Northwest Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanianwffc.org.au/magazine/August.pdf · Photo below; Members of...

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Northwest Fly Fishers Club of Tasmania August 2020 Volume 11 Number 11 Spawning trout tucked into the bank at a Talbots inflow. Photo: Madison Hope

Transcript of Northwest Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanianwffc.org.au/magazine/August.pdf · Photo below; Members of...

Page 1: Northwest Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanianwffc.org.au/magazine/August.pdf · Photo below; Members of the North West Fly Fishers Club on a day trip to inspect the potential of Four Springs

Northwest Fly Fishers

Club of Tasmania

August 2020 Volume 11 Number 11 Spawning trout tucked into the bank at a Talbots inflow.

Photo: Madison Hope

Page 2: Northwest Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanianwffc.org.au/magazine/August.pdf · Photo below; Members of the North West Fly Fishers Club on a day trip to inspect the potential of Four Springs

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Senior Vice President

Jason Smith [email protected] 0409 415 351

Junior Vice President Phil Blizzard [email protected] 0417 108 853

Secretary Librarian

Robert Fifield [email protected] 6431 4289

Treasurer Adrian Hope [email protected] 0417 136 959

Committee David Kirkham [email protected] 0487 354 527

Committee Oliver Mayer [email protected] 0408 147 023

Committee Ian Pickford [email protected] 0437 623 450

Comp Events Coordinator

David Kirkham [email protected] 0487 354 527

Shack Warden Public Officer

Jason Smith [email protected] 0409 415 351

TFFA Delegate Adrian Hope [email protected] 0417 136 959

2019/2020 Committee

Page 2 - Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmania Inc.

Patron: Max Wood

President: John Scatchard

Phone 0400 254 725

Email [email protected]

Life Members

Ron Henry (1982) | Hilton Charles (1982) | Ken McKercher (1985) Will Eygelshiem (1985) | Max Wood (1987) |

Harry Nicholson (1987) | David Aldridge (1987) | Frank Lawes (1988) | Maurice Dawes (1990) | Doug Stephenson (1995) | Cliff Riggs (1995) |

Neil Thorne (1997) | Brian Viney (1997) | Ian Ainslie (2001) | Keith Credland (2001) | Kerry Innes (2009) | Chris Young (2012) |

Robert French (2012) | Len Radford (2016)

Page 3: Northwest Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanianwffc.org.au/magazine/August.pdf · Photo below; Members of the North West Fly Fishers Club on a day trip to inspect the potential of Four Springs

Space Available: for short articles, photos, gear reviews, recipes, fly ties, trip reports, insect and other food profiles, funny yarns, member profiles, historical

reflections etc.

Page 2 Committee: Office Bearers

Page 3 Contents

Page 4 The Editors Line Brian Cameron

Page 5-6 Presidents Report John Scatchard

Page 7-8 Spawner Talk and Stalk Photos by Madison Hope

Page 9 Hydro Correspondence new signage

Page 10-12 19/20 Talbots Reflections Bob French

Page 13 Trout with Garlic Butter Lemon Herb Sauce

Page 14 Meeting Briefs

Page 15-19 The Long Game Ian Pickford

WEBSITE: www.nwffc.org.au (see www.facebook.com/nwffc.org.au)

Mailing Address: PO Box 306 Burnie 7320

Our Meeting base is at 43 Mace St Burnie, mostly the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm

Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmania Inc. - Page 3

Contents

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Page 4 - Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmania Inc.

The Editor’s Line

Jassid Magazine Editor: Brian Cameron Mobile: 0459 269 512

Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The opinions or views expressed in this newsletter, are those of the respective authors, and not necessarily those of the Editor or the North West Fly Fishers Club. The Editor takes no responsibility,

but takes reasonable care to ensure for the factual content of this publication.

