Hooked on the Journey: Dr. Hong Hua’s Fishing Life, On and Off the Clock

By Delta Australia - Published August 29, 2025

When Dr. Hong Hua isn’t leading safety, quality, and environmental strategy as Delta’s HSEQ Manager for Asia Pacific, you’ll likely find him waist-deep in saltwater, rod in hand, eyes scanning the horizon. Based in Sydney, Hong brings a methodical calm to everything he does. “A perfect day off? Easy,” he says. “I’m on the water, the rods are out, and nothing else matters.”

While fishing is his passion, eating the catch isn’t the goal. “I rarely keep it for myself,” he admits. “Most of the time, the fish go straight to friends, family, or my colleagues at Delta. Sharing the catch is part of the experience.”

Where It All Began
Hong’s love for fishing began as a boy, but it reignited years later when he took his daughter fishing one summer weekend. “She caught a flathead. That moment stayed with me.” Not long after, he joined a local club and fell deep into the sport. One unforgettable day in Sydney Harbour, he hooked a powerful Kingfish. “The line screamed. People stopped to watch. Boats swerved to avoid the fight. But after ten minutes, the line snapped. I was devastated but totally hooked.”

Australia’s Best-Kept Secrets
Fishing in Australia means no shortage of stunning spots. For boating, Hong recommends Rip Bridge for its variety of fish and even crabs. For a quiet beach session, Pearl Beach offers calm surf and solid catches. When it comes to memorable moments, Hong’s first Jewfish stands out. “I was cleaning my boat when my reel started spinning. Two and a half minutes of back-and-forth before I landed it, solo. That was my ‘jewel’ moment.”

Why Fishing Works
Fishing, for Hong, is more than a hobby, it’s a way to recharge.
“In my role, things can get intense. Fishing strips that all away. Out there, I reset. I plan, I think clearly, and I come back better.” That mindset flows into his work too. “Fishing teaches patience and discipline. You learn to approach problems systematically without panic.”

Trophies of the Tide
Dr. Hua’s passion for fishing doesn’t just stay off the record, it's earned him recognition. As a proud member of the Castle Hill RSL Fishing Club, he’s picked up multiple annual awards that reflect both dedication and skill. “In our club, we fish across divisions beach, boat, estuary, even offshore. Each year, points accumulate from our best five trips. It’s friendly competition, but it pushes you to sharpen your technique.”

Among his proudest achievements:

Biggest Tailor (Beach Division) – “That one came in at 45 cm, caught during a quiet solo session on the sand.”
Most Points in a Day (Beach Trip) – Awarded for the highest score on a single competition day, combining target species and bonus catches.
Most Points of the Year (Beach Division) – A testament to consistency across seasons and changing conditions.

“It’s not just about landing one big fish, it’s about strategy, preparation, and understanding the water over time,” he says. “Each trip teaches you something new.”

What’s in the Tackle Box
From custom rigs to spare reels, Hong’s setup is finely tuned. “You never know when gear might fail. I bring backups for everything.” His secret weapon? “A custom stinger rig. If a fish is near, it won’t say no.” For beginners, He advised “Start by deciding what kind of fish you want to catch. That determines the gear hook size, line strength, bait, even the rod. Keep it simple and build from there. Fish don’t care how much your setup costs, they care about what’s at the end of the line.”

A Family Tradition and a Dream
Each year on Australia Day his daughter’s birthday, Hong travels to Forster, a pristine coastal spot where he once landed a 74cm flathead and even wrote about it for the local paper. “A week chasing Bluefin Tuna on a charter boat. That’s the ultimate challenge.”

Company, Solitude, and the Sweet Spot
Weekends are divided: Saturdays with a fishing buddy, Sundays solo. “Sundays are my time to experiment. I go where I want, try new tactics.” Family joins too his daughter, in-laws, and occasionally colleagues.