BOATING IN HIS VEINS
Matt Johnson grew up around boats and now lives the dream hosting fishing charters on the Gold Coast – the keen angler says water is an addiction
What’s in the harbour? Gypsy Charters has this 41-foot Dick Ward custom sport fishing boat, built up in Cairns. They only built a handful of them. It’s powered by twin 500hp Cumins, has a top speed of 30 knots and cruising speed of 23 knots.
How did you get into sailing? It was just a family thing for me. I’m a Kiwi and boats are something you do in New Zealand. Dad had charter boats and I grew up around it.
And the fishing? It’s just goes hand in hand, doesn’t it. I’m probably as passionate about boats as I am about fishing. You have to be both to look after this or it would just turn to rubbish. Had some memorable outings? Out of here, one of the most memorable was getting 10 marlin, we tagged and released them. It was about 15 nautical miles out to sea. I have hundreds of memorable moments but where do you start? I used to go out every day but not anymore. Now I go out two to three days a week but we’re available every day, weather permitting.
What’s good out there at the moment? Snapper, amber jack, pearl perch, tusk fish and ‘trag’ jew. It’s a really good time to go out. We do full day trips which last nine-and-a-half hours plus five-and-a-half-hour half day trips.
What are your favourite things about being on the water? That there is no traffic. I love that. I think it’s in the blood. If you have a passion for the water it keeps coming back to you as much as at times it seems like a lot of work and long hours and it can be tiring, it’s definitely an addiction. It’s not for everyone though – and a lot of people get sick out there. I have been myself. Anyone who says they haven’t is probably lying.
How often do you get sick clients? Just about every time we go out.
You must never be short of fish yourself? I don’t always get to take some home. But yeah, I try to eat a lot of fish. I’ve got a couple of kids so I make sure I try to take some home for them.
Do you work on the water? Email photos and contacts to ryan.keen@news.com.au The deadline looms for anyone keen to put their oar in for a key role with the long-running Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS). The event’s veteran exhibition manager Harry Davis (above) finished in the role after 27 years following the latest four-day showcase in May. He has since concentrated on freelance business and corporate writing. SCIBS has advertised for a new sales and exhibition manager, with applications to close this coming Wednesday. A job advertisement says the main role is to grow domestic and international exhibitors. It is a key post for the internationally-renowned event which is competing with Gold Coast International Marine Expo. The Expo organising committee piggybacked on the same dates as SCIBS in May. SCIBS started soon after the glamour launch of luxury lifestyle resort Sanctuary Cove, and SCIBS marks its 28th year come 2016. SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser says Harry was a huge asset and they wish him all the best: “We’re looking forward to engaging new talent to a new sales role for SCIBS 2016 and beyond.”
Do you have some boating news? Email coastweekend@news.com.au