Recreational Fishing for Beginners

Get hooked on fishing with our Sport & Fitness courses in Sydney! 

Keen to get into fishing, but not sure where to start? Our Recreational Fishing for Beginners course is designed for complete beginners and tailored to provide a comprehensive introduction to the art of fishing for fun. 

This immersive on-the-water experience takes place against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, in an accessible location. 

These hands-on sessions combine a delightful blend of theory and practical experience. With expert instructors by your side, you'll not only cast your first line but also delve into the essentials of gear, casting techniques, fish behavior, ethical practices, and beyond.

You'll learn everything you need to know to effectively plan and set sail on your own fishing trips - whether you're simply taking the grandkids fishing, catching dinner, or just connecting with nature. 

It's time to cast, reel, and relax!

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Recreational Fishing for Beginners course, you should be able to:

• Cast accurately, independently and safely into the fish strike zone using threadline (spin) and fly.
• Demonstrate knowledge of different fish species in saltwater ecosystems.
• Understand variables affecting fishing - such as weather, food source, habitat, water turbidity, species behaviour and traits, breeding cycles, light density, moon phases, water levels and temperate, barometric pressure, currents and tides.
• Know how to prepare equipment and tackle using a variety of fishing techniques, for example knots and rigs (uni knot, FG knot and a variety of rigs).
• Use techniques in rod control, lure retrieval and setting the hooks.
• Effectively present and select bait and lures.
• Grasp how to identify the optimal tides and weather conditions for fishing, and hazards that can occur. 
• Clean and prepare your catch for consumption.
• Understand how to leave a minimal impact and use sustainable fishing practice during your fishing trips.

Course content

What will be covered in this Recreational Fishing for Beginners course?

• Where, why, when, what and how to fish
• Fish species and their behaviours
• Reading tides and weather conditions
• Selection and preparation of equipment
• Baits, knots and rigs
• Casting techniques
• Catching and releasing
• Cleaning, gilling, scaling and filleting your catch
• Bag limits
• Sustainable fishing practices for minimal environmental impact

Intended audience

Who is this Recreational Fishing for Beginners course for?

This course is suitable for beginners and for those with some experience who want to build on their technique. 

Our instructors are experienced in assisting students with access needs, so if you're interested and have a question about access and assistance, please reach out to our Customer Service team on (02) 8752 7555 for more information. 

Course venue

Putney Park

Putney Park is situated on Pellisier Road in Putney (2112). The Park has plenty of parking, and public toilets. 

Course materials

Please note: 

All participants will require a recreational fishing license to commence this course. Each registration covers one adult (any age) and one child (from 3 years old). The fee is $14 for one month. You can find out more and purchase your license here. 

What to bring to class

• Adequate sun protection (a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses)
• Suitable footwear (no thongs or sandals!)
• Snacks and drinks
• A camera to take photos of your catch!

Materials provided

The below materials are provided for use during the session only:

• 1 rod and reel combo per student
• All terminal tackle including line
• Casting plugs and targets
• Landing nets, rulers, and other necessary equipment
• A variety of bait and lure options

Additional information

Please note the following: 

Any fish caught during the session will be released.