Gone Fishing Day around Australia

A first-of-its-kind national event to celebrate one of the nation’s most participated leisure activities, Gone Fishing Day 2016 will be held on Sunday October 16 to highlight the economic, social and environmental benefits recreational fishing provides to the wider community.

It is estimated that Australia’s 5 million recreational fishers spend $10 billion on recreational fishing activities each year. Recreational fishing contributes greatly to communities based on inland rivers and along the coast, many of which are heavily reliant on the economic activity it brings.

"We think the popularity and benefits of recreational fishing are great reasons to celebrate this great Australian pastime and we’re excited that Sunday the 16th of October will see Australia hold it’s very first National Gone Fishing Day," said Allan Hansard, National Coordinator for Gone Fishing Day.

Along with significant economic benefits to the Nation, recreational fishing provides social, and health related benefits to participants. Recreational fishing is emerging as an effective activity to assist with the management of mental health issues and helping people to recover from trauma and disease.

Recreational fishers are also practical environmentalists and many are working to improve the health of our waterways and fish stocks through activities such as mangrove and seagrass restoration and pollution clean ups.

Mr Hansard said the inaugural event has been timed perfectly to attract widespread attention from the Australian public, including those who don’t fish.

"Gone Fishing Day is after the AFL and the NRL footy finals, after the V8s in Bathurst and we know from the overwhelming response from all levels of government, fishing clubs, tackles stores and our proud recreational fishing community that this is going to be a real National Celebration."

More than 100 events have already been registered for Gone Fishing Day with something happening in every State and Territory.  Events range from fishing clinics and family fishing days through to fishing tournaments and clean ups of our waterways, which means there is something to suit everyone from first time fishers to old salts.

"The best part of Gone Fishing Day is that how you celebrate it is completely up to you," said Mr. Hansard, "You can join in one of the many events taking place around Australia, you can grab the family or your mates and head out for a day on the water or you can go it alone to your favourite spot and enjoy some time spent out doors."

"We urge everyone to mark their calendars for one month's time — October 16, 2016 — and make plans to go out for a fish on Gone Fishing Day.  Going for a fish is good for Australia and great for you," concluded Mr Hansard. More at gonefishingday.org.