Fishing in the NT:

Jobs, economy, community

Take a dive into the value of Recreational Fishing in the Territory…

As part of Gone Fishing Day celebrations and thanks to part of a Northern Territory Government Recreational Fishing Grant, AFANT have taken a deep dive to explore the benefits that recreational fishing brings to the Territory’s community.

Here we take a look at the economic value of recreational fishing and share some of the proud Territory businesses that support and are supported by the Territory’s 30,000 recreational fishers.

Recreational fishing underpins jobs in retail, marine services, manufacturing, tourism, fisheries, hospitality and more..

FISHING SUPPORTS NT BUSINESS

↓ click on the business to explore their story ↓

RECREATIONAL FISHING economic contribution….

Recreational fishing is not only central to the way of life for tens of thousands of Territorians, but it is also big business! A significant contributor to the Northern Territory economy, fishing supports hundreds of jobs across a range of industries.

While up-to-date figures (measured in 2019) are due to be published soon, way back in 2010 the NT Recreational Fishing Survey revealed that Territory residents spent over $50M on products and services directly related to recreational fishing activities¹. When coupled with expenditure on guided fishing tours, it was estimated that in 2010 at least $80,000,000 was spent on recreational fishing in the NT². While these figures are now overdue for update, the expenditure on and value of recreational fishing to the Territory economy is expected to be significantly higher. For example, discounting any growth over the past 10 years, the CPI adjusted expenditure value from 2009/10 is approximately $100M in today’s money³.

The economic contribution of recreational fishing to the Northern Territory and the potential for the sector to grow further, was recognised in the Northern Territory Government’s $50M Rec Fishing Future investment. This commitment aims to support the sector and maintain the NT’s status as one of the worlds top fishing destinations through investments in strategic infrastructure and programs designed to grow and sustain the industry.

The NT is the only jurisdiction in Australia where the fishing effort of visitors from interstate and overseas comes close to that of local fishers. While local fishers keep money in the Territory and contribute economically to the regions⁴, visiting fishers bring new money across the border. In the 2021 Fishing Segment Profile, NT Tourism estimated that 40% of fishing effort in the Territory was attributed to visiting anglers. These visitors mostly travelled to the NT specifically for the purpose of recreational fishing and contributed approximately $26M over the course of a year, with $15M of that spent directly with fishing tour operators (fishing guides)⁵.

The Million Dollar Fish competition will begin its seventh season in the last third of 2021. One of the biggest fishing competitions in the world, season six had close to 30,000 registered entrants with 25,000 active participants. According to commissioned research, season six of Million Dollar Fish generated an economic benefit (new money) of $11 million to the Top End, and an economic stimulus of $41.3 million for the Territory⁶.

Recreational fishing is one the Territory’s most popular past times with around a quarter of all locals and tens of thousands of visitors taking part. It’s little wonder that this all adds up to a lot of value and supports a range of jobs in retail, accommodation, fisheries, hospitality, and manufacturing, as well as in mechanical and marine services. Being sustainable and resilient, and with recent and planned investments including new access points and some the Australia’s largest and newest artificial reef complexes, the recreational fishing sector is set to grow and to continue to support regional development and the broader NT economy well into the future.

NT Recreational Fishing Survey 2009-10, pp67-68 https://industry.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/233017/fr109.pdf
NT Recreational Fishing Development Plan 2012-202, p2 https://industry.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/258805/recreational-fishing-development-plan.pdf
RBA Inflation Calculator https://www.rba.gov.au/calculator/annualDecimal.html
NT Recreational Fishing Development Plan, p2
NT Tourism Fishing Segment Profile, 2012, p12 https://www.tourismnt.com.au/system/files/uploads/files/2020/fishing-segment-profile.pdf
MDF News https://milliondollarfish.com.au/news/nt-reaps-rewards-from-million-dollar-fish-season-6

Quality Marine

Marine sales and repairs

FISHING IN THE NT three words by Quality Marine: RELAXATION, PLEASURE, THERAPY

Started in 2003 by good mates Theo Kosmidis and Harry Rakkas, Quality Marine has grown from a team of two, to now employ eleven full time staff and one apprentice.

