Free fishing fun on offer

A FREE fishing festival is coming to Ballarat next month.

Announced last Saturday by from State Minister for Outdoor Recreation, Sonya Kilkenny, the festival, held is set for Saturday 2 September and will mark the start of the trout fishing season and celebrate fishing in the region.

The festival will have activities for all age ranges and experience levels.

“The Ballarat Fishing Festival is a fantastic free event that brings the community together and celebrates all the benefits that come from spending time together exploring waterways of our region,” said Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison.

There will be a fishing clinic designed to teach future anglers how to cast, use bait and net a fish with supplies provided and guidance from the Victorian Fisheries Authority, or VFA, and Fishcare.

Every child who is pre-registered will get a free fishing rod and face painting, games, and there’ll be fishing simulator will be available during the event.

Also on offer are fly casting lessons for those with more experience and tips on how to use fur and feather flies to imitate local insects and attract trout.

The Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating Network along with the Ballarat and District Angling Association will be displaying their boats and gear and children can help the VFA’s Snobs Creek Hatchery stock live trout into Lake Wendouree.

For those who prefer cooking, there will be demonstrations from chefs using Victorian grown rainbow trout.

The event is part of the State Governments $96 million spend on improving fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture.

“Fishing is a wonderful way to get more youngsters experiencing nature and enjoying Victoria’s great outdoors,” said Ms Kilkenny.