This includes running 10 programs for Indigenous youth under the Commonwealth Recreational fishing grants as well as for the NSW DPI.

Our Catch N Cook classes can include a rockpool ramble where the traditional uses of the objects found on the shoreline are explained, fishing classes and how to rig up your fishing line.  We can also organise a sea-food tucker meal to go with the fishing class. Our program also teaches about sustainable fishing practices.

  "Catch N Cook " Youth Fishing Program

 When I was young, growing up in an aboriginal community in the late nineteen seventies and eighties, any spare time I had, would be spent outdoors with my friends or relatives.

 Often we would spend hours after school and on weekends fishing in and around Botany bay. I suppose living next to the Ocean; we were destined to take up fishing as a hobby. Twenty five years later I still get out and enjoy going fishing.

 When I first started fishing, it was very popular among the youth in our community. I would see lots of my friends fishing along the beach having a ball, catching fish and cooking them on an open fire. Today there are people from my generation who still go fishing regularly.

 All along, our community has had a strong connection to the ocean - people from the community would often catch food from the bay to feed their families. Unfortunately though, as the years have passed, I've noticed the young people in the community seldom fish any more, which is strange considering the communities location is so close to the bay .

Today's society has changed a lot compared to that when I was young, but fishing still remains an enjoyable relaxing past time.

 Fishing has proved to be a wonderful chance for middle-aged and elderly members of the community to re-engage with youth to teach them how to fish. Not only are they teaching a skill, but they are also passing on to the younger generation, an important part of our culture.

Peter Cooley

Media Release

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/archive/news-releases/fishing-and-aquaculture/2007/catch-and-cook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our youth fishing program is usually 3 hours a day for 6 weeks though this can be adjusted for individual groups.

Finding, Inspiring,Securing, Helping (FISH)  - aims to use the positive and enjoyable hands on experience of fishing to -

• Teach the skills needed to competently use fishing equipment                                                                                                   

• To provide each student with their own fishing rod and tackle which they are responsible for maintaining.

• To learn respect for the teacher, each other, and most importantly for themselves.

• To teach cooperation, listening skills, pleasure in learning and the joy of catching a fish.

 This project will show young people that fishing can be a very relaxing and fun sport where you can meet and socialize with your friends while experiencing the joy and thrills of catching fish.

Skill development includes students building good working relationships with the instructor and fellow students as well as the Elders in the community who show them traditional ways of fishing.

The youth also have the opportunity of accessing the wider world of fishing as they have set up their own Catch N Cook Club.