Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

Victorians love fish and fishing. Recreational fishing offers terrific opportunities for people of all ages, skills, abilities and backgrounds to enjoy a fun and healthy activity and build social connections. Our aboriginal heritage is also deeply linked to fishing, with thousands of years of indigenous fishing history in Victoria.

The Victorian Government is committed to increasing the number and diversity of people fishing and enjoying Victoria’s local seafood, growing healthy and sustainable fisheries sectors and contributing to Victoria’s social and economic prosperity. This is why the Victorian Government distributed 95,000 Little Angler kits to primary aged students in 2023/24, via the Victorian Fisheries Authority, as part of a $1.5M election commitment, funded via the sale of Victorian recreational fishing licences, i.e. funded by recreational fishers.

Recreational fishing serves as an early life intervention that profoundly influences their future lifestyle choices. By engaging young minds in the art of fishing, the initiative introduces them to the benefits of outdoor physical activity, mindfulness, and environmental conservation. These experiences cultivate a deep-rooted appreciation for nature and personal well-being, encouraging a proactive approach to health, a commitment to environmental stewardship, and an enduring curiosity about the natural world. As these children grow, the habits and values instilled through recreational fishing are likely to guide their choices, ensuring they lead balanced, active, and environmentally conscious lives (Brown et al., 2012; Moore et al., 2023).

The aim of this election commitment was to continue to grow recreational fishing participation in Victoria, by actively encouraging primary school aged children to learn more about the art of fishing, marine life and the natural environment. Encouraging children to be outside and active aligns with whole of Victorian Government initiatives underway to optimise health, wellbeing, connectedness and inclusiveness in Victoria.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority received a lot of positive feedback from schools, parents and students following receipt of their kits, highlighting increased access to outdoor education, therapeutic benefits of fishing and gratitude to the Victorian Government for their support with this initiative. An example of feedback received from a parent is below.

Nathan (dad) and Oscar (son) - Thank you for providing the year 5 students with a fishing kit. We live next to the Murray River at Wahgunyah, and I have never fish before, but my son got his kit today so after dinner we were off to give it a go. First cast and bang he had one, how incredible it was. We had no idea what we were doing but having a lot of fun doing it.

In addition to the anecdotal evidence of the success of the program, an independent economic evaluation found that this initiative is projected to increase total output by $8.162 million, boost Victoria’s Gross State Product by $3.907 million, and create 30 new jobs. This means additional activity that is 5.44 times the initial expenditure of $1.5 million, which is a great return on Government’s investment.

Following the successful implementation of the commitment, the Victorian Government will run the program again in 2026, via the Victorian Fisheries Authority, offering 82,500 Little Angler kits to primary school children across approximately 1,816 Victorian schools. The Victorian Fisheries Authority is proactive in encouraging all Victorians to fish, specifically focusing on the involvement of women, children and people from diverse backgrounds. We educate fishers and the community about responsible fishing practices and promote stewardship of our precious resource. As such, the Victorian Fisheries Authority are perfectly placed to facilitate the supply and distribution of the Little Angler kits and tuition on how to use the kits on behalf of the Victorian Government.

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-free sinkers) and information on how to use them all.

Grade 5 primary school students will be offered a free Little Angler Kit in 2026.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) will distribute the kits to all Victorian primary schools, unless schools choose to opt out of the program.

Q. Why is the government giving away free fishing rods for kids?

A. The Victorian 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 Victorian Government invested a further $96 million to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture during this term of Government.

Q. Do I have to accept one?

A. No. You do not need to accept a fishing rod. You can advise your child’s school that you will be opting out of the program. 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.

Q. When will my child’s school get their kits?

A. Schools will be provided with the kits in August 2026, in time for the September 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 (including hooks and lead-free 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-free 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 will also instruct 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 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 will also tell students not to open the kits until they are safely at home with a parent or carer.

The Little Angler kit will include the following safety message on the outside of the kit - ‘Safety message - Please note that the tackle tray inside this kit includes fishing hooks. It is recommended that these kits should be opened and used under adult supervision’.

Please note that fishing equipment is not for human consumption. If swallowed, hooks can cause serious harm. Young children and those with some disabilities including pica disorder are especially vulnerable. If a child does swallow a hook, seek medical assistance immediately - don’t wait for it to pass.

Children should be supervised while handling tackle (hooks) and being around water.

Don't leave hooks lying around where they could be swallowed by young children.

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).

Hooks should not be left where they could be ingested by young children.

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, Compleat 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 https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/clubs-and-associations

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. Visit https://vfa.vic.gov.au/or www.fishcare.org.au for more information.

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 and Westernport 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, Senior Manager Boating, Victorian Fisheries Authority:

• phone 0427 353 233
• email: chris.padovani@vfa.vic.gov.au