Victorians have been invited to reel in a new hobby with the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) to hold free introductory clinics for newcomers to recreational fishing.
Welcoming the clinics, Minister for Fishing and Boating, Sonya Kilkenny said VFA’s VicFishKids and ‘Fishing For All’ clinics are to be held across the State throughout Spring.
“VicFishKids events are designed especially for children keen to learn the basics in a safe and supported environment with help from experts,” Ms Kilkenny said.
“VFA Ambassador, Lee Rayner will join Fisheries Officers and the Education Team to chat with participants and share tip and tricks,” she said.
“VicFishKids events are run with the help of local fishing clubs and Fishcare, ensuring participants learn from experienced fishers about knots, casting, bait selection and what to do when they land their first fish.”
Ms Kilkenny said catchable size rainbow trout from the VFA’s Snobs Creek hatchery would be stocked at the clinic locations to improve anglers’ chances of success.
She said children who pre-registered for the clinics would receive a free fishing rod to take home, with 120 up for grabs at each event.
“There will also be filleting and cooking demonstrations and tips on how and where to catch your target species,” the Minister said.
She said the Vic Fish Kids events would run from 10am to 4pm on 11 September in Lilydale, 18 September in Seymore, and 15 October in Cranbourne East.
Announcing the upcoming Fishing For All clinics, VFA said the program aimed to increase the active involvement of people living with disability into recreational fishing.
VFA said the clinics would run from 10am to 4pm on 2 October in Bendigo, and on 22 October in Shepparton.
Further information on VicFishKids can be accessed at this PS News link and Fishing For All at this link.
