Melbourne gears up for World Recreational Fishing Conference

The 10th World Recreational Fishing Conference will bring together fisheries experts, researchers, policymakers, industry and anglers to share information on current research and scientific breakthroughs, and to share problems and produce solutions.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority, which manages recreational fishing in the state, is one of the organisers behind the event.

VFA chief executive ??Travis Dowling said the VFA had secured an “incredible” line-up of speakers and workshops to focus on the conference’s headline theme of ‘Keeping Pace in a Dynamic and Challenging World with Changing Fisheries’.

“Steven Moyer from Trout Unlimited will talk about how anglers and science are making a difference, while Dr Beth Nyboer from Canada explores climate change and recreational fisheries,” Dowling said.

“How to build a bridge to enhance knowledge exchange will be presented by Sascha Clark-Danylchuk, and Stan Lui from the Torres Strait will delve into First Nations People and recreational fisheries. 

“These four keynote addresses are a small sample of what’s on offer and are sure to generate exciting dialogue between peers, colleagues and experts in recreational fisheries management and science,” he said.

The conference will coincide with an event called the Ultimate Fishing Expo, which will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on February 18 and 19.

The free event will include a line-up of “knowledgeable speakers, fishing celebrities from Australia and overseas, engaging activities for the entire family, and all the latest gear, boats and fishing equipment”. 

The event will feature iFish TV host Paul Worsteling, and British actor and Extreme Fishing host Robson Greene.

“Robson will present at both events, sharing his fishing journey and talking about the great work of the Atlantic Salmon Trust in his role as ambassador and how his love of fishing has become his therapy,” Dowling said.

Other presenters will include former Richmond footballer Bachar Houli, Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield and his mate Aaron Habgood, angler Gawaine Blake, fishing legend Lubin Pfeiffer, fishing writer Colby Lesko, freshwater specialist Kate Norman and pelagic specialist Richard Abela.

Dowling said the Expo would be a one-stop-shop for recreational fishers, regardless of their level of expertise.

“There will be a 12-metre fish tank with live barramundi, boats on display, tackle trade stands, casting lessons, knot tying, and lure painting for the young anglers of tomorrow,” he said.

The expo will also feature an impressive lineup of international speakers including April Vokey and Sascha and Andy Danylchuk from North America, who will be in Melbourne to present at the World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC) on the latest trends in catch and release fishing. 

“The WRFC is held every three years and is the most prominent global gathering of recreational fishing professionals, academics, scientists and industry and we are thrilled to be the host city in 2023,” Dowling said.