The Blackfisherman

[Ross Hunter]

THE BLACKFISHERMAN by Roscoe

What a thrill it is when you have worked hard all your life to eventually have earned the right to spoil yourself with a little of ones’ favourite pastime.

In my case I have no feeling of guilt, no worrying about what else I should be doing , knowing that my chores are up to date and it is time to head for the river, just my dog and me.

Having founded the Marlin Broadbill boat company in ’74 I can remember never having a day off, working for years seven days a week for 15 years.

I then started chartering on Broadbill in ’87 and still work hard, long 11 hours days standing at the wheel with one thought to bring back happy anglers …smiles on dials. There is a certain amount of pressure to perform that task and get it right.

However as I walk down the track to the Georges river I have no one to answer to, no pressure, just me emersed in my favourite pastime blackfishing.

A magpie calls from the timber above, a white bellied sea eagle flies above being pestered by a couple of magpie larks, the river is a sea of reflections as I watch my float with apprehension…my 14 year old staffy “Nara” by my side.

I watch the world go by without qualm and feel nothing but contentment.

I fished with Raider Mark Night yesterday and we worked hard in windy conditions

and loved every minute of it