When Hunter Dryden turned 18, his father Allan Dryden saw the perfect opportunity for some father-son bonding.
The solution? A tinnie and a fishing rod.
This idea led them to join the Bayside Social Fishing Club at Manly West, and it’s become a highlight for both father and son.
“I just thought it was something we could do together before he runs away. We fish every month, and he’s turned into a fishing tragic,” Allan said.
For Allan, fishing has always been a lifelong passion, one that he rekindled after becoming semi-retired.
“Fishing has always been a chance for me to recharge the batteries and not think about work,” he said.
“I don’t mind cooking either, and it feels good to put a feed on the table.”
Allan’s preferred time to fish is dawn, when he can “watch the world wake up” from his tinnie on the bay.
“There is nothing like it,” he said.
As a member of the fishing club, Allan has also been able to compete in the club’s monthly fishing competitions.
On February 9, he claimed victory in the open section by catching four species of fish.
That weekend, he caught a 58cm flathead, a 38cm tailor, a 33cm bream, and a 35cm snapper – each of them the largest caught on the weekend.
Hunter also contributed to the success by catching a 40cm snapper.
“I’ve won a few times before. Winning is nice, but it’s not the reason I’m a member of the club.
“I enjoy the camaraderie of the club and having a chat on a Sunday,” Allan said.
He fishes from a 4.2m spacer tinnie and occasionally from his kayak, often targeting spots near Wellington Point and the reef off Manly.
He has also had some remarkable fishing experiences.
His biggest catch was a 10-foot bronze whaler, which he brought to the side of his boat at Mooloolaba before cutting it off.
Another standout catch was a 32kg yellowfin tuna caught in waters off Sydney.
“If I am targeting a fish to eat, it would be flathead in the shallows. If I am targeting a fish for fun, it would always be tuna of any description, off the Gold Coast,” Allan said.
The next club competition is set to take place from March 14 to 16.
