Cranbourne local and fishing expert Paul Worsteling is encouraging anglers to pick up a set of Let’s Go Fishing cards to help land a big catch or two.By Monique Ebrington
THOUSANDS of Casey children and families will benefit from a $12,000 state grant for the introduction of recreational fishing days in Casey Fields Lake.
Local fishing guru Paul Worsteling is also urging budding anglers to make the most of some free fishing information.
The funding comes after a Brumby Government commitment to improve fishing opportunities in the City of Casey and is taken from recreational fishing licence revenue.
The local Futurefish Foundation will receive the funding to continue running projects such as family fishing days at Casey Fields Lake.
Last year over 1000 people attended a day in which all participating children received a fishing rod, reel, line, lure, bait and bucket to keep.
Directors of Futurefish, David Kramer and Mr Worsteling created the family fishing day after watching the progress of Casey Fields Lake.
“We’re locals and we saw a new lake that didn’t have any fish in it and we thought how about we get some fish in there and get the kids involved,” said Mr Kramer.
The City of Casey, in conjunction with Futurefish, released over 800 edible sized fish and a few ‘monsters’ into the lake last year, with 500 more to be released in early October. “You don’t have to travel far or go to a pier or own a boat to fish because there’s a great little lake full of fish right here in Cranbourne,” said Mr Kramer.
With the distinctive fluorescent pink and blue rods given out at the family day, Futurefish has seen hundreds of children returned to the lake to fish in their own time.
“We wanted to get kids off computers and get them out of the house and out fishing.
There’s a beautiful lake in Cranbourne that I reckon not a lot of people know about,” Mr Kramer said.
Anyone wanting a set of the Let’s Go Fishing cards can call 136 186 or send an email to go.fishing@dpi.vic.gov.au
