Fish N Trips was established in 2006 and is owned and operated by local Mudgee fishing identity Dave 'Bluey' Smith

Bluey has been fishing the rivers, streams, impoundments (and pretty much anywhere else there is water!) of the Mudgee Region since 1990. In that time he has developed skills in a variety of fishing styles for all the major freshwater sportsfish in the Mudgee Region including: Brown and Rainbow Trout, Murray Cod, Golden perch and Silver Perch.

While still at school, Bluey undertook work experience on the Kiama based charter boat MV Signa and was convinced that he would like to make a career in the fishing tourism industry.

At the completion of secondary schooling in 2002 Bluey headed to the big smoke to attend university and complete a degree in Environmental Management and Tourism. This degree through the University of Western Sydney provided the platform to combine practical experience and theory to enable the operation a sustainable business in today’s economic and social climate. A major in outdoor tourism gave him accreditation in all aspects of trekking, guiding, bushwalking, canoeing, abseiling, survival, and first aid.

On returning home to Mudgee at the end of 2005 Bluey applied for a small business grant offered under NEIS (New Enterprise Incentive Scheme) through the Mudgee Business Enterprise Centre. The grant was approved and Bluey immediately and went about setting up Fish N Trips as a professional fishing guiding business. At the beginning of the 2006/07 fishing season Fish N Trips was launched and has never looked back. In 2008 Bluey was accepted into the Professional Fishing Instructors and Guides Association.

Bluey writes a weekly fishing column in the local Mudgee newspaper as well as contributing to several leading fishing websites. Bluey and Fish N Trips have also appeared in a variety of other television and print media including:

• Sydney Weekender

• Sydney Weekender Magazine

• Jason Kennedy's Fish'n Trip

• Fishing World Magazine

• Travel NSW Magazine

• NBN Today's Stinkers Fishing Show

• and a variety of tourism related magazines....

Bluey has been an active member of the recreational fishing community joining the NSW DPI Fisheries Fishcare volunteer program, running Fishing Clinics/Trips/Camps in school holidays for local children and being an active member of the CAS (Central Acclimatisation Society). Bluey also ran free fishing clinics and demonstrations at the 2007 and 2008 Mudgee Small Farm Field Days. 

At the end of 2008 Bluey was offered a position with Game Council NSW as a Game Manager covering the Sydney Metro and Central West Regions. Subsequent acceptance of the position has meant Fish N Trips has gone from full time operations to part time. A new booking system has been implemented (see our bookings page) and Fish N trips will continue to provide anglers with exceptional freshwater fishing experiences throughout the Mudgee Region.

I look forward to showing you the awesome fishing experiences Mudgee has to offer!

Dave 'Bluey' Smith