whereas the previous workshop was held at Ottobeuren Park, this one is on a drier spot on the other side of the dam at Saddlers Estate. Mr Davey is anticipating an enjoyable exciting day, on what will be the third year of national Gone Fishing day.
The Tenterfield workshop is being held with the support of DPI NSW Fisheries and a $2500 grant. Council has also provided support in the form of a $600 Community Action grant, and Mr Davey said council representatives will be watching keenly to see how the day unfolds.
Mr Davey would love to see fishing allowed on the dam in a limited capacity, with daily licences capped at 15-20 people, solely on a catch-and-release basis with artificial lures.
Mr Davey’s aim is to get children away from their televisions and computers, and come and have fun at the dam.
“We need more tackle boxes and less xboxes,” he said.
This workshop is open to all residents of the shire, and catering will be offered by the Lions Club. Mr Davey is anticipating around 40 participants and there are no age restrictions. Register by October 5 by inboxing through the Ozfish Tenterfield Facebook page, or phoning Mr Davey on 0412 241 934.