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Parents praise FSC Kids Fishing Clinic

The Angling Section is a stout-hearted lot who never shy away from volunteering duties within the section. And that’s no more evident that the Kids Fishing Clinics are run during the school holidays. The Section ran two clinics this month because they have become so popular.

There’s reward enough for the Section’s men and women, who put their hands up for the Jan 16 and 23 clinics, seeing the wide smiles and thrills the kids get catching fish, some for the very first time. But now and again something a little more special comes along for the ladies and gents who are giving back to the recreation that has given them so much pleasure.

I usually receive some very positive phone feedback, and glowing comments on the day but a couple of mothers took the time to email me about their thoughts on the January clinics.

“Thank you so much for putting on such a great day today at the fishing clinic! Jacob had a wonderful time out on the water and learnt a lot. I think it is by far the highlight of his summer holidays! Please pass on my thanks to your team too. Your efforts are much appreciated!”, said Lucy.

“Our middle son Monte went out with you last Thursday and said it was the best day EVER! He was super proud of the things he learnt and filleted the fish with his dad at dinner time – it was wonderful”, said Kellie.

The January 23 clinic was greeted by a building sou-wester as Martin Smith headed Success out of the marina before 10am.  It wasn’t an ideal day by any stretch, but Martin anchored in the sheltered waters of Carnac, where the gardies came into play.

Just about every kid caught one, but as part of their education for the day, all but one was returned because the majority were the southern gars that are on the banned list while stocks replenish. The keeper was a storm or robust gardie which has a dark blotch below its dorsal fin and a longer, lower tailfin lobe.

Still, a great day was had by all, with king george, sand whiting, and herring being caught. Before the kids disembarked Success they gave a rousing cheer for Martin, and the volunteers _ John Bech, Sue Keenan-Smith, Joe Venter, Kev Kroeger, Brian Arnett, Bob Litster, Mark Maher, and Ray Wilson.