Participants in last year’s Get Hooked on Fishing event made an exciting catch.
Get reel-y excited, the Salvation Army North East Youth Services has set an o-fish-all date for its second Get Hooked on Fishing event after 160 people took the bait last year.
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The free, family-friendly fishing come-and-try event encourages people of all levels and ages to have a crack at the sport of fishing at the Arcadia Hatchery Visitor Centre — you never know what you cod catch.
After diving into last year’s inaugural event with fin-tastic results, organisers are keen to keep delivering unique events to the region.
Get Hooked on Fishing will be led by Shepparton-based NEYS, which put on last month’s Under the Same Stars homelessness sleepout fundraiser, with Victorian Fishing Authority, Boats and More, River Connect and First Peoples Assembly of Victoria partnering in the event.
“We are trying to bring something different for people to experience in the area of recreation and responsible fishing, taking advantage of this fabulous new venue for the locals,” NEYS youth participation worker Jim Gow said.
“We intend to engage young people aged 12 to 25 by putting on a range of events for young people to do in Greater Shepparton, including this event.
“We too often hear that there is nothing to do in the area for young people and we are constantly looking to change that.”
More than 160 people enjoyed the first Get Hooked on Fishing event last year.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority, which owns the Arcadia Hatchery, will have staff there on the day and a workshop area with various tutorials on elements of fishing, such as tying knots, casting, responsible handling of fish and more.
Active Wangaratta fisherman and prominent YouTube personality (with 90,000 followers) Robbie Alexander will be a guest speaker on the day, while a local fishing business will also be present with advice and products to purchase, as well as a lucky door prize.
The hatchery, which assists in replenishing fish species in several waterways, is next to a waterway that houses native Australian fish species, including Murray cod, golden perch and silver perch.
It is also home to the a big Murray cod sculpture, which is a great attraction and photo opportunity for visitors.
NEYS has been helping people aged 16 to 25 with housing since 2008, and assisting several thousand young locals to secure permanent accommodation.
The Salvation Army NEYS aims to bring more unique events for youth to the area.
It also owns local accommodation to help young people in crisis.
This family event is a fully supervised, drug-, alcohol- and smoke/vape-free event.
It starts at noon on Saturday, May 31, at Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery Visitor Centre, 200 Ross Rd, Arcadia, and finishes at 4pm.
People are encouraged to bring their own drinks, snacks, sun-smart attire and chairs.
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