SUMMER is the perfect time to get out and wet a line, which is exactly what a group of local and visiting children did at the Huskisson RSL Fishing Club’s fishing school.
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Over the past two weeks the local club has held its popular Summer Fishing Program.
Now in its eighth year, members give up their time to take children out onto the water, teach them the basics of fishing, boating and water safety and hopefully instil a love of the sport.
This year the event has been backed by local politicians Ann Sudmalis and Shelley Hancock.
Meeting at the Woollamia boat ramp, the students are taken through some of the basics, like how to cast a rod and bait a hook on land before taking to Currambene Creek in an attempt to catch a fish.
Huskisson RSL Fishing Club captain Garry Hurley said the school was a great way to introduce children to fishing.
“We get the kids out on the water, teach them the basics and hopefully encourage them to continue fishing,” he said.
“It’s great fun for the kids and our members also get a lot out of it as well, passing on some of their knowledge and expertise.”
The two-hour course sees the children out on the water for at least an hour and a half, with many attempting to land their first fish.
Seven children took part in the first school last week, while eight hit the water on Tuesday morning.
For Camden mother of three Catherine Woolnough, who is holidaying in the area, the fishing school is a great innovation.
“It is our first holiday in the Shoalhaven and this idea of running a fishing school is wonderful,” she said.
“My husband is into fishing – I’m not so much – so to be able to get the children started with a local club is great.
“It’s such a beautiful place and the locals are so friendly and this course just makes our stay even better.”
For Mount Gambier brother and sister Aimee and Adam Black, hitting the water to go fishing was another adventure on the family’s travelling holiday around the country.
“The Shoalhaven is a beautiful place,” Aimee said.
“We really like it here and saw this as a chance to learn about fishing.”
Younger brother Adam said he really loved the local beaches.
“The beaches are great and definitely a lot warmer than they are back home,” he said.
