Free fishing forums return for fifth year

VFA Fishing Forums © Victorian Fisheries Authority

The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) will host 11 free fishing forums at angling clubs across the state, connecting recreational fishers with the latest on topics tailored to their patch.

VFA CEO Travis Dowling said the popular annual forums provide a great chance for fishers and their families to pick up new information, while building relationships with a local club and sharing ideas to make fishing even better.

Each forum will highlight how the VFA is reinvesting recreational fishing licence fees locally, and details on the Victorian Government's $96 million Go Fishing and Boating plan to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture.

VFA recreational fisheries manager Taylor Hunt presenting at a rec fishing forum - photo © Victorian Fisheries Authority

"We always look forward to catching up with locals, who know their waterways best, and hearing what matters most to them," Mr Dowling said.

"We've just stocked 10 million fish again, more than all other states and territories combined, we've removed commercial nets from Port Phillip and the Gippsland Lakes and we've made it free to launch and park at all of Victoria's public boat ramps.

"On top of that we're tripling the size of our Arcadia hatchery and undertaking fascinating monitoring of much-loved recreational species like black bream, snapper, King George whiting and Murray cod - so there's plenty to discuss.

"The forums are also a great chance to ask our experts those burning questions and settle any longstanding debates with mates."

Held on weeknights in August and September between 7 and 9pm, the forums will open with expert presentations from VFA staff, followed by audience questions and discussion.

The first of the forums will be hosted at Werribee on Tuesday 5 August, followed by others at Frankston, Casterton, Warrnambool, Mount Beauty, Nathalia, Mildura, Bendigo, Preston, Loch Sport and Marlo.

Presentation topics will include Victoria's record-breaking fish stocking program, Gippsland's estuarine fisheries, the science behind offshore species, and the VFA's efforts to bring back iconic native species such as Macquarie perch, trout cod, blackfish and catfish.

Each forum will also include information about how the VFA's Better Boating division is progressing the state's biggest ever boat ramp construction program.

The fishing forums are free, with no registration required. Find out more at vfa.vic.gov.au/localforums

2025 Fishing Forum details