THE MEMBERS of the Charleville Fishing and Restocking Club are good people to know. Firstly, they make sure there are fish in the rivers so there’s plenty to catch. Then, they invite visitors to join their events.

Club spokesperson Judey Aiken said that over the years, club members had put 360,000 yellowbelly fingerlings into local rivers to make sure there would always be fish to catch. There have also been more than 44,800 Murray Cod released during that time. The 2009 release was expected to be 35,000 yellowbelly and 6000 cod.

A great time to be in Charleville is the May long weekend for the fishing competition out at the Ward River. The barbecue and bar operate all day and a campoven dinner is served. The club has an 11ha block of land at the river, where members built a bar in the shape of a yellowbelly. The club stages an annual rodeo in March and about four fund-raising claypan boogies during the year.

If you’re keen to join a fishing trip with new friends, contact Judey in advance at Judey’s Browse In and plan your visit to coincide with a club trip.

Or take a fishing day tour with the barefoot bushie, Damo. Contact Judey or the Bailey Bar Caravan Park.