In an exciting and memorable debut at the Dowerin Machinery Field Days, Recfishwest connected with hundreds of farmers, families, and fishing enthusiasts from across Western Australia.
Held over two lively days, the event drew tens of thousands of visitors eager to explore the latest technology in farming, agricultural, and recreational gear.
Seizing the opportunity to meet face to face with our supporters and fishers from an important section of the WA community, we were pleased to have a stand at this year’s show.
As well as having a yarn with hundreds of fishers from the wheatbelt and further afield while hearing their views and concerns on fishing issues, we also gave the first run out for our the ‘Lob It In The Gob’ kids casting wall competition.
Recfishwest’s first-ever attendance at this renowned event proved to be a major hit, fostering new relationships with regional farmers and fishers from Kalbarri, Geraldton, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, the South-West, Wheatbelt and many other areas.
The casting wall game challenged youngsters to cast soft plastics through the mouths of a playful fish target.
Kids eagerly stepped up, trying their hand at refining their casting skills in a friendly, encouraging environment while taking home Recfishwest branded hats, stickers, activity sheets, and premium Halco/Recfishwest membership lures for those that mastered the tricky task of casting the plastics through the gob in less than three casts!
After seeing how much fun it was, even parents and teachers were reeled in to have a crack!
“We had the opportunity to engage with a broad range of fishers from all around WA and it allowed crucial conversations about what they thought about demersal changes, marine parks, fishing access and their core values as fishers, which are important chats to have,” said Operations Lead Matt Gillett.
Recfishwest’s Communications Coordinator Jarrad Lawford echoed this sentiment, highlighting the event’s importance for community engagement.
“We would’ve had at least 500 kids along with their parents or teachers having a crack at the casting wall across those two days, it was a great way for fishers across all ages to practice their casting skills and challenge each other while we had the opportunity to chat with them about what is important to them as fishers” said Jarrad.
“With our successful inaugural appearance, Recfishwest looks forward to making a bigger impact at Dowerin next year and beyond, sharing the passion for fishing with local communities and helping protect their rights for fishing around WA.”
