Each Reflections has a OzFish Tackle Loop 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.

OzFish launch sustainable fishing comps in NSW

November 19, 2024

Sustainable fishing charity OzFish Unlimited and social enterprise Reflections Holidays are pleased to launch the Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series, a series of angling competitions held in NSW’s premier fishing destinations across three weekends in 2024 and 2025.

With a wide variety of fishing categories, a $25,000 prize pool per event, family friendly entertainment and plenty of activities, keen anglers are encouraged to tune up their tackle, pack their favourite rods and book a stay with Reflections Holidays for a weekend of fishing that can keep waterways, and fish, healthy for the future.

The Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series will be held at:

Copeton Waters, November 1-3, 2024
Burrinjuck Waters, March 21-23, 2025
Lake Keepit, May 16-18, 2025.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the competition on Friday or Saturday.

All profits from entry fees will be used by OzFish to restore fish habitat in the local catchment area, and with a keen focus on sustainability, entrants can expect 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.

The events aim to minimise plastic and waste and to promote recycling and careful disposal of old gear.

OzFish is also encouraging participants to bring along their old opera-house yabby nets, now illegal in NSW, and swap them cost-free for an Oar-Gee Plow lure.

The Tackle Loop Repair Tent will also be there to fix any rods or reels that need a helping hand.

OzFish members receive a 25 percent discount on Reflection entry fees for the Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series.

OzFish chief executive officer Cassie Price said, “OzFish is thrilled to partner with Reflections Holidays to bring the fishing community these sustainable fishing events that families will enjoy, and that will keep waterways healthy for better fishing for now and into the future.”

“Our partnership with Reflections Holidays is perfect alignment – their ethos in caring for the environment and getting people outdoors is in harmony with OzFish’s goals of sustainable fishing and restored and protected habitats for fish.”

Reflections CEO Nick Baker said the organisation was committed to reducing its environmental footprint and the new fishing series would encourage participants and their families to respect the beautiful waterways at Copeton, Burrinjuck and Lake Keepit and beyond.

“Reflections Holidays is privileged as a crown land manager to care for more than 25,000 acres of nature reserve, which includes premium fishing locations that are enjoyed by our guests, many of them families,” Mr Baker said.

“The Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series is an exciting new development in our partnership with OzFish because it actively educates anglers to show care in how they fish and for the fish they catch, passing that knowledge on to others to adopt wherever they fish.”

OzFish and Reflections recently announced their partnership aimed at helping recreational anglers and communities improve the health of rivers, lakes and estuaries in fish habitats in 40 holiday parks and campgrounds and 45 nature reserves across NSW.

Partnerships

Local businesses who would be interested in participating at the Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series with a stall, demonstration of sustainable fishing items, category sponsorship or other ideas that support sustainable fishing, contact OzFish director of fundraising and sponsorship Tim Davenport via timdavenport@ozfish.org.au

If you’re hosting an event and you’d like some help with your catch and release entries, sustainable rules or prize categories, a Tackle Loop bin, a yabby trap drop spot, someone to demonstrate

sustainable fishing practices or any other advice, contact info@ozfish.org.au