Born and bred Territorians, Harry and Theo shared a history working in marine repairs and sales, before deciding to start their own venture. Their proud Territory business is now not only a local success story but is nationally recognised for the significance it plays in the marine sales and repairs industry.

As the name suggests, Theo and Harry credit the success of Quality Marine to the standard of their service, staff and product. They are proud to deliver reliable marine services to the fishing community, including the recreational, commercial, and essential services sectors.

Investing in the long-term success of their business includes training, continual staff development and sourcing reliable products to meet customer needs.

Whenever they get the chance, the team at Quality Marine love to go fishing. When asked what items to never leave home without, they say “put safety first” make sure your motor servicing is up to date, and be sure to carry an EPIRB and flares.

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Compleat Angler & Camping World Darwin

Fishing/Outdoor/Camping

FISHING IN THE NT three words by Kevin Thomas: SO - VERY - IMPORTANT

The Thomas family has been part of the Territory’s business and retail landscape for many years. Owner of Compleat Angler & Camping World, Kevin Thomas grew up around family business’s which included the iconic ‘Thomas’s Pies’. Kevin and his wife Rayna opened the We Sell Fun business in 2009 which has now grown to include Compleat Angler and Camping World Darwin.

Kevin and Rayna are now joined by their son, daughter, grandchildren and ten staff in the running of the businesses. Kevin credits his family’s dedication and valuable staff, which are considered family, with the success of the business. Kevin and the team pride themselves on offering a friendly retail experience where everyone is made to feel welcome and valued.

Compleat Angler and Camping World are proud to be part of the Territory’s local community, sponsoring clubs, groups and charities wherever they can. These good relationships have been returned in kind with ‘locals supporting locals’, especially throughout the recent uncertain times.

Kevin believes that fishing and being part of the Territory’s natural environment is, as he states above “so very important’. This connection is not only important to his family’s activities and traditions, but to the wider community, with the flow on benefits of recreational fishing being seen in people’s wellbeing and throughout the Territory’s economy.

Kevin believes there is no better place in Australia than the Northern Territory and when going fishing we shouldn’t leave home without a YETI colster and a Yakimoto Hyper Jerk lure in ‘White Ghost”(Kevin’s favourite colour).

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In & Outboard Marine

Marine sales and service dealership

FISHING IN THE NT three words by In & Outboard Marine: BLISS, TRANQUILITY, MAKING-MEMORIES

Established in 1984, In & Outboard Marine is a true Territory success story. From humble beginnings in boat motor sales and servicing, they are now a leading supplier of top-quality Australian brands Quintrex and Barcrusher as well as NZ’s Stabicraft, and Yamaha. Their team has grown from one man in a shed to employing 25 full time staff, including an apprentice.

Priding themselves on consistent, reliable and quality service, I & O Marine have long been a service and sales provider that Territorians turn to. Their longstanding relationships with manufacturer’s has allowed them to have input into products that will suit the Territory’s conditions and lifestyle.

The team at I & O Marine are as passionate about boating and fishing as their customers and they believe the strength in their business rests with the quality of their staff, the reliability of their products and their valued customer relationships. Shared experience and a shared passion has seen In & Outboard Marine develop long lasting relationships with the likeminded recreational fishers of the Northern Territory.

In an industry where reliability and quality are safety critical, I & O Marine wouldn’t leave home without a Yamaha Motor, which in their opinion is the undisputed world leader in outboards.

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Reidys

Manufacturing and Wholesale

FISHING IN THE NT three words by Reidys: HUGE, FAMILY, EXPERIENCE

Founded in 1978 Reidys have been an iconic Territory brand for many years. Having taken over the reigns in 2007, Colin and Karen Burdon have grown the business to include new products and manufacturing capabilities, which saw them relocate to bigger premises in Berrimah in 2019.

Reidys pride themselves on producing top quality fishing lures, designed and manufactured right here in the Northern Territory. In fact, Reidys are one of the few big fishing tackle manufacturers still located in Australia. Karen and Colin believe the love and care they put into their products is what differentiates them in the market and together with their highly valued team of six, which are more like family than co-workers, they offer specialised and unique products.

