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 lead sinkers) 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, were offered a free Little Angler Kit in 2023.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) distributed the kits to all Victorian primary and specialist schools, unless schools opted 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 $96 million 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 was completed in February 2024.
Q. What size are the kits and what do they contain?
A. Little Angler Kits include a fishing rod, tackle tray, some tackle (including hooks and lead sinkers) and a kids guide to fishing. The kits are approximately 3 foot long. Once assembled, the rod is 6 foot long.
Please note that the tackle tray does include fishing hooks and lead sinkers. The tackle tray is wrapped in cardboard, with a cable tie around it and placed inside a pocket, inside the kit bag, to discourage students from opening their kits until they are under the supervision of a parent or carer. Teachers should 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 and lead sinkers. The tackle tray is wrapped in cardboard, with a cable tie around it and placed inside a pocket, inside the kit bag, to discourage students from opening their kits until they are under the supervision of a parent or carer. Teachers should also tell students not to open the kits until they are safely at home with a parent or carer.
Please note that fishing equipment is not for human consumption. If swallowed, hooks can cause serious harm and lead sinkers can be toxic. Young children and those with some disabilities including pica disorder are especially vulnerable. If a child does swallow a hook or lead sinker, seek medical assistance immediately - don’t wait for it to pass.
Children should be supervised while handling tackle (hooks, lead sinkers, etc. and around water).
Don't leave lead sinkers lying around where they could be swallowed by young children.
It is recommended that children wash their hands after handling lead sinkers, especially before eating or drinking.
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. How do I safely store the kit?
A. Little Angler Kits should be stored in a safe location, out of reach of young children.
Children should be supervised while handling tackle (hooks, lead sinkers, etc).
Lead sinkers should not be left where they could be ingested by young children.
It is recommended that children wash their hands after handling lead sinkers, especially before eating or drinking.
Q. Is it safe to eat the fish that we catch using the Little Angler Kit?
A. One of the joys of fishing is being able to bring home some fish for your meal. If you intend to eat your catch, there are some important tips to follow to help you remain healthy when enjoying your bounty.
Safe handling of your catch
Important tips for catching or collecting aquatic species include:
- Keep fresh catch cold and covered by putting it in ice or a refrigerator straight away.
- Keep equipment and surfaces clean.
- Don't let recreational catch or bait drip onto other food.
- Only catch or collect when water quality is good. Remember that water quality can change and not all harmful things can be seen with the naked eye.
- Obey all public health signage.
Eating fish caught in urban areas
Fish are an important part of a healthy diet. They are high in protein and other essential nutrients, low in saturated fat and contain omega-3 fatty acids. In general, the benefits of eating fish greatly outweigh any risks.
However, people who fish in the Lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers need to be careful about eating their catch. The risks of eating your catch can be reduced if you make sensible choices about the type and amount of fish you eat.
Click here for more information about how to consume your fish safely.
Q. Where do I learn more about how to use the Little Angler Kit?
A. Visit the Little Angler hub. 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.
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