The weather was a bit of a miss, the kids only caught two fish and the Eden Water Police boat siren could be heard honking throughout the whole day.

But there was one overall highlight that really got the wannabe fisher kids reeling. 

One young enthusiast, after learning the fishing basics, (which were taught during the morning’s workshops) cast out his line. To his dismay he caught a seagull in mid air. 

“The kids were all pretty concerned, Geoff McMahon reeled it in, untangled it, and freed it with a silent prayer,” Eden Amateur Fishing Club publicity officer Eddy Evans said.

Mr Evans said there was no harm done to the bird and the kids learned an important lesson about fishing and bird life. 

 “It can happen to any good fisher, and the kids really took it in, now they know how to release a bird safely. As well as learning about the importance picking up fishing line.” 

 Other highlights of the day included the demonstrations by the Eden Water Police and the Australian Border Force. Mr Evans said the kids were full of questions.

“You name it they had a question for it.”

After a barbecue lunch, the enthusiastic fisher kids tried their hands at new skills learned by casting their rods, baiting up with frozen prawns and sat down for a quite afternoon fish. 

 Although there was hardly a fish in sight, Mr Evans said it seemed a great day was had by all.

The kids set off for home with their complimentary rod and reels in one hand, NSW Fisheries show bag in the other and a certificate of attendance to stick on the fridge. 

“It’s a sure definite for next year,” Mr Evans said.