- Published:
- Tuesday 19 September 2023
Seafood and recreational fishing fans visiting Portarlington for National Gone Fishing Day can make the most of their trips, as celebrations continue at the free Hooked on Bellarine festival on 8 October.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny said the family-friendly fishing event will have something for everyone, ranging from fresh and local seafood to fishing sessions for the kids, boating clinics, local market stalls and more.
Hosted by the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), the event complements the Andrews Labor Government’s $96 million investment package to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture.
Keen fishers will be able to talk knots and rigs with VFA ambassador Lee Rayner and learn tips and tricks to improve their chances on bay species like snapper, King George whiting and gummy shark.
Cooking classes will be on offer for visitors to learn how to transform their catch of the day into healthy, home-cooked meals. Guests can look forward to a host of seafood recipes including dishes that incorporate locally grown Portarlington mussels.
For the little ones, experts from fishing clubs and Fishcare will provide free instruction in the popular VicFishKids sessions. With all equipment provided including rods and bait, bookings are highly recommended to secure a place.
Other event highlights include:
Stalls selling freshly cooked seafood and locally made produce, including blue mussels.
Talks from the VFA team on snapper, King George whiting and calamari research and aquaculture.
Fish filleting demonstrations and anatomy displays with VFA’s David Reilly.
Better Boating Victoria’s free skills clinics including boat handling and trailer reversing at Point Richards.
Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating (WIRFAB) Network leaders sharing fishing and filleting tips.
Kids activities, fly fishing instruction, prize giveaways, virtual reality fishing and VFA’s fish mascot.
Food hub to relax and enjoy the waterfront views.
To celebrate National Gone Fishing Day, a recreational fishing licence will not be required to go fishing in Victoria on 8 October. For more information and VicFishKids clinic bookings, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/hookedonbellarine.
Quote attributable to Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny
“We look forward to seeing Victorians take this opportunity to enjoy a day out by the water. There’s plenty on offer for everyone, whether it’s fishing with the kids, sampling delicious locally sourced seafood or relaxing by the waterfront.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“The Bellarine Peninsula’s got so much to offer fishers, boaters and lovers of seafood so come down, make a weekend of it with the family, and experience it for yourself.”