Key Points
- Camden Council launches the Hook, Line & Measure competition on Friday, 16 January 2026, inviting local fishers to contribute to science and sustainability while competing for prizes.
- The citizen science programme encourages residents to record and submit details of fishing catches from the Nepean River and other local waterways, including species, size, and location.
- The competition runs until Monday, 16 March 2026, with winners contacted on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.
- Every valid submission enters participants into a prize draw automatically; prizes include four vouchers from local fishing stores – three $150 vouchers for random valid submissions and a $300 major voucher for the largest carp caught.
- Additionally, 30 brag mats are available, one per person for every valid entry.
- A free workshop in partnership with OzFish takes place on Saturday, 28 February 2026, covering best practice fishing techniques such as responsible fishing, knots, casting, bait selection, invasive species awareness, and waterway health.
- Data collected feeds into the Camden Open Data Portal via an interactive map and data table, creating a baseline dataset on fish populations, distribution, and recreational fishing activity.
- Fishers may opt to keep their exact fishing locations hidden, sharing detailed data only with Council.
- The programme highlights top recreational fishing spots and aids Council planning for future waterway projects.
- Open to all local fishers, from seasoned professionals to beginners; more details and eligibility at bit.ly/hooklinemeasurecamden.
- Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, emphasises the competition’s role in supporting healthier waterways.
Camden, Hook, Line & Measure competition returns (North London News Desk) 16 January 2026 – Camden Council has launched its popular Hook, Line & Measure citizen science programme, urging local fishers to record catches from the Nepean River and other waterways to aid sustainability efforts while vying for valuable prizes. The 2026 edition opened today, Friday 16 January, and will close on Monday 16 March, with winners notified on Wednesday 18 March. Every valid entry automatically qualifies for the prize draw, making participation straightforward and rewarding.
What Is the Hook, Line & Measure Competition?
The Hook, Line & Measure initiative stands as a cornerstone of Camden Council’s community engagement in environmental monitoring. Participants submit details of fish caught or observed, logging species, size, and location to construct a comprehensive dataset on local aquatic ecosystems. This citizen science effort transforms everyday angling into a vital contribution to waterway health.
As outlined in the official announcement, the programme builds a clearer picture of Camden’s waterways by aggregating real-world observations from residents. Council officials stress that such data proves invaluable for tracking fish populations and recreational patterns. The competition’s return in 2026 underscores Camden’s ongoing commitment to blending recreation with research.
How Can Locals Enter the Competition?
Entering requires minimal effort: fishers complete a submission form and report their catch directly to Council. No fees apply, and every valid submission secures an automatic entry into the prize draw. Participants must adhere to eligibility criteria detailed at bit.ly/hooklinemeasurecamden, ensuring broad accessibility.
Prizes incentivise involvement generously. Three entrants with valid submissions will each receive a $150 voucher from local fishing stores, selected randomly. The angler submitting the largest carp claims the top $300 voucher. Complementing these, 30 brag mats – ideal for showcasing catches – go to valid entrants, limited to one per person.
What Prizes Are Up for Grabs?
The prize structure rewards participation and standout achievements alike. Beyond the vouchers, the brag mats serve as practical takeaways, fostering pride in contributions to science. Local fishing stores partner to supply these incentives, bolstering community ties.
Council emphasises that every cast counts, as valid reports not only chase prizes but also enrich the dataset. This dual appeal – science and prizes – has historically drawn diverse anglers, from novices testing the waters to experts honing skills.
When Does the Free Workshop Take Place?
A highlight for skill-builders arrives with a free workshop on Saturday, 28 February 2026, hosted in partnership with OzFish. This session equips attendees with essential techniques: responsible fishing practices, knot-tying, casting methods, bait selection, awareness of invasive species, and insights into waterway health.
OzFish’s involvement ensures expert guidance, aligning with the programme’s sustainability ethos. Spaces fill quickly, so early registration via the provided link proves advisable. The workshop complements the competition, enhancing participants’ abilities while deepening environmental stewardship.
Why Does This Programme Matter for Camden’s Waterways?
Camden Mayor Cr Therese Fedeli champions the competition’s impact, stating,
“The information we collect through this project is presented on the Camden Open Data Portal through an interactive map and data table.”
She further noted,
“This helps to create a baseline dataset on fish populations, distribution and recreational fishing activity. Fishers can choose to keep their fishing location hidden, with detailed location data provided only to Council.”
Cr Fedeli added,
“The programme also helps to show the best recreational fishing spots and supports Council in planning and delivering future waterway projects across the area.”
Her remarks, drawn from the official launch, highlight privacy protections alongside public benefits.
The Open Data Portal democratises access to findings, featuring interactive tools for visualisation. This transparency empowers residents to track changes, informing advocacy for healthier rivers and streams.
Who Can Participate in Hook, Line & Measure?
The call extends to all local fishers, welcoming seasoned pros and first-timers equally. No prior experience mandates entry; the submission form guides newcomers through reporting. Camden Council designs inclusivity to maximise data breadth.
Eligibility details at bit.ly/hooklinemeasurecamden clarify rules, such as valid catch verification. This open-door policy mirrors past iterations, where community input shaped waterway management effectively.
How Does the Data Contribute to Sustainability?
Submissions feed directly into scientific baselines, mapping fish distribution and sizes across the Nepean River and beyond. Council uses this to pinpoint hotspots, guiding restoration and invasive species control. Privacy options ensure fishers share comfortably.
Interactive maps on the Camden Open Data Portal reveal trends without compromising spots, balancing utility and discretion. Such insights underpin projects enhancing biodiversity and angling quality.
What Role Does OzFish Play?
OzFish partners specifically for the 28 February workshop, lending expertise in sustainable angling. Their curriculum – knots, casting, bait, and invasives – equips fishers practically. This collaboration amplifies Council’s reach, embedding best practices community-wide.
Past workshops proved transformative, with attendees reporting improved techniques and awareness. OzFish’s national profile adds credibility, drawing enthusiasts eager for hands-on learning.
When and Where Will Winners Be Announced?
The competition concludes Monday, 16 March 2026, with winners contacted directly on Wednesday, 18 March. Council handles notifications swiftly, ensuring prompt prize fulfilment. Random selection for vouchers guarantees fairness.
For the largest carp prize, measurements undergo verification. Participants should monitor emails or provided contacts post-closure.
Why Focus on the Nepean River and Local Waterways?
The Nepean River anchors focus, alongside other Camden waterways, due to their ecological and recreational significance. Catches here reflect broader health, from native species to invasives like carp. Targeted data aids precise interventions.
Council’s strategy identifies pressures, informing habitat enhancements. Fishers’ logs reveal patterns invisible to surveys alone, proving citizen science’s power.
How Has the Programme Evolved?
Hook, Line & Measure returns stronger, building on prior success with refined prizes and the OzFish workshop. Data portals evolved too, offering richer interactivity. Mayor Fedeli’s endorsement signals sustained priority.
Historical participation swelled datasets, validating expansion. 2026’s launch on 16 January positions it early in the year, maximising entries.
What Are the Best Fishing Spots According to the Data?
While exact locations remain optional for privacy, aggregated portal data spotlights trends. Popular stretches emerge via heatmaps, guiding safe, productive angling. Council leverages this for signage and access improvements.
Fishers benefit from shared intelligence, avoiding barren zones. This reciprocal value cements the programme’s appeal.
