VRFish

14/10/2026

It's official: Pacific bluefin has been confirmed in Victorian waters by CSIRO genetic tests!

In July 2026, two large tuna caught in Bass Strait by Jack Agius and Fin Chaser Fishing Charters, and observed by Jonah Yick, Dave Standing, and other fishers, proved to be an unusual catch! After observing unusual features and sending off samples for genetic testing, the results have confirmed the species as Pacific bluefin tuna.

A highly-valued species, Pacific bluefin tuna are among the largest and most powerful tuna species in the world, capable of growing to almost three metres in length and approaching 450 kg in weight.

More recently, there have been epic catches of tuna off Lakes Entrance which are also suspected to be Pacific bluefin tuna and testing is underway by the CSIRO. Now, we're eagerly waiting to see the results to confirm if these catches are also Pacific bluefin.

It's an exciting time to be a Victorian recreational fisher - this is the first time Pacific bluefin tuna has been confirmed in Victoria!

The Pacific and southern bluefin tuna look very similar to the naked eye; DNA screening answered the question.

13/10/2026

VRFish EO, Anthony McGrath, recently spoke to ABC Geelong's Harrison Tippet about the increase in Victorian teens and young anglers fishing.

"Those in the fishing industry point to a handful of factors behind the activity's increasing popularity with young Victorians: social media, a post-COVID desire to get outdoors, and a program handing out free fishing rods to 180,000 Victorian kids."

Read the full article via ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-10/-fishtok-trend-creates-fishing-boom-among-young-victorians/107239358

12/10/2026

It's Melbourne Boat Show week! 🛥️

The Melbourne Boat Show has something for everyone with boats, tackle and technology designed to make your adventure on the water even more enjoyable.

📆 15–18 October
📍 Docklands
🎟️ Book your free tickets: https://www.melbourneinternationalboatshow.com.au/tickets-mbs

🎉 IT’S BOAT SHOW WEEK!

Docklands is getting ready for four huge days of boats, fishing, entertainment and waterfront funand we couldn’t do it without the organisations supporting the show.

A very special thank you to our Gold Sponsors, the Victorian Government and Better Boating Victoria , for helping us bring the 2026 Melbourne Boat Show to life.

We can’t wait to welcome everyone from 15–18 October! ⚓🚤

🎟️ Register for your free tickets:
https://www.melbourneinternationalboatshow.com.au/tickets-mbs

11/10/2026

VRFish was founded in 1995 as the Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body and has proudly represented Victoria’s recreational fishers for 30 years.

Whether it’s fish habitat, water security, fishing access and infrastructure or best practice, we work in partnership to make sure Victoria’s fishing experiences continue to improve, be sustainable and are more enjoyable for all generations of Victorians.

Find out more: https://vrfish.com.au/

09/10/2026

There have been some epic tuna caught off Lakes Entrance lately - with some fish weighing more than 200kg!

What's even more interesting is that the tuna caught are suspected to be Pacific bluefin tuna which typically found in the Northern Hemisphere.

Genetic samples have been collected and testing is underway to confirm if they are Pacific bluefin tuna. We're excited to see the results!

Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club GFAV - Game Fishing Association of Victoria Gippsland Fishing Page

Some seriously impressive tuna have been landed off Lakes Entrance recently, some tipping the scales over 200kg! Many offshore fishers have been enjoying some incredible fishing and getting up close with these absolute barrels.

But here’s where things get really interesting…

These tuna are suspected to be Pacific bluefin tuna — a species more commonly found in the Northern Hemisphere – not the southern bluefin tuna we usually see in Victorian waters.

Pacific bluefin tuna spawn off the coast of Japan, migrate across the Pacific to Baja California, and can grow to a whopping 450kg+!

There have only been a handful of Pacific bluefin tuna caught in Australia, and the species has never been confirmed in Victoria...

But over the past four months, genetic samples have been collected by recreational fishers such as Simon Webster, Ricky Grech Lakes Charter Fishing- Lakes Entrance, Aleks Matic Fin Chaser Fishing Charters, Jack Agius, Matty Adam, Matt Cassar Mallacoota Fishing Charters and members of the Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club.

