Ipswich in Spring 2020

IPSWICH FAMILY HOOKED ON FISHING FOR 100 YEARS

The Alveys have been hooked on making fishing reels for four generations. This year marks 100 years in business. They manufacture almost all of the parts for their reels in-house at Carole Park. Alveys are most famous for their reels that use a sidecast fishing system which means the reel is turned sideways to cast. They are believed to be the only company in the world making this design. Bruce Alvey explains that unlike spinning reels, you can lay a side casting reel in the sand, wash it off in salt water and it’s good to go. There have been many ups and downs over the last century and after nearly closing the doors for good in 2017, their sights are continuing to cast far into the future. “We want to expand the business and as we grow it means more jobs for Ipswich residents,” Mr Alvey said.

“We have great fishing areas here around Ipswich, we have dams that produce good fish and red claw. “At Karana Downs you can catch thread fin salmon and at Wivenhoe Dam there is Bass there at the moment over half a metre. “They are a good fighting fish and eating fish.” Mr Alvey’s reels are mostly used for beach fishing due to their durability and long cast. He would like to see more net free areas and fisheries protected so that people can go and fish and find there are fish to catch. “I think you should treat the ocean like a refrigerator, take out what you are going to eat and leave the rest there for another day,” Mr Alvey said. “The biggest thing people expect when they go fishing is to be able to catch a fish.” Subscribe free to Ipswich First news alerts at Ipswichfirst.com.au/subscribe/

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