Plan launched to make Victorian fishing better

VRFISH, the Victorian recreational fishing peak body, has launched its plan to make fishing better ahead of November’s Victorian State Election. “More than one-million Victorian’s go fishing every year and VRFish has launched a plan to enhance their fishing experiences now and into the future," VRFish chair., Rob Loats, said. "We have presented our plan to both sides of Government to advocate for outcomes that are important to Victorian recreational fishers.” At the heart of the plan, VRFish will be advocating for better fishing experiences through five core areas – better fish, better access, better environment, better regulations and better future. Joshua caught this cuttlefish weighing almost 4kg recently in the bay. “To increase Victoria’s capacity to grow our own fish to meet stocking demands, VRFish are calling for an estuarine fish hatchery to grow species such as estuary perch, Australian bass, mulloway and flathead and modernising trout production facilities at Snobs Creek Hatchery,” Loats said. VRFish are advocating for recreational fishing access to be mandated at all urban waters throughout Victoria, including Edwardes Park Lake and Newport Lakes, and the development of new inland fisheries close to Melbourne by opening Yan Yean Reservoir, Merrimu Reservoir and Djerriwarrh Reservoir to recreational fishing. “We are advocating for environmental outcomes that safeguard the quality of our fisheries including implementing carp control measures, investing in fish habitat, expanding native fish recovery programs and allocating recreational water to protect the recreational fishery on the Wimmera-Mallee pipeline," Loats said. “Other priorities include reviewing abalone regulations, supporting fishing clubs, improving crown land access and securing the future of VRFish as the peak body.” To effectively represent the Victorian recreational fishing community, VRFish provide a range of opportunities for Victorian recreational fishers to contribute their views and opinions. Their broad and diverse input helps to shape our strategy and advocacy priorities that benefit all recreational fishers. In the lead up to the election, VRFish will continue discussions with all state political parties to ensure recreational fishers priorities are represented. This demonstrates the value of a strong and independent recreational fishing peak body. VRFish has been representing Victoria’s recreational fishing for more than 30 years. To read the full VRFish State Election Plan, head to vrfish.com.au/2026-state-election If you see or suspect any illegal fishing in Victoria, phone the 24/7 reporting service 13 FISH (13 34 74) to speak directly to a Fisheries officer. You can remain anonymous. FISHING REPORTS Anglesea: · Reports of some small whiting · Also, some pinkies · As well as reports of some tuna. Reports compliments of the Rusty Anglers Angling Club Anglesea Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove: · Silver trevally in the river · Offshore bluefin tuna taking pilchards. Torquay: · Pinkies and flathead are the reports this week · Tuna seem to have left the area. Reports compliments of the Torquay Angling Club St Leonards: Reports of Whiting in 4-5m of water. Indented Head: · Reports of squid in 3.5m of water · Some good flathead also reported. Grassy Point: · Producing some good-sized flathead. Reports compliments of the Bellarine Pirates Point Lonsdale: · Reports of some squid · Reports of some salmon as well. Queenscliff: · Reports of a few snapper · Reports of whiting on the grass. Portarlington Pier: · Reports of some flathead. Clifton Springs: · Reports of a few snapper, flathead, squid and whiting. Point Richards: · Reporting some big whiting. Reports compliments of Chris from Drysdale Bait and Tackle