Most of the group fixed their gaze on Rick Jackway and his rod to see what he had hooked.

Was it going to be a tiny one? Or medium-sized? Perhaps it was going to be so big, a measuring tool would have to be whipped out.

Only seconds after Rick screamed out those three words, he uttered three more.

"I caught seaweed."

He untangled what caused so much anticipation, hurled his line back into the Hopkins River and waited for another bite.

Unfortunately for Rick and the other three fisherman, there wasn't much action in the water on Saturday morning.

A small fish was reeled in but had to be thrown back.

But the boys didn't leave the South West Games empty handed as they were presented with medals

Getting a shiny and chunky gold medal cast around their neck arguably created a bigger smile than if they had managed to catch a decent-sized fish.

Saturday was run under Active Oceans, a program which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to experience activities that once might have been considered too dangerous and adventurous.

Active Oceans co-ordinator Jessica Boyle said fishing was one of three events being held as part of the games.

While rowing was held on Wednesday night, participants will jump on a surfboard tomorrow.

She said a small group fishes on the first Saturday of every month under the helpful eyes of Warrnambool Fishing Club members.

"We usually get a few bites and a few small catches but we have to throw them back," she said before another optimistic cry was called out, followed by "it's mine".

"One claims it's theirs and then someone else will claim that they saw it first," Boyle explained.

Nine-year-old Rick said he really enjoyed Active Oceans rowing.