What happens when you put a Sunrise presenter, a fishing rod and a handful of beach worms together? A lot of laughs — and maybe not quite as many fish!
It was an early start at Shoalhaven Heads, but there was no better way to showcase one of the South Coast's favourite pastimes than getting out on the beach with a fishing rod.
Recently, Fishing With A Local was invited to join Channel 7 Sunrise as part of a segment highlighting some of the activities visitors can enjoy around Shoalhaven Heads.
For George Newcombe, owner and guide at Fishing With A Local, it was a great opportunity to show viewers what guided fishing on the NSW South Coast is all about.
From complete beginners to experienced anglers
Fishing With A Local has been operating on the South Coast for seven years, offering guided land-based fishing experiences across the local area.
And the best part? You don't need to know how to fish before you arrive.
George works with everyone from people who have never held a fishing rod in their lives through to experienced anglers looking to improve their skills and learn more advanced fishing techniques.
“I take people from never having held a fishing rod in their lives to quite advanced and teaching advanced techniques.”
That's what makes a guided fishing experience different from simply hiring some equipment and heading down to the beach.
It's about learning where to fish, what bait to use, how to rig up, how to cast and, most importantly, how to give yourself the best chance of catching a fish.
The beach worm challenge
Of course, before you can catch a fish, you've got to get the bait on the hook.
And this is where things got interesting.
Our Sunrise presenter was introduced to one of the most effective baits for South Coast beach fishing — beach worms.
Let's just say they weren't exactly a fan of the experience!
There were plenty of laughs as George demonstrated how to get the worm onto the hook and explained how the bait is presented to the fish.
Because, as every beach angler knows, sometimes getting the bait right is half the battle.
Time to cast
With the bait sorted, it was time for the next challenge: casting.
George talked through the basics, including how to hold the line, where to position your fingers and how to operate the reel before making the cast.
Then came the moment of truth.
Three… two… one… fire!
The cast went out — although perhaps not quite far enough to trouble any fish.
When asked how the casting had gone, George's verdict was brutally honest:
“No, no, no… just a bait cast!”
There was plenty of laughter, but that's exactly what learning to fish is about.
Nobody becomes an expert after their first cast.
Fishing is about more than catching fish
While catching a fish is obviously the goal, a Fishing With A Local experience is about much more than simply putting fish on the beach.
It's about learning new skills, getting outside, exploring the South Coast and having a great time while doing it.
For beginners, that might mean learning how to hold a rod, tie a rig, cast and understand the basics of beach fishing.
For more experienced anglers, it could mean working on advanced techniques, targeting particular species or learning how to adapt to changing conditions.
Every session is different because the beach, weather, tides and fish are constantly changing.
And sometimes, despite doing everything right, the fish simply aren't playing ball.
That's fishing!
Come fishing with us
Being featured on Channel 7 Sunrise was a fantastic opportunity to showcase just how accessible fishing can be — even if you've never picked up a fishing rod before.
Whether you're a complete beginner, bringing the family along for a holiday, or an experienced angler wanting to sharpen your skills, Fishing With A Local offers guided fishing experiences across the NSW South Coast.
From beach fishing and rock fishing to estuary sessions and specialised fishing experiences, the aim is simple:
Get outside. Learn something new. Catch a fish if we're lucky — and have a bloody good time trying.
And if you're wondering whether you need to know anything about fishing before you come along, the answer is simple:
Nope. That's what we're here for.
The only thing you need to bring is a willingness to give it a go.
Ready to give fishing a go?
Check out our fishing experiences and find a session that's right for you.
Fishing With A Local – NSW South Coast Beach Fishing Experiences & Fishing School
Based around the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, with locations selected according to weather, swell, tides and fishing conditions.