Matt Watson: The Work Ethic Behind the Adventure | Building a Global Career Through Fishing

Matt Watson grew up in a commercial fishing family and always felt the pull of the ocean. But before becoming one of New Zealand’s most recognisable fishing personalities, he built his work ethic the old-fashioned way - through school, sport, roofing, saving money, and learning how to turn up every day.In this episode, Matt shares how he went from running a roofing business at nineteen to becoming a qualified skipper, taking a pay cut to chase experience, and eventually borrowing money to create The ITM Fishing Show with no television background. His story is full of bold pivots, practical lessons, and honest reflections on work, money, family, integrity, and building a career around something you genuinely love.For young people who feel more at home outdoors than behind a desk, Matt’s journey is a reminder that passion matters - but so does discipline, problem-solving, credibility, and doing the hard work no one sees.