Free Hooked on Lakes Entrance is back

04 March 2022

Hooked on Lakes Entrance is back providing Victorians the chance to indulge in fresh local seafood, while supporting regional communities this March long weekend.

Discover the wonders of East Gippsland and head to the free ‘Hooked on Lakes Entrance’ event on Sunday 13 March to try delicious seafood, learn more about where your fresh fish comes from or cast a line with experts and increase the odds at hooking your next meal.

Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) CEO Travis Dowling said visitors to the festival would be helping to bring tourism to bushfire-affected communities, boosting regional businesses that were also subsequently impacted by Covid 19 restrictions.

“Lakes Entrance is a fishing mecca and home to one of Australia's largest commercial fishing fleets, making it the perfect destination to sample fresh seafood,” Mr Dowling said.

“It’s such a diverse fishery that offers fantastic recreational fishing for beginners and experienced diehards, from the shore or boats, big and small. Access to the Lakes is becoming more accessible with the numerous boating upgrades currently underway in this region, including at the North Arm.

“These are all reasons why Lakes Entrance is the perfect destination to host this celebration of Victorian seafood, which will showcase the vast array of fresh fish caught by commercial fishers off the coast, other delicious local produce and great fishing spots.”

This year’s event on the Lakes Entrance Foreshore Reserve will run from 10am till 4pm and boast new activities to get everyone excited about fishing and tourism in the region, including:

• Seafood cooking and filleting demonstrations by Mark Briggs from Sardine Eatery and Sam Mahlook from Soda Fish seafood restaurant.
• Free Fishcare 'Come and Try' fishing clinics for kids and families.
• Maritime Safety Vic Float Safe inflatable lifejacket clinics.
• Fresh seafood sales.
• Pop up bar.
• Kids amusements.
• Family-friendly areas to enjoy the waterfront views.

Mr Dowling said Hooked on Lakes Entrance is ideal for families keen to make the most of the long weekend, explore beautiful waterways and indulge in Victoria’s world class seafood.

For more information visit: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/hookedonlakesentrance

Media contact: Amelia Elliston 0437 801 068