Kiama Charity Chidlrens Fishing Comp : Hugh 4 years and Marlo 9 years Dwyer from Kiama get some practice .
THE organiser of the Children's Charity Fishing Comp in Kiama at the weekend promises a wide variety of fish will be caught and, more importantly, a great deal of fun will be had.
Saturday's 12th annual competition has been organised by the Kiama Game Fishing Club and supports Peterborough Special School in Warilla.
In the past funds from the competition have been used to buy first aid kits.
Money raised this year will be used to buy iPads for students.
As well as supporting Peterborough, Kiama Game Fishing Club founder and president Mark Way said the aim of the competition was to teach sustainable fishing practices and introduce children to the joys of the pastime.
Mr Way said the competition featured three divisions - under 6, 6-11 and 11-16.
The fishing comp- etition raised about $1700 for the special school last year.
"The competition is to encourage kids to be involved in a healthy outdoor activity and it's an enjoyable half-day out.
"Children who catch a fish must bring it to the weigh master in a bucket of water, to keep the fish alive, and after weighing, return the fish in the bucket to Kiama Harbour to grow bigger for next year.
"We have deliberately kept the entry fee down ($5) to ensure that people can afford to take part.
"Some of the children's charities are pretty well off but Peterborough is such a worthy cause. I'm proud to be associated with them."
Mr Way said he expected anywhere between 120 to 200-plus competitors - locals and people who timed their holidays here with the competition.
He said competitors could expect to catch anything from yellow tail and slimy mackerel to luderick, bream and even good-sized flathead.
"There is quite a variety of fish they can catch in the harbour," he said. "And there's plenty of them. More often than not they're not huge fish but having said that we have pulled one-kilogram flathead out of there and big bream."
Sign-in is from 8am at the surf club rescue boat shed, opposite the boat ramp at Kiama Harbour, with fishing from 9am to noon. The entry fee is $5 a child.
The presentation will be held at 12.30pm.
The first 200 children to sign up will receive a bucket and sample bag.
Children must bring their own fishing gear, water, sunscreen and hat.
For further details, visit kiamagfc.com.au.