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Having fun catching fish on the Maru. |
Hampden entrepreneurs Bob Williams and Lesley Hale are so
keen on sea fishing they made a career change to it ten years
ago.
Catch-A-Fish Moeraki was established in 2001, when Mr
Williams and Ms Hale decided to switch from sharemilking to
operating registered chartered fishing tours off the North
Otago coast.
Their boat, Maru, takes groups and individuals out to sea, in
good weather only, for a complete recreational fishing
experience.
People charter the Maru for a number of reasons, and not only
to fish, Ms Hale says.
‘‘You're trying to give people an enjoyable day experience.
It's not just the fishing; it's going out there and having an
enjoyable experience.''
Mr Williams found the ideal occupation when the couple made
the lifestyle choice of coastal Hampden from which to run
their new business. ‘‘He is a keen fisherman. It's the ideal
job, if you love fishing, to go out for your job and share
the enjoyment with other people.''
Catch-A-Fish Moeraki offers a package deal in conjunction
with the Hampden Motel and Tavern just up the road in Hampden
on State Highway 1, north of Moeraki.
Visitors can dine at the tavern and stay at the motel before
rising early next morning to venture out to sea on the Maru
from Moeraki. A cut lunch is provided.
Catch-A-Fish Moeraki is flexible about the time of departure
and the number of people it can take seafaring.
‘‘Particularly over the summertime there are family groups
you can combine, and we don't have a set time,'' Ms Hale
points out. ‘‘Normally we go out early in the morning to get
the fishing in before the wind comes up.''
Local expert knowledge of the best fishing spots means you
are almost guaranteed to catch a fish.
Anyone going out on the Maru with Catch-A-Fish Moeraki needs
to be prepared. ‘‘They need to take warm clothes and probably
something to eat or drink.''
For further information, contact Bob Williams or Lesley Hale:
phone (03) 439-4690, cellphone: (027) 222-4867. Email
bob.lesley@xtra.co.nz
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