Ryman retirement village resident Neil has fished for as long as he can remember and says, “I’ve been fishing all my life. It’s just one of those things I’ve always liked. I’ll carry on doing it, and long may it continue.”  

Since moving into his apartment at a Ryman village, he has the freedom to head out fishing at a moment’s notice. And when he gets back, he often shares his catch (along with a fishing tale or two), by inviting friends to a barbeque on his balcony. 

Neil also spends a lot of time crafting rods and flies in his spare bedroom, which he’s converted to a workshop. He loves village life, and he says of moving in, “Quite honestly, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”  

Catching friends as well as fish 

An experienced fishing guide, Neil has shared his love of fly fishing with his new mate and village neighbour, David. While they met in the village, the pair are often mistaken for lifelong friends.  

Like Neil, David has always been an active person. But medical events prompted him to think about the future. “I wanted to live somewhere secure and stress-free, so if anything happened to me my wife would have companionship and not too many worries.”  

With Ryman’s lock-and-leave-style living, Neil and David are both free to explore new fishing spots without worrying about home maintenance or security. 

David’s relaxed village lifestyle has given him time to adopt new hobbies. He plays golf and table tennis and has even taken up paddle boarding. And of course, fly fishing with Neil.  

“I’m very much a beginner,” laughs David. “Neil is teaching me a few things and I can see why he’s hooked.”  

And while Neil and David are off wading rivers looking for the catch of the day, they are secure in the knowledge that everything back home is taken care of – from home maintenance to mowing the lawns to watering the garden and cleaning the windows.  

As Neil says, “It’s so easy when I want to head away, all I do is grab my rods, lock-up, and leave!” 

Lock-up and leave to fish your way around Victoria 

If you’ve been inspired by David and Neil, you’re in luck. It’s no secret that Victoria is spoilt for choice when it comes to fishing spots! Whether you’re into fly fishing, surf casting, or deep-sea wrangling, you’ll find it all here. 

Barwon Heads 

Barwon Heads is home to some of Victoria’s best fishing spots. Located on the southern coast of the Bellarine Peninsula, this quaint township promises activity and scenery around every corner. Fish for salmon and you’ll rarely come up empty-handed. Or charter a boat out to Bass Strait to experience deep sea fishing. Just note that if you’re fishing from Barwon Heads Bluff, a marine sanctuary, restrictions may apply. 

Anglesea 

An hour and a half from central Melbourne, Anglesea lends itself to a weekend getaway. Located at the entrance to Great Ocean Road, Anglesea boasts clean beaches and sizable estuary systems. That gives you the choice of fishing from land or by boat while enjoying beautiful views. 

Here you’ll find salmon, snapper, leather jackets, trevally, garfish, flathead, bream, and mullet. And beach fishing at night might just see you reel in a gummy shark. 

Bostock Reservoir 

This isn’t a secret fishing spot, but it might be the next best thing as few fishers know it exists. Drop a line into Bostock Reservoir for rewarding trout fishing and enjoy the family-friendly surrounding area. 

The fishing here is shore only. No boats or waders are allowed, the use of berley is prohibited, and catch and release of native species is encouraged while European carp must not be thrown back.  

Sorrento Pier 

This historic pier, originally constructed in 1870, is where ‘the one that got away’ is probably hiding. It’s paradise for fish and a popular spot for anglers, come here in search of whiting, squid, snapper, salmon, and other species. 

And once you’re done fishing, you can take your pick from nighttime snorkeling, boating, kayaking, golfing, and watching hordes of spider crabs. Or tour the region for wineries, lighthouses, mazes, playgrounds, and more. 

Altona Pier 

The pier at Altona is a popular fishing spot anytime the sun is shining, and the water is calm. The trick is to arrive early to avoid the crowd. Thankfully, car parking is readily available, and the pier hosts a variety of fish species such as flathead and snapper.

Brimbank Park 

You’ll find this popular trout fishing spot at the outer reaches of Maribyrnong River. Here, you can fish from the bank, a kayak, or dangle a line off the jetty. Not only will you find trout in the water, if you cast a jiggling lure, you just might reel in a redfin or carp as well.