Fishing With the Boys – As Told by Robby
I have been told on more than one occasion that I have the best job in the world. Travel, fishing, hours out on the water and plenty of fresh seafood! What’s not to love?!
Unsurprisingly, the bulk of my envious friends are men. So, I’m writing this article from a woman’s perspective; a woman who 5 years ago would not have pictured herself the envy of wader-wearing fish folk worldwide! A woman who now loves her new found fish-filled life as much as… well… fresh fish and flowing white wine; lots!
A couple of years ago, after graduating from my University Degree in Performing Arts, I began my career at full speed…carrying plates and pouring wine! Successfully fulfilling my stereotype, I became a waitress. It was during this period that I was fortunate enough to meet with and audition for the producer of ‘River to Reef’. I was successful in that audition and now much of my time is spent with Theo and the boys out on the road and water.
When we leave to film a season, our work begins long before the camera starts rolling! There are many different roles to play and jobs to do before we can hit the road. We tend to travel quite light and often the whole team will simply be Theo, our camera man/producer Phill and I. We are lucky to be sponsored by the Big 4 holiday parks who always look after us well, and I’m always guaranteed a comfy cabin to myself.
Our days begin early and much of our work relies on sheer luck! In earlier years we spent a great amount of time chasing fish up and down the coast being tipped off by fishos and anglers alike.
It was probably incredibly naïve of me, but I was never aware of the enormous sub-culture of fishing! I’m not talking about commercial fishing… I’m talking about the lucky (or crazy) men and women who spend days on end out on our waters waiting for and tracking down fish…It was these guys who would hear we were in town or spot our boat at the ramp and spring forth with tips and whispers of great schools of tuna or kings. I am often reminded of the character portrayed in Hemingway’s ‘The old man and the sea’. This passion and drive is reflected in the way these people live their lives; I’m lucky to be a witness.
Life on the road, like anything, has its ups and downs. Travelling with such a small crew has meant that we have become close like family. Often our producer Phill – a motorcycle enthusiast – will drive and our trips (hair-razing and knuckle clenching) will be underscored by a cacophony of 80’s hits! I seem to recall a fair chunk of Tasmania being devoted to the likes of George Michael – Thanks Theo!
Everywhere we go we meet local experts willing to show us the ropes in their town. We are carefully guided to fishing locations and introduced to the many town personalities. On one such occasion I was tricked into kissing a fish! I suppose it was a fitting initiation, so in my best Rex Hunt impersonation I puckered up and…the rest is history.
Although I am discovering a new love of the sport, Theo generally takes the lead with the fishing and I in turn lead the charge with all things lifestyle. We may not always agree on our music taste but one thing we are unanimous about is our love of food! You can’t get better than fresh, local and tasty grub!
Theo was raised in a family where food is always cooked from the heart and his passion is infectious! It’s a common occurrence to come back from a long day of filming and find Theo surrounded by ingredients, selflessly managing to find the energy to cook for us! Both on and off the camera, his mantra is always ‘waste not, want not’. We are blessed with an abundance of great natural produce, and Theo ensures that we use every last scrap! I fondly recall last year, fishing in St Helens, feasting on Abalone, Calamari, Crayfish, Oysters and Urchins in a single day! The likes of which you would struggle to find in a topnotch restaurant!
Being a Co-Presenter on ‘River to Reef’ has taught me so many new skills; the generous people I meet are always eager to pass on knowledge and I am a constant pupil in the fishing school. Be it baiting, fishing, driving the boat or cleaning the catch I am forever learning. I come home from weeks away smelling like fish guts and with a steady sway; I am very much still developing my sea legs and there are times when I fall right off them!
Sometimes I am asked if there are down sides to my job and most of the time my reply is a definite ‘no’. Although I do miss my family and friends while I am away, I’m surrounded by great people and I’m generally always working outdoors in our beautiful country which I love. There are times whilst out at sea I would have done anything for a toilet but many more times when I just feel so lucky to be working, learning and traveling (although a porta-potty is a must!)
Our trips are continuously punctuated with wonderful chance encounters, and it’s often these that stand out as my fondest memories. The local fishing heroes eager story, the hook up right as we were calling it a day, the generous hospitality, the pub meals and the welcome hot chocolates after 10 hours out on the water freezing!
Its all part of why I agree that my job is, most definitely, one of the best in the world.
