Under 18s fish without a licence in Victoria (see the licence guide), which makes a kids' session the cheapest win of the weekend. The recipe is always the same: a safe bank, a short session, small hooks, and quitting while it is still fun. Redfin and carp are the honest targets; they bite often enough to keep small people interested.
01Buckley Park foreshore
The first-choice spot: grassy bank, shade, toilets and the playground within sight, so a fishing session can collapse gracefully into a playground session. Worms fished simply under a float or on a light running rig account for redfin and carp. Keep clear of the ramp and boat lanes.
02Regatta Centre (McNamaras Point)
Flat access, facilities and open bank. Avoid event days entirely, when the area is busy and parts of the lake close; check what's on the lake first.
03The town lake paths
The foreshore path links several fishable pockets, which suits short attention spans: fish one spot for twenty minutes, walk two hundred metres, fish the next. Jacobsons Outlook makes a good turnaround point.
04Kirwans Bridge riverbank
The Goulburn arm near Kirwans Bridge offers quiet riverbank fishing with real cod-water scenery. Fish from the bank only: the historic bridge itself has been closed to all traffic since the 2022 floods and is strictly off limits, so admire it from the water's edge while the kids fish the snags from safe ground, with adults close to the water at all times.
05What to bring
A short rod, small hooks, worms from Nagambie Outdoors, a bucket, hats and sunscreen, and the brag mat for the inevitable photo. The full family plan is in the family fishing weekend itinerary.
06Common questions
Do kids need a fishing licence in Victoria? No, under 18s are exempt. Adults helping them who are fishing too need their own licence; see the licence and rules guide.
What will kids actually catch at Nagambie? Redfin and carp from the bank, with golden perch possible near structure. Redfin are the kids' favourite because they keep biting.
What is the safest spot for little kids? Buckley Park: grass, shade, toilets and room to step back from the edge, with the playground as the exit strategy.