Loads of great catches, heaps of smiles and a delicious feed of fish – it was the best combination possible for dozens of youngsters who took part in our Healthway Kids Fishing Clinics in WA’s northern communities.
Recfishwest recently ran several regional fishing clinics for the Clontarf Academy and Stars Foundation at 40 Mile near Karratha, along with Derby in the Kimberley region.
As well as giving kids and teens from local communities the opportunity to wet a line, these fishing clinics help kids experience the mental, social and physical wellbeing benefits that fishing provides, along with providing valuable tips so they can continue to develop their fishing skills.
“It was a great turnout with plenty of fish,” said Recfishwest’s Senior Operations Officer Sam Russell, adding, “The local environment knowledge of these kids is always remarkable and they have a tremendous enthusiasm for fishing.”
“There are healthy catches of whiting, bream, flathead, mud crabs and many other species each year and the friendly banter always provides some healthy competition and entertainment amongst the kids. It’s a pleasure for us running these clinics and giving these young people the opportunity to enjoy a great day out by the water.”
Check out some of the snapshots and highlights from these clinics below and Recfishwest Fishing Clinics Coordinator Sedin Hasanovic’s reflections on each event.
Derby Kids Fishing Competition Day with Clontarf Academy
On 27 August, Recfishwest was proud to support the Clontarf-led fishing competition on the Fitzroy River near the town of Derby, featuring around 100 students from Clontarf Academies across the Kimberley who united for a day of fun banter and wetting a line.
Alongside our Fishing Clinics team, DPIRD Fisheries education joined to deliver hands-on activities, with students catching impressive mud crabs, landing a few small fish, expanding their cast-netting skills and enjoying a great time outdoors.
We also explored career pathways in recreational fishing and marine science, highlighting the opportunities this vast industry offers young people. Check out some of the snaps below!
40 Mile Beach Fishing Clinics with Santos, Stars, and Clontarf
From 16–18 September, Recfishwest proudly delivered three fishing clinics at 40 Mile Beach at Gnoorea Point near Karratha in collaboration with Santos, the Stars Foundation, and the Clontarf Academy.
Across three days, a total of 49 students took part – 17 from Stars Karratha, and 32 from Clontarf Karratha across two sessions.
The clinics, supported by Santos, offered a fun and hands-on way for students to learn about sustainable fishing and best practice fish handling, while enjoying time outdoors in a relaxed coastal setting.
Each group participated in beach fishing sessions where they caught plenty of Pilbara species such as mangrove jack, tuskfish, trevally, emperor and whiting, while also learning how to safely release undersized species.
Check out some of the great captures below!
Fisheries officers joined to share insights into their compliance work and the importance of looking after our marine resources, with all attendees also taking home a Recfishwest lure, sticker and hat as a souvenir.
The three days were a great success, strengthening local relationships and providing positive, practical learning experiences for young people. These clinics highlighted how fishing can bring people together while promoting community, connection, and care for WA’s coastal environment.
“We couldn’t run these clinics without the solid support from Santos who funded this experience for these kids, along with great support from Healthway, Shimano, the Clontarf academies across the Kimberley, and Karratha Stars Foundation,” said Recfishwest’s Fishing Clinics Coordinator Sedin Hasanovic.
“Our clinics are helping build strong community connections across the Kimberley and Pilbara, bringing the health and wellbeing benefits of fishing. We can’t wait to join forces again with Healthway, Shimano and Santos in 2026 to keep this great work going.”
