About Us

Our Story: A Legacy of Local Knowledge and Family Passion

For over two decades, the name About Town Bait & Tackle has been synonymous with fishing in North Queensland. While you might know us online as Fishing NQ, our roots are firmly planted in the Burdekin.

From Humble Beginnings

Our journey didn’t start in a massive showroom; it started with a conversation. In 2001, Shaun Detenon was running a local service station in Ayr. He quickly realized that while customers were stopping for fuel, they were staying to talk about the tides, the tackle, and the "one that got away."

Seeing a gap in the local market for expert advice and specialized gear, Shaun began stocking a few racks of lures and basic terminal tackle. It didn't take long for the fishing gear to outgrow the service station, and what began as a side-hustle soon became a Burdekin institution.

A True Family Affair

At Fishing NQ, we aren't just a business—we’re a family. Shaun was eventually joined by his wife, Katrina, and in 2011, their son Mick officially joined the team.

Having worked together for over a decade, the Detenon family has built a culture of genuine service. We don't just sell you a rod and reel; we share the local tips on where the Barra are biting or where the mud crabs are moving. When you call us or walk through our doors, you’re speaking to people who spend their weekends in the same creeks and on the same blue water as you.

Evolution: The Move to Queen Street

As the North Queensland fishing community grew, so did we. In 2024, we took the biggest leap in our history, moving from our long-term home to a massive, modern facility at 203 Queen Street, Ayr.

This move wasn't just about more shelf space—it was about creating a destination. With double the floor space and plenty of room for customers to pull in with their boats and trailers, our new shop allows us to stock an even wider range of elite brands like Shimano, Daiwa, Penn, Lowrance, and Samaki, to name a few.

Why Shop With Fishing NQ?

Whether you are visiting us at our Queen Street store or browsing from the other side of Australia at FishingNQ.com.au, our mission remains the same:

  • Field-Tested Gear: We only stock equipment that can handle the punishing conditions of the North. From the humidity of the mangroves to the heavy swells of the reef, if we wouldn't use it ourselves, we won't sell it to you.

  • Expert Advice: With over 25 years in the industry, our team has seen every innovation and trend. We take the guesswork out of your setup so you can spend more time with a tight line.

  • Community First: We are proud supporters of local fishing competitions and the Burdekin community that has supported us since 2001.

Come Say G’day

If you’re passing through Ayr, we’d love to see you. Pull the trailer into 203 Queen Street, check out the latest range, and let’s talk fishing.

Tight lines,

The Detenon Family 

About Town Bait & Tackle / Fishing NQ