Facilitator Updates
Although the temperature is cooling down and the weather is increasingly inclement, Fishcare Victoria is still operating across the state, conducting fishing workshops; however, focusing our efforts on our school incursion programs. These aim on teaching participants about the rules and regulations that govern recreational fishing in Victoria, as well as discussing fish handling, invasive species, knot tying, fish anatomy, and more. Our incursions are suitable from year levels 2-9 and have been aligned with the Victorian curriculum. Look at our website for more information and contact details.
Melbourne
Recently they have welcomed 2 new volunteers to the program who have already contributed to some of the larger Vic Fish Kids events including those in Karkarook Lake, Shepparton and Eildon which have been a great opportunity to engage with regional communities on a larger scale. Over the cooler months, volunteers have been working with staff to further improve rod storage, efficiency, and safety across both trailers with the FishAbility trailer able to store a total 17 rods including 5 of which are electric and adapted for the program. They are also planning the upcoming 2022-2023 state conference which is always a highlight.
Location update: Whilst the St Kilda Pier is being restored the group will be utilising the Kerferd Road Pier and soon introducing a monthly Mornington Pier program. In the West, the Maribyrnong River is still being utilised frequently, with, Pipamakers Park now a permanent monthly location for the FishAbility program. Altona Boat ramp is also being used as an alternative to the Altona Pier whilst renovations take place. Luckily, there has been another platform the group can use in Mordialloc that may increase the areas we can hold our workshops.
East Gippsland
Things have slowed down in the East with a wet and windy winter so far. However, there has been the odd great day in-between allowing anglers to experience some good fishing for black bream. The best locations in the region have been the Gippsland Lakes, Lake Tyers, Marlo and Bemm River.
Winter Bream Fishing: At this time of year, Black Bream move upstream to breed in our rivers like the Mitchell, Tambo and Nicholson being the most notable in the region. The fish will be down deep and will respond to either a well-presented lure like a soft plastic or vibe style lure, or your typical baits like prawns, glassies, sandworms, or pipis.
Successful Grant Application: Jennifer Allitt, the East Gippsland facilitator has successfully been awarded a grant to improve the way the group takes incursions in the region. The group will roll this out over the next 12 months. The group isn’t partaking in many fishing workshops due to the inconsistent weather however, they will be ramping up their efforts to deliver significant school incursions.
Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula
The Geelong group has been busy in the last couple of months, joining members from the Central Highlands and Melbourne groups to conduct fishing workshops. Including the Vicfish Kids events hosted by the VFA at Bendigo and Seymour. As well as the Troutfest at the Eildon Pondage hosted by the ATF and VFA. These events were fantastic, engaging lots of passionate and upcoming anglers. Lots of fish were caught thankfully, which says more than the current fishing in the region.
The Geelong group has still been working with their regulars when the weather permits, allowing participants a cold but much need time out in the fresh air down at St Helens. They also did one fishing session with Belmont High School on the Barwon River in town where they landed two carp and two estuary perch for something a little different. The group is focusing on incursion deliveries and planning events for the end of August and start of September.
The fishing has been slow in the region for us, although there has been some good captures by local anglers including good numbers of pinkies, squid and garfish making the bulk of the captures in the bay.
