Come Fish with Us
Looking to get into fishing but don’t know how to get started? Then join us at one of our many FREE Fish with us activities such as Fishing Workshops and Try Fishing Sessions that will teach you all the basics needed to fish for today and tomorrow. The Come Fish with Us timetable below covers all our locations across NSW, including both freshwater and saltwater fishing. To register a spot, simply click on the book here link in the table, which will take you to Eventbrite, where you can book a place for FREE.
Come Fish with Us timetable
Check out fishing dates and freshwater or saltwater fishing locations below, new locations are continually being added so if a day is booked out don't hesitate to give our Education Officer team a call.
| Venue / Region | Location |
|---|---|
|
North Coast Region Melanie Buhler M: 0458 274 876 melanie.buhler@dpi.nsw.gov.au | 22/01/2025 - Community Fishing Day, Uniting Australia, Ballina - Fully Booked 28/01/2025 - Community Fishing Day, Open Arms Care, Urunga - Fully Booked 07/02/2025 - Women's Fishing Friday, Coffs Harbour - Fully Booked 19/02/2025 - Community Fishing Day, Mission Australia, Boambee - Fully Booked 08/03/2025 - Women's Fishing Workshop, Ballina 13/04/2025 - Kids Fishing Workshop, Dutton Hatchery, Ebor - Book Here 15/04/2025 - Kids Fishing Workshop, Ballina 17/04/2025 - Try Fishing Session, Coffs Harbour 04/05/2025 - Women's Fishing Workshop, Dutton Hatchery, Ebor |
|
Central Region Matt McLeod M: 0455 553 988 matt.mcleod@dpi.nsw.gov.au | 19/01/2025 - Crab Trap Exchange, Gwandalan - Book Here 22/01/2025 - Kids Fishing Workshop, The Entrance - Book Here 01/02/2025 - Try Fishing Session, Gosford 08/03/2025 - Women's Fishing Workshop, Toronto Wharf 16/04/2025 - Kids Fishing Workshop, Ettalong |
|
Sydney Region Alex Stollznow M: 0448 725 878 alex.stollznow@dpi.nsw.gov.au | 14/01/2025 - Try Fishing Session, Roseville - Book Here 24/01/2025 - Kids Fishing Workshop, Balmain - Book Here 02/02/2025 - Try Fishing Session, Gunnamatta Bay 08/03/2025 - Women's Fishing Workshop, Balmain 16/04/2025 - Kids Fishing Workshop, Narrabeen |
|
South Coast Region Julian Brown M: 0476 482 530 julian.brown@dpi.nsw.gov.au | 1/12/2024 - Kids Fishing Workshop, Greenwell Point |
| South West Region Brett Smith M: 0447 219 618 brett.smith@dpi.nsw.gov.au | 08/03/2025 - Women's Fishing Workshop, Narrandera Fisheries Centre 15/04/2025 - Kids Fishing Workshop, Narrandera Fisheries Centre 16/04/2025 - Kids Fishing Workshop, Narrandera Fisheries Centre 18/04/2025 - Try Fishing Session, Forbes |
| North West Region Roger Cupples M: 0419 662 508 roger.cupples@dpi.nsw.gov.au | 08/03/2025 - Women's Fishing Workshop, Tamworth 17/04/2025 - Kids Fishing Workshop, Dutton Hatchery, Ebor - Book Here 11/05/2025 - Kids Fishing Workshop, Dutton Hatchery, Ebor - Book Here |
Types of fishing days/ sessions explained
Fishing Workshops
A long session of over 2 hours, FREE workshops for all members of the community, and include workshops dedicated to kids (8 – 14 year old group) not-for-profit community groups (i.e. Fortem Australia, Casting For Recovery, Boys from the Bush, Anglicare), families and some dedicated women's workshops. Prior to fishing, you will learn about fishing rules, how to cast, knot tying, baiting and rigging followed by a supervised fishing session with our Education Officers and Fishcare Volunteers.
Giveaways include a rod/reel combo, sunglasses, tackle box and goodie bag to use on the day and to take home to continue their fishing adventure.
Kids Fishing Workshops
Run FREE, they are aimed at juniors, encouraging them to take up a lifelong passion for fishing. A parent is to accompany each child/ren on the day and bookings are done via Eventbrite.
