VRFish set state election priorities

VRFISH is the peak body representing the voice of recreational fishing in Victoria. advocate for recreational fishing interests.

Whether it’s fish habitat, water security and quality, fishing access and infrastructure or best practice, it aims to work in partnership to make sure Victoria’s fishing experiences continue to improve, be sustainable and more enjoyable for all Victorians.

Ahead of the 2026 Victorian election, VRFish have developed the following list of priorities now to make fishing better in Victoria.

Better fish

$10 million to establish Victoria’s first Estuarine Fish Hatchery, growing estuary perch, Australian bass, mulloway and flathead.

$10 million to modernise trout production facilities at Snobs Creek Hatchery.

Better access

Mandate recreational fishing access to all urban waters throughout Victoria, including Edwards Park Lake and Newport Lakes.

Develop new inland fisheries close to Melbourne by opening Yan Yean Reservoir, Merrimu Reservoir and Djerriwarrh Reservoir to recreational fishing.

Roads to rivers: Provide additional funding to improve crown land access to public water, by activating ‘unused road reserves.

Continue to deliver priorities from the Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy.

Better environment

$2.5 million fish habitat fund, for the delivery of marine and inland habitat restoration projects.

Carp Diem: support carp control measures.

Water Security: protect the recreational fishery on the Wimmera-Mallee pipeline by allocating recreational water for recreational fishing.

Native Fish Recovery: broaden the 10 in 10 endangered fish species recovery programs, with additional funding for research and monitoring.

Better regulations

Kingfish Capital: Make kingfish a recreational only species in Victoria

Review recreational abalone regulations, with a view to provide more equitable access in ‘Victorian Central Waters’.

Better future

Secure the future of VRFish as the peak body, by extending the funding agreement to five-year terms.

Provide VRFish $100,000 to deliver two emerging leader courses in 2027 and 2029.

Support fishing clubs through a $2,000 ‘Stronger Fishing Club Grants’ program.

Empower the next generation of fishers through continuing to deliver the Little Angler kits

My Comment

I’d really like to hear from anglers if they feel VRFish, in their opinion, have got it right and you agree with their priorities.

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:

· No reports this week.

Reports compliments of the Rusty Anglers Angling Club Anglesea

Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove

· Some small whiting and trevally reported.

Torquay:

· No reports this week.

Reports compliments of the Torquay Angling Club

St Leonards:

· Reports of whiting and some squid coming in.

Indented Head:

· Reports of squid and some flathead.

Grassy Point:

· Producing some good-sized flathead

· Some whiting.

Reports compliments of the Bellarine Pirates

Point Lonsdale:

· Reports of some squid and whiting.

Queenscliff:

· Reports of squid

· Reports of whiting also.

Swan Bay:

· Reporting some good catches of whiting at the mouth

· Also reports of bream and trevally being caught.

Portarlington Pier:

· Reports of flathead

· As well as some squid.

Clifton Springs:

· Reports of a few snapper, flathead, squid and whiting.

Point Richards:

· Reporting plenty of squid and good catches of whiting.