Cast your line with ease

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.

The free guide, which is published annually, provides recreational anglers with information about Victoria’s latest fishing regulations including licences, target species, catch limits, closed season, equipment and safety.

Travis Dowling, VFA’s chief executive officer, said this year’s guide had undergone major changes to make it simpler to navigate and easier to understand.

“Thanks to Target One Million, the state government’s $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,” Mr Dowling said.

“Feedback from anglers had suggested the previous guide was difficult to use in places so we’ve restructured it to make it more user friendly.”

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.

This year’s guide also features a new section on recreational fishing food safety.

Mr Dowling said work has started on an upgrade of the “Vic Fishing” app for iPhone and Android which is scheduled to be released in the middle of this year.

“We know smart phones are a vital part of every anglers’ tackle box these days, which is why we’re working with anexperienced tech provider to seriously improve the current app,” he said.

“Stay tuned on the new app’s releases by jumping aboard VFA’s social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.”

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