Gone Fishing Day – Port Albert
The Port Albert Progress Association (PAPA) is excited to bring the National Gone Fishing Day to Port Albert in 2026. We've got a fun, community-focused event that celebrates fishing, marine education, local businesses, and the unique lifestyle of Port Albert.
This event is funded by the Victorian Fisheries Authority, and co-ordinated by the
Port Albert Progress Association
National Gone Fishing Day 2026
Get ready for one of Gippsland's biggest fishing and community events as National Gone Fishing Day comes to Port Albert in 2026.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the renowned Corner Inlet fishing system, this family-friendly event brings together fishing, learning, entertainment, community spirit and local tourism in one unforgettable day.
The event will also feature community activities, local business & industry displays and opportunities for children to experience fishing in a fun, safe and welcoming environment.
Whether you're an experienced angler, new to fishing, or a child that is interested in learning more about fishing, there will be something for you at this event.
This is a FREE event, and visitors can participate in the many activities being run on the day.
-
Free Community BBQ - Run by the Port Albert Fishing Club
-
Mini Fishing Expo
-
Expert-led Q&A Sessions and Briefings
-
Special Guest Speakers: Lee Rayner (Fishing Edge), Peter Ferguson (Fishin with Fergy), Les Meyer (Fishcare Vic).
-
Children’s Fishing Activities & Games
-
Jetty Fishing Session with Fishcare Vic
-
Fishing Exhibitions - Run by the Port Albert Maritime Museum
-
Fish-Themed Food Specials
-
Free Fish Recipes - Donated by Port Albert Residents
Residents, fishing clubs and visitors from all across Gippsland are invited to join us - Foster, Toora, Welshpool, Port Albert, Tarraville, Alberton, Yarram, Woodside, Longford, Seaspray, Sale, Traralgon and beyond.
Come and experience the best of recreational fishing, and bring your boat and explore one of Victoria's premier fishing destinations, and celebrate everything that makes fishing such an important part of regional life.
**THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED FOR 2026**
What We've Got Planned
What's On
National Gone Fishing Day 2026 in Port Albert offers a full day of fishing, education, entertainment, community activities and family fun. Whether you're an experienced angler or simply looking for a great day out, there's something for everyone to enjoy. **THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED FOR 2026**
Mini Fishing Expo - From 10:00am | Port Albert Hall
Explore our Fishing and Marine Mini Expo featuring local businesses, community organisations and industry representatives showcasing products, services and information relating to fishing, boating and marine life.
Exhibitors include:
-
Port Albert Fishing Club
-
Port Albert Coastguard
-
Star of the South
-
Port Albert Maritime Museum
-
Sunday Island Committee
-
Plus additional exhibitors and displays.
Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn from local experts and discover the many fishing opportunities available throughout the region.
Fishing Q&A Panel - From 10:30am | Port Albert Hall
Join a relaxed and informative discussion with local fishing experts as they share practical advice, local knowledge and fishing tips for Port Albert, Corner Inlet and surrounding waters.
Panel Members Include:
-
Port Albert Fishin' Charters
-
38 Degree South Charters
-
Port Albert Fishing Club
-
Port Albert Coastguard
-
Alberton Marine
-
Sunday Island Committee
-
Fishcare Victoria.
The session will be facilitated by Rob Durrant, with plenty of opportunities for audience questions.
Sustainability, Education & Marine Information Sessions - Throughout the Day | Port Albert Hall
A series of engaging presentations designed to educate and inform visitors about sustainable fishing practices, marine environments and boating safety.
Sustainable Fishing & Fish Care: Fishcare Victoria (Les Meyer).
-
Fish health and handling techniques
-
Responsible fishing practices
-
Protecting fish stocks for future generations.
Corner Inlet Species Sustainability: Port Albert Fishing Club
An update about local fish species (Whiting) and their recent feedback and analysis from local clubs.
Marine Safety Refresher: Port Albert Coastguard.
-
Safe boating practices
-
Water safety updates
-
Emergency preparedness and response.
Special Guest Speakers - Port Albert Hall
Hear from some of Australia's most recognised fishing personalities as they share stories, insights and experiences from their time on the water.
