Seafood lovers celebrate at Portarlington

Seafood lovers celebrate at Portarlington © Marc B Ainsworth

Anglers and seafood lovers celebrating National Gone Fishing Day on Sunday 14 October need look no further than Portarlington for a family-friendly day on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said the free 'Hooked on Bellarine' event will 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.

Bachar 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 Andrews Labor Government's Target One Million plan, which is investing a record $46 million to get more people fishing, more often.

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

Lisa Neville, Member for Bellarine said:

"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."

"Portalington will absolutely be the place to be for keen anglers and seafood lovers across Victoria, and it's only the Andrews Labor Government that is getting it done for our recreational fishing industry."

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