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Lakes Stocked To Give Kids Better Chance Of A Catch

More than 26,000 catchable size rainbow trout have been stocked across Victoria in time for the school holidays, including 750 in Lake Hyland, Churchill and Kernot Lake, Morwell.

By Russell Northe - 25th September 2014 - Back to News

Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the Victorian Coalition Government’s Family Fishing Lakes program aimed to boost freshwater fishing opportunities for families and children who planned to wet a line during the school break.

"Fishing is a great outdoor pastime and one that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill level. The Coalition Government is committed to improving recreational fishing opportunities across the state, so Victoria can remain a top fishing destination," Mr Northe said.

"Seventy small lakes in metropolitan and regional Victoria have been stocked with rainbow trout to make it easier for kids to land a catch these school holidays.

"Most of the lakes that have been stocked feature convenient access for families with bankside tracks, fishing platforms, picnic tables and other facilities.

"Rainbow trout are a good option for children or those new to fishing because they are relatively easy to catch and take a variety of baits and lures, so this program provides the ideal opportunity for children to practice their skills or try fishing for the first time."

Mr Northe said the stockings were funded through both fishing licence fees and the Coalition Government’s $16 million Recreational Fishing Initiative.

"Recreational fishing makes an important social and economic contribution to Victoria and the Coalition Government is committed to investing in projects that improve fishing opportunities as we build a better Victoria," Mr Northe said.

Anglers are reminded that a daily bag limit of five trout applies in Family Fishing Lakes, of which only two trout can exceed 35 centimetres. For more information about catch limits refer to the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, available free from most good fishing tackle shops, online at www.depi.vic.gov.au/fishing

or by downloading the free ‘Vic Fishing’ app for smartphones.

For a full list of stocked Family Fishing Lakes visit www.depi.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout

Media contact: 5133 9088

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com