Through the assistance of NSW Department of Primary Industries, Gone Fishing Day  is a day set aside to encourage the younger generation to take up the sport of fishing.

The two local schools were contacted with information to pass on to their students aged between 6 and 15.

Online registrations filled quickly, with the only disappointing factor that some who had registered for this event didn’t show up on the day – a further 20-plus children who also registered had to be told that no further numbers could be accepted. 

The event was held at the EAFC rooms at Quarantine Bay Eden where volunteer members of the club assisted in teaching casting, knots, and fishing techniques to the children. 

Shimano supplied a new rod and reel for each person that turned up on the day.

Assisting with this day and presenting talks were Eden Marine Rescue, NSW Border Force, RMS Maritime Services, DPI Fisheries, and NSW Water Police.

Each of these services gave their time to help make this kids day a success. NSW Water Police bought a police launch and jet ski, which all the children climbed over with many questions for officer Mick Burgess that must have tested his skills.

After a free barbecue lunch with drinks supplied plus ice creams for the children and their parents it was off to go fishing.

Aside from a few tangles, some of the children caught a variety of fish with assistance and encouragement from EAFC volunteers.

When fishing had ceased, it was back to the clubhouse where each child received a certificate plus four show bags with items donated from local businesses.

They included items from Eden Outdoor Marine Tackle, Commonwealth Bank, Coles Supermarket, IMB Bank, Eden Bakery, The Discount Shop, Feed Supply, Bendigo Bank and Eden Pharmacy.

Gone Fishing Day was deemed a great success overall and the EAFC said next year should possibly see even bigger and greater activities in store for the local children as a result.