Keeping it reel in the community and beyond
When Daisy Hill-based Ivan Lee says he’s “gone fishing”, it might mean he’s travelling over to the Solomon Islands to provide remote villages with solar power.
Not your average business owner, Ivan first moved to Australia from Singapore to pursue civil engineering.
A catch-and-release angler, he became hooked on fishing and opened his first bait and tackle store in Underwood.
“When I started to fish again, I realised the fishing in Australia is awesome. The Logan River is famous for bull sharks and threadfin salmon – it’s a really good waterway,” Ivan says.
“Everybody’s like family here. The angler community in Logan is pretty tight.”
— Ivan Lee
Aside from the local fish, Ivan loves the diverse City of Logan community.
Ivan and his friends, whom he proudly calls his “boys”, have been instrumental in strengthening the fishing community and beyond.
Even weekday mornings are busy at Bait Tackle Store, where folks pop by for some fish talk.
Now an institution for anglers of all skill levels, his diverse clientele stop by for the latest fishing products but stay for the no-nonsense advice and fish chat.
“We try our best to give back to the community that gives to us,” Ivan says.
“We stock the river with fish like the old boys did, help Logan Hospital and some schools with disadvantaged kids. We also throw local barbecues – the boys come here to show the community a good time.”
Ivan and his boys' work extends to the Solomon Islands, where they have provided solar power and pre-loved goods.
Before COVID, Ivan rallied up his boys to collect almost 200 kilograms of pre-loved items to donate to villages in the Solomon Islands.
He also gathered dollar donations to buy solar bulbs to provide them with light.
To him, giving back to the community is everything.
“Everybody’s like family here. The angler community in Logan is pretty tight. Even when people that are new to the sport come into the shop, we’re always there to give advice,” Ivan says.
If you’re interested in the fine art of fishing or want to meet some like-minded folks, stop by the Bait Tackle Store to meet the boys or visit their website below.
Address: Shop D/5/15 Lapis St, Underwood QLD 4119
Website: https://www.baittacklestore.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Baittacklestore/
By June Ho
