John Deasey, with his white moustache, straw hat and big cane fishing basket, was a very well known identity in St George.
He fished from the jetty at Brighton-Le-Sands baths for 36 years, and was still baiting a hook when he turned 101 in 1964.
By that time, he had reduced his weekly visits to the baths from five days a week to two or three, depending on the weather.
He died in 1966 at 102.
Mr Deasey, who would rise early to catch the bus down Bay Street from his home in Rockdale, told the Leader in 1964 he had fished from the baths since they opened in 1938.
Prior to that, he fished from the old Saywell baths opposite the hotel.
He said he came to Australia by sailing ship when he was 22 and worked along the Lachlan and Darling Rivers, where he developed his love for fishing.
Mr Deasey then moved to Sydney and lived in Rockdale for more than 60 years.
Before retiring, he was an engineer for 25 years.
"He is very popular with other fishermen who gather at Brighton baths and is a favourite with the many children who are learning to fish," the Leader reported.
"When the fish are not biting too well, he loves to tell little 'jingles' to the the children."
Mr Deasey had six children, three of whom were still living at the time of the interview, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The jetty from which Mr Deasey and others fished, was used for several years by boats including ferries, which ran across the bay from La Perouse and Kurnell.
It was accessed by a wide boardwalk which ran around the baths, connecting a series of internal platforms for swimmers and, before its removal, a diving tower.
A huge storm in 1968 caused extensive damage to the baths and set Rockdale Council on a course to remove the boardwalk and make the facility a simpler structure.
A restaurant opened in the former dressing sheds in 1972.
LEADER FLASHBACK
Every Friday we delve into the Leader archives to embark on some time travel.
We will bring you photographs of a news event from 59 years of Leader news coverage that you may or may not recall.
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