Victoria's next generation of recreational fishers can look forward to catching a new hobby these summer holidays - with the first of 95,000 free Little Angler Kits distributed through more than 1,900 schools this week.
Premier Jacinta Allan today visited Herne Hill Primary School to distribute the first Little Angler Kits to students - delivering on a key pledge in the Allan Labor Government's package to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture and get more Victorians enjoying the outdoors.
Each Little Angler Kit includes everything budding fishers need including a fishing rod and reel with line, tackle box, and an eight-page Kids' Guide to Fishing whichoutlines the basics of fishing safety, knots and rigs.
The Kids' Guide to Fishing also features colour illustrations of freshwater and saltwater species likely to be encountered, the best baits, peak seasons and hot spots across Victoria.
The $1.5m investment into Little Angler Kits will help young kids get active, learn about the aquatic environment and have fun in the great outdoors with friends and family during the upcoming holidays for years to come.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) is leading the rollout, with more Little Angler Kits set to be distributed to schools throughout spring.
To help students and parents make the most of the new kits - the VFA has created a series of simple videos with step-by-step instructions on how to cast and rig up, presented by VFA Ambassador Lee Rayner and Michelle Brittain from the Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating Network.
The tutorials will showcase how to fish in lakes, estuaries and piers, accessible via a parent's smartphone whilst by the water.
Kids can test out their new fishing kits this summer as popular lakes across Geelong have been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout, while flathead or pinky snapper can be reeled in at local piers.
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.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"Our youngest fishers are in for a treat with these Free Little Angler Kits. With all the essentials included, the kits will encourage more than 100,000 youngsters to get to the water where they can practice with family and friends."
As stated by Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos
"Our Little Angler Kits will inspire young Victorians to put their screens down and get outside with friends and family."
As stated by Member for Lara Ella George
"Victoria's next generation of fishers have lots to enjoy with their Little Angler Kits, upgrades to local boat ramps at Avalon Beach and Kirk Point and plenty of fish to catch in a net-free Corio Bay"
As stated by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
"We look forward to seeing more people from Geelong spending time together fishing at our local waterways, getting fresh air and enjoying all that our region has to offer."
As stated by Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
"Fishing is a wonderful activity that gets people into some fresh air, strengthens relationships with loved ones and encourages travel to stunning waterways across Victoria, supporting regional businesses and tourism."
As stated by Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
"These free Little Angler Kits are a great opportunity for budding fishers to learn a new hobby. With recent stockings of rainbow trout, we've made it even easier for the next generation to reel in a catch."
