Ultimate Fishing Expo and Conference fast approaching
by Victorian Fisheries Authority 7 Feb 2023 23:33 PST
18-22 February 2023
Recreational fishers of all ages will converge on Melbourne later this month when two exciting events are held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) CEO Travis Dowling said the Ultimate Fishing Expo on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 February would be followed by the 10th World Recreational Fishing Conference on 20, 21 and 22 February.
"The Expo provides free entry to the public and will be a weekend bonanza of knowledgeable speakers, fishing celebrities from Australia and overseas, engaging activities for the entire family, and all the latest gear, boats and fishing equipment," he said.
"With snapper, whiting and calamari in our bays, world class tuna and kingfish offshore, and iconic Murray cod and wild trout inland, Victoria is home to the best recreational fishing in Australia."
Mr Dowling said the Expo had the biggest names in fishing including Paul Worsteling from Australia's IFISH TV show and UK actor and host of Extreme Fishing, Robson Green.
"Robson will present at both events, sharing his fishing journey and talking about the great work of the Atlantic Salmon Trust in his role as ambassador and how his love of fishing has become his therapy," he said.
Other Expo presenters will include Bachar Houli, Patrick Dangerfield, Gawaine Blake, Aaron Habgood, Lubin Pfeiffer, Colby Lesko, Kate Norman and Richard Abela.
Mr Dowling said the Expo would be a one-stop-shop for recreational fishers, regardless of their level of expertise.
"There will be a 12-metre fish tank with live barramundi, boats on display, tackle trade stands, casting lessons, knot tying, and lure painting for the young anglers of tomorrow," he said.
Mr Dowling said an impressive lineup of international speakers would also feature at the Ultimate Fishing Expo including April Vokey and Sascha and Andy Danylchuk from North America, who will be in Melbourne to present at the World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC) on the latest trends in catch and release fishing.
"The WRFC is held every three years and is the most prominent global gathering of recreational fishing professionals, academics, scientists and industry and we are thrilled to be the host city in 2023," he said.
For the Expo's weekend schedule click here or visit wrfc10.com to register for a spot at the World Recreational Fishing Conference.