It’s time to tidy the tackle box, check your rod and get your favourite fly ready for the return of the Wallerawang branch of Central Acclimatisation Society’s (CAS) Go Fishing NSW family fun day at Lake Wallace.

The event will be held on Sunday, October 14, and will be a celebration of all things fishing, with the aim of encouraging everyone to get out on the water, from complete novices to the keenest of anglers –  young and old.

Secretary of the Wallerawang branch of the CAS Ray Tang said you don’t have to be a regular angler to participate. 

“This is part of a statewide Department of Primary Industries initiative to encourage people to have a go at fishing,” Mr Tang said.

“Fishing is such a terrific pastime. You can pick up a rod and become one with nature and it is great for reducing stress. It’s a sport which you can take at your own pace and, no matter how long you’ve been fishing, there is always something to learn.”  

And, on a serious note, Gone Fishing Day will be an opportunity for the CAS to highlight a growing danger in the Central West’s waterways.

“We will be raising awareness and educating people on what damage the English Perch, also known as Redfin, can do. They are prolific breeders and veracious feeders – now classified as a class one noxious aquatic pest by NSW DPI – which are decimating fishing waters in the Central Tablelands,” he said.

“Unfortunately, people don’t know the dangers of Redfin. One female Redfin can produce 3000 eggs and spawn more than once a year. So, you could be looking at 300,000 eggs produced six times a year multiplied by at least 50 females.

“If it sounds bad it’s because it is. And at the moment there is no known scientific method of eliminating or reducing Redfin numbers.”

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The Gone Fishing Day is a great chance to drop a line and rid the lake of a few Redfin or claim a rainbow trout. Ninety five rainbow trout (between 1.5 to 5 kilograms) have been released into the lake in lead up to the day.

There will be plenty to keep the children happy, including a jumping castle, fairy floss, show and tell from  firies and a barbecue lunch provided by Wallerawang Public School.

Also, sharing knowledge will be special guest AussieFlyFisher Josh Hutchins.

Supported by sponsors Lithgow City Council, the DPI, EnergyAustralia, BCF, Centennial Coal, Berkley Fishing, Abu Garcia and Compleat Angler, anglers will have the chance to take home some great prizes including a Waeco dometic portable fridge freezer, a 3 metre and a 2.7 metre kayak, a fish finder, tackle boxes and a Roman touring tent.

Held at Lake Wallace in Wallerawang, registration starts at 8am and the participation fee is $5 per person.