Families, friends and first-timers will have the chance to discover fishing without cost or red tape later this month, with eight events planned across Victoria for Gone Fishing Day on Sunday 19 October.
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said the annual initiative was about giving people a simple way into one of Australia’s most popular pastimes.
“Gone Fishing Day is the perfect opportunity to take out a friend, neighbour or relative who’s always wanted to wet a line, but hasn’t had the chance,” Mr Dowling said.
To encourage participation, recreational fishing licences will not be required anywhere in Victoria on the day. Local clubs have also been backed with grants to host activities stretching from Portland on the coast to Mildura in the north, and closer to Melbourne’s foreshore and inland lakes.
“Several clubs and fishing organisations have reeled in grants to help run the events, using revenue derived from the sale of fishing licences, to give beginners a great introductory experience, free of charge, on Gone Fishing Day,” Mr Dowling said.
The events are designed to be hands-on. “Angling clubs are the perfect hosts for these events because their members know the local waters, the fish species most likely to be encountered, and the tactics to net that catch of the day that could be a delicious meal on the family dinner table,” he said.
Venues include King River at Glenrowan, Lake Marma at Murtoa, Portland’s foreshore jetty, Ess Lagoon at Casterton, Howqua Inlet at Lake Eildon, Sandringham Foreshore, Fisherman’s Beach in Torquay, and Kings Billabong in Mildura. Clubs such as the Sandringham Anglers, Torquay Angling Club, and OzFish Unlimited will guide newcomers through the basics.
Mr Dowling said the day could be the start of a lasting connection. “If participants want to pursue the hobby further, they can join the host club and enjoy all the benefits of being well connected to the local fishing scene,” he said.
For those heading to the Melbourne Boat Show, Fishcare will run 30-minute clinics between 10am and 3pm, offering another way to learn the ropes.
For event details, timings and contact information for local clubs click here.
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