Occupation:
Small Business Owner – Green Earth Property Solutions
Location:
Cornubia, South East Queensland
What got you into fishing:
My dad took me fishing, but since I was a really little boy, I had the desire to fish all day long. I loved reading and learning all I could about the art of fishing, fish species – anything fish related at all. Most of my early days fishing were spent in the Nerang river, Northern NSW around Pottsville and Moreton Bay. At the age of 16 I started work experience at Gold Coast Fishing Tackle which is where my passion soon became an obsession of sorts.
Favourite style of fishing:
I’ve always loved fishing with poppers. I started fishing the creeks 25 years ago, with small poppers chasing flathead and whiting. And now there is nothing better than having a large pelagic taking a popper off the surface – any species, I’m not fussy, all are great fun. If I had to pick just one, it would have to be a giant trevally as not much else pulls harder.
That being said, It is very hard to pick just on one style as I enjoy anything from fly fishing creeks to live baiting.
After starting my own family recently, I can’t wait to start over again, teaching the twins everything I know in all styles of fishing.
Favourite fishing Destination:
From the day I got my vehicle license, I would always travel the whole east coast of Queensland fishing. One place that had me going back time and time again were some creeks and billabongs on private properties in the Ingham area of North Queensland. I’d catch large Barra there, as well as Mangrove Jack, Tarpon, Queenfish and always a good feed of mud crabs.
Dream destination:
There is not enough room on this page for this list. PNG – black bass. I think the adventure of such a remote destination would take the fishing experience to a whole new level for me.
Greatest fishing achievement:
Although it seemed impossible at first, my greatest fishing achievement was mentoring a young Leigh Holtsbaum to catch his first Jewfish. After seeing him sulk up the front of his boat after being defeated after many sessions, it was great to see him finally catch one.
Jokes aside, I’ve never been one to participate in competitions. I have really enjoyed being a mentor to those with a passion for fishing and helping them achieve their own fishing goals in catching their biggest fish. One of my most memorable fish was a 28 kg Spanish mackerel which was caught on the pipeline of the Gold Coast Seaway in the middle of the day, in a 12foot tinny with a flurry of boats and jet skiers around.
Any people you would to thank:
I’d like to thank Mark Upton who is a fishing legend. He took me under his wing and taught me everything from lure making, rod building to fishing techniques. I am so lucky to have been handed down his knowledge of this skill. I’d also like to thank Mike Blenkins and the whole team at Gold Coast Fishing Tackle for the great times and the ongoing relationships we share, just like family.