Reidys are a great supporter of community groups and events with their sponsorships, including kids clinics, charities and fishing tournaments as well as partnering with Helping People Achieve. Colin and Karen are passionate about their industry and the products they offer and love being part of peoples fishing experiences, which often includes being shown photos of once in a lifetime catches, caught on a Reidys lure.

We asked Reidys, what is one item rec fishers shouldn’t leave home without: “Reidys Rubbers”

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Fishing & Outdoor World

Retail Store

FISHING IN THE NT three words by Ronald Voukolos: PASSION, FUN, RELIGION

An icon of fishing in the Northern Territory and a tourist attraction in the Darwin CBD is the renowned Fishing & Outdoor World. Established in 1972 by George Snr and business partner Col Stringer, Fishing & Outdoor World was born when the pair recognised an opportunity in the market for a specialist fishing tackle shop. While they were told it wouldn’t work and that they would also have to sell sporting goods to survive, FOW not only grew, it thrived, particularity in the post Cyclone Tracy times when the people rebuilding the city took every opportunity to go fishing in their time off.

A true NT family business, Ronald Voukolos joined his father George officially in 1994, having helped in the store growing up and they now lead a dedicated team of 10 full time staff, 2 part time and casuals. The team at FOW pride themselves on the personalised experience and their knowledgeable staff, who dedicate themselves to making sure every customer receives the best advice, regardless of whether they are a visitor, a novice, or a proficient angler.

In the times of big national business and on-line shopping, FOW have prospered as a reliable and comprehensive supplier of fishing and outdoor goods in Darwin. They credit their ability to offer a wide range of products at a competitive price to their valued business relationships and buying power.

Passionate fishers themselves, the team at FOW wouldn’t leave home without a good set of lip grips, a filleting knife and a trusty gold bomber.

Rod & Rifle Tackleworld Katherine

Fishing/Outdoors/Bikes

FISHING IN THE NT three words by Warren de With: CHALLENGING, EXHILARATING, ADDICTIVE

A Katherine institution since the 1970’s, Rod & Rifle Tackleworld has moved locations over the years to accommodate its ever-growing offering of fishing tackle, outdoor gear, guns, bikes, BBQs and more!

For the de With family, their relocation to Katherine in the 80s was a meeting with destiny which saw Warren and wife Debbie take over the business from its original owners. Although Warren credits Rod & Rifle being central to his family’s life and happiness in Katherine, it hasn’t been without its challenges; the most difficult being the devastating 1998 floods where they had to re-build the business from scratch.

Rod & Rifle has continued to grow and prosper with the de With family and the Katherine community. The shop is now managed by Warren’s son Trent de With along with six full time staff. The de With family are proud of the legacy they have built in the town, their valued relationships, friendships, and their involvement supporting community causes. Rod & Rifle plays an integral part in Katherine and the remote communities they service, including local councils, Aboriginal communities, industry, and emergency services.

Warren believes fishing and being part of the natural environment is not only central to the de With family, but that it is also part of the fabric of the Katherine community and a prime reason for why people love living in the Northern Territory.

According to Warren, rec fishers in the NT should not leave home without two important survival tools, a YETI esky and a Gold Bomber lure.

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Craigs Fishing Warehouse

Retail Pro-Store

FISHING IN THE NT three words by Craig: UNPREDICTABLE, REWARDING, UNIQUE

Craigs Fishing Warehouse has been part of the Darwin fishing retail community since 2003. Owned and operated by Territory local Craig Grosvenor, Craig has grown the shop from an idea he had with his late father to the successful business that it is today. In addition to himself, Craig has two full time staff and casual staff on weekends. Craigs family also help with the business.

Craig prides his business with being able to offer a personalised shopping experience and having strong relationships within the fishing community.

Located in Berrimah they are open 7 days a week.

We asked Craig, what is one item rec fishers shouldn’t leave home without: “Craig’s Bling Lures and Crave Iced Coffee”