Politics · Australia · 2 days ago
Fishing gains popularity among young people in Victoria
More young people in Victoria are taking up recreational fishing, including teenagers in Geelong who meet friends to fish outdoors.
The teens say fishing gives them a challenge and a way to spend time together, even when they do not catch anything.
They also say fishing has become more visible among young people in recent years, including through posts on social media.
Victoria’s recreational fishing body says it has noticed a large increase in children fishing, though clubs have limited figures to measure the trend.
People under 18 in Victoria do not need a fishing licence.
The increase is visible at popular fishing spots and in towns, where young anglers are often seen carrying rods.
Young Victorians are taking up recreational fishing, with teenagers and fishing groups reporting a visible increase.
Three 16-year-olds fishing at Geelong’s Cunningham Pier say they enjoy getting outdoors and spending time with friends.
VRFish executive officer Anthony McGrath says the increase in young people fishing is clear.
The scale of the trend is difficult to measure because young people under 18 do not need a fishing licence and clubs have limited statistics.
Social media is one place where young anglers are sharing their fishing, according to the teenagers.
- Who
- Young Victorians, including teenagers, are taking up fishing.
- What
- Recreational fishing is gaining popularity among young people.
- When
- The increase has been noticed in the past few years.
- Where
- Across Victoria, including at Geelong’s Cunningham Pier.
- Why
- Teenagers say they enjoy the challenge, getting outdoors and spending time with friends.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
It's just a nice day
It's been incredible
There's definitely been a massive increase in kids fishing.
It's a good way to get some good memories with your friends, to be honest.
Zane Winterton says he was the only child he knew who was interested in fishing.
The teenagers say more young Victorians have taken up fishing.
ABC Australia published its report on the trend.
- Teenagers
- Ivy Renouf, Zane Winterton and Xavier Clair are 16-year-olds
- Fishing location
- Cunningham Pier, Geelong
- Under-18 licence rule
- Victorians under 18 do not need a fishing licence
- Social media following
- Jet Reef Worsteling has 2.3 million TikTok followers
Sources
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