FISHING enthusiasts across the state are now able to access the 2019 Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide from tackle stores in Victoria as well as online via the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) website.<\/p>\n
The free guide, which is published annually, provides recreational anglers with information about Victoria\u2019s latest fishing regulations including licences, target species, catch limits, closed season, equipment and safety.<\/p>\n
Travis Dowling, VFA\u2019s chief executive officer, said this year\u2019s guide had undergone major changes to make it simpler to navigate and easier to understand.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks to Target One Million, the state government\u2019s $27 million plan to increase participation, more people are casting a line and the new guide will make it easier for everyone to do the right thing,\u201d Mr Dowling said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFeedback from anglers had suggested the previous guide was difficult to use in places so we\u2019ve restructured it to make it more user friendly.\u201d<\/p>\n
The main changes in the new guide include clearer detail about marine and freshwater sections, legal rock lobster fishing equipment and better explanations on shellfish as well as trout and salmon catch limits.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s guide also features a new section on recreational fishing food safety.<\/p>\n
Mr Dowling said work has started on an upgrade of the \u201cVic Fishing\u201d app for iPhone and Android which is scheduled to be released in the middle of this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know smart phones are a vital part of every anglers\u2019 tackle box these days, which is why we\u2019re working with an experienced tech provider to seriously improve the current app,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cStay tuned on the new app\u2019s releases by jumping aboard VFA\u2019s social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.\u201d<\/p>\n