National Gone Fishing Day

Sunday 19 October is National Gone Fishing Day, encouraging Australians to get out on the water with family and friends to celebrate our love of fishing.

It doesn't matter if you haven't fished before, Gone Fishing Day is for everyone!

The theme for 2025 is ‘Fishing for Community’, encouraging everyone to connect with local fishing clubs, participate in fishing competitions or community fishing days, and discover the community and social benefits that fishing generates.

To get in on the fun, you can join an organised fishing event or simply take the family, grab a friend or enjoy some time out for yourself wetting a line.

We’re also planning our own events to mark Gone Fishing Day 2025 and look forward to sharing details soon.

Licence-free day

To make it easier for new anglers to catch a new hobby, a recreational fishing licence will not be required by anyone in Victoria on Sunday 19 October 2025.

Want to host an event?

Fishing clubs and community groups – we’d love you to get involved and host an event in your patch! Fishing clubs and community groups are being encouraged to run their own Gone Fishing Day community fishing events in their local area on 19 October 2025. It could be off a local pier, at one of our Family Fishing Lakes or along one of our many beautiful rivers and creeks.

Gone Fishing Day Grants are now closed

Gone Fishing Day Grants applications closed on 29 August 2025.

Click here for more information on our Recreational Fishing Small Grants Program that runs year-round.

We’re here to help. Any questions, please contact Belinda Lorensini on Belinda.lorensini@vfa.vic.gov.au