Media Statement
Recfishwest brings 'Addicted to Fishing not Drugs' fishing clinics to the North-West

Recfishwest is taking its 'Addicted to Fishing Clinics not Drugs' program to regional centres from Carnarvon to Derby during August.

Recfishwest will be offering free fishing clinics for children at coastal communities in the North West region. Recreational fishing encourages children to be enlightened by a new and fun activity which helps to provide positive life skills such as creative decision making, problem solving, goal setting and patience. Shared experiences help children better communicate and interact with each other and their families, gain confidence and find a new sense of respect and responsibility for themselves and their community.

"These clinics encourage sustainable fishing practices including casting techniques, selection of bait and general rigging, recognition of fish species, catch and release and aquatic conservation. They also cover personal safety, caring for your catch as well as current rules and regulations." Executive Director of Recfishwest Frank Prokop said.

This tour will bring the 'Addicted to fishing not drugs' and 'SunSmart' messages to Western Australia's northern region using funds from the Commonwealth Recreational Fishing Community Grants program and Healthway.

"One of the great things about our fishing clinics is that it encourages young people to get out and be active. You don't have to be the strongest kid or the smartest kid to be good at fishing and you can see many participants grow in self-confidence before your very eyes." Mr Prokop said.

"The great fishing in the north-west makes these clinics even more exciting. We practice catch and release as part of the sustainable fishing message."

Recfishwest will be promoting a responsible 'SunSmart' message. A policy of 'no hat no fish' will ensure participants are not affected by the harmful UV rays of the sun. Recfishwest, in conjunction with local governments already provides free sunscreen dispensers at boat ramps in Exmouth and Dampier.

Recfishwest is conducting a follow-up meeting of participants from a special five day clinic run with the Shire of Ashburton, local police and mining companies in April this year.

"Most of the young people at the Onslow clinic had never used a rod and reel and all had caught a fish on lures by the end of the clinic, so it was pretty special." said Recfishwest Policy Officer Kane Moyle who helped run the first clinic. "Everyone is looking forward to catching up and seeing what they have been catching since we were last in town. We want to keep in contact with the kids who participated."

"The Recfishwest fishing clinics are becoming an important part of the annual calendar of north-west schools. Everyone gets something positive out of learning how to appreciate our aquatic resources and becoming a better fisher." Mr Prokop said

Media contacts: Frank Prokop, Executive Director Recfishwest 0419 949 118
Yvette Guy, Fishing Clinics Co-ordinator (Perth)
P: 9246 3366 F: 9246 5955 M: 0428 112 398






This page last updated on 2 August 2007.