Smartphone app to hook fishing facts fast

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Media release: Smartphone app to hook fishing facts fast 29 February 12 - Victoria DPI

One of Victoria’s favourite recreational family activities has gone high-tech with a new free smart phone application making it easier to access a myriad of facts about fishing in Victoria.

Fisheries Victoria Executive Director Anthony Hurst said the new app, the first of its kind in Australia, outlined catch limits, closed seasons and permitted equipment, and mirrored the 2012 Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide.

“Now Victorians can check their fishing facts quickly and easily with this new smartphone application,” Mr Hurst said.

“It has a feast of options and features a GPS locator to find the nearest outlet selling fishing licences, where you can also pick up some last minute bait and tackle needs while you are there.

“And if you are already on the way to your favourite fishing spot, this application makes it easy to update or buy a fishing licence on-line.

Mr Hurst urged Victoria’s 720,000 recreational anglers to take advantage of the current great run of King George Whiting in Westernport Bay and enjoy good conditions at Victoria’s estuaries, lakes and streams.

“There are currently strong numbers of that fine-eating fish King George Whiting in Western Port Bay, plus with the March long weekend rapidly approaching, I want to encourage Victorians to spend some time taking part in this popular and rewarding family pursuit,” he said.

 Mr Hurst said the new app also featured colour illustrations of more than 65 species which featured in Victoria’s waterways, so fishers could quickly and easily identify what they caught and confirm the correct bag limits or minimum size requirements.

“If it is needed, the application can also connect you directly to Fisheries Victoria’s illegal fishing reporting line 13FISH (13 3474) and the Department of Primary Industries’ Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

“Plus, in case of emergency, we have also included a two tap connection to the Water Police.

“We are keen to hear from anglers about how to further improve the app so feedback should be sent to fishingapp.feedback@dpi.vic.gov.au

“Unfortunately the application doesn’t actually catch the fish, but it will mean anglers can now better focus on landing their catch.”

The app is available to iPhone users via the iTunes app store and will be available on the Android Market soon. All other internet enabled mobile devices can view this content and more through the mobile friendly Fisheries website.

The app is another fishing improvement project funded by the State Government’s $16.2 million Recreational Fishing Initiative.

The app can be found by searching for 'Fishing' in the iTunes app store. It will be available for download on the Android Market soon.