August 21, 2026
Written by Rob Loats, VRFish Chair
Clive Bustard was a VRFish member for 14 years (1995-2009) and represented the South Western District Association of Angling Clubs.
Clive was a very respected long-term, original Board member of VRFish and always promoted the best outcomes for the recreational fishing community.
His humour and direct approach to achieve the best outcomes for recreational fishing while attending VRFish Board and State Council meetings on behalf of the South Western District Association of Angling Clubs was appreciated and endorsed by all in attendance.
Clive’s favourite fishing location was Lake Tooliorook in the Western district where he enjoyed catching many fine redfin and trout. His dedication while fishing and representing recreational fishers at this destination was rewarded with a hut named in his honour. Clive also loved staying at his holiday house at St Leonards where he landed many fine whiting.
Having the marine location at Killarney Bay designated as a recreational fishing only destination was one of his long-term wishes. I cannot recall any VRFish State Council meeting that I attended that Clive failed to mention the need to control the ever present and increasing cormorant population and their impacts on the stocked trout populations.
Recreational fishing always benefited from Clive’s commitment to make fishing better, for everyone.
On behalf of all members and staff of VRFish we extend our deepest sympathy to all his family and friends. Gone fishing but his legend will live on in the minds of many recreational fishers across Victoria.
