RECREATIONAL fishers are being encouraged to wet a line with family and friends on Sunday 15 October, which is national Gone Fishing Day.
Best of all, a recreational fishing licence will not be required on the day, anywhere in Victoria (check regulations for other states).
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said newcomers to fishing could try the pastime at more than a dozen free events being hosted by angling clubs, schools, agencies and Landcare groups.
“Gone Fishing Day complements the State Government’s Target One Million plan for recreational fishing, which aims to get more people fishing, more often and increase participation to one million anglers by 2020,” Mr Dowling said.
“Angling icon Rex Hunt will be at Mordialloc Pier with Fisheries staff on the day for the fourth VicFishKids event. There will be rods and reels for people to use, plenty of bait and expert tuition available. Everyone’s welcome no matter what their age or fishing experience.”
“Rex will be joined by Aaron Habgood, co-host of the Reel Adventures radio show, and Sam Goodwin who was a Masterchef finalist earlier this year.
“Aaron will demonstrate how to fillet and prepare fish whilst Sam will assemble a simple dish that everyone can try at home, during two cooking sessions at 11am and 1pm.
Mr Dowling said Gone Fishing Day was a chance to escape day to day tasks, get in touch with nature and spend time with the people that matter.
“Once again, the Futurefish Foundation will host ‘Mates Day on the Bay’, which helps disadvantaged people get out on Port Phillip Bay in privately owned boats to experience the thrills of fishing.”
Learn more about the day and what’s on Sunday 15 October at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/gonefishingday
(A full list of Gone Fishing Day events follows)
Location | Time | Host |
| Mordialloc Pier | 10am-2pm | Victorian Fisheries Authority |
| Karkarook Lake, Moorabin | 10am-2pm | Oakdale Angling Club & Fish Protection Society |
| Portarlington Pier | 11am-2pm | Drysdale Sportsfishing Club |
| Mornington Pier | 11.30am-4pm | Victorian Women’s Recreational Anglers Association. |
| Ess Lagoon, Casterton | 8am-3pm | Casterton Angling Society |
| Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton | 11am-3pm | Goulburn Broken CMA and partners |
| Campaspe River, Kyneton | 12-4pm | Kyneton Angling Club |
| Campaspe River Reserve, near Rochester water tower | 12-4pm | Rochester Angling Club |
| Campapse River, Burnewang | 12-4pm | North Central CMA |
| Campaspe River, Axedale | 12-3pm | Longlea & District Landcare Group. |
| Campaspe River, Echuca | 12-4pm | Echuca Moama Landcare Group. |
| Campaspe River, Strathallan | 12-3pm | Stathallan Family Landcare Group. |
| Carp-a-thon Family Day | 9am-2pm | St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School 46 Cross’s Road, Traralgon. |
| Moyne River, Port Fairy | 9.30am-1pm | Port Fairy Angling Club 5 Gipps St, Port Fairy. |
| Goulburn Murray Water channel, McEwen, between Everard and Brose Rd | 9am-1pm | Kyabram Anglers Club. |
| Foletti Park Lake | 10am-1pm | Donald Angling Club. |
| St. Helen’s Boat Ramp Foreshore | 10am-2pm | Fishcare Geelong and Bellarine. |
| Marine & Freshwater Discovery Centre ‘Get Hooked – family fishing trips’ | 12.30pm & 2.30pm | Victorian Fisheries Authority $10 per person. Limited places. Bookings essential. 03 5258 3344. Suitable for 8 years & over. |
| Marine & Freshwater Discovery Centre Open Day, Queenscliff | 10am-1pm | Victorian Fisheries Authority 2A Bellarine Hwy, Queenscliff. |
| Patterson River Boat Complex Ramps 1 and 2. | 10am-2pm | Futurefish Foundation will host the 18th annual ‘Mates Day on the Bay’ event where people with disabilities go boat fishing on Port Phillip. |
