Community Junior Fishing Clinics

The Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club (NRSFC) held the final Shimano Junior Fishing Clinics for 2008 last Saturday for Communities in the East Arnhem Land Region. Fishing clinics were held at Yirrakala and Gunugara (Ski Beach) on Drimmie Head last weekend, and were attended by very enthusiastic young anglers eager to participate in the NRSFC program initiative. Other clinics have been staged during 2008 at Darwin, Katherine and Groote in association with several other Game Fishing Clubs in the Northern Territory.

NRSFC Junior Coordinators Murray Knyvett and Norris Grant organised the clinics for each Community last weekend, bringing the total to over 800 local and remote young anglers that have participated in the Shimano Junior Fishing Clinics so far. “The Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club has enjoyed hosting the Shimano Junior Fishing Clinics throughout the Region this year and I acknowledge the great work Murray and Norris have done with the young anglers at these communities”, outlined Peter Cox, NRSFC President. “I know that the organisers and participants both enjoyed their clinics and the “smile on the dial” on those attending was testimony to the success of the program” mentioned Peter.

The Clinics have been made possible by the NRSFC successfully securing funding through the Commonwealth grants program of 2006 and 2007, and delivering the clinics throughout 2008. The Recreational Fishing Community Grants Programme was funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry over a three year period. However it is uncertain if future funding will be made available by the current Government.

Participants at last weekends clinic received fishing tackle and a handy tackle box to kick start their Christmas holiday fishing adventures in and around the surrounding waters of Nhulunbuy and outer communities.

Photo A – Murray Knyvett and local juniors
Photo B – Norris Grant and keen anglers
Clinic Photo – Group shot of Yirrakala Clinic held at Shady Beach