WHEN Sam Beckmann took her three children bait netting and fishing at the beach more than two decades ago, she was simply looking for a fun family outing.
But the Victoria Point mum quickly discovered many local children had never experienced the simple pleasure of fishing or yabbying – despite growing up surrounded by Moreton Bay.
“We were just mucking around and having some fun and we had a following of about 30 kids,” Ms Beckmann said.
“I was surprised that none of them knew anything about fishing and yabbying and yet they lived so close to the water in the Redlands.”
That day in 2004 planted the seed for 2 Bent Rods, the business Ms Beckmann has built into a thriving fishing education operation estimated to have introduced about 120,000 children to the sport.
Now employing 18 staff members – many of them former students – 2 Bent Rods offers lessons for people of all ages and abilities, birthday parties, fishing excursions, camps and one of the country’s largest children-only fishing competitions.
“We offer lessons to all ages and abilities. We host birthday parties and take them on fishing excursions and camps,” Ms Beckmann said.
“We also run one of the largest kids-only fishing competitions in the country.” The 57-year-old runs local fishing lessons at Victoria Point, Wellington Point and Wynnum through the Active and Healthy program, and last year delivered an Enviro Fish program at Russell Island through a youth grant.
For Ms Beckmann, fishing is about far more than filling a bucket. “It’s not always about catching fish,” she said.
“It’s about a connection to yourself, your environ- ment and to those around you.”
She said catching a fish was a bonus. “It’s about getting your feet in the sand,” she said.
“I don’t always think I am doing anything. “But I get told that these kids are changed by the experience of fishing.
“Maybe this is the best thing they can do and their time to shine. “For me, I have found my thing.”
Ms Beckmann said fishing taught children patience, persistence and an appreciation of where their food came from.
“Fishing was essentially hunting and gathering,” she said. “I love seeing people pass on their passion.
“Lots of kids come for a fishing lesson then ask for a job.” That pathway is now helping shape the next generation of anglers and instructors.
One teenage staff member even developed a lure program for the business. “I told him he would be running the program, and a senior was there to help,” she said.
Her own fishing passion began on family holidays, including one childhood catch that remains crystal clear decades later.
“I can still remember catching three small bream off the jetty at Caloundra when I was about five,” she said.
“I told my parents when I grew up, I would be a fish girl. I suppose I am.” Among her standout catches are a Spanish mackerel landed in Mackay at age 30 and, more recently, a 39cm whiting off South Stradbroke Island.
And for those convinced the Bay has been fished bare, Ms Beckmann has a simple message.
“We are not fished out. There are plenty out there.”
