A unique Hobart Movember fundraising initiative has caught the imagination of the states fishing community.
Since the launch of the one-of-a-kind moustache laden fishing lure The Mojo 18, thousand's have been sold to aid men's health.
The Mojo 18 is Sam Shelley’s and Ross Blaikie’s solution to getting people outdoors, raising funds for mental health and landing more fish.
Sold at Fishing Connection in Hobart’s CBD and online, 100 per cent of the profits will go to Movember, a foundation raising funds and awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer.
Mr Shelley, an avid fisherman and friend of Hobart Mobro’s Tommy Windsor, said he’d already placed a second order for the lures due to the overwhelming demand. More importantly he said the new lure was resonating with people who had been impacted by depression, anxiety or mental health related issues.
“While it’s important we raise money for this great cause, it’s also about encouraging people to open up about their own mental health experiences and not to battle it on their own,” Mr Shelley said.
Mr Shelley cited the positives of fishing for one’s mental health. “You purchase something that you might have bought anyway, you make a donation to Movember and you get away fishing which is great for your mental health,” he said.
“Personally I find fishing great for my mental health as it is a great source of downtime and removes you from screen time and quite often phone reception.”
Based off Wigston Lures’ popular Tassie Devil design, the Mojo 18 excels when it comes to catching fish.
“The lure is based off a colour that has been working extremely well this season,” Mr Shelley said.“In a single test fishing session we caught 17 brown trout on it at Woods Lake in Tasmania’s Central Highlands.“This lure will also work well in salt water, particularly on Australian Salmon and Flathead.”
Wigston Lures manager Justin Causby wholeheartedly supported Mr Shelley’s fundraising endeavour, especially the idea of men spending more time outdoors.
“It can be an escape from your normal day-to-day life and it’s a good time to have a think about the good things and enjoy the outdoors,” Mr Causby said. “It’s great for the body, it’s great for the mind and it’s just something great to do anyway.”
The Mojo 18 fishing lure can be purchased at Hobart’s Fishing Connection or http://www.tacklingmenshealth.com.au.