News

Cod these students be any more excited?

By Djembe Archibald

Mar 5, 2024

Victoria’s next generation of recreational fishers can look forward to trying a new hobby as the Little Angler Kits continue to be rolled out.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos said it was a great way for young anglers to get into the waterways and explore the hobby.

“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 ... learning new skills and having a great time in nature.”

Looking forward: Ella, Alannah and Paige check out the fish they can catch. Photo by Djembe Archibald

Each Little Angler Kit includes 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.

One of the most recent schools to get their kits was Kyabram P-12 College, handing out its kits to Year 6 students on Monday, March 4.

Hooked: Greg Ross, school principal Billy Barnes with Robert Reid and Jimmy Schischka of the Kyabram Anglers Club with students Zachary, Dontae and Latrell. Photo by Djembe Archibald

The students then keenly listened to Robert Reid and Jimmy Schischka of the Kyabram Anglers Club who talked them through how to set up a rod and the basics of fishing.

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