EVERY weekend, Brent Greco packs up his fishing gear and catches the ferry to North Stradbroke Island, where he enjoys the day fishing off the Amity Point ferry.
For the 40-year-old from Alexandra Hills, it’s more than just a hobby – it’s his kind of paradise, offering the perfect chance to relax, bond with friends, and catch something for dinner.
Mr Greco’s target fish are mackerel, tuna and bonito, and he often enjoys a bountiful day out on the water.
“It is not uncommon for me to catch three to five mackerel and the full quota of bonito,” he said.
However, it’s not just the more common catches that have made an impression on him.
Mr Greco has also encountered sharks in the area, something he believes is becoming a growing concern for local fishermen.
“You do the right thing, and you release the undersize fish and there’s a shark waiting just under the boat,” he said.
“They’re out there, that’s for sure. The sharks in the Bay can be a problem.”
For the most favourable fishing conditions, Mr Greco looks for clear water and a variety of fish, particularly in the cooler autumn and winter months.
However, he doesn’t rely solely on the tides.
“It doesn’t matter to me whether it is high tide or low tide, as long as the tide is moving,” he said.
To find the best fishing opportunities, Mr Greco stays informed by checking websites and texting others in the industry.
Despite the abundance of online resources, he admits that fishing timing is often based on what he calls “educated guesswork”.
Bait is typically fresh pilchards on a gang hook with a light line, a simple yet effective approach for catching his favourite species.
Mr Greco’s love for fishing began at a young age, starting with his family in Townsville when he was just two years old.
“I still go fishing with Dad, but not as much,” he said.
“He’s too busy in retirement. We only go out together on his boat once every few months.”
Although he enjoys the solitude of fishing alone, Mr Greco prefers the company of friends.
“There’s usually two or four of us and we fish together,” he said.
“That way we can keep an eye out for each other.
“I met one of the boys out fishing and now we are good mates.”
In addition to his regular trips to North Stradbroke Island, Mr Greco also fishes at Victoria Point, Coochiemudlo and the Gold Coast, particularly enjoying fishing the rivers there.
“Sometimes it’s good to fish the rivers at the Gold Coast,” he said.
But ultimately, the act of fishing itself is secondary to the time spent by the water.
“It’s the sea air. It gives back to you,” he said.
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