Heard the yarn about ‘the one that got away’? Well, the students of Cronulla South Public School now have some whoppers to reel off after they hauled in a slimy mackerel, a snapper and a couple of starfish.

The fishy business last term at Cronulla South Public was part of a pilot program in 45 NSW primary schools teaching children about safe and environmentally friendly fishing.

The students took the bait, learning in class about sustainability, ecosystems and water quality as well as practical aspects of angling like tying knots, rod and reel basics, safe fish handling, fish identification and regulations.

Then it was out to the great outdoors, to the wharf at Gunnamatta Bay, to put the theory into practice and cast off.

Cronulla South Public School principal Greg Fitzgerald said the “Get Hooked” fishing workshop – where 50 students from Years 3 to 5 were assisted by volunteer fisher folk – was so popular that some students had asked for fishing to be considered this year as a sport option.

“A couple of kids got a fish … and they have the photos to prove it,” he said.

About one-third of the children got a nibble on their line and the program spawned other activities such as student surveys and writing fishing whoppers for the school newspaper.

The “Get Hooked it’s Fun to Fish” program, developed and funded by the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Recreational Fishing Trust, will this year be available to around 200 NSW primary schools.

The program includes a classroom resource kit linked to all key learning areas and the supply of equipment for the fishing workshop.

Students receive a fishing passport after they have studied units of work on “Only take what you need”, “Fish with friends”, “You’re the solution to water pollution”, “Throw the little ones back”, “Don’t leave your tackle behind” and “Quality catchments equal quality fish”.

Dee McElligott, state coordinator of community programs for the fishing trust, said more Fishcare volunteers were being recruited to expand the program. The volunteers ensure the fish are not stressed as they are reeled in by the youngsters and the catch is always released back into the water.

“Some of the kids get very, very excited when they catch their first fish,” Ms McElligott said.

Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald praised the volunteers for passing on their knowledge and skills to students who were “the guardians of our environment”.

“Volunteers of all ages are playing a key role in educating kids about how to appreciate our natural resources through a healthy, outdoor activity such as fishing,” he said.