Fishing shop stocks flooding out the door as Territorians enjoy favourite pastime while they can
FISHING shops are seeing their stocks flood out the door as Territorians take to their favourite pastime while they still can
Business
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WITH the return of over 1400 First Nations people to their homelands last week, communities have seen a surge of locals getting back to grassroots activities like fishing.
Pirlangimpi Store manager Mike Eden said community residents were spending lots of time down at the beach, or in the bush fishing and hunting, especially since the closure of their social club because of alcohol shortages.
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“Purchase-wise, our fishing gear sales have doubled,” he said. “There’s been a change in people’s mindset. Our club isn’t open any more, that was a big drawcard here.
“So there’s not much else to do at the moment besides fishing and watching TV.
“The fishing is not only relieving the boredom, but putting food on the table.”
Fishing & Outdoor World manager Ron Voukolos echoed Mr Eden’s sentiments, saying some communities can’t get enough fishing gear at the moment.
“Both to indigenous community stores, and to individuals. We’re selling lots of rods and lures as well as cast nets, crab pots, sinkers and hooks,” he said. “Chatting to some community store operators, they’re indicating that they’re selling out because folks on the community are going bush and headed out for a fish.
“It’s hard to gauge a percentage, but we’ve had stores at Maningrida and the Tiwis that ordered a double order a month ago, and they’ve already run out.”
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Mr Voukolos said the demand was reflective of the importance of fishing, both for mental health, and a way of saving a dollar at the shops. “If you’re with family members out on the harbour, then there’s not much more isolated than that,” he said.
“In this time of crisis, it’s become doubly important.”
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