Finley Lake came alive last Sunday with families strategically placed around the foreshore for the free Gone Fishing Day.
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The event was brought to the community by Tocumwal Angling Club and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Fish For Life NSW).
Aimed primarily at children, the day provided an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with a free day of fishing, learning basic fishing skills, having fun catching fish as well as being treated to a sausage in bread and a drink, provided by Tocumwal Angling Club.
Seventy-nine children registered for the competition with families coming from Mulwala, Tuppal, Blighty, Jerilderie, Barooga, Tocumwal, Berrigan and Finley.
Some participants had experience with fishing and were most enthusiastic, however there were some beginners who were given help by experienced club members on site.
Several of the youngsters took time off from fishing to avail themselves of free face painting provided by Katrina Lefevre. Vivi and Quinn Pyle were just two of those happy with the result.
There were several prizes to be won and, for a short time, Billy Horneman thought he might have had the biggest carp caught (63cm). However, his brother Jimmy topped that by catching one which measured 70.5cm, taking out the main prize for the day.
The competition took place with the permission of the Lake Management Committee with the intention of ridding the lake of as many carp as possible. Any cod caught were immediately released back into the water.
Tocumwal Angling Club president Chiqueta McNicol was delighted with the success of the day and advised that those interested in more information about future community events, follow the club on Facebook.
She would also like to thank members of Tocumwal Angling Club who worked so tirelessly in the preparation for and running of the event.
Tocumwal Angling Club also extends its thanks to the following sponsors for their generous donations: IGA. Finley, IGA Tocumwal, Hooked on the Murray, Nathalia Euro Worms, Cobram Outdoors, Murray Motors Tocumwal, Funky Face Painting and Hyperglitz Nails and Pat Barrett Tyre Service, Berrigan.
It is anticipated this could become an annual event.
Biggest carp (70.5cm) winner Jimmy Horneman (front) winner with Tocumwal Angling Club members Peter Hayden and Chiqueta McNicol.
Finley Lake Management Committee member John Lacy (left) with Tocumwal Angling Club president Chiqueta McNicol.
Kaiden, Tyson and Chaise Cook with their lines in the lake.
Katrina Lefevre face painting on Vivi Pyle while her sister Quinn patiently awaited her turn.
Violet Vernon and Kalani Smith with Jaidyn Lefevre (seated).
Tocumwal Angling Club members (from left) Wendy Hayden, Mark Brentnall, Lamby McDougall and Peter Hayden preparing the free barbecue.
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