Next gen anglers: Learn to fish at free VicFishKids clinics
28 February 2022
The Victorian Government is supporting the next generation of recreational fishers through a series of free VicFishKids events to be held across the state.
Kicking off on Sunday, 6 March at Gem Pier in Williamstown, the four events will give young Victorians the chance to reel in a new hobby in a safe and supported environment with help from a range of fishing experts.
Funded as part of the Government's $35 million Go Fishing plan to get more people fishing more often, events will also be held in Bendigo, Moorabbin, and Seymour in the coming months.
Run alongside local fishing clubs and Fishcare, the event series ensures these young newcomers learn from experienced fishers about everything from knots, casting, bait selection and what to do when they land their first fish.
Across the four statewide events, 32 clinics will be held, with those who attend even receiving a free fishing rod of their own to take home.
At Williamstown, next weekend, Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) ambassadors Bachar Houli and Lee Rayner will join Fisheries Officers to share tips, tricks, and a few fishing stories of their own with the budding young anglers.
Catchable size rainbow trout from the VFA's Snobs Creek hatchery will also be stocked prior to the events at Bendigo, Moorabbin, and Seymour to enhance everyone's chances of fishing success.
Following the Williamstown event, Bendigo will be held at Kennington Reservoir on Sunday, 1 May, Moorabbin at Karkarook Lake on Sunday, 15 May, and Seymour at Goulburn Park on Sunday, 22 May.
Each event runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and parents can register their children's attendance online at vfa.vic.gov.au/vicfishkids.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne
"VicFishKids events are a wonderful way for budding young anglers to try their hand at fishing for the first time - helping us to get more people fishing more often."
"Not only do they receive advice and tips in a safe and supportive environment from a range of experts, but they even get to take home their very own fishing rod if they attend one of our free clinics - perfect for hitting the water with mum or dad on the weekends."