Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:50 AM AWST

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Locate and attract fish

Locate and attract fish

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOFSH206A
State Code
D6383
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
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 locate and attract specific species of fish.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Conduct pre activity research on specific species of fish.
  • 1.1. Apply knowledge of anatomical features effecting locations and specific lifestyles to determine preferred habitats.
  • 1.2. Identify environmental factors affecting preferred natural habitats.
  • 1.3. Determine food sources and feeding habits for particular species.
  • 1.4. Identify the role of predator or prey relationships and how they affect fish activity and location.
  • 1.5. Apply knowledge of fish migration patterns and identify the species of fish within locations, during specific seasons.
  • 1.6. Determine how life cycles affect fish behaviour, migration and location.
2. Attract and approach fish.
  • 2.1. Identify the manner in which fish use sound, light, vision and smell to locate food.
  • 2.2. Attract target fish using knowledge of fish senses and various strategies according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 2.3. Determine the most appropriate bait and method of attracting and catching fish, based on the ability of fish to distinguish taste and touch.
  • 2.4. Apply knowledge of fish senses to develop strategies to approach fish without alerting them.
3. Read water to locate fish.
  • 3.1. Source general locations which best suit the various species of fish.
  • 3.2. Determine special needs and preferences of species sought by recreational fishers.
  • 3.3. Determine the importance of environmental factors on the location of fish.
4. Locate fish based on visual sightings.
  • 4.1. Identify fishing spots by the use of visual marks.
  • 4.2. Develop methods for recording visual sightings for relocating fishing spots.
  • 4.3. Determine factors affecting the accuracy of visual sightings.
5. Use fishing aids.
  • 5.1. Identify how charts, binoculars, depth finders and GPS are used to locate likely fishing spots.
  • 5.2. Use fishing aids according to the location, type of fishing and targeted fish species, to assist in the location of fishing spots.
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.
Anatomical features affecting locations may include:
size
colouration
size of eyes
position of mouth
teeth
body shape.
Habitats may include:
freshwater
saltwater.
Environmental factors may include:
temperature
water clarity
weather conditions
oxygen
shade
pH
water depth and flow
tidal influence.
Life cycles may include:
breeding patterns
spawning cycles
fish age, size and characteristics during different seasons within the life cycle
foods, food conversion, digestion, nutrition and growth at different stages of the fish life cycle.
Knowledge of fish senses may include:
extent and mechanism of vision of target fish species
olfactory senses, how they function and their use in navigating over great distances
ability of fish to distinguish taste and touch.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
marine regulations.fishing and motorised water craft regulations and restrictions
recreational fishery and netting licenses
creel and fish size limits
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
accepted industry best practice
communication protocols
code of ethics.
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:
conducts research to acquire knowledge of specific characteristics, senses, features and requirements of fish within a particular habitat and area to determine fishing spots and locations
reads water and uses visual sightings and fishing aids to locate and attract specific fish species.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure application of strategies to locate and attract fish on multiple occasions in locations that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information regarding specific species of fish
suitable fishing areas that allow participants to demonstrate their ability to locate and attract fish species
a range of fishing aids to assist in locating and attracting fish.
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 the pre-activity research process
written questioning to assess knowledge of methods used to locate and attract specific fish species
observation of safe participation and demonstration of locating and attracting fish
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:
SISOFSH203A Select, rig and use terminal tackle
SISOFSH204A Select, use and maintain fishing tackle outfits.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C6197 SROFSH007A Use knowledge of fish habitats, behaviour and life cycles to locate fish Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBF32 SISOFSH001 Locate, attract and catch fish Unit of competency