Thanks to coordination by Jonah Yick, Dave Standing and partner scientific agencies, we’re awaiting genetic testing to confirm if they are Pacific bluefin tuna, stay tuned for the results!

It’s been fantastic to see recreational fishers measuring and releasing some of these tuna, further helping contribute to citizen science and build our understanding.

We will also be collecting the head of a 205kg tuna caught by Belinda Brogna and Tony Brogna for otolith ageing – the largest bluefin ever caught in Vic!

Pretty incredible stuff, and another reminder of just how diverse Victoria’s fishery is, with amazing fishing opportunities right on our doorstep!

Big thanks to everyone who have contributed to this incredible collaboration between recreational fishers, charter operators, GFAV - Game Fishing Association of Victoria, VRFish, scientists and fisheries managers to learn more about these amazing tuna. Stay tuned for further updates!

08/10/2026

VRFish welcome Torrumbarry Fishing Club to our membership!

Torrumbarry Fishing Club have joined the more than 150 fishing clubs and associations as a Fishing Club Supporter of VRFish.

Fishing clubs are a significant part of the community and our recreational fishing sector. Clubs are already accomplishing great things by advocating for better fishing access, providing advice on fish stocking, getting involved in habitat projects, running kids fishing programs, contributing to citizen science and fundraising for worthy causes in their community. We want to play a role to support your fishing club to grow and be stronger.

All Victorian fishing clubs and associations are welcome to join VRFish, the recreational fishing peak body.

To find your local club visit our website here: https://vrfish.com.au/about/club-and-association-members/

08/10/2026

Fishcare Victoria Inc.'s Catch a Carp event is heading to Geelong! 🎣

It’s a FREE, fun, family-friendly day for beginners and experienced anglers alike — come along, learn something new, and catch a carp.

OzFish Unlimited will be showcasing the the importance of healthy waterways, habitat and the broader environmental impact of invasive species like carp.

Keith Bell will also be there cooking carp to how we can use carp for the dinner table. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how good it can taste when prepared properly! 🍽

📆 Saturday, 17 October
⏰ 9am - 3pm
📍Barwon Valley Fun Park Playground
▪ Bookings essential: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2002682263561?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/10/2026

Boating Industry Association of Victoria's Women on the Water event at the Melbourne Boat Show will feature an inspiring morning of industry networking, leadership and connection aboard the Lady Cutler.

Women on Water celebrates greater visibility and opportunity for women across Victoria’s boating and marine industry, and people of all genders are warmly encouraged to attend.

📆 Friday 16 October
⏰ 8–10 am
📍On board the Lady Cutler, Yanonung Quay, Docklands
🎫 Free event | Light catering provided
▪ Bookings essential: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/melbourne-boat-show-women-on-water-2026-tickets-2001988783343

07/10/2026

Kyneton Angling Club are hosting a Family Fishing Day to celebrate Gone Fishing Day!

It will be a cracking day with a fishing competition (all kids win a prize!), Paul Fry Central Victorian Kayak and Lure Fishing to share advice on kayak fishing, children's activities, a BBQ, and more.

📆 Sunday, 18 October
⏰ 8am - 2pm
📍Upper Coliban Dam Wall Reserve (1114 Springhill Rd, Tylden)
▪ Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/events/4861093997446106/

06/10/2026

Celebrate Gone Fishing Day with Visit Port Albert! 🎣

On Sunday 18 October, the Port Albert community will be celebrating Gippsland's recreational fishing at their free event!

The event will include a mini fishing expo and Q&A fishing forum, guest speakers Lee Rayner and Fishin with Fergy, a marine safety update with the Coast Guard, a jetty fishing experience with Fishcare Victoria Inc., an exhibition at the Maritime Museum and a free BBQ!

📆 Sunday, 18 October
⏰ 10am - 2pm
📍Port Albert Hall
▪ Find out more: https://www.portalbert.vic.au/gone-fishing-day