A local fishing group has an aim that includes more than just dropping a hook and line in the water – it hopes to encourage young people to put their screens aside and get out into nature.
Good Times Officer for the Brunswick Heads Fishing Club, Peter Browning, says that two years ago, the club was very limited and there were only three members.
‘I was asked to come and have a look and see what we could do to improve it. It’s a great club, but I realised that it was a little bit “old school”, and we needed to get into the 2000s.’
Mr Browning says now the club has innovations including things like social media and ‘brag mats’ (a tool to measure a fish).
Releasing after catch
‘It’s all about catching the fish and releasing them – the club is about just getting young people and families interested.’
Mr Browning says the club started to prosper and ended up with 16 new junior members the first year.
Now there are about 50 members and they are happy to welcome anyone interested in joining.
Skullduggery
‘Now, the club’s back and everybody’s having a good time – there’s a little bit of skullduggery and a lot of fun.’
Mr Browning says the nominal yearly fee includes outings, food, novelty events and plenty of great activities for beach, river and rock fishing.
‘We comply with the NSW, legal size limits and we are a catch and release club.’
Sponsorship
Another new innovation is a sponsor who has been supporting the club financially.
Robert Kampe from Preston Rowe Paterson says he was sold a dream when they told him about how they’re bringing all the juniors in.
‘It’s fantastic. Matt at the bait shop told me they were trying to bring juniors in and get them off their iPads and computers. I thought that’s a great idea.’
Brunswick Heads Fishing Club 2023-2024 season annual results:
Senior Men’s:
1st Lee Miller
2nd Matthew Hardy
3rd Peter Browning
Senior Ladies:
1st Elaine Hardy
2nd Layla Hardy
Junior Boys (9-16yrs)
1st Cooper Foreman
2nd Beau Treverton
3rd Ethan Jessop
Sub Junior Boys (3-8yrs)
1st Lucas Hardy
2nd August Hardy
Junior Girls (9-16years)
1st Frankie Hardy
The club is open to anyone of any age and joining is as easy as calling into Bruns Beach, Bait & Tackle on Fingal Street and getting a form from Matt or phone: 0432 394 869.
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