Thanks to Ian Pickford who writes of the evolution of his understanding and the support he has had from others who have fished. Ian always expresses a humility and a preparedness to learn and take a positive out of any situation, characteristics which I must say I find inspiring. It’s also rewarding being able to help others learn and, in the act of teaching, you often learn something yourself. Fish haven’t read rule books– sharks for example are not supposed to take dry flies from boats. On a number of occasions I have taken my sons fishing and when we have sighted activity they have been successful against techniques I recommended. I have been the one learning. Much of my enjoyment is employing new techniques in different situations– in particular I enjoyed fly fishing in Queensland– a whole new ball game but with a lot of similar rules and variety. A lot to learn. Changing tack when something isn’t working in a new situation is much of the fun for me, as well as the collateral enjoyment of being outside seeing nature at work.

If I’ve failed to publish some submission from you then please send me a polite enquiry as about the time of fly tying night each month (or the new editor) as this is the time a new one is in the formulation stage. Sometimes, due to needing to fill 4 pages if a new page begins a submission will be held over. It is possible to get distracted or not have room next month.

After another year of newsletters I must thank our Editors editor and our regular contributors in particular Bob French, Deryk Dennis (who came off the bench last year to become acting Editor), Des Charles, Lionel White and David Kirkham. A couple of others have also contributed on multiple occasions.

David Scholes wrote a book entitled “Memory Hold the Rod” which is a concept I’m increasingly embracing as I approach my 6th decade in age. Whilst my passion for fishing is still there so also is an increased understanding and appreciation of the enjoyment of talking about it, comradery, and a fulfilment in sharing the celebration of life that is fly fishing with others. Being Editor is a job that I enjoy (mostly) and a privilege. Enough mush. Tight Lines, Brian

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July President Report by John Scatchard

Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmania Inc. - Page 5

It is hard to believe that 12 months has passed since our last AGM. 2020 has been a year to remember with only two meetings being permitted, and hopefully we remain Covid free and things can continue to get back to normal. As most of you know the AGM is on Tuesday 11th, and we hope to see a good number of members at the meeting.

The meeting Tuesday night will also incorporate the Annual Trophy night as we had to unfortunately cancel the Annual Dinner due to the Covid 19 situation. The trophy winners are still under wraps and will not be known until the night, so make sure you turn up in case you are in the running to collect a trophy or two. Thank you to Robert for all the running around collecting trophies and taking them to the engraver.

It was very pleasing to see that the fly tying has commenced with members tying flies and catching up. Don’t forget fly tying is on every fourth Tuesday of the month and everyone is welcome.

The club held a field trip to Talbots Lagoon recently to count the spawning trout running up the lagoons tributaries. From all reports 11 members and friends witnessed a number of trout running up the rivers, which bodes well for the future of Talbots. I look forward to seeing a few photos and the reports.

The 2020/21 trout season has now kicked in, and thankfully we Tasmanian’s can enjoy our rivers and lakes. I hope a few of you were lucky enough to get out and bag a trout or two and look forward to hearing your fishing reports on Tuesday night.

With the Bunnings BBQ being shelved due the restrictions, our Club Calendar is more important than ever. I cannot stress the importance of continued fundraising, this helps us purchase equipment for the shack and complete upgrades and repairs when required, it allows us to give a float to organisers of the competition to enable them to purchase prizes (if needed) and supply breakfast when they are scheduled, it also helps us give funding to the Annual Trout Expo and many other projects.

The Calendar is a club project and relies heavily on Members input to supply photos and seek out sponsors to cover the printing costs. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Adrian Hope for all the work chasing sponsors, Deryk Dennis for collating the correct dates and club events for inclusion in the Calendar and to every person who has contributed photos. I know members get a little frustrated when their contributions are not included, but we try to produce a first class product for the club which can be sold not only to members but also the public, so please do not get

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Page 6 - Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanian Inc.

July President Report

disheartened as I encourage everyone to send in their shots, being it fishing related, scenery or anything of interest which we can include them in the 2021 calendar. So remember to take your camera or phone and get those photos for us. If we receive no photos by the end of September then we will have to cancel the production of the calendar as I have no spares this year

Tight Lines

Scatch

Vale Noel James Cruse 25.12.1937 - 28.7 2020 With the recent death of Noel we see the passing away of one of our Foundation Members.

