ANGLERS of all ages and experience are invited to a community fishing event this month in preparation for a world record attempt to have the most number of people Fishing for Mental Health in March.
That’s the idea behind Jack Bamford’s Fishing for Mental Health at Coliban Wall, Spring Hill Road, Kyneton, on Saturday, February 14, from 9am to 2pm.
Victorian Fisheries representatives and members of the Kyneton Angling Club will be on site to help introduce people to fishing at no cost. Coliban water will have a marquee with a number of giveaways, including sprinklers.
Thanks to local businesses, there are plenty of prizes to win, including one for each of the biggest fish species caught, including Murray cod, trout, roach, redfin, yellowbelly and even carp.
To add to the fun, there will be raffles, some free ice cream and live entertainment from Jack Bamford and Sarah Holden. The artists’ poetry books and CDs will be available to purchase on the day.
Jack and Sarah met at school. She said: “We got together and we have been knocking about ever since. One day he [Jack] read me his poetry and wow … it was good. I said I would really like to put music over that.”
“It’s just going to be a fun day,” Jack said.
“It doesn’t matter what path of life you have walked down, on these days there are no arguments. People are talking and sharing a rod. [It is] a great way to relax and meet new friends and talk about your problems. Stress disappears.”
Jack is expecting between 100 and 300 people to attend on the day and has secured 104 fishing rods: “So, if you don’t have a rod yourself, there’s easy access.”
The cost is $15 per person and it’s inclusive of rods, bait, a barbecue lunch, drinks and entertainment. Phone Jack on 0472 829 991 to book and organise rods.
Federal MP Rob Mitchell and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas are supporting Jack’s initiative and have co-funded the costs for the Guiness World Record application.
