Hooked on Portland is an annual Seafood and Fishing Festival returning bigger and better in 2025 on Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th of January. The free festival, hosted in partnership with the Glenelg Shire, will feature live music, entertainment, twilight market on Friday, January 17, from 5 pm to 9 pm, followed by a full day of seafood, fishing, and live music on Saturday, January 18, from 10 am-9 pm.

Alan from FishingMad will be a main stage presenter on Saturday, giving a talk and demonstration on kayak fishing. He will have Action Water Sports with him and many kayaks on hand to demo and display. He will also be giving a talk and fishing demonstration about targeting different fish species in the area.

There will be lots of cool fishing stuff, including the VFA hut, kid’s fishing clinics, WIRF leaders, fishing demonstrations and tutorials, and other well-known fishing personalities, including Lee Rayner.

  • Date – January 17th and 18th
  • Location – Portland Foreshore
  • Cost – This is a free event
  • Features
    • Fishing Demonstrations
    • Fishing Clinics
    • Fishing Personalities
    • Cooking Demonstrations
    • Live Music
    • Twilight Market
    • Food Stalls
    • VFA Fishing Hub

 

Notes from Event Organiser

Friday Night Twilight Market: 

Kick off the festival on Friday evening, January 17th, from 5 PM to 9 PM with a special Twilight Market. Explore a variety of market stalls, enjoy delicious food from the Bonney Bar, and relax with live acoustic music under the stars.

Main Stage Highlights: 

Prepare to be entertained on Saturday, January 18th, with live music all day, featuring a mix of incredible local talent from Portland and surrounds and this year’s headline act, Furnace and the Fundamentals.

Fishing Competition: 

Show off your angling skills and compete for fantastic prizes in the much-loved Fishing Competition.

Catch N Cook Stage: 

Indulge your taste buds at the Catch N Cook Stage, featuring Lee Rayner, who will showcase the art of preparing fresh seafood dishes. This year will also feature Kids Cooking Demos, offering a chance for little chefs to learn some new kitchen skills.

Fishing Demonstrations: 

2025 introduces interactive fishing demonstrations throughout the event—perfect for enthusiasts and newcomers alike to learn tips and tricks from the experts.

Bonney Bar: 

Sip, savour, and celebrate local flavours at the Bonney Bar, offering a range of refreshing beverages to complement the festival atmosphere.

Artisan Market Stalls & Food Trucks: 

Wander through vibrant markets showcasing local crafts, delectable treats, and unique treasures. A huge selection of food trucks will also be on-site, offering something delicious for everyone—from fresh seafood to your favourite festival eats.

VFA Fishing Hub: 

Dive into a day of family fun brought to you by the Victorian Fisheries Authority, featuring free kids’ fishing clinics, beachcomb discovery walks, arts and crafts sessions, and more!

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this spectacular event! Join us at Hooked on Portland on January 17th and 18th for two days of seafood, fishing, music, and family fun!