Bathurst MP Paul Toole said local fishing clubs had embraced the opportunity to promote their pastime.

“I’m pleased to announce that members of the Sofala Central Acclimatisation Society (CAS) were successful in their application for funding and will receive $2000 to help run their event,” Mr Toole said.

“The grants from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust will help clubs like the Sofala CAS run a number of fishing activities on the day which can be enjoyed by everyone.

“We know there are around 850,000 people who love wetting a line each year in NSW, and we hope our local community fishing activities as part of the National Gone Fishing Day will further increase participation across the state.”

Mr Toole said 40 fishing clubs across the state would share in $67,000 worth of state government funding to run Gone Fishing Day activities.

The Department of Primary Industries  will be running a series of fun-filled activities at six locations including Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Sydney, Lake Illawarra, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga.

Fishing workshops, casting competitions, goodie bags, loads of free giveaways, activity marquees, touch tanks and kids’ activity corners are just some of the free activities on the day.

Organisers particularly urge people who have never tried fishing to give it a go.