Junior Angler Education Clinic

The Palmerston Game Fishing Club inc. has always held junior Angling in the highest esteem so in 2005 we got together and came up with a Junior Education Day. It would be held on a Saturday or Sunday at Sanctuary Lakes, Palmerston and was named as the Palmerston Game Fishing Club Inc. Junior Angler Education Clinic, or Kids Clinic.

The clinic is aimed at juniors between the ages of 6 to 14 and limited to 100 positions. Spots are snapped up fast and fill in less than a week, showing there is definitely a need in the community to teach juniors about fishing.

The inaugural clinic was opened by Chris Makepeace, President AFANT, and the 2006 clinic was opened by James Burke member for Palmerston.

From the opening the juniors then split into 4 groups to take part in each of the four programs: Knots, Lure Selection and Presentation of Baits, Rigs and Safety.

The Department of Fisheries get everyone’s attention when they speak about dangerous marine animals and hand out posters. The seminar shows how to identify common Top End species and how to handle and release fish. A talk about flares and a demonstration on how to fit a life jacket also take place.

Many people assist in holding the other workshops during the day. There is always someone skilled in the art of soft plastics and lure selection to show the kids the tricks of the trade. Neville Bowly and Wayne Buffalo Ross,winners of a number of Barra Nationals are just two such people to have assisted.

Many PGFC members have the juniors tying a locked half blood knot, spider hitch and perfection loop just to name a few.

All attendees of the clinic receive a new rod and reel for their efforts and a lot of other merchandise. The day usually concludes with the kids being let loose on the lakes to practice their skills just learned.

A BBQ lunch is provided by Rotary and sponsored by Delfin at The Chase.

A great day is always had by all! Many thanks go to the parents and PGFC members who assist on the day. And a huge thanks goes out to the presenters for their incredible effort, the day would not be a success without their valuable time and knowledge.

We always get a lot of feedback from parents and supporters who think the day is excellent and can't wait until the next one!