THE inaugural Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series casts off at Copeton Dam this weekend, with keen anglers vying to claim some of the $25,000 prize pool as they are actively encouraged to protect waterways for future generations.
The Series kicks offs at Reflections Copeton Waters on November 1-3, and is an industry-leading development after OzFish announced its partnership with Reflections, a Crown Land Manager which reinvests all profits into its 40 holiday parks and the 45 community reserves it cares for across NSW.
Entrants in the series will notice a few changes to the regular fishing competition format: fish health will be at the forefront, with a catch and release photo system for entries, and entrants will receive advice on the correct way to handle fish.
Entries for the first Copeton event have been strong, and organisers anticipate a late surge of participants drawn by the excitement of the prizes and catching the iconic Murray Cod.
All profits from entry fees will be allocated by OzFish, the only fishing conservation charity in Australia, to restore fish habitat in the local catchment area.
Minister for Lands and Property and Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said it was exciting to see sustainable fishing competitions being held in three premier fishing locations at popular Crown land holiday parks managed by Reflections.
“Fishing is a great recreational sport and this sustainable fishing series to support healthy waterways will attract keen fishers to popular dam and lake fishing locations on Crown land at Copeton, Keepit, and Burrinjuck,” Mr Kamper said.
“It’s fantastic that environment-focused charity OzFish will be encouraging everyone who attends to demonstrate five-star sustainable fishing practices and to protect and restore fish habitats.”
Prize categories for adults, juniors and littles at the Copeton Series include mystery size of the day, longest pest fish, most pest fish caught, four bonus mystery lengths and prizes for recycling old fishing gear, tackling litter and fish release videos.
The Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series aims to minimise plastic and waste and promote recycling and careful disposal of old fishing gear. Each Reflections holiday park has a OzFish TackleLoop bin for safely depositing old fishing tackle and anglers are encouraged to bring along old rods, reels and other unneeded fishing equipment for safe disposal. The TackleLoop Repair Tent will also be there to fix any rods or reels that need a helping hand.
“We’re really breaking some past fishing traditions here, but this series is the five-star experience in sustainable fishing,” OzFish CEO Cassie Price said.
Reflections CEO Nick Baker encouraged participants and their families to respect the beautiful waterways at Copeton, Burrinjuck, Lake Keepit, and beyond.
“This Series is showcasing some of the State’s best fishing areas in the State in our parks and we’re thrilled to provide families a fun and educational opportunity to get outside and connect with each other and their community,” Mr Baker said.
