The first and the last commercial tuna poler | People | ABC Australia

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Jack Bellamy catches final tuna at age 88.
Jack Bellamy, 88, came to Port Lincoln aboard the wooden MFV (Motor Fishing Vessel) Tacoma in 1952.
Seventy years later he’s poled his last tuna after a decade back on the boat showing tourists the art of tuna fishing.
The Tacoma was Australia’s first purpose-built tuna boat.
As 10-year-olds Jack and his twin Keith watched it taking shape from their kitchen window in Port Fairy, Victoria.
The Haldane brothers Bill, Alan and Hughie crafted it on a vacant house block on the banks of Moyne River.
It took seven years, and by the time it launched the Bellamy twins were onboard, forgoing their trades as a butcher and baker.
So began the adventures of Jack and Keith Bellamy.
The Tacoma was gifted to the people of Australia and volunteers maintain the vessel in Port Lincoln where the annual fishing trips take place in February each year.
Visitors get a glimpse of the life that captivated Jack Bellamy and cemented his place in fishing folklore.
Story by: Jodie Hamilton
#fishing #tunafishing #tunapoler #tacoma
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[@cheekybrewskitovarich]

That is one tough old bastard

[@brucepedersen4032]

Well done, Jack !!

[@prasadnilugal4691]

Well done Jack Sir

[@javiercorreapr9977]

Many blessings!

[@aquariussoda007]

Great story cheers

[@annalouise280110]

Thanks mate cheers

[@fanaticforager6610]

An exceptional example of working an Honest quid 😉🤙🏼

[@palkulamazhageshkumarindia4862]

Hi..friends

[@markwatters6875]

Enjoy your retirement sir