In modern terms you could say that he was the last of "the fab four", Hilton Charles Baden Charles and Joe Mac Cormick all masters of dry fly fishing on both rivers and lakes and constant visitors to the Macquarie River at Stewarton Bridge, the Cressy Weirs on Brumbies Creek and Little Pine Lagoon.

But it was at Little Pine that you were more likely to strike 'Crussey',a big man not hard to miss and it was hard to believe that these huge hands tying on a very small delicate fly belonged to a man who was once the "bouncer "at one of Burnie's most notorious night spots, all ways looking immaculate in black trousers,white shirt and black bow tie, a formidable character

It was Noel's wish that he have a private cremation and later that his ashes be scattered over Little Pine at one of his favourite beats at Senator's Rock

R I P 'Crussey'

Max Wood

Page 7: Northwest Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanianwffc.org.au/magazine/August.pdf · Photo below; Members of the North West Fly Fishers Club on a day trip to inspect the potential of Four Springs

Spawner Talk and Stalk Photographs by Madison Hope

Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanian Inc. - Page 7

A trip was organised fuelled in part by cabin fever where 11 of us headed out in windy conditions latter in July than we would have preferred. We were appreciative of the opportunity. With the necessary permission from Forico our group met at the Talbots boom gates and travelled to our usual sites to see what action might be taking place. Less than the usual numbers of fish were noted but it was still good to get out and about to sniff the fresh air tinged w i t h m y r t l e a n d eucalyptus.

Typical activity with fish in ones and twos the order of the day as opposed the “severals” of other trips

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Page 8 - Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmania Inc.

Spawner Talk and Stalk

Below a message possibly from the IFS warning any dodgy participants that some-one knew of our activities (in fact it was a friendly greeting).

A number of fish lay nearly motionless at the edge of the bank perhaps a bit ‘spent’ from recent activity? It was easy to wonder were they dead so little was their movement? Other fish looked shabby from wear marks.

Thanks must go to David and Bob for coordination with Forico and key collection.

It also was lovely to have Adrian’s daughter Madison along with her camera.

We are indebted to her for most of these photos.

Photo: Bob French

Page 9: Northwest Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanianwffc.org.au/magazine/August.pdf · Photo below; Members of the North West Fly Fishers Club on a day trip to inspect the potential of Four Springs

Hydro Tasmania Correspondence

Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanian Inc. - Page 9

Page 10: Northwest Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanianwffc.org.au/magazine/August.pdf · Photo below; Members of the North West Fly Fishers Club on a day trip to inspect the potential of Four Springs

19/29 Talbots Reflections Bob French

Page 10 - Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanian Inc.

TALBOTS LAGOON some reflections and comments for the 2019/20 season

August/September

Had my first trip 31st August mostly to have a look at the water level and look for a fish in the margins. Water level was good .05 but I could not find any fish in the margins above the road. Three spinner fishermen had caught three fish below the road. Interesting to note that these trout had been feeding on mudeye. I has a couple of trips later in September caught one good fish 1.6kg in quite good condition. Quite a number of fish in the shallows but they were very spooky and difficult to catch.

October/November

I did not fish in October but waited until the duns started hatching in November. Kerry and I had our 1st trip up in canoes 20th November. A cloudy day with a stiff North East wind. A good dun hatch among the trees we managed 7 fish, 6 rainbow and one brown, all on a possum emerger.

The Club’s annual Talbots challenge was held late in November, a good roll up of members and guests. 45 fish 23 browns and 22 rainbows were caught with only 13 caught from the shore. It would seem that most members now choose to fish from a canoe, or at least use the canoe to get to another shore.

The Australian Fly Fishing Team had a few days fishing on Talbots during this period in preparation for the World Fly Fishing Championships held in Tasmania in December. Reportedly they caught dozens of fish from drifting boats using nymphing methods.

