JAI Neumann has been fishing since he was just one year old and spending time with his dad in a tinnie.
While the 23-year-old from Redland Bay may not always reel in a boatload of fish, it’s rare for him to come home empty-handed.
“It was a pretty good way to hang out,” Mr Neumann recalled of his childhood.
“Dad and I did so much, mostly prawning.
“I remember catching about 20 litres of prawns in three casts off Coochie when I was about 15. I love them.”
This passion for fishing has continued into adulthood, and now, each September, Mr Neumann joins his family on their annual pilgrimage to Fraser Island during the tailor run.
For him, these trips have become a special bonding time with his loved ones.
“It bonds us all,” he said.
These days, Mr Neumann often heads offshore with friends, embarking on fishing trips in a six-metre Haines boat whenever the weather permits.
“We go bottom bashing. That’s the sort of fishing I love,” he said.
One of Mr Neumann’s favourite fishing spots is 40 to 50km off Point Lookout, where he targets pearl perch and snapper at depths of 100 to 140 metres.
Using a rod, reel, and pilchards, he enjoys the challenge of fishing in these deeper waters.
While he’s had many memorable catches, his largest catch to date was a 1.3m wahoo.
The experience of catching such a big fish left him exhilarated.
“It feels good to catch something like this. The adrenaline’s pumping,” he said.
Mr Neumann also enjoys the challenge of catching amberjack and kingfish, appreciating the harder fight and the satisfaction of a successful catch.
But he believes fishing is about more than just the catch.
The biggest thrill is spending time with friends on the water, enjoying the experience together.
“That’s why it’s called fishing, not catching. You never know what you’ll get but we have fun when we’re out there,” he said.
After a long day on the water, Mr Neumann enjoys cooking up his catch.
His go-to method is wrapping the fish in alfoil and cooking it on the barbecue or in the oven with cashew nuts.
Looking to the future, Mr Neumann has his sights set on a big goal: Fishing for barramundi on Hinchinbrook.
It’s a dream he’s determined to make a reality one day.
“I’ll get there one day,” he said.
