News

Reeling in the next generation of anglers

By Djembe Archibald

Nov 14, 2023

Fishing ready: Grade 5 students have been given Little Angler Kits to encourage the next generation of anglers to get out and enjoy their local waterways. Photo by Djembe Archibald

Victoria’s next generation of recreational fishers can look forward to trying a new hobby this summer with the first of 95,000 free Little Angler Kits being handed out to students this month.

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Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos recently visited Clayton North Primary School to distribute Little Angler Kits to Grade 5 students.

“Victoria’s fisheries are in great shape for the next generation to enjoy thanks to our record fish stocking, a net-free Port Phillip Bay and Gippsland Lakes, more reefs and better facilities,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing Victoria’s next generation of fishers set up along our waterways this summer, learning new skills and having a great time in nature.”

Each Little Angler Kit will include a fishing rod, reel with line, tackle box and a Kids’ Guide to Fishing, which outlines the basics of fishing safety, knots and rigs.

The Kids’ Guide to Fishing has colour pictures of the freshwater and saltwater fish kids are likely to see when they first cast their lines.

The guide also has tips for selecting bait, information about peak seasons and a list of local fishing hot spots across Victoria.

To help students and parents make the most of the new kits, the VFA has created a video series with step-by-step instructions on how to cast and rig up.

Translated versions of the Kids’ Guide to Fishing in Vietnamese, Arabic, Hindi, Punjabi and simplified Chinese complement the videos, all of which are available from a kid-friendly web page at vfa.vic.gov.au/littleanglerkit