Women's Fishing Workshops
Run FREE for women, aimed at providing easily accessible and welcoming entry pathways for women to participate in fishing. Children are also welcome to attend the fishing days.
Community Fishing Workshops
Run FREE and often in partnership with not-for-profit and disability groups, councils, clubs, etc to enhance access to the outdoors and fishing opportunities.
Fish for Life 'Try Fishing' sessions
Join us at one of our FREE community Try Fishing Sessions across the state, which are open to everyone and all ages. They are a great opportunity to learn the basics of fishing, talk fishing with our Education Officers and Fishcare Volunteers and try your hand at casting a line. We provide all the equipment, bait and fishing advice for the day. You may even get a goodie bag or a prize to take home on the day.
Your safety on the day
Safety and clear policies are paramount to NSW DPIRD, staff and volunteers, as such the following is standard for all our fishing days:
- a parent/guardian must accompany all juniors (under 18 years) to help their child with baiting, knots, casting and during practical fishing. Parents/guardians are to ensure their child is appropriately dressed for the workshop activity, including enclosed shoes and a hat. Please bring a water bottle and ensure your sun safe.
- Allergies - if you or your child has any medical conditions or allergies, it is your responsibility to bring aid and administer care. Prawns are used and remnants will be found in the area from other fishers.
- Photo consent is given as part of your Eventbrite booking, sessions are public and as such photos taken will be used by NSW DPIRD for promotional purposes.
- All DPIRD staff and volunteers meet working with children checks and all sites used are risk assessed.
How do I get involved in these fishing workshops and fishing sessions?
Promotion for workshops and sessions open to the public is done this webpage with additional more promotion on our NSW Fisheries Facebook and Instagram pages. Bookings are essential and links to Eventbrite are provided in the table above before each event.
Groups/organisation
Not-for-profit groups and partner agencies/organisations can get involved with dedicated group workshops with NSW DPI. For more information, contact your local Fisheries Education Officer (details above) to discuss workshop opportunities.
Schools
Schools can get involved through the “Get Hooked it’s Fun to Fish Fishing” Schools page
Further Contact Information
For more information about the Department's fishing workshops contact fish.care@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
DPIRD workshops feedback
Gaden Hatchery
"Many of the students that I brought would never get the opportunity to learn about fish, fishing and conservation. As part of our outdoor educational program, it was a wonderful opportunity for our boys to develop knowledge and understanding about responsible fishing practices, fishing rules and regulations, fishing safety and fish anatomy. Our school cannot wait until next year, we would like to bring more! Once again, thanks."
Tracey, Canberra
Southern region
"I'd like to thank you and all the people involved for the excellent workshop held at Tuross Head last Wednesday 15th April, 2015. I was informed of it through the local Tuross Head Fishing Club and its involvement with the Tuross Head Country Club. I am retired here and offered my grandchildren in Canberra the experience. 4 of them joined it enthusiastically. Aged from 9 to 14, 3 boys and 1 girl, all were delighted with their experiences. Not only did they learn sound basic skills but they remain keen to continue their fishing. The day was cleverly organised to teach the range of age groups and the fishing and safety gear they received served to cement their interest in fishing. What a great concept and adventure! Thanks."
Ian
Sydney region
"I just wanted to write to you to thank you for offering such a wonderful fishing program. Aaron had a wonderful day and came home reiterating all that he had learnt about fishing and its restrictions. He is now very keen to talk about his experience in an assessment task due next term. It is always a challenge as a parent to find engaging and educational activities during school holidays. I congratulate you and particularly the volunteers for providing such a memorable day. I will certainly be singing your praises."
Mary, Sydney
Western region
"As it's the last day of the school holidays I just wanted to tell what a great time fishing my boys have had these holidays. They have spent the best part of the holidays riding up and down river on their bikes to various fishing holes, fishing and swimming. All thanks to the workshop. They have become fishing obsessed and get up at 5.30, unheard of for most 14 yr olds!!, just to go fishing. Best of all they have caught some really big fish that they thrilled with. Cheers."
Michelle, Central West Tablelands
Crab Gear Exchange dates
Venue/region | Crab Gear Exchange Dates | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
North Coast Region Melanie Buhler M: 0458 274 876 | |||
Central Region Matt McLeod M: 0455 553 988 | 19/01/2025 | Fisho's Lodge, Gwandalan Bowling Club - Book Here | |
Sydney Region Alex Stollznow M: 0448 725 878 | |||
