Get the kids into fishing these school holidays

29 June 2018

Original media release available here.

Families looking to entertain the kids during the school holidays need look no further thanks to the stocking of around 30,000 catchable size rainbow trout into 77 waters across Victoria.

The stockings were funded by the State Government's Target One Million plan, which is investing a record $46 million to get more people fishing, more often – including kids eager to cast a line.

Rainbow trout are the ideal target species for children and newcomers to fishing because they are relatively easy to catch and take a variety of baits and lures.

Several of the lakes are in suburban Melbourne and regional centres providing the perfect opportunity for beginners to try fishing for the first time.

Most of the lakes provide safe and convenient access for families with fishing platforms, bankside tracks, picnic tables and other facilities.

Family Fishing Lakes to be stocked for these holidays with rainbow trout include:

• Karkarook Lake in Moorabin (2,000)
• Marysville Lake (450)
• Lilydale Lake (700)
• Emerald Lake (500)
• St Augustines Waterhole in Geelong (750)
• Kennington Reservoir (500)
• Pertobe Lake (450)
• Morwell Lake (750)
• Rowville Lakes (400)
• Casey Fields Lake (500)
• Darlingsford Lake in Melton (500)
• Hyland Lake in Churchill (750)

There's a daily bag limit of five trout in Family Fishing Lakes, of which only two trout can exceed 35cm.

For the full statewide list visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout.

For more information about fishing rules and licensing refer to the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, available free from most bait and tackle shops, online at www.vfa.vic.gov.auor by downloading the free 'Vic Fishing' app for smart phones.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford

"We want to get more families into the great outdoors, enjoying time together and being active, which is why we're improving fishing opportunities for beginners and experts with better facilities, easier access and more stocking."

"Target One Million has stocked record numbers over the last 12 months, releasing more than six million fish to improve inland fishing."

"School holidays are just the perfect time for youngsters to get out there and try their luck wetting a line."