Grade 5 students in Victoria will soon have the opportunity to explore fishing through the distribution of free Little Angler Kits. On October 20, 2023, Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced plans to roll out a second batch of these kits, targeting nearly 1,900 schools in time for the September school holidays in 2026.
The Little Angler Kits aim to introduce young students to the joys of fishing, providing them with essential equipment to start their fishing journey. Each kit includes a fishing rod and reel with line, a tackle box filled with tackle, and an informative eight-page Kids’ Guide to Fishing. This guide covers fundamental topics such as fishing safety, knots, and rigs, along with advice on the best baits, peak fishing seasons, and popular fishing spots throughout Victoria. The guide also features colorful illustrations of both freshwater and saltwater species that children may encounter.
The initiative is financed through recreational fishing licence fees, ensuring a sustainable approach to encouraging fishing among the youth. The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) is spearheading the rollout of the Little Angler Kits. To enhance the learning experience, the VFA has produced a series of tutorial videos led by VFA ambassador Lee Rayner and Michelle Brittain from the Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating Network. These videos provide step-by-step instructions for beginners eager to learn how to fish.
Additionally, the Kids’ Guide to Fishing is available in translated versions, including Vietnamese, Arabic, Hindi, Punjabi, and simplified Chinese. These resources can be accessed on a dedicated, child-friendly webpage at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/littleanglerkit, ensuring that language barriers do not impede access to fishing education.
This initiative represents a concerted effort by the Victorian government to foster a connection between children and the outdoors, promoting not only recreational fishing but also environmental appreciation and conservation among young anglers. As students prepare to receive their kits, the excitement surrounding fishing as a potential lifelong hobby is set to grow, encouraging a new generation to engage with nature.
