TACKLING AUSTRALIA Nicko - the FNQ"Reel Deal"

Fishing enthusiasts and lovers of Australia's stunning coastline, Nicko Fewtrell is a name that resonates. As one of the charismatic hosts of Tackling Australia, Channel Seven's popular fishing and adventure series, Nicko captivates viewers with his deep knowledge and enthusiasm for sport angling. But for Far North Queensland locals, Nicko is more than a television personality, he's a dedicated local fisho - a term for an avid angler in Aussie slang - who has made the waters of this region his life's playground.

From the fishing show to tackling Australia

Nicko's TV journey began with The Fishing Show, a project with whom he jumped on board with his friend and co-host Nigel Webster, to share their love for the sport. Together, they make a unique duo: Joumnalists, tournament anglers, fishing guides and experts in all things "fishy." Their chemistry and combined expertise have made them favourites among anglers, both on and off-screen.

Their hands-on approach, humour, and genuine excitement quickly gained a loyal following, ultimately leading to Tackling Australia on Channel Seven. This series blends Nicko's adventurous spirit with Nigel's light-hearted charm, taking viewers across Australia's fishing hotspots to uncover techniques, tips, and the incredible diversity of marine life Down Under.

With the upcoming launch of Tackling Australia on YouTube in 2025, Nicko and Nigel will bring their love of fishing, skillful techniques, and adventurous spirit to an even larger audience. This expansion is thrilling for sportfishing fans across Australia and for Port Douglas locals, who can take pride in seeing their region showcased on both a national and global stage.

Fishing in paradise: the Daintree and Great Barrier Reef

With the lush Daintree Rainforest as his backyard and the Great Barrier Reef just a boat ride away, Nicko has created a lifestyle about which many fishos can only dream. His adventures highlight a wealth of expertise in both fishing technique and local knowledge, showcasing the unique conditions and diverse marine life that make this region one of the world's top fishing destinations.

The Daintree River, with its dense mangroves, swirling currents, and clear upper reaches, is one of his favourite spots, offering challenging fishing grounds for species like barramundi, mangrove jack, and jungle perch. "Barramundi fishing here is as good as it gets," he says, underscoring the thrill of the catch.

Techniques such as casting weedless soft plastics and paddle tails into submerged snags are ideal for reaching these feisty species hidden in the dense cover of the river. The jungle perch, often found in the clearer, calmer sections, presents an exciting challenge for anglers.

Just off the coast of Port Douglas, Nicko's passion for fishing extends beyond the river to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef - a dream destination for any angler. These vibrant waters teem with marine life, from trevally and queenfish in the estuaries to sought-after reef dwellers like giant trevally (GT), coral trout, red emperor, and even the rare passionfruit coral trout. The region is also famous for its massive black marlin, some weighing over 400 kilograms, offering the ultimate thrill of battling an underwater giant.

To bring in these remarkable catches, Nicko uses a variety of techniques like deepwater jigging, stick baiting, and trolling, targeting sport fish such as yellowfin tuna, mackerel, and saddletail snapper aka largemouth nannygai, along with the legendary black marlin.

With its unmatched variety and endless opportunities for adventure, this area has rightfully earned its reputation as a "fishing mecca", attracting both new and experienced anglers to enjoy the magic of Far North Queensland's waters.

Nicko's hooked for life - from fishing rod to welding torch

For Nicko, fishing is more than a career- it is a passion that began at an early age when his grandfather first introduced him to the thrill of the catch. Originally from Townsville in North Queensland, Nicko was eventually drawn further north, not only by its stunning landscape but also by his partner, a fellow fisho.

She has also appeared on the screen adding excitement and energy, making for some memorable moments. In one episode, they take on a deep-water jigging challenge off the Far North Queensland coast, hauling in fish after fish.

"The variety of species out here is incredible," Nicko remarks as they reel in a stunning passionfruit coral trout. For them, each trip is an adventure, with their shared passion shining through in every catch.

Outside of fishing, Nicko owns Fusion Welding in Mossman, where his expertise in welding and fabrication plays a key role in his work. He doesn't just talk about building a life around fishing - he built the very boat he uses to navigate the far reaches of the Great Barrier Reef and beyond.

In just three months, Nicko constructed a vessel tough enough to handle unpredictable conditions, designed to carry all the gear, tackle, and, of course, big fish. His skills in welding and fabrication, combined with his passion for fishing, resulted in a durable, high-performance vessel that embodies his commitment to the sport.

Tackling Australia for all the fishing enthusiasts

Whether fishing solo, with Nigel, or connecting with anglers across Australia, Nicko's approach to fishing is about embracing adventure, taking on challenges, and sharing those unforgettable moments when the line tightens, the reel screams, and the fish fights back.

For him, Tackling Australia isn't just a show about fishing - it's a platform to share Australia's rich marine landscapes and inspire a new generation of fishos. With the upcoming YouTube channel launch, he's set to dive even deeper into Australia's fishing landscapes, offering fans a closer look at the skill, wonder, and adventure of angling

Whether you're from Port Douglas, a fan of the show, or just someone who loves Australia's coastline, be sure to follow Tackling Australia and Nicko, the FNQ "reel deal" who lives and breathes the sport, inviting everyone to cast a line and join the adventure.