Budding young anglers in Melton will have a better chance to reel in a catch after 1000 fish were added to local waterways.
Six hundred rainbow trout were added to Navan Park Lake and 400 to Darlingsford Lake by the state government.
Fish Care Victoria treasurer Terry Wells helped put the fish in the lakes on Monday, July 24, something he has been doing for a while.
He said he hoped it would get kids outside and encourage them to adopt new hobbies.
“It is of absolute importance to get in the fresh air and away from screens, particularly during the school holidays,” he said.
“Rainbow [trout] are pretty easy to catch so the kids won’t get bored. There’s a good chance they’ll catch a fish and if they go with a parent who fishes, they will learn the skills quickly.”
Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club operates in Melton and Bacchus Marsh.
President Andrew Levett said the initiative was well received by the group.
“It’s a great idea to encourage kids to get outdoors and teach them how to fish. Anything that gets young people involved in fishing is always a good thing,” he said.
“As a local fisherman, it’s terrific to see them doing something healthy and physical rather than sitting inside watching TV.”
Melton MP Steve McGhie said the government was working with the Victorian Fisheries Authority to attract more families outdoors and encourage them to pick up a rod.
“We’ve stocked more fish than ever before into Victorian waters in the past year so there’s great fishing, not only for these holidays, but for future generations to enjoy,” he said.
Eddie Russell
