Page 72 - Port Douglas Magazine 34

ASHLEIGH ERNEST

OWNER, OUT N ABOUT SPORTFISHING

Time is precious, make it count

My next guest, Ashleigh Ernest, is the owner of Out n About Sportfishing which
has an outstanding reputation for both quality and quantity of fishing success. At
the young age of just 29 years old, and in spite of the ridiculously tough past two
years, she still thoroughly enjoys running her fishing venture. “We are exactly
where I hoped we would be following our decision to buy the business back in
October 2020,” she told me.
Originally trained as a hairdresser, it may not have seemed the obvious career
choice for Ashleigh. However, when the opportunity arose to join the team at Out
N About Sportfishing as Reservations Manager, she jumped at the chance and this
new challenge. Not one to shy away from hard work, she quickly picked up the
“gaining in confidence ropes and worked alongside then-owners Syd and Tessa. She gained experience
whilst she nurtured her personal love of fishing!
and eager to continue Ashleigh felt Syd and Tess had done a great job with their business, excited to
to expand her business see the success of a fishing tour, run by a local family. (And we all know it’s the
locals that know where the best fishing spots are!) Gaining confidence and eager to
acumen, she felt the continue to expand her business acumen, when the couple announced they were
selling, Ashleigh felt the time may be right for her to step up and take over the
time was right for her to reins. She admits that initially her husband Paul had some reservations.
step up and take over Paul knew his energetic wife was more than capable of achieving anything she
put her mind to. However, his concerns were purely based upon the lack of full
the reins” time support that he may be able to offer her. As a Marine Engineer, Paul’s work
was based in Skardon River, North of Weipa in Queensland and it was a role that
required him to work as a FIFO (Fly in and fly out worker). The couple’s daughter
Samantha had not long turned two years old and these initial thoughts did not yet
include their now five-month old son, Grayson.
The couple took their time, working through the pros and cons and together they
decided to move on the purchase of the business. With the support of family and
friends, hard work and perseverance they continued to build on the company’s
reputation and created a new chapter of their own.
Fast forward to today and perhaps some super human organisational skills, the
couple are innately proud of how far their family business has come. Like many
small business owners Ashleigh manages her time between caring for her young
family and being on call. Working in the business, she manages bookings, the
company accounts and the day to day operations. The good news, the business
has continued to see growth, with a fully booked schedule most days. Ashleigh
believes their success thus far can be attributed to many factors. Naturally, the
product - each of their two boats can carry up to six guests, making it ideal for
families and small groups who want to enjoy a day out on the water. Despite
working away, when her husband Paul is home he uses his professional knowledge
and skills to ensure their vessels are always in tip top condition. And then there
is their brilliant team of Skippers and Fishing Guides who bring a wealth of
experience. Ashleigh adds,” It is an all round team effort working towards one
mission, to ensure our guests have a once in a lifetime experience, whether they are
fishing up the river or out on the Coral Sea.”
When asked to think of an appropriate word to describe herself, she laughs:
“Insane might be a good definition!” However, the more we chat the more I think
that brave is probably a more apt representation. Always on the go, time is precious
but Ashleigh certainly appreciates that more than most, “Enjoying quality family
time is essential and the more we can involve our children in outdoor activities the
better.” She laughs, “Our daughter Sam has been camping and boating since she
was six weeks old and had her sea legs well before she could walk!”
Any other tips for our readers?
“Yes, the discovery of this homemade recipe for insect repellent - just mix ¾ baby
oil with ¼ Dettol and shake. It is hands down the best at keeping those mozzies at
bay.”
“Oh and grab a cold beer at the end of the day, after all it is the perfect
accompaniment after any great day Out n About.”

72 tourismportdouglas.com.au