Module 3
Finding fish
Ready to take a deep dive (pun fully intended!) into the secrets of spotting fishy hotspots? In this module, we don’t just scratch the surface; we delve into the fine art of reading the water, the shoreline, and even the plants around you to identify where the fish are — and why. By the end of it, you won’t be casting blindly; you’ll be spotting prime fishing grounds that most anglers breeze right past.
Overview
In the grand scheme of recreational fishing, digital technology is a newcomer, and whilst every angler should know how to use a sounder, it’s important not to be dependant on them. This module takes a look at finding fish through sound understanding of habitat, fish behaviour, and natural signals. And then we learn to decipher a sounder screen.
Duration
15 hours 00 minutes
Testing
- Uploaded practical assessment tasks
- Assessment by randomised quiz
- Reflective worksheet upload
- Short online survey
Resources
You will need to print out a couple of activity sheets for Unit 3 in this module (links provided in the course material)
You will also need a fresh printout of your Reflective Worksheet. If you have not kept a copy on your computer, you can download a new one here.
You will need:
- your device
- a digital camera, if your phone does have one built in
- headphones
(if preferred) - access to a printer
- blank paper
- a pen, pencil, or texta
- scissors, box-cutter or craft knife
MODULE CONTRIBUTORS
Taylah Kirk, Cass Price & the OzFish Communications Team
OzFish Unlimited
Jo Starling
FOUNDER, Women’s Recreational Fishing League
Thanks to OzFish Unlimited for their invaluable support on this module.
This module is strengthened by the expertise of OzFish Unlimited.
welcome to module 3
Introduction
units of study
Here’s what you will learn
What fish want – the anatomy of a healthy eco-system from egg to end
Understand the generic life cycles of fish in various ecosystems and what is needed for fish populations to successfully repopulate and grow.
Recognise scenarios — both natural and man-made — that limit the viability of fish populations
Location, Location – fish habitat versus barren slums
Develop and apply a fundamental understanding of fish habitat needs to identify where fish are likely to hold… and where they are not — therefore where to spend your energy, and where to pass by.
Nature & Tech
Learn to “read the water” based on surface behaviour to identify depth change and subsurface structure. Use water behaviour and changes in bank composition and plantlife to interpret bottom structure beneath the water.
Plus, develop a fundamental understanding of sounding technology and how to interpret basic sounder screens.
resources
For the best experience with this course, we recommend using the Google Chrome browser. Click here to download.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & GRATITUDE
This course is supported by funding from the FRDC (Project ID 2022/033) on behalf of the Australian Government.
For more information on the full team behind this project, please click here.
The Women’s Recreational Fishing League acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live, work and fish on across Australia.
We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.