Loaded and ready to go, first trip for

the season

A successful Spinner pattern, I had to re-tie these on stronger hooks

Page 11: Northwest Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanianwffc.org.au/magazine/August.pdf · Photo below; Members of the North West Fly Fishers Club on a day trip to inspect the potential of Four Springs

Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanian Inc. - Page 11

19/29 Talbots Reflections Bob French

December/January

Good Dun, Spinner, Damsel hatches and a variety of Beetles made the fish very active on some days. Using a Dun or Spinner pattern Kerry and I had some good days catching a high percentage of Rainbows. One Brown of note weighed 2kg. Most fish were in excellent condition, using a 6lb tippet did not guarantee you would land these fish, we lost quite a few fish in the weed and to bent hooks. The Rainbow especially are very strong and really tested your gear and the ability to tie good knots.

Anglers using hard bodies reported catching large numbers of trout. One in particular said he had caught and released 23 fish, it does make one wonder what condition the trout are released in when using treble hooks.

February/ March

After a couple of warm Northerly spells we found the odd Grasshoppers on the water. Most fish we caught after this had grasshoppers in their stomach content.

The majority of fish we caught were in open water just outside the tree line. Two thirds of these fish are Rainbows, some older fish 500mm plus were in poor condition but in the main both Rainbow and Browns were in good to excellent condition. Flesh colour varied from orange to pale orange.

The annual Club Brian Viney Memorial was held 22nd February with a good roll up of Members staying at the Lodge. 63 trout were caught 37 Rainbow and 26 Browns with only 6 fish caught from the shore, three good Browns one in

Another good day on Talbots

Kerry and I caught all these Rainbows from our canoes in the Silver Plains area.

All taken on dry flies

It takes lots of patience to watch for

feeding patterns out in open water. The

rewards are well worth it when you get it

right.

Flesh colour of some rainbows

Page 12: Northwest Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanianwffc.org.au/magazine/August.pdf · Photo below; Members of the North West Fly Fishers Club on a day trip to inspect the potential of Four Springs

Page 12 - Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanian Inc.

19/29 Talbots Reflections Bob French

particular weighed just under 2kg.

Another Club weekend staying at the Guilford Lodge in mid-March was a waste of time fishing wise. We were hoping for some grasshopper fishing but the weather was atrocious with strong winds, overcast skies and cool conditions. Kerry and I had our last trip at the end of March a reasonable day with a stiff Northerly breeze. After some discussion on the windy conditions we decided it would be quite safe to paddle our canoes to the Western side of the Sugar Loaf where it was quite sheltered. Here we found a couple of fish jumping to spinners. I did manage to catch one good Brown 1.4kg. He was feeding on spent spinners close to the shore. Included in his stomach contents was a couple of Jassids.

This was to be the last trip of the season due to the Corona Virus. Forico closed access to all their properties including Talbots Lagoon in early April.

Over the past few seasons I have been restricted to fishing from the Road Shore. Now when fishing from my canoe I have the advantage of being able to move around the lagoon away from other anglers and then target areas where trout are most active.

Weed growth in the Lagoon was prolific, attributable probably to a stable water level through the season.

In all Talbots fished well for me this past season. Although I had a number of trips shore fishing early in the season for not much success, fishing from my canoe when weather condition allowed was very productive. In all I caught just over 100 trout for the season at an average of 2½ fish per trip.

Bob French

A successful Grasshopper

pattern, tied with Deer

Hair and foam on a

Teimco 102Y hook

Like peas in a pod, this bag of rainbows taken

on a Grasshopper pattern in open water off

Silver Plains in February.

Page 13: Northwest Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanianwffc.org.au/magazine/August.pdf · Photo below; Members of the North West Fly Fishers Club on a day trip to inspect the potential of Four Springs

Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmania Inc. - Page 12

From

the

Kitchen…

of the

Chef they call “Sir”

Trout with Garlic Butter Lemon Herb Sauce

Ingredients

2 trout fillets

Olive oil

1 tblsp Italian Herbs

Salt to taste

3 tblsp lemon juice

2 tblsp butter

2 tblsp chopped parsley

2 tblsp white wine

4 garlic cloves diced

Method

In a skillet pan add a splash of olive oil and heat

Season the fish with salt and Italian herbs (generously)

Add the fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes each side or until cooked to your liking

Remove the fish from the pan and turn down the heat

With the pan off the heat, add the garlic, white wine and lemon juice

Return to heat and cook until garlic just softens. About a minute

Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 tblsp parsley and the butter and stir until the butter melts and forms a creamy mixture.

