Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
Q. What are Little Angler Kits?
A. Little Angler Kits are the perfect way for primary school aged children to try fishing. They include a rod, reel with line, tackle box, some tackle (including hooks) and information on how to use them all.
Grade 5 primary school students and all primary aged students at specialist schools, irrespective of their age, will be offered a free Little Angler Kit.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) will deliver the kits to primary and specialist schools by 15 December 2023, unless schools opt out of the program.
Q. Why is the government giving away free fishing rods for kids?
A. The State Government is keen to get more children outside and active, connecting with nature and enjoying time in the great outdoors. Fishing is a great way to do that, which is why the State Government is investing $96m to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture.
Q. Do I have to accept one?
A. No. Grade 5 primary school students and all primary aged students at specialist schools will be offered a free Little Angler Kit to bring home unless parents and carers opt out.
Each school will run a parent opt out process, providing parents and carers with the option to choose to opt out of receiving a kit.
If you do not wish to accept the offer for any reason, the school will not provide your child with a kit.
Q. When will my child’s school get their kits?
A. The roll out of kits will be completed by 15 December as suppliers provide kits to the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA). It’s not possible to distribute all the kits across the State in one go however they will be in the hands of those who want one by the summer school holidays.
Q. What size are the kits and what do they contain?
A. Little Angler Kits include a fishing rod, tackle tray, some tackle and a kids guide to fishing. The kits are approximately 3 foot long.
Please note that the tackle tray does include fishing hooks. The tackle tray will be wrapped in cardboard and placed inside a pocket, inside the kit bag, which will be cable tied to discourage students from opening their kits until they are under the supervision of a parent or carer. Teachers will also tell students not to open the kits until they are safely at home with a parent or carer.
Q. Are the kits safe?
A. Please note that the tackle tray does include fishing hooks. The tackle tray will be wrapped in cardboard and placed inside a pocket, inside the kit bag, which will be cable tied to discourage students from opening their kits until they are under the supervision of a parent or carer. Teachers will also tell students not to open the kits until they are safely at home with a parent or carer.
You can request for an adult to pick up the kit from the school by contacting the school. If you do not wish your child to receive a kit for any reason, you can choose to opt out of receiving a Little Angler Kit.
Q. Where do I learn more about how to use the Little Angler Kit?
A. The VFA will create a Little Angler hub on their website, which is now live. It contains useful information, instructional videos and online resources about where and how to fish. Please refer to the information provided on how to use the kit safely with your child.
Q. We’ve run out of hooks that came with the Little Angler Kit. Where can I buy more?
A. Bait and tackle shops are a great place to top up on bits and pieces if you run out. Kmart, Big W, Anaconda, BCF, TackleWorld, Complete Angler and Trellys are just a few to try or you can shop online.
Q. How do I contact a local fishing club now that my child is keen on fishing?
A. The VFA has a directory of fishing clubs on their website at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingclubs
Q. Are there events my child can attend to learn more from experts about fishing?
A. Yes, the VFA runs several free VicFishKids events through the year, as does Fishcare Victoria. Kids can learn new skills, talk to experts and try to catch a fish knowing help is on hand.
Q. We’ve fished from the pier a few times now and would like to try boat fishing with the kids. What’s the best way to do that?
A. Jumping aboard a charter boat is one way or you can hire boats from some seaside townships, including in Port Phillip Bay.
Q. We caught a fish but couldn’t identify it. How should we do that?
A. The Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide contains colour illustrations and photos of fish you’re likely to encounter in saltwater and freshwater. It also outlines size and bag limits to ensure our fisheries remain healthy.
Hard copy printed Guides are free and available from most tackle shops or by calling 136 186. The VFA can also post them out.
The Guide is also available online at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide or by downloading the free VicFishing app to your smartphone.
Find out more
For further enquiries contact Chris Padovani, Manager Stakeholder Engagement, Victorian Fisheries Authority:
- phone 0427 353 233
- email: chris.padovani@vfa.vic.gov.au