FOR many years, particularly the 1980s and early 1990s, I felt angry with Fisheries Victoria.

I perceived a lack of management across all waters and believed the department was taking out more than it was putting in.

Well, times have changed and perhaps I have mellowed some, too.

There is much I like about the approach and attitude of Fisheries Victoria, circa 2009.

Fishing access, despite Marine Parks, has never been better.

In combination with Recreational Fishing Licence funding and Victorian Government grants, many fishing platforms have been constructed.

Some waterways would otherwise be too difficult to fish, especially for young families, the elderly or disabled.

And then there is research.

Every year anglers are given predictions on trends for King George whiting, and whether it will be a good season for hookers. Snapper, bream and mulloway also feature strongly in research projects.

On the freshwater scene, there is no let-up in trout stocking, while widespread stocking of Murray cod and yellowbelly is improving the diversity of species available in more waters.

To my mind, the biggest success story to date is the organisation and running of family fishing festivals to promote fishing.

In the three years since Fisheries Victoria started the festivals, more than 4500 children have sampled the excitement of angling.

The most recent event was held at Jubilee Lake at Daylesford.

Last year, the Jubilee Lake event attracted about 150 families and 280 children.

This year, more than 400 children and 200 parents attended.

Fisheries Minister Joe Helper said: "Fishing has long been a favourite recreational pursuit but Family Fishing festivals encourage and introduce more families and children to the pastime.

"Our surveys reveal that 90 per cent of families who attended a fishing day have a greater interest in recreational fishing as a result.

"Nearly three-quarters of participants have bought fishing equipment and 72 per cent have incorporated fishing into a family trip or holiday."

Geoff Howard, Member for Ballarat East, said children at this year's festival had access to two new fishing platforms with the help of $80,000 from the Recreational Fishing Grants Program and $60,000 from the Go Fishing in Victoria initiative.

"The platforms are another example of how revenue from the sale of recreational fishing licences is being used to improve fishing opportunities in Victoria," Mr Howard said.

"The spectacular Jubilee Lake is one of Victoria's top tourist destinations and there would be few better places within the state to try and catch a fish."

Jubilee Lake is regularly stocked with "ready-to-catch" rainbow trout, including Premier trout, which weigh more than 1kg, as part of Fisheries Victoria's fish-stocking program.

The lake is one of five Premier Lakes being developed as part of the Victorian Government's $3.2 million Go Fishing in Victoria initiative, which aims to increase participation in fishing, particularly among families.

Activities at this year's festival included fishing workshops for children (four to 18 years), casting and knot-tying clinics, entertainment, cooking demonstrations, prizes and give-aways.

Family Fishing Festivals are held at Eildon Pondage, Hyland Lake (Churchill), Kennington Reservoir (Bendigo) and Lilydale Lake.

For parents who don't know much about fishing, or simply want to encourage their children to be involved in a healthy outdoor pursuit, family fishing festivals are an open door.

The festivals are free; all you invest is time.

To learn more about the Go Fishing in Victoria initiative visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/gofishing