For anyone who knows the Seeto boys, you know that they are extremely family-orientated, with us wives and kids often travelling up and down the east coast to be there to support them during fishing tournaments, and the subsequent weigh-ins and presentations.
I can’t speak on behalf of Greg and Ian, but I know that at the beginning of each year, once receiving the bream tournament calendar, Chris proceeds to allocate his four weeks annual leave to his preferred events. Hence, when I can, I try to align my annual leave with his, to try and ‘spend time together’.
Now whilst Greg, Ian and Chris truly believe that this is spending quality time with their respective families, reality is that it is really Nicky, Lauren and myself who spend sister-in-law bonding time together, whilst we find local parks to entertain and amuse the kids. I guess we figure it is better than nothing. I mean after all, who could resist a weekend away where you get to sit in a living room watching television, whilst there are three Seeto brothers and often other fishing friends rigging up, whilst discussing lures, locations and tactics, with rods, reels and tackle boxes everywhere – to then be disturbed at the crack of dawn as they get ready and leave for either a pre-fish or tournament day.
We are then left all day, watching the clock to ensure we are back at the weigh-in in time, to come back to the accommodation for the boats to be washed, for the boys to rig up once again, and then go straight to bed because they’re tired and have to get up early to do it all over again. Two or three days of this is alluring, yes?
My brother’s wife would say absolutely not, and cannot understand why I haven’t sold Chris’ boat already, but reality is, I have seen some beautiful places throughout Australia, and have actually looked forward to weekends away like this, to escape the Sydney hustle and bustle.
Fortunately for me, I also get on well with Nicky and Lauren, and absolutely adore my nieces and nephews, and hence enjoy our time together.
Whilst at times over the years I have felt as though I was lower on Chris’ priority list than his love of fishing, I will never ask him to choose between myself or fishing, or make him give up what he loves. Who am I to wipe that smile off his face? He is out in the fresh air and great outdoors, ‘perfecting’ his skills, making new friends, and spending time with his brothers. He could be off drinking in the pub every night or gambling our house away but instead, he is off fishing, and writing about fishing, to share this passion of his with others. If there was an equivalent to ‘happy wife, happy life’, I would use it.
I have realised that it is not a matter of him preferring fishing over spending time with me, it is about him having an outlet and a means for him to unwind, so that I don’t have the grumpy and stressed Chris after a day at work, but rather the happy and care-free big-kid Chris, after a day on the water. Well…only if he catches what he’s chasing…but that’s a whole other story!
Emma Seeto is the latest addition to the Seeto family. Recently marrying the youngest Seeto, Chris, officially becoming a fishing widow.
Thankyou Emma, I am one person who has had his life changed by the Seeto boys. Last year at Lake Macquarrie was my first ABT tournament. and not knowing what to expect, I was very nervous and worried how I would do. I am also 63yrs and a Vietnam Veteran, so on the night of the briefing you could imagine how I was feel when I drew 2 asian looking men for my first ever ABT tournament, I won’t go threw the whole tournament with you. I would phrase it this way, it was one of the best weekends of my life, Chris who I fished with on Saturday and Greg on Sunday are two of the best blokes I have met, so much so I read Lure and Fly every time they post something. thankyou for the time your husband spent with me. not only did it help my fishing but also my mental state. so much so that I am fishing almost all the ABT’s this year, and can’t wait to say hello to the Seeto boys. between them and the ABT. my health and mental state is the best it’s been since I return from Vietnam. So thankyou to Nicky, Lauren and yourself and your children, for the time you gave me with 2 great blokes. have a great life together Allan Austin
No need to thank me Allan – it’s all on them. I guess I’m pretty lucky to have them as a husband and a brother-in-law! And Nicky and I are proud to know that they have such a positive influence amongst the fishing and tournament community!
Good luck with the tournaments!
Emma, Chris is lucky to have you as his wife and great to see such a depth of understanding of the dynamics between a guy’s hobbies, his moods, his motivations and his relationship with his wife and family. It’s all interrelated as you’ve alluded to.
I have not met Chris personally but must say the Seeto brothers come across as generous, energetic and enthusiastic guys which rubs off on those around them. They should be called the Infectious brothers!
There certainly is something about the Seeto brothers! Make sure you chat to them at the next tournament – although in saying that, make sure you have enough time – one thing they all have in common, is when you get them talking about fishing, they find it hard to stop!
Very well said Emma he’s lucky to have you
Emma, loved the article. Chris is a very lucky man. Do you have any tips on how to make my wife feel the same way? Sometimes I don’t think our wives can comprehend how addictive fishing can be and the planning and preparation that is needed to get out on the water and enjoy our fishing! I’m hoping your article may give me that extra time I need!
Thanks!
Sorry Ronald, unfortunately I don’t have any tricks up my sleeve, but perhaps this article may give your wife a chance to consider a different perspective, in terms of your love of fishing. For me personally, I’ve come to realise that Chris will always do what he wants to do (and I married him anyway), so instead of trying to change him, I kiss him goodbye at the crack of dawn for whatever fishing adventure he is embarking on, as well as listen to his fishing stories, read his blog and watch his videos, to support this consuming hobby of his. To see him happy doing something he loves, is enough for me! In saying that though, I would like to clarify that I wouldn’t be quite so understanding if he fished all weekend, every weekend likes he’s been telling people I have given him permission to do, ever since this article got published…if I never got to see him or spend time with him, then it could possibly be quite a short marriage! As his older brothers are always saying – it’s all about compromise!
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