-
Lee Rayner - Fishing Edge
-
Peter Ferguson - Fishin with Fergy
-
Les Meyer - Fishcare Victoria.
Children's Fishing Activities: - Fishcare Victoria | Port Albert Hall
Young anglers can enjoy a range of interactive fishing and marine-themed activities designed to educate and entertain.
Les Meyer from Fishcare Victoria will host engaging children's sessions featuring:
-
Fishing education activities
-
Interactive games
-
Marine conservation learning experiences
-
Take home fishing showbags thanks to Atomic Tackle.
Kids Jetty Fishing Experience: From Port Albert Jetty
A supervised fishing session where children can learn basic fishing skills while gaining an understanding of sustainable fishing practices and fish care. This activity will be led by Fishcare Victoria who supply ALL the equipment needed.
Important: Numbers will be strictly limited to 20 children. **THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY-BOOKED**
Free Community BBQ: From 10:00am | Port Albert Hall
Enjoy a complimentary community BBQ hosted by the Port Albert Fishing Club.
Both meat and vegetarian options will be available while stocks last.
Town-Wide Fishing Festival Activities
Special Fishing Exhibition: Port Albert Maritime Museum
The Port Albert Maritime Museum will present a special fishing-themed exhibition celebrating
the region's rich fishing heritage and maritime history. Free museum entry will be available during the event.
Fish-Themed Food Specials & Hot Chip 'Fusion' Promotion:
Local restaurants and food vendors will showcase the event with their promotional menu offers, including their most creative 'hot chip fusion'.
**Port Albert Fish & Chip Co: Gone Fishing Day Family Feast - 1 x Gummy, 1 x Serve of Rocks, 4 x Chicken Nuggets, 4 x Fish Bites, Large Chips, Tartare or Tomato Sauce. Port Albert Chip Spice Bag - The famous irish spice bag with our famous Port Albert twist.
**Port Albert Trader: Asian Salad: Served with Prawn Skewers & a Lime Mayonnaise.
**Carrajung Estate Fish & Chips:
Gone Fishing - Fish & Chips: Golden-Battered Fish, Crisp Frites,
House-Made Aioli, and Pickled Cucumber.
Community Fish Recipe Showcase:
Free collection of favourite fish recipes contributed by local residents and businesses.
Click the link below to grab a recipes to use for dinner tonight.
Sessions in More Detail
Mini Fishing Expo
From 10am when the doors open, come and explore our Fishing and Marine Mini Expo featuring local businesses, community organisations and industry representatives showcasing products, services and information relating to fishing, boating and marine life at Corner Inlet.
Exhibitors include:
-
Port Albert Fishing Club
-
Alberton Marine
-
Port Albert Coastguard
-
Star of the South
-
Sunday Island Committee
-
Port Albert Maritime Museum
-
Plus additional exhibitors and displays
Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn from local experts and discover the many fishing opportunities available throughout the region.
Q&A Session
Join a relaxed and engaging discussion with experienced local anglers, charter operators and fishing specialists as they share practical advice, local knowledge and insider tips for fishing Port Albert, Corner Inlet and surrounding waters.
Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler, this interactive session provides a great opportunity to learn from the experts. Audience participation is encouraged, so bring your questions and join the conversation.
Panel includes: Brian Spiteri (Port Albert Fishin’ Charters), Mark Raddon (38 Degree Charters), Port Albert Fishing Club, Port Albert Coastguard, Lee Rayner (Fishing Edge), Peter Ferguson (Fishin with Fergy), and Les Meyer (Fishcare Victoria).
The session will be facilitated by Rob Durrant.
Guest Speaker Profile
Lee Rayner
Lee Rayner is one of Australia’s most recognised and respected fishing personalities, with a lifelong passion for helping people enjoy the sport of fishing.
Starting his fishing journey at just three years of age, Lee has built extensive experience across television, fishing media and educational programs. He is best known as the host of Fishing Edge and for productions including Tuna Bluefin Tactics and Snapper Fishing Tactics.
A versatile angler, Lee has pursued everything from trout and flathead to kingfish, marlin and swordfish.
