MEET GREENIE

You’ve found the ultimate fishing buddy.  The one with answers to all those fishing questions – you know the ones you are too embarrassed to ask your mates.  Just ask Greenie – he is one of Australia’s most trusted fishing experts – and he is more than happy to share all his tips and fishing spots.  His mission?  To make fishing fun and accessible for all.  

Greenie always wanted to make fishing his life but a 45+ year medical career meant it had to be a side hustle; until now. He’s permanently hung the Gone Fishin’ sign on the Emergency Department and invites you to join him on travels and ask him all his fishing secrets.  There’s no question too embarrassing when it comes to fishing know-how.  He’s one of Australia’s most trusted fishing experts since his journalism side hustle kicked off in 1987 when he started writing for Fishing World magazine.  That started as a creative outlet from the stress of his day job and is now is life.  

Getting to know Greenie

Tell us about your childhood stomping ground. 

I was born in Sydney and fished every puddle, beach and waterway I could find.

Footy team

Roosters all the way.  Mum told me when I was five that my footy team was based on the club closest to hospital I was born.  

Favourite fishing

The next trip is always the favourite trip.  enjoy small boat marlin fishing with the challenge of big blue marlin from my 6 metre trailer boat (although as I age, having friends with bigger boats is becoming more comfortable).  I love barra fishing, jewies, flathead. Also freshwater chasing bass, cod. Catching a grand slam of salmon in Alaksa was pretty cool as well. 

Fishing wisdom?

There is no need to keep secrets about spots and techniques. Be humble always. Fishing is not about the fish, it is about the journey. And have fun – fishing has to be fun – it’s not that important in the overall scheme of things, but enjoy the fact you’ve got a passion for a sport that you will never ever master. It’s a hobby with no start or finish – there’s always a better lure to play with, a new rod, a better sounder – enjoy the ride. The best fish is the next fish.

Favourite fishing buddy?

I’ve been so fortunate to fish with some awesome anglers and good people over the years. From childhood friends through to my son Michael,  It’s hard to pick just one.  Stuck between a rock and hard place, right now, I have to say that enjoy fishing with my wife Suse.  She is enthusiastic and always reminds me to look beyond the fish at any spot we visit.  There has been more that one day where she has out-fished me.