Keen anglers and seafood lovers celebrate at Portarlington

ANGLERS and seafood lovers celebrating National Gone Fishing Day next month need look no further than Portarlington for a family-friendly day on the Bellarine.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said the free ‘Hooked on Bellarine’ event on October 14 would have something for everyone, including the chance to hear from the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s (VFA) newest ambassador, Bachar Houli from the Richmond Football Club.

Houli is a keen angler and regularly takes his own boat out with friends and family to explore Victoria’s bays and inlets in search of fresh fish.

Hosted by the VFA with support from Bellarine Bayside Coastal Management, the event is funded through the Labor government’s Target One Million plan, which is investing a record $46 million to get more people fishing, more often.

“Gone Fishing Day is a great chance for everyone to get outside and wet a line, whether they be experts or beginners learning to cast for the first time,” Ms Neville said.

“Portarlington will absolutely be the place to be for keen anglers and seafood lovers across Victoria.

“Victoria is home to world-class seafood which is delicious and good for your health, so come on down to Portarlington on October 14 to taste a sample.”

Sam Goodwin from MasterChef will be showing off his cooking skills with tasty seafood recipes that everyone can try at home featuring Portarlington-grown mussels and fresh fish.

Aaron Habgood from Reel Adventures will be on hand to share fishing tips and secrets on catching more snapper, King George whiting and gummy shark, all fantastic eating species on the dinner table.

For the kids, expert anglers from local fishing clubs will be providing free instruction through several ‘come and try’ clinics on the day. Everything is provided.

Other ‘Hooked on Bellarine’ attractions include:

STANDS selling freshly cooked seafood and locally made produce, including blue mussels which Portarlington is famous for DR Corey Green from the VFA on research about snapper, King George whiting and calamari
KRISTINA Royter providing fly casting instruction
KIDS’ amusements and activities
LOCAL market stalls
TABLES and chairs to relax and enjoy the waterfront views.

The event will run from 10am until 4pm on the Portarlington Foreshore.

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