Kids set to hook a lesson

BUNDABERG youngsters will have the opportunity to reel in plenty of lessons at the Take a Kid Fishing Day on Sunday.

BUNDABERG youngsters will have the opportunity to reel in plenty of lessons at the Take a Kid Fishing Day on Sunday.

The Bundaberg Sportfishing Club (BSC) is hosting the event which gives eight to 13-year-olds the chance to gain basic skills in fishing, water safety and tagging.

Club secretary Geoff Hodge said it was important for kids to learn the skills being taught at the workshop.

“It is really important to educate kids on sustainable fishing so they know they should only take what they need,” he said.

The event has received plenty of support from local organisations, including the Burnett Mary Regional Group, Rehbein’s Guns and Fishing Shop and the Great Barrier Marine Park Authority.

Mr Hodge said children were taught about knot tying, casting, fish identification, safety around water, hooks and knives and protecting the environment.

Bundaberg mother Terrina Booth is sending her 12-year-old daughter Chloe to the workshop.

“They will be able to lead her in the right direction,” she said.

“She is really excited about being able to catch a fish.”

Sunfish certified angler educator Gary “Gazza” Sturdy will be the senior coordinator of the event and is looking forward to seeing the results of the hard work.

“It’s just awesome to watch the kids getting the hang of it,” he said.

“Last year I had a girl who had never cast a line and she caught a big whiting. She was just beaming, it was great to see.”

About 30 BSC members have joined up to help out on the day, all of whom hold a Blue Card.

The event will be held at Elliott Heads. Places are limited and must be booked in advance.

To sign your child up, phone Robert Sewel on 0418 755 542.

Originally published as Kids set to hook a lesson