The Minns Government is proud to celebrate the wealth of fishing opportunities on offer in NSW with the return of Gone Fishing Day on Sunday 13 October.
The Government will be hosting free community events across the state, giving both novice and experienced fishers a chance to enjoy fishing fun with family and friends.
Gone Fishing Day events will be held at Gordon Park in Nambucca, Queen Elizabeth Park in Taree, Lake Keepit, Lakeside Parkin Narrabeen, Spencer Park in Merimbula and Apex Park in Wagga Wagga, with activities kicking off at 9am.
Many fishing clubs, organisations and community groups will also run their own community fishing events and activities in their own local area on Gone Fishing Day, with support from NSW Government.
A total of 62 fishing clubs and organisations have been sent fishing packages with gear to use at their local events while another 49 clubs and organisations are receiving grants of up to $2000 to help run their events.
An open day and Gone Fishing Day event will also be held at the Gaden Trout Hatchery near Jindabyne to give the community a chance to see the newly renovated, state-of-the-art facilities, with the Government investing $8.6 million in upgrades to help futureproof NSW's iconic trout fishing sector.
A range of family-friendly activities will be on offer at the Gaden Trout Hatchery open day, including guided tours, Try Fishing sessions, fishing demonstrations, fish feeding opportunities, children's face painting and much more.
Gone Fishing Day is another example of the NSW Government's ongoing work to promote and improve recreational fishing in NSW, with funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts.
To find out more on the DPIRD Gone Fishing Day community events near you or for more information, visit Gone Fishing NSW Day.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"Gone Fishing Day is a great opportunity for people to get out on the water and take advantage of the many exceptional fishing locations we have across our great state.
"Whether you are an experienced angler or you've never held a rod before - we want everyone to get involved and wet a line!"
"It is a fantastic opportunity to attract keen fishers to take to the water and introduce kids to fishing, with casting competitions and Try Fishing sessions.
"We know that fishing provides so much more than just a nutritious food source and Gone Fishing Day allows us to share the benefits of this fun outdoor activity to everyone around the State.
"Recreational fishing is a $3.4 billion industry in NSW, so it is important that we acknowledge this day and the positive impact this industry has on our economy and communities."
