Previously a central school until 1975 the old buildings were falling down due to gravity and white ants and the site was finally moved to Salamander in 1998.

Among many fond memories, I do recall how much the kids at that old school loved fishing. Among the commercial fishing families, the Tarrants, Asquiths, Bagnalls, Sproules, Barrys and Chalkleys were the kids who just loved dangling a line.

It is hard to believe that back in the early 1970s there was no junior cricket, netball, rugby league, hockey, Aussie rules or soccer. It was all surfing and fishing.

It pleases me greatly to see that today, the kids, and in some cases, the kids of the kids of the old students of Nelson Bay High, are still right into fishing.

Local tackle store owner Brent Hancock comes to mind as does Michael Pounder. Michael was one of those early students who has passed his enthusiasm on to 10-year-old son Xavier.

The benefits of fishing as a lifetime recreation are all good, family togetherness in the great outdoors, learning about nature, the environment and a sustainable future.

If you've got a picture of a whopper caught in the Port or fishing yarn to share email it to stinkerfishing@yahoo.com with your contact number and details about your catch.