
Australia will celebrate its first national Gone Fishing Day on Sunday, October 16, 2016, with thousands of Australians going fishing and plenty of events promoting recreational fishing being held across the country.
Recreational fishing is Australia’s biggest leisure sporting activity with an estimated five million Australians spending a massive $10 billion each year to wet a line.
"What started as a conversation between two anglers waiting for a bite has now grown into a national celebration of Australia’s largest leisure sporting activity with Federal and State Governments, fishing clubs, tackle stores, and recreational fishers all supporting the day," explains Mr Allan Hansard, National Co-coordinator of Australia’s first Gone Fishing Day.
"The exciting thing is that it is happening... just in time to start a summer of healthy outdoor activities in Australia.
"Gone Fishing Day will be a truly national event with activities happening from Hobart to Darwin and from Sydney to Perth, including kids fishing days, family fishing days, fishing tournaments of all kinds and fishing club events, in addition to many Australians heading out for a fish with family and friends.
"The great thing about recreational fishing is that it speaks a common language — it unites all of us with the universal icebreaker: Are They Biting?
"It doesn’t matter if you haven’t fished before or you fish every day... Gone Fishing Day will have something for you.
Mr Hansard said the message to all Australians is – GET INVOLVED.
"Take part in what we hope is Australia’s biggest outdoor event by registering that you will be going fishing on Gone Fishing Day at www.gonefishingday.org.
"Make Your Rod Count!" Mr Hansard concluded.
National Gone Fishing Day's major partners include the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation, (ARFF), Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA), Keep Australia Fishing, and Clemenger BBDO.
Find out more about National Gone Fishing Day and how to get involved at www.gonefishingday.org and gonefishingday on Facebook.