The Victorian government is giving local fishing clubs and associations the chance to reel in funding grants to help improve their facilities and attract new members.

Minister for Outdoor Recreation, Steve Dimopoulos, announced applications have opened for the 2025/26 round of the Stronger Fishing Clubs Grant Program – encouraging clubs to apply for their share in up to $600,000.

The funding can be used in a variety of ways, from clubroom and facility improvements to providing fishing tuition for multicultural groups, women and First Nations people, as well as open days, training, events and running guest speaker nights to share skills and attract new members.

In the most recent round, 32 clubs and associations netted grants of up to $10,000, made possible through the $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Victoria plan.

Previous recipients include Black Dog Creek Fishing Club which scored a $9535 grant to lay a concrete slab as part of improvements to their barbecue area for a family fishing fun day.

Minister Dimopoulos said the grant program is just one of the ways the government provides a supportive environment for newcomers to fish and embrace it as a hobby.

Applications for the grants are open until Sunday, 30 November.

To learn more and to apply, visit vfa.vic.gov.au/strongerfishingclubs