A 13-YEAR-OLD who needs no introduction, Blake Herbert is fast becoming a local celebrity through his enthusiasm for everything outdoors.
For the past six months, Blake, who lives with ADHD and dyslexia, has been a regular feature alongside “Sarge” on Triple M on a Friday morning, telling listeners where and when the fish are biting.
Blake’s personality and enthusiasm is infectious and listeners have been highly impressed with his knowledge of the local fishing scene.
Blake’s parents, Lesley and Jason, who operate Camp Jordan on the Hastings River, say their son “never stops”.
His passion for the outdoors led to the development of the now popular Blake’s Adventures social media page, which is attracting more and more followers every week.
Blake, how did you get the gig with “Sarge” on Triple M doing the fishing report?
My aunty works at Triple M and through her recommendation, they asked me to come and do it and now I do it every Friday and love it.
You really love being outdoors don’t you?
Yes, I cannot stay indoors. It is not me. I love fishing, hunting and surfing. I also play rugby league for the Port Macquarie Sharks and rugby union for the Vikings.
Where is the best spot to fish on the Hastings River?
That is easy. On the wharf at Camp Jordan. There is plenty of flathead, bream and jewfish. Any guests that stay, I love to show them the best way to fish and even take them crabbing. I got a real kick out of sharing some time fishing with West Tigers NRL player Brent Naden who was in Port Macquarie on a break.
Through your social media platform, Blake’s Adventures, everyone in our area is getting to know you. You even offered updates on the recent flood disaster. What is it like being a local celebrity?
When I was little, my mum and nana took plenty of videos. At 18-months-old, I went out to sea to fish and my adventures have been captured since then, so I thought I would share them on my social media page, Blake’s Adventures. I just did it for a bit of fun and I’m so happy with how many followers I have and getting more every week.
You are an ambassador for dyslexia, and you have an important engagement this Saturday at the Port Macquarie Library. Do you want to tell us a bit about it?
On Saturday at 11am I am doing a presentation at the Port Macquarie Library, promoting a new decodable book for dyslexic kids. Dyslexia affects so many and everyone struggles, and I am more than happy to promote awareness of this condition.
Blake, thanks for sharing your story. Good luck on your next adventure, which will obviously be outdoors, and congratulations on your advocacy of dyslexia. You are a champion!
By Dave ‘Scoop’ LAZARUS
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