Beloved mobile seafood business I’m A Catch opens permanent shop in Brunswick Heads

AFTER three years of selling fresh seafood from her custom-made retro caravan, Tara Eastwell from I’m A Catch has opened a bricks-and-mortar shop in Brunswick Heads.

Previously, her mobile business rotated through locations across the shire each week – Billinudgel, Mullumbimby, New Brighton and Brunswick Heads – selling fresh fish, prawns and oysters for three hours a day.

While she will keep the van for special events, Eastwell said she will not miss setting up and packing down four times a week.

“I’m so ready to say in one spot and have people come and go as they please,” she said.

The mother of two founded the business after her Indonesia import venture struggled in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when shipping costs tripled.

With just $24 left in the bank, she applied for a superannuation financial hardship payment and withdrew $8,800.

“By chance, the seafood truck cost exactly $8,800,” she said.

With no previous experience in the seafood industry, Eastwell immersed herself in learning everything she could. She researched fish species and cooking methods online, while also asking fishermen, fishmongers and seafood-loving friends endless questions.

The name I’m A Catch came about during a weekend walk from Lennox Head to Ballina with a friend.

“I was in a very bad place and we were chatting away in all my misery and she turned to me and said… ‘mate, you are such a catch’,” she said. “I looked at her and said, ‘oh my god that’s it – I’m a Catch! That will be the name of my business.”

The seafood sold at the new shop – in the space formerly occupied by Bruns Pizza and Thai – is sourced from Northern Rivers Seafood in Ballina, Michael’s Seafood in Alstonville, and local commercial fishermen.

She will also sell scallops, crab and sashimi packs with yellowfin tuna, New Zealand Ora king salmon and kingfish when available, with outdoor dining and take-away available.