Paul Worsteling

Paul Worsteling is arguably one of the most recognisable faces in recreational fishing in Australia with an unmistakable laugh, passion and enthusiasm for the sport. He was born in Dandenong, Victoria and lived in Melbourne’s South East Suburbs for most of his life.

He now resides on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula with his wife Cristy and boy, Jet Reef. In 1990 Paul completed VCE at St Francis Xavier College Beaconsfield as Male Dux of his school. He then went on to complete a Four year Bachelor of education (physical education) at Deakin University Rusden campus.

While attending high school and University, every spare minute was spent either fishing or working at a tackle shop near his home. If Paul could not fish, he at least wanted to be able to surround himself with fishing.

In 1996 (at 22 years of age) he was given the opportunity to purchase the tackle shop where he had worked since he was 14. He grabbed it with both hands and become the proprietor of Cranbourne Bait and tackle on 09-09-96.

Paul’s teaching career lasted just three days of emergency work after four years of study!

His media worked started in his late teens with local radio updates on community radio 3SER. Due to their popularity he soon co-hosted a 2 hour radio program on the network, which still airs today. No longer the host, Paul still gives reports on the show 20 plus years on.

He has reported live on 3AW, ABC, 2KY and over 20 other networks nationwide and co-hosts 3AW Melbourne’s popular Friday night fishing show.

Paul’s television career started with guest appearances on Escape with ET (CH9) and Rex hunt Fishing Adventures (CH7). This led to a four year stint as Rex Hunt’s co-host, until the show ended and Paul started the popular IFISH program on the TEN network. IFISH is now regarded by many as Australia’s premier fishing program, receiving Logie Nominations in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Paul is actively involved in the community and loves helping on Mates Day (taking disabled people who love fishing for a day on the bay) and Kids Come Try Fishing days where up to 500 young kids receive fishing tuition. Paul’s Tackleworld stores donate over $100,000 a year to community events, fundraisers and charities.

His angling accomplishments are far reaching. Paul holds two Australian Anglers Association National Records for mako and thresher sharks, a state record for Zebra fish and several IGFA (International Game Fishing Association) World records for species including Giant Trevally, Golden Trevally and Australian Salmon. He has won countless fishing competitions and club championships, but would much prefer to fish for the love of the sport, than for competition these days. Along with his media interests, Paul still owns and operates his Tackle World Cranbourne store with his wife Cristy, where they have now both worked for over 25 years and Tackleworld Mornington which opened its doors in 2013.

Every spare minute you will find the Worsteling family fishing together on Western Port or Port Phillip Bay.