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When a grandmother took to social media to ask the local community if there was someone willing to teach her grandson to fish while they were on holiday, she was overwhelmed by the kind response from people willing to help.
Last week, while visiting Arlie Beach on a cruise ship, her 12-year-old grandson met with Brent Stephenson who took the time to teach him to fish, tie knots and other valuable lessons.
Brent runs weekly free fishing clinics for kids of any age and any background, giving some that may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn the skill, access to the sport.
This all began when he moved to the area with his partner, and she encouraged him to donate his fishing gear to Proserpine Youth Space.
When he attended the centre, he realised that his calling was more than donating a few rods, it was to help kids learn to fish.
Since then, Brent has started running regular clinics, passing on knowledge and skills to the younger generation.
“Fishing has helped me a lot in life, it is my happy place,” said Brent.
“I hope that by helping kids learn to fish it will help them whenever they feel lost in life.”
If you are interested in attending one of the fishing clinics, simply come to New Beach in Airlie Beach at 3.30pm on Wednesdays or Thursdays.
Go to Mudskippa’s Whitsunday Fishing Clinics on Facebook to check the time as often days rotate.
Brent also runs a fishing apparel business called Mudskippa and donates 5 per cent from each sale back into the free fishing clinics.
Brent Stephenson runs weekly free fishing clinics at New Beach. Photo supplied
