Fishing wish comes true

Robert Huddy hadn't been on a boat fishing, with salt air whipping his face and the smell of bait up his nostrils, for more than 10 years.

This week the 40-year-old Tauranga man was nearly lost for words after the experience on Monday.


David Tai and Robert Peachman in front, with Carlton Mooney, support worker Mark Jackson, Edwin Adams, and support person Andrew Cooper, Robery Huddy and support person Bryce Cooper aboard the MG Sportfisher this week. Photo: Chris Callinan.

'It was very, very good – it felt a lot different – but I loved it,” says Robert. 'I'd definitely head out again tomorrow if I could.”

And that's the thing – the ultimate clinch – he can't impulsively go out on a boat without considerable pre-planning and assisting carers, because he has an intellectual disability.

That's why being aboard the MG Sportfisher – thanks to the local Wish4Fish charity – was so important.

And he wasn't alone. Omokoroa's Robert Peachman, aged 53, also took the trip.

'Good, good, good – very good,” says Robert Peachman. And the atmosphere and comradery among blokes hit the mark too.

'I liked it – thanks to Wish4Fish, which is especially good for disabled people, to get them out fishing because it can be hard for us to get out.”

The Roberts were two of five men who got on the boat as Lifestyle Choices clients and unshackled their labels of disability to fish as just men.

Lifestyle Choices service manager Mark Smith says this is his clients' first trip after connecting with Wish4Fish founder Bryce Dinneen.

'I think NZers love the water and fishing – we just take it for granted – but for our clients who have disabilities it can be a difficult thing.

'So to provide them with the opportunity – they jumped at the chance.”

And while it's great to haul up a snapper, the fishing isn't important. It's all about feeling and being – well, normal.

'We all want to feel normal, feel we can do what anyone else can do – and where there are challenges through a disability this can be difficult.”

'So I think they'll be talking about this for years to come.”

Bryce set up Wish4Fish three years ago after severe spinal injuries in 2007 left him chair-bound.

Growing up fishing with his father he figured re-creating childhood memories – despite most being simple – isn't easy when you have a disability.

'And that's what this is all about – just getting these guys out on a boat enjoying themselves. They don't have to catch fish – just being there and doing it is the aim for us.”

He teamed up with MG Sportfisher charter operator Robert Garland, who altered his boat, making it disability-friendly to meet all health and safety requirements.

Robert Garland says the relationship works both ways.

'The boat gets out on the water, which is good for it, and it's good for the people too – to get out and do some fishing.”

The charity aims for one trip per month but with high demand and sunny weather January saw three trips taken.

'But it's all weather-dependant – we get out when we can and make hay while the sun shines.”

He's currently got 26 people 'keen as beans” to relive water-filled childhood memories, or pop the bubble of their dream of a lifetime.

But Bryce runs the charity on donations and sponsorship – and Wish4Fish's third annual fishing competition on February 28 – open to everyone – is to raise funds.

Bryce says the main point is anyone can enter. 'We want people living normal lives to contribute to making these guys' lives a little better via fishing.”

The competition is at Tauranga Sport Fishing Club, Sulphur Point Marina, with briefing/registration on February 27 at 7pm.

Entrants start fishing 6am February 28, to finish at 4pm and weigh-in is 4pm-6pm. Prizegiving at 7.30pm features a live auction with items including a month's free advertising on SunLive and Waterline Online.

Entry costs $40 each or $120 per team, with four people maximum, and $15 for children. Register early through the club, email bryce@wish4fish.co.nz, or attend February 27's registration.

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