Return the fish to the pan and spoon the sauce over the fillets. Top the fish and sauce with the remaining parsley and serve immediately with your favourite salad or vegetables.

Page 14: Northwest Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanianwffc.org.au/magazine/August.pdf · Photo below; Members of the North West Fly Fishers Club on a day trip to inspect the potential of Four Springs

Constitutional Changes– a number of suggestions have been put forward to the committee. After a review some of these may be recommended at the AGM.

They are also looking the cost of constitutional changes.

Correspondence from the IFS– note that the $10 000 tagged trout needs to be photographed soon after catching and there are a number of other requirements to be eligible to collect your payment. If you get lucky take a photo with a measure, check the IFS website for directions and contact them ASAP.

General Meeting

18 members in attendance.

Discussed possible venues for novice day. Consideration was given for Frombergs Dam as an option. Members seemed keen and that it may be viable option. The details need investigating as the quoted fee is $15 for 8 sessions. Members could not fish though as they did at Hiscutt Park. We are going back to Robert Weeding to see what arrangements can be made. Attendees would look at paying something where in the past they have not (or would the Club look at paying?). Jason Smith will check out the Natone Hills Dam option.

Club Championships:

Venues for the upcoming season competitions have been booked. Due to a cross booking (we’re cross about the booking!) some weekends are different to previous seasons.

12th -17th February 2021 (longer time durations to sample some good weather)

12-18 March 2021

26th November-2nd December 2021

Annual Dinner has been postponed this year and it is suggested to have a supper after the AGM and some presentations at that time.

We will invite Paul Middleman to speak about the lake and season opening.

Our President John Scatchard is still away having not completely recovered from recent Illness. Thanks to VP Jason Smith for chairing the meeting.

Page 14 - Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanian Inc.

Meeting Briefs

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Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanian Inc. - Page 15

The Long Game by Ian Pickford

Retiring in August 2007 after 42 yrs working in the Forest Industry, fly fishing was always an ambition & interest I had longed to pursue, so here was my opportunity.

It was in 2009 (11 yrs ago) that I launched myself into this intriguing recreation & have been very grateful to a number of people who have tried patiently to get me started with the basics of Dry Fly Fishing.

The Devonport Fly Fishing Club Inc who annually conduct their Fly-Fishing School at Bronte Lagoon (Hut Bay) every January was my initial introduction to Fly Fishing, & what a great gathering it is with me still attending this annual event.

Local mates Deryk Dennis & David Kirkham have persevered with me since 2010 mainly at Talbots Lagoon where I have developed more confidence & skills under their watchful guidance for which I am very appreciative.

It was in Nov 2011 that I netted my first 1.5 lb Brown trout at The Stockyards-Talbots. In those days selected weekends approved by “Gunns Ltd”- (landowners at the time) allowed road access around Talbots Lagoon to the club for organised club events. So, it was a patient 2 years of toil before I finally came of age & broke the ice—so to speak.

Joining the “NWFFC Inc” in Oct 2014 enabled me to meet many of the club’s expe r i enced f l y fishers who have been so helpful in sharing their wealth o f f l y - f i s h i n g k n o w l e d g e & experience to such a novice practitioner as I still see myself.

As I continued to practice & persevere, I struggled landing fish being too aggressive & breaking off regularly. The reason being, I feared the fish would snag itself on the many obstacles in Talbots & I’d lose the fish anyway. On one particular occasion Deryk, Lionel & I waded out to the 2nd island up in The

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Page 16 - Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanian Inc.

The Long Game by Ian Pickford

Myrtles & I managed to latch onto a sizeable brownie midway between both islands with me in waist deep water. Now this part of Talbots was relatively free of snags & so I was determined not to break off & lose the blighter. Well it took me an hour & 10 minutes to land the fish as every time I’d put some pressure on the fish, it would take another run & I just couldn’t wear it out. Deryk & Lionel must have fished their way around the 2nd island 2-3 times whilst I persisted playing the fish. They were giving me heaps of advice / flack but eventually I won the occasion netting a 2.5lb brownie. So, it appears that I have the club’s record of the longest endurance taken to land a fish, however I had good reason to be patient & prove a point.

