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 businesses, industry displays and opportunities for children and young people 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.
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Free Community BBQ - Run by the Port Albert Fishing Club
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Mini Fishing Expo
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Expert-led Q&A Sessions and Briefings
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Special Guest Speakers: Jet Worsteling (iFISH), Peter Ferguson (Fishin with Fergy), Matt Stephenson (Fishcare Vic).
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Children’s Fishing Activities & Games
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Jetty Fishing Session with Fish Care Vic
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Fishing Exhibitions - Run by the Port Albert Maritime Museum
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Fish-Themed Food Specials & Competitions
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Downloadable 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.
Mark your calendar for October 18th and be in Port Albert for National Gone Fishing Day 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.
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:
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Port Albert Fishing Club
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Port Albert General Store & Service Station
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Alberton Marine
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Port Albert Coastguard
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Star of the South
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Port Albert Maritime Museum
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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:
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Port Albert Fishin' Charters
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38 Degree Charters
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Port Albert Fishing Club
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Port Albert Coastguard
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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: Matt Stephenson from Fishcare Victoria.
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Fish health and handling techniques
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Responsible fishing practices
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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.
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Safe boating practices
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Water safety updates
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Emergency preparedness and response.
Offshore Wind Farms Update: Star of the South
A representative from Star of the South will discuss the proposed offshore wind industry
and its future role within the region.
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.
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Jet Worsteling - iFISH TV
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Peter Ferguson - Fishin with Fergy
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Matt Stephenson - 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.
Matt Stephenson from Fishcare Victoria will host engaging children's sessions featuring:
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Fishing education activities
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Interactive games
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Marine conservation learning experiences
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Hands-on participation opportunities.
Kids Jetty Fishing Experience: From 2:00pm | 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 popular activity will be led by Matt Stephenson from Fishcare Victoria.
Important: Fishcare Victoria has 20 fishing rods available for participants. Numbers will be strictly limited to 20 children, and bookings will be required.
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:
Local cafes, restaurants and food vendors will showcase special seafood and fish-inspired menu items throughout the day.
Carrajung Estate Seafood Experience:
Carrajung Estate will feature exclusive seafood-inspired entrée and main meal specials created
specifically for National Gone Fishing Day.
Best Chip Fusion Competition:
Visit participating food vendors and sample their most creative hot chip creation.
Vote for your favourite dish and help crown Port Albert's Best Chip Fusion Champion.
Community Fish Recipe Collection: Free Downloads
Discover a collection of favourite seafood and fish recipes contributed by local residents.
Free recipe downloads will be available through the National Gone Fishing Day Port Albert website.
Sessions in More Detail
Mini Fishing Expo
From 10am when the doors opton, 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:
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Port Albert Fishing Club
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Port Albert General Store & Service Station
-
Alberton Marine
-
Port Albert Coastguard
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Star of the South
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Port Albert Maritime Museum
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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, Jet Worsteling (iFISH TV), and Matt Stephenson (Fish Care Victoria).
The session will be facilitated by Rob Durrant.
Guest Speaker Profile
Jet Worsteling
A passionate young Australian angler, presenter and content creator who has grown up with a love of fishing and the outdoors.
Jet has developed a particular passion for offshore game fishing, targeting species such as broadbill swordfish, tuna and marlin.
Whilst also spending a lot of time in Australia's light tackle scene. Through television, social media and public events, he enjoys sharing his experiences and encouraging others to get involved in fishing.
Whether he's filming with iFISH TV, fishing or exploring new countries, Jet is always looking for the next adventure and a chance to showcase the incredible fishing opportunities there is to offer.
Guest Speaker Profile
Peter Ferguson
Peter, is the host of 'Fishin' with Fergy' and frequently fishes with a rotating cast of guests on his show.
His fishing companions often include representatives from his sponsors (like Mercury Australia), local fishing club members, and close mates.
Peter will be one of the guest speakers at the National Fishing Day - Port Albert.
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, receive a FREE fishing showbag of 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 Partner 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.
Through a combination of educational activities, games and hands-on experiences, children will learn about fish species, aquatic environments, responsible fishing practices and the important role they can play in protecting our waterways for future generations.
Kids Jetty Fishing Experience
From 2:00pm | Port Albert Jetty
Led by Matt Stephenson from Fish Care Victoria, this practical fishing session will introduce children to the fundamentals of fishing, including basic techniques, fishing equipment, fish identification, responsible catch handling and sustainable fishing practices.
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.
Places are strictly limited to 20 participants and advance bookings are essential. Early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.
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 Throughout Town
To celebrate National Gone Fishing Day, local cafes, restaurants and food vendors will be creating special seafood and fish-inspired menu items available exclusively during the event.
Carrajung Estate Seafood Experience
Enjoy a premium dining experience with specially created seafood-inspired dishes available exclusively for National Gone Fishing Day.
Best Chip Fusion Competition
Local food vendors will put their culinary creativity to the test by developing their own signature "Chip Fusion" creation. Visitors are invited to sample the entries and cast their vote for their favourite.
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.
Visitors can download these recipes free of charge from the National Gone Fishing Day Port Albert website and take home a taste of Port Albert's fishing culture.
