Seafood lovers and recreational fishers can celebrate National Gone Fishing Day in style, thanks to the Allan Labor 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 Labor 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.

To reserve a spot in a kids’ fishing clinic or boat reversing clinic, or to learn more about the event which runs from 10am till 4pm, go to www.vfa.vic.gov.au/hookedonbellarine

Quotes attributable to Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos

"We are proud supporters of recreational fishing and will continue to support local fishing clubs and festivals to encourage more families to give it a go."

“Hooked on Bellarine showcases the peninsula as a fishing and boating mecca, right on the doorstep of Geelong – which is an easy day trip from Melbourne and a great reason to come and check it out.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“I’m delighted that Portarlington is hosting the Hooked on Bellarine Festival which is bringing our community together, supporting the next generation of anglers, and showcasing our famous blue mussels to visitors and locals alike!”