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AUTUMN 2024 InTouch | 11 DENISE HAS A ‘WISH FOR FISH’ OUT ON THE HAURAKI GULF “I have very limited arm movement and strength but there was a fully automatic reel set up for someone like me. This involved me positioning the wheelchair next to the reel that allowed me to fish with my forefinger and thumb!” wheelchairs. There’s also a lift on board to go up to the wheelhouse, an accessible bathroom with a hoist and a bed for anyone needing to lie down. Once on board there were introductions and a safety briefing. The crew are all volunteers, a mix of retired people, some whose companies are sponsors of the boat and others who have an interest in fishing. They were all super helpful and friendly with plenty of jokes and laughs. Our first stop was near Rangitoto. I’ve never been fishing before so that was all new for me, however I have spent many years on boats (pre-wheelchair) so I really loved being ‘out on the water’ on such a gorgeous summer day. I have very limited arm movement and strength but there was a fully automatic reel set up for someone like me. This involved me positioning the wheelchair next to the reel that allowed me to fish with my forefinger and thumb! The reel went up and down by controlling the button and the obliging crew baited all the hooks. So easy! Pretty soon everyone was hauling in fish, (snapper, gurnard, trevally and even a baby shark) although quite a number were undersized and so had to be returned. Each catch was greeted with cheers and excitement as photos and videos were taken. We also had Adam Clancy from the tv series ‘Fishy Business’ on board and we are looking forward to seeing our episode when it comes on in a few weeks’ time. We moved further around Rangitoto to an even better fishing spot and stayed there until the return journey into the Viaduct. On the way back the crew gutted and filleted the catch which was then shared out amongst everyone. Top: Denise and her first catch! Above: Denise on board the ‘Wish for Fish’boat It was an amazing trip and we really loved it. You can read more about the boat and register for a trip by visiting https://www.wish4fish.co.nz/ . There isn’t a cost for people to go but they do run as a Charitable Trust, so any donations are gratefully received.