ABOUT
The story behind Tobin Fish Tales
every fish has a story
Tobin Fish Tales, in North Ward, Townsville, is all about quality fresh seafood, fish and chips, local seafood source, sustainability, stories about fish, fishers and fisheries.
We love everything about Australian, particularly Queensland, and especially Great Barrier Reef, seafood.
Our end-game is to provide consumers with seafood from sustainable, primarily local sources, plus information about their choice. Interested customers will be able to know where their seafood and fish and chips came from, learn about the fishers who caught it, about how each species is managed, and more!
We also aim to showcase this quality, local seafood by cooking it the best way possible - slicing it ourselves to control thickness, cooking in the best quality oil, taking attention to detail such as mixing our own signature crumb, making our own preservative/additive free crispy batter, and ensuring everything is cooked to perfection.
The story of the Tobins!
Founders of TobinFishTales, Andrew and Renae Tobin, both have doctorates in fisheries science, with over 40 years combined experience.
They have also been licenced Queensland commercial fishers for >20 years; and we are GBRMPA Reef Guardian Fishers, meaning they do that bit more to care for the Great Barrier Reef and the fish they catch for you.
Andrew and Renae regularly advise all levels of government, NGOs and fishing industry members on issues concerning sustainability, conservation and stewardship of the environment and fish resources.
With this experience, and a passion for the Australian seafood industry, their goal was to bring high quality fresh, local seafood directly to you!
New owners Jay and Yogini took over in 2025, and are committed to keeping the Tobins' story going, and to continue to provide quality, local, sustainable seafood, the same way the Tobins have since 2015. The Tobins now spend their time catching the fish that we cook for you!
Our Awards
Since opening in 2015, we have been fortunate to have been nominated for and won a number of great awards, including:
- Townsville Bulletin’s Best Fish and Chips 2017
- Triple M’s Best Fish and Chips 2018
- FRDC’s Judges Choice for Qld in their Fish and Chip Awards
- FRDC’s NATIONAL Fish and Chip Award in 2019
- EatQld Champions 2020
- Top 5 of Qld’s Fish and Chip stores for the delicious Australia 100 Best of the Best 2023
- Finalists for the Qld Seafood Marketers Association Small Business Award, 2024
- Townsville Bulletin's Best Fish and Chips 2026