A SIMPLE voucher to spend at BCF may have done more than stock a tackle box for Charlie and Daniel Summers — it has sparked a budding love of fishing and strengthened bonds across generations.
What began as a shopping trip quickly turned into regular fishing sessions after the boys loaded up on gear and their father, Matt Summers, reached out to someone he knew could help guide them.
“When the kids spent their voucher and bought a whole heap of fishing gear, Tony (Boyd) was the first person I called. I knew that he knew a lot about fishing and could help teach me and the boys. He is always one person I can call on,” Mr Summers said.
“Tony is always very well researched, and he knows stuff and I had kids who wanted to learn.”
That call rekindled a long-standing friendship with his workmate and former boss, Tony Boyd, who happily stepped in to help pass on some fishing know-how.
The trio — and the boys — have since been casting lines from the Wellington Point jetty, hoping to land a feed of bream while enjoying time together by the water.
Mr Boyd said he was more than happy to help introduce the boys to fishing.
“Plus, it’s fun,” he said.
Mr Boyd, 63, of Birkdale, said much of his own fishing experience was shaped in Victoria, where he grew up fishing Port Philip Bay with his father.
“There he would go out and within a five-or-six-kilometre radius, he could catch snapper, flathead and pinkies,” he said.
“They were pretty reasonable size, but there is no fishing moment I can think of that stands out,” he said.
After moving to Queensland five years ago, Mr Boyd said he had not fished much, but the invitation from Mr Summers had reignited his passion.
“This is the second time Charlie and Daniel have been out using their rods, and it is great to see their enthusiasm,” he said.
For Mr Boyd, fishing has always been about more than what is caught.
He said it had been a great joy to fish throughout his life with his own father.
“I still go out fishing with Dad (aged 87) in Victoria, but I think his boat might be coming up here soon,” he said.
“Fishing has been a bonding experience with me and Dad and now I am witnessing the same with Matt,” he said.
