This unit applies to those who work as assistant guides or guides under supervision in a range of fishing contexts across the recreational fishing industry. This may include those working as assistant fishing tour guides, sports fishermen, retail tackle shop assistants or those involved in fishing.

This unit may also apply to outdoor recreation leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for fishing activity

1.1. Conduct pre-activity research to determine relevant information on various species of fish.

1.2. Apply information to identify an appropriate fishing location according to activity objectives, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Identify and apply minimal impact practices to reduce negative impact on the fishing environment according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Access relevant sources to interpret weather and environmental information and determine its potential impact on the activity.

1.5. Determine the range of fishing tackle required to catch fish within a particular habitat.

1.6. Identify and use rigs and berley for different fish species within a particular habitat.

1.7. Determine different types of bait, and their use for different fish species within a particular habitat.

2. Apply methods to catch fish

2.1. Identify different methods used to catch fish using rod and reel, handlines and nets.

2.2. Perform safe casting technique according to the species of fish, their habitat and organisational policies and procedures.

2.3. Perform methods of trolling, appropriate to the species of fish and their habitat.

2.4. Apply fishing etiquette and ethical behaviour throughout fishing process.

3. Handle fish

3.1. Identify and handle dangerous species of fish in a manner that reduces risk to self and others, according to organisational policies and procedures.

3.2. Demonstrate landing and de-hooking techniques appropriate to the species of fish and dispatch the catch in a humane manner.

3.3. Implement strategies to keep catch in pristine condition.

3.4. Handle and return undersized and unwanted fish to the water without damage according to organisational policies and procedures.

3.5. Apply techniques for gutting, gilling, filleting, skinning and boning different species of fish.

4. Evaluate fishing activity

4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the fishing activity.

4.2. Identify improvements for future fishing activities.

Required skills

problem-solving skills to:

identify and select tackle suitable to different species of fish and habitats

handle dangerous fish appropriately

fight and land a fish quickly with minimum stress

determine whether to return fish to water or keep according to size

planning and organising skills to identify and source relevant fishing tackle and apply fishing methods according to the species, location and habitat

literacy skills to:

conduct research on different fish species

interpret weather and environmental information, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures

numeracy skills to measure fish to determine if they are undersized

self management skills to review and reflect on own performance and set goals to improve fishing techniques

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe and legal conduct of all activities

minimal impact codes to ensure protection of the fishing environment

fishing tackle and equipment types, characteristics and technology used for different types of fishing and the advantages and disadvantages of the range of fishing equipment

methods and techniques to catch and handle species of fish relevant to the current or intended work environment

fish species available within a specific aquatic habitat and factors affecting what types of fish live in various bodies of water

fish migration, breeding, spawning and seasonal feeding habits

impact of poaching, pollution, over harvesting and loss of habitat on fish population

fishing etiquette and ethical behaviour with respect to recreational fishing

basic weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity

emergency and first aid procedures relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and others.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

prepares for fishing activities by researching fish species available in specific habitats and accessing tackle and equipment to suit the targeted species

applies suitable methods to catch fish from specific habitats using appropriate tackle and equipment, while maintaining minimal environmental impact

handles fish using humane techniques that reduce risk to self and others and returns undersized and unwanted fish to the water

evaluates and reflects on own performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple fishing activities that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information regarding species of fish and habitats to prepare for the activity

suitable fishing locations that allow participants to demonstrate fishing skills

a range of oceanic, offshore, estuarine and freshwater fishing tackle and equipment, including, rods, reels, handlines, nets, bait, berley, rigs and lures.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of safe participation and demonstration of fishing skills, including catching and handling fish

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all fishing activities

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SISOFSH202A Select, catch and use bait.

Guidance information for assessment

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Research may include:

electronic

paper based

discussion.

Relevant information may include:

variety of fish living in particular aquatic habitats

popular species of fish for catching and eating within a particular season and location

fish migration, movements and seasonal feeding habits

methods and techniques to catch and handle various species of fish

factors affecting what types of fish live in certain bodies of water

impact and consequences of poaching, pollution, over harvesting and loss of habitat on fish population

breeding and spawning patterns of fish.

Fish may include:

pelagic species

demersal species

native species

translocated species.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

safety and emergency procedures

use, maintenance and storage of fishing equipment

procedures for handling dangerous fish

procedures for returning undersized and unwanted fish to water

manufacturer's design specifications and recommendations for equipment use

risk management procedures

communication protocols

code of ethics.

Minimal impact practices may include:

avoidance of sensitive areas

removal of rubbish

appropriate sanitation practices

use of low impact equipment

appropriate washing procedures

respect and protection of heritage and cultural sites.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

coastal patrol or coastguard

volunteer marine rescue

local knowledge

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Tackle may include:

oceanic

offshore

estuarine

craft borne

freshwater.

Habitat may include:

saltwater

freshwater

brackish.

Rigs may include:

oceanic

estuarine

freshwater.

Casting techniques may include:

threadline

overhead

sidecast

centrepin

fly.

Trolling may include:

live baits

lures

bibbed lures

down riggers.

Landing may include:

landing net

gaffing

lifting.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.

Unit sector

Outdoor Recreation

This unit contains employability skills.