Cast, swap, repeat at Hooked on Bellarine

FISHING enthusiasts and outdoor lovers will have the perfect chance to refresh their gear next weekend when the annual Hooked on Bellarine festival returns to Portarlington.

For the second year, the festival will include a swap meet event, inviting attendees to help reduce waste by donating, trading or picking up some fishing and outdoor equipment deserving of a second life.

The Fishing & Outdoor Swap Meet will run alongside the day’s festivities on October 26 between 9am and 2pm at the Portarlington Safe Harbour Foreshore.

Participants are welcome to contribute as many items as they’d like to the swap meet — from functional, clean fishing rods, reels and tackle boxes to camping chairs, life jackets and eskies. Gear can be dropped off between 9am and 1pm on the day.

Illegal fishing equipment, poor-quality or damaged items, and items not in a reasonably clean condition will not be accepted.

Belinda Yim, events and engagement manager at the Victorian Fisheries Authority said the swap meet offers fishers a fun, eco-friendly way to refresh their gear ahead of summer.

“By trading any unwanted gear in good condition, you can reduce waste, pick up some new equipment and any items left untraded will be donated to charity,” she said.

Thousands are expected to flock to the foreshore next weekend for the annual festival, which celebrates the peninsula’s reputation as a fishing and boating destination.

Yim said the program, which features free fishing clinics for adults and kids, fly fishing demonstrations, cooking and filleting demonstrations, live music and more, offers something for everyone.

“There’s so many other things to see and do at the event, including mussel growers selling their iconic local product, opportunities to wet line off the pier and the monthly Portarlington market just a short stroll away,” she said.

“As always, the event is free, and a great celebration of fishing, Victorian seafood and their benefits to local communities.”

For more information, head to vfa.vic.gov.au/hookedonbellarine