Free fishing clinics to get budding anglers hooked
30 August 2023
Budding fishers can catch a new hobby and learn saltwater fishing fundamentals at a trio of free VicFishKids events this spring.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny today announced the clinics, which will headline a range of family activities on offer at San Remo on 16 September, Portarlington on 8 October, and Williamstown on 26 November.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) staff will join volunteers from Fishcare Victoria and local angling clubs to lead the free clinics and teach kids the ins and outs of fishing. They’ll learn how to cast, tie knots, rig up basic tackle and the steps to follow when they reel in a catch.
Hosted at local piers and jetties, the fishing clinic locations are perfect for beginners as they provide accessible and repeatable fishing opportunities, while giving kids the chance to catch a wide variety of popular species like snapper, flathead, garfish and calamari.
Free rods and reels will be supplied at the fishing clinics to encourage kids to keep practicing at their local pier or jetty with family and friends.
Providing plenty to see and do for the whole family, the San Remo clinic will coincide with the TIDAL Seafood Festival, where fresh Victorian seafood will be on offer with cafes and restaurants showcasing local produce alongside live music, cooking and filleting demonstrations, and much more.
Portarlington’s event will run alongside the Hooked on Bellarine Festival, held on National Gone Fishing Day. Families can purchase local produce, attend cooking classes and test their fishing skills. Each year the VFA celebrates the day by removing the need for all fishers to hold a licence enabling everyone to get in on the fun.
Held in the now net-free Port Phillip Bay, the Williamstown event at Gem Pier will be an opportunity for kids to wet a line for pinky snapper, King George whiting, calamari and more.
All VicFishKids events are free but bookings are essential. To find out more and to book a spot, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/vicfishkids
Quote attributable to Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny
“VicFishKids clinics are the perfect complement to the Government’s Little Angler Kits, which later this year will provide a rod and gear to every grade 5 student in Victorian schools to get more kids into fishing.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
“Fishing and San Remo go hand in hand and VicFishKids event will give budding fishers the skills they need to be able to catch snapper or squid off a local jetty for years to come.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“We’re lucky to have great access to some of Port Phillip Bay’s best fishing on the Bellarine and there’s no better way to start a lifelong passion for a youngster in your life than these free clinics.”
Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne
“VicFishKids is an exciting, educational way to get new faces into fishing and the clinics are always popular with families from around Williamstown.”