Kids' fishing day brings big smiles

PERFECT weather, a slight breeze and a high tide made the conditions ideal for the Take a Kid Fishing Day held at the river mouth at Elliot Heads on April 26.

This day is held annually and is sponsored by Sunfish, the Primary Industries Department, the Australian Fishing Trade Association and Tackle World Bundaberg.

The day is aimed at children between five and 15 years old, to get them involved with fishing and educate them in responsible fishing practices.

Fishing specialists are on hand to help with fishing techniques, so the children and their parents can come along and have a fun day together, with a positive outcome.

Tackle World staff were there to lend a hand with the fishing, as well to man the sausage sizzle and present the awards and lucky draws.

This year there were 59 children registered, and along with their parents they tossed lines into the water and managed to land around 35 fish, including Moses perch, whiting, garfish, flathead, dart, butter bream and a few happy moments.

The kids all released their catches - after having their photos taken with them, of course.

The fishing took place between 9am and 11.30am then, when the kids were all fished out, they grabbed a sausage and collected their awards and lucky draw prizes.

The first fish of the day was caught by Tyler Roberts who hooked a little Moses perch.

Adam Grant took out the best fish with a 30cm flathead, while Jardine Irwin caught the most fish, managing to catch seven.

The Most Enthusiastic award went to a little guy called Thomas Langmead.

Thomas had only ever used a hand reel, but on this day he wanted to use a rod and reel.

Tim Mulhall from Tackle World Bundaberg showed him how, and after just a couple of practise casts he wanted to do it all by himself for the rest of the morning.

The day was a huge success with all the kids and their parents enjoying a morning on the beach.

It's probably a safe bet that they will all be eagerly looking forward to next year's event.