Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:47 AM AWST
22/07/2026 6:47 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Catch and handle fish
Catch and handle fish
Unit of competency
National Code
SISOFSH201A
SISOFSH201A
State Code
D6378
D6378
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/02/2012
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
29/02/2012
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify and use tackle and equipment to catch species of fish that are suitable for catching and eating. This unit also focuses on appropriate techniques to handle fish.
Notes
Elements and 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C6191 | SROFSH001A | Use basic skills to catch and handle fish | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBF32 | SISOFSH001 | Locate, attract and catch fish | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J761 | SIS30413 | Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |
| J768 | SIS40313 | Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |
| J755 | SIS20213 | Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |