Fish bites: World’s rec fishers to descend on Melbourne

The Melbourne-based conference, which will run from February 19-23, 2023, is only held every three years and brings together the world’s researchers, recreational fishers, angling groups and government to meet and exchange thoughts and knowledge.

The event will be hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre that fronts the Yarra River.

Victorin Fishing and Boating Minister Melissa Horne said the conference would allow the state to showcase its waterways to the rest of the world.

“Being named as the host for this worldwide conference shows the importance we place on recreational fishing in Victoria through our continued investment to get more people fishing, more often,” Horne said.

Australia has hosted the conference before, with delegates visiting Darwin for the third event held in 2002.

A Queensland member of parliament has slammed the ongoing $1.4 million upgrade of a north Queensland public boat ramp as “sub-standard”, calling for a ministerial inquiry into its construction.

“The State Government says the Shute Harbour boat ramp is a big win for boaties” Member for Whitsunday Amanda Canmm posted on social media. “Are they kidding?”

“There was no community and no recreational fishing consultation and no consultation with Whitsunday Regional Council. 

“I’ve called on the minister to visit and intervene before this sub-standard boat ramp is opened!”

The Queensland government closed the lower car park to raise it by another metre to future-proof the facility against future storm surges. Likewise, the site’s fishing platform has also been closed to fishers since the project kicked off. 

The ramp’s makeover has been hit with problems including a rock wall that slipped and knocked over piles supporting the new jetty.

The site was heavily damaged in the wake of 2017’s Cyclone Debbie. The ramp is expected to remain closed to public access until November, while the fishing platform is expected to open later this month.

The works are part of a $54 million makeover of the Shute Harbour marina precinct.

Daiwa Australia has flagged it is about to launch a club aimed at getting more junior fishers out on the water.

The Daiwa Junior Fishing Club – dubbed DJFC – will bs open to children aged between three and 17 years old.

The project has a fairly basic aim, encouraging more children to head outdoors.

"The DYFC is here to provide valuable information about interacting with nature, experiencing the joy of fishing, safety near the water and protecting our natural resources for future generations," Daiwa said.

Children will also be able to earn digital collector cards with details about specific recreational fish species for talking part in activities.