FOREST FISHING FESTIVAL
by Graeme Olsen
8000 tagged Trout have been placed
into the Warren and Donnelly Rivers, providing a
great opportunity for everyone to learn how to catch
one of these prized fish during the Forest Fishing
Festival which runs until the end of November.
| For those of you who aren't
into fishing that much, the Trout is the most
sought after fresh water fish. A prize fish.
Some of the reasons why they are so prized
is because they are very hard to catch, they
put up a good fight, and they taste great.
Catching Trout is an art form. You've probably
seen clips on TV of those people standing
up to their waste in rivers casting out
artificial "flys" and "lures"
to imitate the various bugs that the Trout
feed on. Between 1 September and 30 November
2002, anyone is able to learn how to catch
freshwater fish, and enter the competitions
to see who can catch the best one.
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The Forest Fishing Festival is a unique,
new festival that spawns the "Southern Forest"
region of Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole
& Nannup in a fun filled, and excitingly original,
regional festival.
The Festival is a community driven
inititive that celebrates the pristine forest fisheries
of the "southern forests" and promotes
recreational fishing and the commmunity custodianship
of this precious natural resource.
Not only are the 8,000 tagged trout
up for grabs in the Warren & Donnelly Rivers,
but included in this festival for the first time
will be the opportunity to catch Black Bream at
Walpole and Red Fin Perch through out the river
systems.
The major motivation of the Festival
Committee is to bring people and families to the
wonders of the south west. Leisure with the "no
need to rush" theme is what this is all about.
For the first time angler there are well established
guides available that will take you on a journey
you will never forget. Stand in the river casting
a line, watching a trout rise and take the bait,
letting you have the opportunity of doing the "REX"
catch, kiss & let go. The festival promotes
responsible behaviour in the catchments, rivers,
forests and reserves.
Tags from the Trout need to be presented
to the Pemberton Visitor Centre. Perch and Black
Bream need to have a Fisheries measuring stick with
photo presented to the Centre. You do not need to
present any live or deceased fish to enter the competitions.
All entries go into a monthly draw, and winners
will be notified by writing. The major prize will
be awarded to the best specimen.
During the festival there will be
oportunities for people to learn the art of fly
fishing, making fly's, cooking the fish, wine tours
etc.
It's a fantastic opportunity to learn
about a great activity in beautiful, peaceful surroundings
of forests and streams.
For further information about the
festival, contact the Pemberton Tourist Centre on
(08) 9776 1133, or email pemtour@karriweb.com.au,
or visit the web site at www.pembertontourist.com.au.
October 2002
