Hooked on Bellarine

16 September 2022

View original release here

Lisa Neville, Member for Bellarine is inviting seafood lovers and recreational fishers from across the state to celebrate National Gone Fishing Day with fresh and local seafood, and fishing clinics along the Portarlington foreshore.

Hooked on Bellarine will be a free family-friendly event on Sunday 9 October, showcasing the best of Victoria’s fresh produce at local market stalls.

Keen fishers and Richmond Tiger’s fans will be able to talk fishing and footy with Victoria Fishing Authority ambassador Bachar Houli, and learn tips, tricks and secrets to improve your fishing skills on species like snapper, King George whiting and gummy shark.

To transform those fish fillets into delicious meals there will also be cooking classes featuring seafood recipes that everyone can try at home, including dishes featuring Portarlington-grown mussels.

For the kids, experts from fishing clubs will provide free instruction in several free ‘come and try’ clinics on the day. Everything is provided including fishing rods and bait. Registration is essential.

Other event attractions include:

  • Stands selling freshly cooked seafood and locally made produce, including blue mussels
  • Dr Corey Green from Fisheries talking about snapper, King George whiting and calamari research
  • Experts providing fly casting instruction
  • Women in Recreational Fishing leaders sharing filleting and fishing tips
  • Kids activities
  • Local market stalls
  • Food hub to relax and enjoy the waterfront views.

The event is funded by the State Government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan to get more people fishing, more often. To further celebrate the National day, a Victorian recreational fishing licence will not be required on National Gone Fishing Day anywhere in the state.

The event will run from 10am until 4pm. Learn more at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/hookedonbellarine

Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny

“Hooked on Bellarine is a great opportunity to get outside with family and friends, enjoy a day by the bay, and taste the wonderful seafood sourced right here in Victoria.”

“To celebrate National Gone Fishing Day, a Victorian recreational fishing license won’t be required to wet a line – ensuring everyone has the chance to get hooked on fishing.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville

“We can’t wait to welcome fishers from across the state to the Bellarine Peninsula, to enjoy everything this great coastline has to offer.”