More than 160 teenage fishers and their families will come together today in Sydney's inner west to celebrate their passion for fishing as part of a NSW Government and TikTok push to get more teenagers involved in angling.
The gathering is part of the phenomenal growth in interest, mostly from teenage boys, in fishing, driven by social media communities, particularly on TikTok, and the Minns Government's highly successful school fishing education program, 'Get Hooked'.
NSW Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Tara Moriarty, TikTok Australia and fishing content creator Shroom, are today hosting a first-of-its-kind #FishTok meetup to encourage young Aussies to get outside and teach them the best techniques to tie a knot, drop a line, and land a keeper.
#FishTok is a thriving community with more than 10 million fishing videos, featuring everything from fishing tips and techniques to favourite fishing spots and species.
Peter Phung, better known by his FishTok username as Shroom is one of Australia's biggest fishing content creators with over 140,000 followers, amassing more than 7.4 million likes sharing his fishing experiences.
The Minns Labor Government is building on that momentum, expanding the highly successful primary school fishing education program Get Hooked into high schools to inspire the next generation of fishers.
So far more than 750 primary schools across NSW have engaged in the Get Hooked program with more than 66 high schools across the state, from the North Coast, to Bega, out to the Far West, having expressed interest in the new high school program.
Run by education officers and Fishcare volunteers, Get Hooked, teaches students responsible fishing, environmental awareness and practical skills.
Get Hooked is a hands-on, curriculum-linked program that integrates with subjects like Biology, Environmental Science, and Physical Education, fostering a passion for fishing in our classrooms and helping students learn how to care for our waterways and aquatic resources.
The new high school program includes curriculum-aligned units - Fishing in NSW; Understanding Fish Habitat; Conserving Fish Habitat with lesson plans, activities and assessments tailored to Year 7 to 10 students.
It also promotes the health and social benefits of recreational fishing to teenagers and encourages inclusive participation across all ages and genders.
High schools can get involved by registering for the free program on the DPIRD website here
NSW Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"The future of fishing is here today as hundreds of teenagers gather to share stories, learn new skills and delight in the joys of fishing.
"The Government is pleased to be able to join with TikTok Australia to promote what for many will be a lifetime passion for fishing.
"Today, with TikTok Australia and one of Australia's biggest fishing creators, Shroom, I'm thrilled to be involved in a first-of-its-kind #FishTok meetup to encourage young Aussies to get outdoors discover the fun world of fishing and enjoy all the physical and mental wellbeing benefits it brings!
"The Minns Government is committed to providing children and teenagers with lifelong skills throughout their school years and the Get Hooked program will now give high school students a chance to experience to the joys of fishing.
"The Get Hooked program has thrived in NSW primary schools over the past 17 years, and I look forward to seeing the next generation of avid fishers grow within our geography, science and marine studies classrooms.
Shroom, fishing content creator said:
"Having grown up fishing waterways across Sydney, #FishTok has allowed me to showcase this wonderful pastime to people, inspire them, and use TikTok to make them feel as though they're fishing with me.
"From rigging techniques and target species to simple recreational leisure, TikTok has opened up fishing to new enthusiasts and I can't wait for these people to fish with me in person during these school holidays."
