Talking Wild Trout at free conference in Mansfield
by Victorian Fisheries Authority 7 Aug 2024 17:24 AEST
Freshwater fishers can learn more about Victoria's wild trout fisheries at a free one-day conference in Mansfield on Saturday 21 September 2024.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) CEO Travis Dowling said the annual Talk Wild Trout conference attracts anglers, scientists, guides and opinion leaders to share the latest in research, fisheries management, habitat improvements, and trout trends.
"Make a weekend of it with friends and family by fishing the High Country on Sunday after you've learnt lots the day before at the conference," Mr Dowling said.
"The event is jointly hosted by the VFA and Australian Trout Foundation, supported by fishing licence fees and the Victorian Government's $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Plan."
This year's keynote address will be provided by flyfishing instructor, author and photojournalist Philip Weigall, who will explore the nuances of Victoria's trout fishery over time. Philip has spent more than 35 years fly fishing for trout throughout south-eastern Australia and is widely respected as an authority on Victoria's trout fisheries in rivers and lakes.
Terry George from the Australian Trout Foundation will explain how we can learn from the past and plan for the future, whilst Mountain Fly guide James Norney's presentation will highlight how environmental restoration plays a vital part in a healthy fishery.
The wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors will be a topic covered by The Fly Program's Matt Tripet, who will reveal how his company's flyfishing adventures are improving the mental health of men. Similarly impressive work will be shared by Mending Casts, which is a group helping Australians recover from cancer by connecting with nature through flyfishing.
Karen Brooks, who captained Australia's first ever women's fly fishing team in Norway two years ago, is passionate about encouraging more women to cast a line. She'll propose ways we can all be more inclusive to boost female participation.
Dr Jarod Lyon from the Arthur Rylah Institute (DEECA) will outline how trout might be co-managed with native fish in a changing climate, while other talks will examine how agencies and anglers are working together to enhance streams, how the Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating (WIRFAB) network is leading the country to get more females fishing, and what secrets a decade of trout research has revealed.
Panel discussions will accompany sessions with questions from the audience.
The conference will be at the Mansfield Performing Arts Centre, between 9am and 4pm. Tea, coffee and lunch will be provided. Learn more and book a free conference seat at vfa.vic.gov.au/talktrout.