Join Lee Rayner at the National Gone Fishing Day in Port Albert as he shares his knowledge, experiences, tips and passion for fishing.
Guest Speaker Profile
Peter Ferguson
Peter Ferguson, host of Fishin with Fergy, has over 45 years experience in fishing the local Gippsland waterways starting with trout as a teenager before getting a boat and falling in love with all things salt water.
Peter was born and raised in Gippsland so he knows the area very well.
Peter’s favourite locations are Port Welshpool and Western Port where he has spent 1000s of hours honing his skills chasing snapper and gummy sharks.
His true addiction is BIG snapper and he has been blessed to catch 6 over the magic 20lb to date and around another 50 in the 19lb range.
When he’s not filming for Tv and YouTube, Peter spends his time as a fishing guide and guest speaker teaching others how to catch more fish.
If you want to learn more about fishing , chat to Peter about a guide on your vessel.
Guest Speaker Profile
Matt Stephenson
Matt has championed the health and sustainability of East Gippsland’s waterways for over 25 years, partnering with Landcare, schools, landholders and community groups on natural resource management and environmental education.
He’s held leadership roles – including President of the Victorian Landcare Network and the Weed Society of Victoria – and has served on numerous other committees, working closely with government agencies and peak bodies.
In 2010 he was selected as Australia’s Landcare Ambassador at the launch of Sri Lanka Landcare, where he coordinated volunteers on a post-tsunami aid project.
With family roots here since the 1870s, Matt feels a deep connection to the Gippsland Lakes and prioritises improving riparian health in all his work.
A lifelong Hawthorn supporter, he hopes his role at Fishcare will drive stronger volunteer engagement, richer educational programs, fresh funding opportunities and, above all, a more ecologically diverse Gippsland Lakes system for future generations.
Fishing Showbags
For those who attend the fishing education and information sessions being held at the Port Albert Hall, we have a handful of FREE fishing showbags containing useful goodies designed to help improve your fishing knowledge and experience.
From practical fishing items to valuable educational resources, these showbags are a great bonus for participants of all ages.
A special thank you to our generous Showbag Partners, Fishin with Fergy, Atomic and Gamakatsu, for helping us provide these fantastic giveaways and supporting the next generation of recreational fishers. While stocks last.
Children's Fishing Activities
National Gone Fishing Day is all about inspiring the next generation of anglers, and children will have plenty of opportunities to learn, explore and have fun throughout the day.
Childrens Activities at the Port Albert Hall
These interactive sessions are designed to introduce young people to the exciting world of fishing, marine life and environmental stewardship.
Kids Jetty Fishing Experience
Port Albert Jetty
Led by Les Meyer from Fishcare Victoria, this practical fishing session will introduce children to the fundamentals of fishing.
Participants will have the opportunity to fish from the iconic Port Albert Jetty while learning valuable skills and gaining a greater appreciation for Victoria's recreational fishing opportunities.
All equipment is supplied. Places are strictly limited to 20 participants and bookings are essential.
** Event Fully Booked**
Town-Wide Fishing Festival Activities
National Gone Fishing Day extends beyond Port Albert Hall, transforming the entire town into a celebration of fishing, seafood, local culture and community spirit.
Visitors are encouraged to explore Port Albert throughout the day and discover a range of special activities, exhibitions, food experiences and community initiatives designed to showcase the region's unique connection to fishing and the sea.
Special Fishing Heritage Exhibition by the Port Albert Maritime Museum
The Port Albert Maritime Museum will present a special fishing-themed exhibition featuring stories, photographs, artefacts and displays that celebrate the people, vessels and industries that have contributed to the area's proud maritime history. Free Admission.
Fish-Themed Food Specials & Best 'Chip Fusion'
To celebrate National Gone Fishing Day with Port Albert Trader, Port Albert Fish & Chip Co, and Carrajung Estate offering special seafood and fish-inspired menu items (Inc their hot chip fusion) available exclusively during the event.
Community Fish Recipe Collection
To celebrate Port Albert's fishing history, local residents have contributed some of their favourite seafood and fish recipes to create a special community recipe collection.
Access new recipes free of charge from the National Gone Fishing Day Port Albert website and take home a taste of Port Albert's fishing...
