Albany Fishability group seeks to reel in more volunteers as it continues to grow

Albany’s Fishability group reeled in the end of another successful year on Friday, celebrating the launch of a shiny tailor-made trailer to house the team’s growing collection of gear.

Each Friday, come rain, hail or shine, the group meets at the Emu Point service jetty for a morning of fishing.

With volunteers providing advice and equipment, people of all abilities experience the joy of fishing.

Wheelchair users also get to participate, with special electric rods to attach to their chairs.

Co-ordinator John May said Fishability sessions could attract up to 60 people a session including participants, carers and volunteers.

“Anyone that has a disability is entitled to come down to fish,” he said.

“If they (fish caught) are legal size, we put them in a freezer bag so they can take them home.”

Mr May said everyone was welcome to join the group as a volunteer or participant.

“We’ve been running out of fishing rods lately because we are getting bigger crowds,” he said.

“Because there is a wide range of disabilities ... they are all welcome.

“Everyone knows everyone — they are like a little social group.”

With the Fishability group growing each year, volunteers recently joined forces with local businesses to revamp the equipment trailer.

“It’s pretty run-down, the paint was all faded and it really wasn’t doing the job,” Mr May said.

Some generosity from local businesses and a fresh lick of paint have transformed the trail-er.

The Great Southern Local Legends wall is a new addition to the trailer, celebrating the businesses whose donations keep Albany Fishability afloat.

Mr May said the group was on the lookout for new volunteers to help out next season.

He said the looks of joy on the faces of participants were “priceless” rewards.

“Every volunteer is just as important as the next one and it wouldn’t work without them,” he said.

For details, visit fishability. org.au/programs/albany.