26/11/2025
We had the pleasure of having a life member from the North Entrance Surf Club, Ken, join us — and he’s kindly written a wonderful review about his experience.
Below is Ken’s review:
A day on The Water
On Tuesday 18th November, I had the pleasure of doing some fishing and sightseeing around the Brisbane Water with 2 other North Entrance Surf Club Life Members, Campbell Black and Peter Lane. Pete has been going through some health problems and the day was planned to give him some “away time” from his nursing home. All the nurses were lined up to bid Peter farewell on his big fishing trip. As luck had it, it was a beautiful day and perfect for our trip. Our host was Adam Portelli, the owner of a specialised flat bottom fishing boat that accommodates handicapped guests. The company is called Smiles on Your Dials and I found it on Facebook. Adam is also a member of Avoca Beach Surf Club and was more than gracious with the time he took to show us around the coves and coastline of Brisbane Water.
All the tackle and bait were provided and when we finally dropped a line at his favourite spot, the bites came fairly quickly. Peter had previously been the President of the Surf Club Fishing Club, so although he was well versed in dropping a line, he hadn’t actually been able to fish for a few years. It was as if the fish read the script and Peter pulled in the first one, a small Bream. Once he gave it a kiss, it went back in the water. Not long after that he hooked a good size Flathead and I am pretty sure he started to remember the joy this pastime gave him for many years.
Just to cap off the day, on the way home we pulled into Darron’s Seafood at Wamberal and bought some fish & chips. We took them back to the nursing home and sat under cover out the back and enjoyed them whilst reliving the day. All the nurses were once again there to greet him and enquire how the day went. They then agreed to clean up Pete’s Flathead and serve it to him for dinner.
We couldn’t thank Adam and his daughter Sky, enough for their help in setting this up. I have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone who is looking for a fishing trip or cruise around the Brisbane Water for anyone who may have some special needs. They’ve just finished some renovations on their boat to accommodate larger wheelchair access. If you need to call Smiles on Your Dials, their number is 0452 055 259. Also a big thanks to the Board of North Entrance Surf Club for making this day happen.
