According to an article in The Telegraph, it all started when Ray Johnstone from Lewiston, South Australia, posted an online advertisement in the local classifieds called Gumtree seeking a new fishing partner, stating simply that “previous fishing mate is now deceased.”
Johnstone furnished potential fishing mates with the information he thought they would need about himself as well as the conditions of their new partnership should anyone be interested in taking up his offer.
“I am a land-based fisherman. I have all the gear for all types of fish that is required for land-based fishing.”
He described his condition as “Used” in the advertisement, The Telegraph said.
“I am willing to share all costs e.g. petrol, bait, and should you happen to own a boat [am] willing to pay all ramp fees, but happy if you are also a land-based fisherman.”
Foreseeing that clashes in personality would likely hamper the enjoyment of their fishing activities, Johnstone even proposed that anyone interested “arrange a meeting to see if we could get along with each other.”
Australians who read his online search for a fishing mate, responded with kind messages, many saying they would love to offer themselves for the post if they weren’t living so far away from him.
Others took Johnstone’s search seriously and posted his advertisement on Twitter, offering their assistance to get him a fishing mate with the hashtag #IllFishWithRay:
“Get Ray flown over to Sydney to go fishing with mates for the weekend,” was the tagline of a fundraising campaign by a Sydney fishing enthusiast aimed to raise A$1,000 (RM3,350).
A Facebook page called “All Things Fishing Sydney” had Joe Forza, the page’s administrator commenting: “At the moment the cost is to cover his (Johnstone’s) return flight from Adelaide to Sydney and back home, accommodation, food expenses and any costs associated to get him fishing. Anything left will go to Ray himself or a charity if he chooses as such.”
The search proved successful and Johnstone’s bait hooked him his fishing partner. He told Nine.com.au: “I have found a fishing partner. Gumtree called me and said the ad went viral.”
Overwhelmed by emotion that Johnstone’s search for a fishing buddy met with success, his daughter Pamela Joy Edwards posted a message on Facebook, thanking everyone who had offered her father support.
“He has been so lonely since Mum passed away years ago, and four walls are not that exciting.
“Even though he has me and my boys to go fishing… it is not the same as having a real friend/mate.”
Good on ya, Johnstone!