Clinic Kids Reel in the Herring

It came a week later that originally scheduled but the October 6 Kids Fishing Clinic was met with wild acclaim by the 13 young fishers on board Success.

Originally planned for September 29, the Clinic was pushed back a week because of unfavourable weather but for 13 kids, that delay was soon forgotten.

With eight girls and five boys on board, and Martin Smith at the helm, the weather gods turned on a wonderful day – an obliging sea and plenty of fish.

And, thrown in at no extra cost was a submarine which tootled by – with not a French flag in sight.

New Clinic coordinator Di Norkett said the kids, aged from seven to 12 years, were remarkably well-behaved and cock-a-hoop when the herring came on the bite after Martin’s suckered them in with his magic berley mixture.

Earlier the holiday crew tried a few whiting spots north of the Windmills to no avail before Martin settled on some weed and sandy ground which played host to the herring.

Di reckoned the kids landed around 120 fish – mainly herring, aside from about 13 sandies – which allowed them to take home nine fish each.

Aside from Martin and Di, Kelly Tann, Colin Enderbury and Tania Coppola were kept busy doing the leg work for the kids, baiting up, taking fish off the hooks and acting as the waiters when it was time for
morning tea and lunch.

The day started with a general talk on fishing and expectations for the day and ended with ice creams back at the club soon after 2pm. No wonder parents regard the day as $40 well spent.

Di made a special mention of the contribution of AFW’s MarcoOrifici who donated some rigs and other paraphernalia for the kids to take home.

Planning for the two clinics in January is under way, with dates to be announced next month.

Author: Ray Wilson