The Get Hooked - It’s Fun to Fish program, a state-wide initiative aimed at encouraging children to learn about waterways, took students from Carcoar, Neville and Mandurama to Carcoar Dam last week.

Industry and Investment NSW state coordinator Dee McElligott said the workshop, funded by Industry and Investment NSW and the Recreational Fishing Trust, built on theory taught by local Fishcare volunteers during the year.

“Throughout the year a group of Fishcare volunteers help the schools out with their fishing codes. All the codes have an environmental message and relate back to the local environment,” she said.

Ms McElligott said about 40 per cent of the children involved had never been fishing or visited a local waterway.

“It’s getting them out from indoors, getting them involved in our local environment and teaching them messages about sustainable recreational fishing. It’s instilling a passion for the outdoors and the environment,” she said.

Students learnt about rod and reel basics, knots and rigs, bait selection and identification, casting skills, fish identification, fish regulations and catch and release techniques.

Opportunities are open for schools to become involved in the program next year, with more information at www.industry.nsw.gov.au.