Salvos help Shepparton youth get hooked on fishing

Nearly 200 people attended the Get Hooked on Fishing 2025 event at Victoria's Arcadia Hatchery Visitor Centre, hosted by The Salvation Army North East Youth Services.

BY LERISSE SMITH

You couldn’t help but get hooked – line and sinker.

Get Hooked on Fishing 2025 cast its line and reeled in nearly 200 enthusiastic locals for a day of rods, reels, and real connection at the Arcadia Hatchery Visitor Centre hosted by The Salvation Army North East Youth Services (NEYS) based in Shepparton in partnership with the Victorian Fishing Authority (VFA), Boats and More, River Connect, and the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria.

The family-friendly event welcomed anglers of all ages and experience levels to discover the joy of fishing through the come-and-try day in Arcadia.

And it was a full catch!

“We had an incredible response,” said Jim Gow, Youth Participation Worker at NEYS.

“It was a cracking 17-18 degree day with no wind. We introduced a lot of local families to the venue and increased their knowledge of fishing and the ability to come and visit this location all year round.

Get Hooked on Fishing participants enjoy a BBQ as part of the family fun day.

“We are really pleased with the turnout as it is more than last year’s great response. Robbie Alexander was a fantastic addition to the event and is amazing with families and kids.”

Now in its second year, the Get Hooked on Fishing event has built on the momentum from the youth services’ recent ‘Under the Stars’ success, demonstrating the powerful impact of community-led recreation and connection within the community.

And the Arcadia Hatchery provided the perfect backdrop for the gathering on 31 May.

Nestled beside a waterway teeming with native fish species – Murray Cod, Golden Perch and Silver Perch – the site doubles as both an educational hub and conservation centre. Fish bred here are used to replenish several waterways across Victoria, helping preserve aquatic life for generations to come. Visitors also got a glimpse of the site’s big attraction – the Murray Cod.

But the special occasion was more than just fishing.

It was also about opening doors to new experiences and engaging young people aged 12 to 25 by putting on a range of events to do in Greater Shepparton, including Get Hooked on Fishing, to create spaces for recreation and social connection.

“We too often hear that there is nothing to do in the area for young people, and we are constantly looking to change that,” said Jim. “This is very much a space that NEYS are looking to move into.”

The Victorian Fisheries Authority, which owns the hatchery, opened for the day and brought along staff to run interactive workshops on everything from tying knots and casting to responsible fish handling.

A highlight of the day was guest speaker Robbie Alexander - a local legend, passionate angler, and YouTube personality with over 90,000 subscribers. Hailing from Wangaratta, Robbie connected with families, young people and kids alike, offering advice and encouragement to new fishers.

A highlight of the day was guest speaker Robbie Alexander – a local legend, passionate angler, and YouTube personality with over 90,000 subscribers. Hailing from Wangaratta, Robbie connected with families and kids alike, offering advice and encouragement to new fishers.

Local fishing business Boats and More also added to the excitement with products on display and a lucky door prize up for grabs. Attendees brought their own snacks, drinks, chairs, and sunscreen, making it a relaxed, picnic-style day out with a purpose.

For the youth services, the event was another step in their long-standing mission.

Since 2008, it has supported thousands of young people in the region in securing permanent accommodation options. It also owns local accommodation that can assist with crisis options for young people. All of their events, including Get Hooked on Fishing, are fully supervised and drug, alcohol, smoke, and vape free.