Reflections sustainable fishing series casts off at Copeton

Crown land holiday parks located near major dams across inland NSW are hosting a sustainable catch and release fishing series in conjunction with fishing charity OzFish.

OzFish Unlimited is a not-for-profit dedicated to helping recreational fishers support the health of rivers, lakes and estuaries and the future of the sport by encouraging fishers and communities to protect and restore waterways.

Reflections Holidays, which is appointed by the NSW Government to sustainably manage 40 holiday parks and campgrounds on Crown land reserves across NSW has partnered with OzFish for the inaugural Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series.

The fishing series cast off at Reflections Copeton Waters on November 1-3, with anglers vying to jag up to $25,000 in prize money as they are actively encouraged to protect waterways for future generations.

The series will then proceed to Reflections Burrinjuck Waters (Series 2: March 21-23, 2025), and conclude at Reflections Lake Keepit (Series 3: May 16-18, 2025).

Fish health will be at the forefront with a catch and release photo system for entries, and entrants receiving advice on the correct way to handle fish.

Reflections has also opened its parks to ‘voluntourism’ inviting OzFish to run programs to restore local fish habitats, remove rubbish from waterways and educate the next generation on being a sustainable angler.

Minister for Lands and Property and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said it was exciting to see sustainable fishing competitions held in three premier fishing locations, with popular Crown land holiday parks managed by Reflections used to support initiatives for healthy waterways.

“The series will attract keen fishers to popular dam and lake fishing locations Copeton, Keepit, and Burrinjuck and it’s fantastic that OzFish, an environment-focused charity, will be encouraging everyone in attendance to protect and restore fish habitats,” Mr Kamper said.

There were more than 50 pre-entrants for the first Copeton event, with organisers expecting a late flurry of entrants attracted by the lure of catching an iconic Murray Cod. All profits from entry fees will be allocated by OzFish, the only fishing conservation charity in Australia, to restore fish habitat in the local catchment area.

Prize categories for adults, juniors and littles at the Copeton Series include mystery size of the day, longest pest fish, most pest fish caught, four bonus mystery lengths and prizes for tacking litter, rig recycling and fish release videos.

The Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series aims to minimise plastic and waste and promote recycling and careful disposal of old fishing gear. Each Reflections holiday park has a OzFish TackleLoop bin for safely depositing old fishing tackle and anglers are encouraged to bring along old rods, reels and other unneeded fishing equipment for safe disposal. The TackleLoop Repair Tent will also be there to fix any rods or reels that need a helping hand.

“This series is the five-star experience in sustainable fishing,” OzFish CEO Cassie Price said.

Wishing all the entrants luck, Reflections CEO Nick Baker encouraged participants and their families to respect the beautiful waterways at Copeton, Burrinjuck, Lake Keepit, and beyond.

“This series is showcasing some of the State’s best fishing areas in the State in our parks and we’re thrilled to provide families a fun and educational opportunity to get outside and connect with each other and their community,” Mr Baker said.