The Tuross Head Fishing Club was granted permission from NSW Fisheries to be the FIRST Club to hold its "Gone Fishing Day" on Sunday 1st October 2017, rather than later in the Month, this was to line up with School Holidays, when there are many Tourists in Tuross Head. The purpose of this Event is to encourage those in the community to "give fishing a go", provide educational material and promote joint outside family activities.
The event proved to be a success with people coming from far and wide, including the Schumacher Family from Norway. In total 187 men, women and children participated in this fun filled day, with the addition of Fishcare Volunteers, Fisheries, Maritime and The THFC Committee, there were over 200 people involved on the Day. This was a 100% increase on last years' attendance.
The sun was shining and there were happy faces everywhere, especially when "Snappy" The Crab made an appearance. The educational "Touch Pool" was a favorite too, as children learned all about the various sea creatures (collected by Mike and Regina Byron) delighted as they picked up and prodded the various species in total fascination. The Touch Pool certainly won the day! The Fishing Pond, run by Steve (from Fisheries) and the Knot Tying Post were also popular. The children and parents alike had an absolutely wonderful time and their faces lit up as they came forward to collect their prizes of high quality fishing rods, hats and other fishing regalia., including free Event Bags from NSW Fisheries and Coca Cola.
There was plenty to keep the family busy all day, starting with a FISHING SESSION in the morning, then at 1pm a casting competition followed by a complimentary lunch (provided by the Tuross Head Fishing Club) with sounds of popcorn popping and the slurping of slushies, competing alongside the bopping sounds of the children's disco and the squeals of delight on the two bouncy castles. There were chips, lolly bags, soft drinks and ice-cream handed out to all participants and like everything else relating to the day, it was all totally free. The only cost to participants was the voluntary Raffle (run by THFC - Angela and Rhonda), which became very popular as many of the raffle prizes were similar to the competition prizes; having a value of over $200. There was also a meat tray (supplied by Tuross Head Butchers) much to the delight of the little boy who won it for his family. Plus a number of free Club Entries. Prizes went to: Sub Jnrs - Charlotte Lawer, Billie-Rose Fitzgerald, Sam Pilloni, Jamie Nordsvan Jnrs - Coby Muir, Jemma Pilloni, Will Pilloni Adults - Anthony & Jules Pilloni Largest Fish of the Day - Coby Muir
It was pleasing to see the Mayor (Liz Innes) attend the Event later in the day. With Daylight Saving, it proved a long day for some of the little ones, but most people stayed the whole day, with the majority leaving around 4pm, leaving the stragglers to enjoy the dance floor all to themselves. Many participants approached Fishing Club Members, shaking their hands before they left, thanking them for such a fantastic day and thanking all the sponsors who helped make this a very special event. This "Gone Fishing Day" was made possible by the Grant received from the NSW Fishing Trust. The Fishing Club too would like to thank all of the sponsors who helped us to make this Event extra special and without whom, this auspicious day would not have been possible. Including Fairfax Media, The Beagle, and Eurobodalla Council for their coverage of the Event, plus all the Schools and Organisations who advertised the Event in their Newsletters.
A thanks to all our Sponsors for donating the following:
NSW Fisheries ("Gone Fishing Day" Grant). Brewing Camping & Fishing (Rods, Lures). R&R Hardware (Torches). Tuross Butchery (Meat Tray Raffle). Sails Takeaway (Ice Cream). Tuross Service Station (Fishing Shirt). Tuross Boat Shed (Rods, Lures, Pro Lures, Jig Heads,Atomic Hats). Boat Hire). Diawa (Rods). Frogleys (Hats, Lures, Pro Lure, Jig Heads). Tweed Bait (Bait). Hooked Online (Fishing Line, Jig Head). Tuross Head Country Club (Jumping Castle). Mount Franklin (Bottled Water). Coca Cola (Event Bags, Yo-yo's). Bluey (Fish Care Trailer). RMS/Waterways (RMS/Waterways information trailer). Tuross Head Fishing Club also contributed (Rods, Infant Bouncing Castle, Kids Disco, Lunch, Soft Drinks, Pop Corn, Slushies, Chips, Lolly Bags).
