The state government is reeling in the next generation of recreational fishers through several free VicFishKids events over the next few months.
Outdoor Recreation Minister Sonya Kilkenny said four VicFishKids events would be held across the state to give young people the chance to get hooked on a new hobby with help from experts.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) is behind the fun and free events to be held in Cranbourne, Warrnambool, Churchill in Gippsland and Lake Fyans near the Grampians.
Children who attend clinics will receive a free fishing rod to take home, complementing the government’s pledge to get 60,000 Little Anglers Kits to primary school aged kids as part of its $96 million package to improve fishing, boating and piers.
VFA Ambassador Lee Rayner will join Fisheries Officers at all four events to lead clinics, chat to participants, and share tips and tricks.
The events are run with the help of local fishing clubs and Fishcare ensuring newcomers to the pastime learn from experienced fishers about knots, casting, bait selection and what to do when they land their first fish.
Catchable size rainbow trout from the VFA’s Snobs Creek hatchery will be stocked prior to the events at Cranbourne, Lake Fyans and Lake Hyland to improve everyone’s chances of success.
Everything is provided for at the clinics, allowing parents to simply turn up with the kids and have a great time.
All four events run from 9am till 3pm. To register online, head to www.vfa.vic.gov.au/vicfishkids.
Cranbourne, Casey Fields Lake – Sunday, March 19
Lake Fyans, near Halls Gap – Saturday, April 22
Lake Pertobe, Warrnambool – Sunday, May 7
Lake Hyland, Churchill – Sunday, May 21
