Steve Tedesco from Bermagui is another export in his capacity as a highly sought after game boat captain in Australia and across the Pacific.

Steve headed off for Panama last weekend to skipper the game boat ‘Blue Dog’ owned by American angler, Tom Evans.

Tom is a world record holder of marlin caught on fly tackle. The team is supported by another Australian, fly fishing world guide Dean Butler as they search for another world record.

Whilst on a similar mission in Hawaii about six years ago, Steve Tedesco discovered the Japanese art of Gyotaku.

Gyotaku means fish (gyo) and rubbing (taku). It is a traditional Japanese art dating back to the 1800s.

The process intrigued Steve and he began experimenting.

As fishermen and friends saw his artwork, some expressed interest in having one for themselves.

His prints of large flathead are very popular but he has many prints ranging from black bream, mangrove jacks and barramundi, as well as some larger prints such as a recently completed shortbill spearfish.

When he returns from Panama in a months’ time, perhaps with another world record, he plans to make more Gyotaku works including schools of various species.

All pieces are original art works. Working closely with fish over many years has given his prints a realism and character that comes from an intimate knowledge of the fish species he prints.

Steve can produce prints of fish from an anglers’ actual catch but he also has a variety of species already completed. 

He operates a Gyotaku print studio in Bermagui industrial estate when he is not away exercising his skill as a game boat skipper.

Steve’s work will be a standout in the coming “Harbour” exhibition in Shop7 Artspace at Bermagui Fishermens Wharf from Thursday, August 6.