First Name – Noel
Last Name – Gogerly
What year did you first start fishing? 1971 – aged 19 years old
Are you part of a generational fishing family? Yes – 4th generation
What was your reason or motivation for choosing professional fishing as a career?
I didn’t want to be a fisherman originally. When I left home at age 15 I went out west and worked n a dairy farm, then I worked in the ammunition depot at the army barracks. I then moved home to Tuncurry and learnt fishing from my Dad and that is where I stayed.
What are your top 3 species for your business?
1 Lobster
2 Snapper
3 Ocean Jackets
What is the most memorable moment for you during your fishing career?
My deckhand and I had been fishing down at Nelson Bay and we were coming back in the bar at Tuncurry, it was April 1st. The bar was lined with people. We were wondering what the commotion was. Jeff Hall the local policeman had put a message out on the radio that morning that we had hooked up a submarine and were towing it into the harbour. We were greeted with half the town. They were disappointed to realise it had been an April Fool’s joke.
What does the co-op mean to you? OR Why are you part of the co-op?
The co-op is my life. It is like a family to us. I grew up in the co-op, there are so many memories. The co-op is as much a part of the fishermen as we are part of the co-op.
What’s a hobby you have outside of fishing?
I spend my spare time at my farm and beekeeping. I got into beekeeping a few years ago and it has kept me very busy since.
Have you been on the board of directors? If so what years or for how long?
Yes. I was chairman for 25 years and a board member for 34 years.