Information about ANSA
Prepared by Steve Salmond

ANSA's philosophy is bound up in our motto - "Sport, Conservation, Integrity" and we believe that the underlying spirit of angling is - that the skill of the angler is pitted against the instinct and strength of the fish and that the latter is entitled to an even chance for his life.

ANSA anglers can be found Handlining for Coral Trout on the Great Barrier Reef, Fly Fishing for Trout in Tasmania or for Sailfish of Broome, they can be found ballooning for Tuna at Beecroft or trolling for Murray Cod at Echuca, you'll find them casting for Tailor on Fraser Island or for Barramundi at Shady Camp.

ANSA encourages diversity in individuals and challenges its clubs to provide a range of opportunities for members. ANSA encourage individuals to set personal goals, to improve their skill, knowledge and enjoyment of fishing.

The approach that the ANSA angler takes towards their sport is often misunderstood by many anglers. Our members are not confined to the narrow constraints of competition nor do they focus on ultra light line or fancy tackle - nothing could be further from the truth.

The Australian National Sportfishing Association was formed in February 1967 in an old hall at Yorkeys Knob, just north of Cairns. The Cairns Sportfishing Club has the distinction of being the first ANSA Club in Australian.

ANSA NSW Branch was formed in August of the same year in Sydney and the Queensland Branch with member clubs of Cairns, Maryborough and Cardwell formed in August 1970. Other States quickly followed until a truly National representation existed. The helmsmen who quietly guided ANSA in those early days were greats such as Vic McCristal, the late Eric Moller, Jack Erskine, Malcolm Florence and Ron Poole. Vic McCristal coordinated the first fishing program for primary school children, the fore runner of what is today a National programme conducted by ANSA members.

Tag and Release was born out of the ANSA Queensland Branch in the seventies, with tags imported from the states. From that first tag inserted on the banks of the Tully River in North Queensland has grown the ANSA National Sportfish Tagging Program - AUSTAG. Data from this program is now providing vital information to local, state and federal authorities as policies are formulated to protect our fishing future. AUSTAG provides opportunities for ANSA members to participate and contribute to the management of their fishery by providing data for scientific analysis. This important program relies upon the dedication and integrity of ANSA members. To date almost 200,000 fish have been tagged Australia wide under this bold initiative.

Early days of ANSA saw the development and growth of sportfishing techniques, the development of fishing opportunities and established the foundation to conserve and enhance our fishery. ANSA has a long and proud history of active participation with the many levels of government in matters relating to our recreational fishery. Each State Branch ensures that the ANSA voice is heard loud and strong on the committees of research.

ANSA has set itself the goal of reinvigorating the ideas that led to its formation in 1967.

The last decade has seen immense pressure placed upon our fishery and it is now a major challenge to conserve what we have left and enhance it were possible. ANSA has been at the forefront of many major issues. Issues such as, habitat protection, fisheries research, and representation on the various management committees. ANSA has established an independent Fisheries Research Foundation. This foundation supports scientific endeavours in areas that concern recreational fishers. ANSA has worked diligently to create a properly established foundation from which tax deductable donations can be dispersed.

ANSA members are a guiding force behind many representative bodies, you'll find ANSA members at RECFISH, SUNFISH, VICFISH, AFANT, National Management Advisory Committees and on the many Zonal Advisory Committees.

ANSA and sportfishing is all about the way in which we choose to participate in our common pursuit - recreational angling. The sportfisher's goal is to achieve maximum enjoyment from each moment spent fishing. By adopting a sporting ethic and conservation oriented stance, we enhance our interaction with nature and protect our own future. This means respecting our quarry, each other and the environment.

ANSA is about enjoying fishing with the family, developing our junior anglers and recognising the achievements of anglers - about presenting anglers with challenges, improving fishing skills and increasing versatility.

ANSA has been and shall remain the average Australian family fishing club.