Kennington Reservoir Family Fishing Festival - 10 August 2008

More than 240 children attended the Family Fishing Festival at Kennington Reservoir on Sunday, 10 August to try their hand at recreational fishing and enjoy a day out with their family. Around 130 families participated in fishing related activities that ranged from informative workshops with Fisheries Officers to knot tying classes with Fishcare volunteers and tasting the delicious results of cooking demonstrations. The Minister Responsible for Fisheries, Joe Helper, came along to share the fun and joined in with the participants in helping to release some of the rainbow trout that were stocked on the day. Fishing for rainbow trout in the reservoir was a major part of the day but participants were also able to learn about recreational fishing regulations, improve their general fishing skills and have a pleasant lunch on the picturesque banks on this reservoir. Several very large rainbow trout over 2.5 kg were caught, and 21 children went home delighted with catching their first ever fish. To improve everyone's chances of catching a fish, the reservoir had been stocked with 500 rainbow trout in the preceding week. Many of these fish were large 'Premier' trout weighing more than a kilogram each. Several hundred more rainbow trout were stocked on the day, with help from families and volunteers. Catch rates were improved courtesy of assistance provided by volunteers from the Bendigo Legion Angling Club, Bendigo Police Angling Club and Bendigo & District Fly Fishers. Additional workshops provided kids with personal instruction in knot tying and casting were provided by Fishcare volunteers. As a result of the day: 92% of participants surveyed said they planned to return to Kennington Reservoir sometime in the next 6 months 97% said they were more likely to go fishing in Victoria; and 80% said their fishing knowledge had improved 'a lot' or 'moderately'. One of two new fishing platforms was also opened on the day, further improving angler access from the shore. The platforms were funded with $38,000 from the Victorian Recreational Fishing Grants Program using fishing licence fees, a $56,000 capital contribution from the City of Greater Bendigo and $40,000 from the Go Fishing in Victoria initiative.