Seafood lovers and recreational fishers can celebrate National Gone Fishing Day in style, thanks to the Victorian Government's support for Portarlington's Hooked on Bellarine Festival this October.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos today announced that the free annual event will take place on the Portarlington foreshore on Sunday 13 October, with fishing activities for the whole family and fresh Victorian seafood available to buy – including the area's famous blue mussels.
Hosted by the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), the Hooked on Bellarine Festival is part of the Victorian Government's $96 million investment in improving fishing, boating and piers – encouraging more people to get into the great outdoors and give fishing a go.
Angling club volunteers and Fishcare will offer fishing lessons for youngsters through 'come and try' VicFishKids sessions – with rods, and bait provided to make it easy for newcomers to reel in a new hobby.
Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating Network leaders will demonstrate knot-tying techniques and share tips to help anglers improve their catch rates for popular Bellarine species like King George whiting, calamari, snapper, and gummy shark.
Expert filleting demonstrations will teach participants how to turn their catch into a delicious meal, with cooking presentations and seafood recipes giving real life inspiration to home chefs. Other event attractions include:
- Stalls selling freshly cooked seafood and local produce, including mussels
- Educational talks from the VFA team about snapper, whiting and calamari, fish anatomy and aquaculture
- Better Boating teaching trailer reversing at the nearby Point Richards boat ramp
- Kids activities from the VFA Education Team – such as fly fishing demonstrations, casting clinics, giveaways, virtual reality fishing, and selfies with VFA's 'Pinky the Snapper' mascot
- Fishing simulator with Knox Boat Fishing Club and Kelly Sports activities for children
- Animal experiences with reptiles and native species
- Food and live music by local artists, while enjoying waterfront views.
In celebration of Gone Fishing Day in Victoria, and to encourage newcomers to give fishing a go, a recreational fishing licence will not be required on Sunday 13 October anywhere in the state.
