From the Department of Primary Industries

Tuesday, 4 December 2007

FREE 2008 ‘GO FISHING IN VICTORIA’ CALENDAR OUT NOW

Following the popularity of this year’s free Go Fishing in Victoria calendar, Fisheries Victoria
has released a new and improved version for 2008.

Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria, Dr Peter Appleford, said the illustrated calendar lists important dates for new and experienced recreational fishers, including details of Family Fishing Festivals at each of the five Premier Lakes next year.

Access at these Premier Lakes is being developed to make fishing more appealing to people of all ages and abilities. These lakes also offer facilities such as toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and playground equipment to help make the fishing experience more enjoyable for the whole family.

He said that Family Fishing Festivals will be held at Hyland Lake, Churchill (April 19), Eildon Pondage (May 17), Kennington Reservoir, Bendigo (August 10), Lillydale Lake (September 20) and Jubilee Lake, Daylesford (October 18) in 2008.

These festivals teach children skills that will enable them to fish more successfully on future trips to Premier lakes and other Victorian waters. The festivals also have loads of entertainment and fun activities for the whole family.

“The 2008 Go Fishing in Victoria calendar includes information about a range of freshwater and saltwater species,” Dr Appleford said.

“Newly featured fish include river blackfish, estuary perch, yellowtail kingfish, garfish, elephant fish, mulloway, Chinook salmon and luderick. Popular species such as trout, golden perch, Murray cod and snapper appear for the second year running.”

Dr Appleford said the calendar identifies the best months of the year to target these fish along with lists of productive waters, the best baits, tackle tips and other interesting facts.

“The calendar lists recreational abalone fishing days for Central Victorian waters, closed seasons for a range of common species, and even moon phases for the most seasoned angler who is looking to catch their fish of a lifetime,” he said.

The calendars and Family Fishing events are part of the Government’s $3.2 million Go Fishing in Victoria initiative which aims to increase opportunities for recreational fishing across Victoria by improving facilities and promoting fishing as a fun and healthy outdoor family activity.

To obtain a free copy of the calendar visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/gofishing or contact your nearest DPI office.

For more information about the Go Fishing in Victoria initiative and Family Fishing events in 2008 visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/gofishing or call the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Click Here for PDF of Calendar Cover.

Click Here for PDF of Calendar Sample Page.