Albany’s school of fishing rocks!

Hundreds of Albany Senior High School students are enjoying safer and more engaging fishing experiences after a Recfishwest safe fishing grant helped “completely transform” the school’s fishing program.

The funding has turned what was once a “corner of a bus shed” into a you-beaut purpose-built fishing clubroom, complete with secure rod and tackle storage, improved safety equipment, and educational resources.

Albany Senior High School’s Marine teacher, Cale Ritchie, said the grant has transformed the space into a vibrant fishing hub that fosters camaraderie, a passion for fishing and learning.

“Today, we run a comprehensive fishing program that combines practical skills with collecting scientific data,” Cale said.

The school’s specialised marine program is available to all students in years 7 to 12, with lessons in the classroom and on the water, with a focus on safety across three key areas – maritime, engineering, and science.

More than just caching fish

Fishing has become a cornerstone of the program, with students learning “far more than simply catching fish”.

The program focuses on fish biology, sustainable fishing, fisheries management, conservation, boating safety, navigation, marine engineering, and more, including:

Cale said each of the fishing program’s activities has an element of safety, designed to build students’ confidence and develop safe decision-making in the marine environment.

Fishing as a vehicle for learning

“Through fishing, students develop practical life skills, resilience, patience, decision-making abilities, and a lifelong appreciation for our unique coastal environment,” he said.

The school’s fishing program is also proving popular beyond the classroom, with students attending before and after school hours, “heading out for an early morning fish before returning to enjoy breakfast together”.

See the new fishing clubroom in action on Albany Senior High School’s Instagram page

This year, nearly 150 students will celebrate the program’s 10th anniversary by taking part in the Kalgan Classic- a week-long black bream fishing competition in and around Albany.

Recfishwest Senior Operations Officer Sam Russell said Albany Senior High School’s marine program was a fantastic example of how fishing can teach practical skills that extend well beyond just catching fish.

“Fishing is a great, healthy activity that keeps young people off their screens and gets them outside, it’s good for mateship and well-being,” said Sam.

“We’re proud to support programs like this that give students the opportunity to build their confidence, develop safe fishing and boating habits, and create a connection with the marine environment.”