Wanted: New fishing mate. SA fisherman Ray Johnstone turns to Gumtree for companionship
A WIDOWED South Australian pensioner who turned to Gumtree to find a new friend, breaking hearts around the nation, has had a flood of offers.
A LONELY pensioner hooked the hearts of hundreds with his catchy and endearing online ad to find a new “fishing buddy.”
Tired of fishing South Australia’s beaches alone, Ray Johnstone, 75, of Lewiston, said he was desperate to find someone else to share his lifelong passion — but was left stunned by the enormous response.
His ad in Gumtree, featuring a selfie under and which Mr Johnstone jokingly lists himself as “used”, has had a staggering 55,000 views and offers from across the country.
“What I want is a fishing mate in a similar position to myself who also wants someone to go fishing with,” Mr Johnstone wrote.
Speaking to The Advertiser, Mr Johnstone, who lives in a granny flat, said a care nurse suggested he advertise after his long-time fishing buddy died in a car accident a few years ago.
“I am willing to share all costs, eg petrol, bait, and should you happen to own a boat (I am) willing to pay all ramp fees, but happy if you are also a land-based fisherman.”
Since putting up the add two weeks ago, Mr Johnstone has been inundated by more than 100 offers from people around Australia — including anglers from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, WA, and SA.
“My phone has been going non-stop,” he said. “I didn’t expect this response ... it’s amazing.”
“Majority are from SA but some of them are too far away from Lewiston.”
Mr Johnstone, who likes catching whiting and snapper on the Yorke Peninsula, is also a keen fan of the Adelaide Crows and Sturt Football Club.
But he will meet with candidates before he goes out fishing with them.
“I mainly do it (fishing) to keep myself active,” Mr Johnstone said.
“I don’t want to be like some of the others who don’t move around.”
The online ad is now circulating widely on news websites and social media, quickly gathering more than 55,000 views in less than two weeks online.
Mr Johnstone’s daughter took to social media to thank those who had responded, saying her father had been lonely since the passing of his wife years ago but was looking forward to getting back to one of his favourite pastimes.
Some readers of the ad admitted they had “balled (sic)” their eyes out at the tragic request while others offered their to take Mr Johnstone out on their boats for a day of fishing.
Originally published as Wanted: New fishing mate. SA fisherman Ray Johnstone turns to Gumtree for companionship