Kerry Innes has taken me under his wing over the past 2 summers inviting me up to his shack at Great Lake to experience some central highland fisheries. Summer 2019 was not a good time to be in the highlands with horrendous bushfires that raged for weeks. Our original plan was to go in mid-February however the region was closed for weeks & the opportunity didn’t come until the 7th March when we zipped up for 4 days. The weather was testing (cold, showers & windy) not really ideal for dry fly fishing but we decided to give it a crack anyway. Of the 4 days, we got out on 3 of them tasting Penstock Lagoon landing 3 nice brownies (Kerry 2 & Ian 1) fishing from Kerry’s boat.

A trip to Woods Lake was a first for me & I was blown away with the number of boat trailers & vehicles parked in the car park (absolutely dozens!) & we had a job to find a park ourselves. Kerry soon had us on the water after having to present our licences to IFS inspectors (doing their job-good to see). Off to one of his favourite fishing spots with testing windy conditions prevailing. It was a day for duns with them hatching irregularly all day. My weakness was in presenting my fly, being too slow in comparison to Kerry who landed 5 brownies for the day to my zero. Not complaining, it was another good learning experience for me whilst watching a master perform so instinctively. So that

Page 17: Northwest Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanianwffc.org.au/magazine/August.pdf · Photo below; Members of the North West Fly Fishers Club on a day trip to inspect the potential of Four Springs

The Long Game by Ian Pickford

Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanian Inc. - Page 17

completed this trip’s outings with Kerry bagging 7 & Ian 1, but sharing the catch for our respective family’s tables.

Another opportunity arose this year in mid-February when Kerry again invited me to join him at his ‘Great Lake Resort’ for another 4-day experience. The weather once again was fair to reasonable with cool temperatures & persisting winds. On Wednesday 12th Feb, we arrived at the lake spending the first afternoon drifting along the western shore of Little Pine Lagoon with the occasional black spinner appearing & fish rising sporadically. No success was had from the boat so Captain Kerry suggested a land base approach. Within 5 minutes of stalking the waters from the western shore Kerry had a nice 3 lb brownie take his black spinner & bagged it in no time. My consistent attempts casting to frequent rises generated no hook ups, but at least I had fish to cast to.

The next day was off to Penstock Lagoon to join another dozen or so water craft fly enthusiasts where duns would come & go all day long. Fish again were rising irregularly & not taking what we were presenting which developed an air of frustration within our ship. Kerry had been thru his fly box at least once with no acceptance of his offerings & some interesting French language also being aired at times to hopefully coerce the fish. Finally, his favourite possum emerger worked & a 2lb brown was in the boat just off Tree Shore. I was playing catch-up following my tutors lead to no avail. Another strike & Kerry was on again within 5 minutes of his first fish. This potential catch appeared to be a thumper with it really extending Kerry’s landing skills & after 5 mins all was revealed, he’d fouled hooked a 1.5lb brownie in the dorsal fin!!! It was getting colder & rises less frequent so time to head back to camp for “Beer O’Clock”.

Next day (Friday) was foggy, overcast with drizzle persistent. A slow start & stoking up the appealing log heater was preferred to heading out early. After a late lunch Kerry decide to take me to Haddens Bay-Great Lake (only a kilometre away). Spent the afternoon drifting around with more dun offerings being presented & Kerry seizing the opportunity when only one rise was spotted. A quick response from Kerry had another fish on board . That was it for the afternoon.

Saturday was not looking flash weather wise (overcast & windy again) however

The engaged enthusiast

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Page 18 - Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmania Inc.

The Long Game by Ian Pickford

we were determined to have another crack with time getting away. Little Pine was our preferred destination with a fresh north easterly air flow present. Spending 6 hours on the water drifting down along the Western Shore - Grassy Promenade Kerry managed 2 more browns (2 & 2.5 lbs) on possum emergers with Ian scoreless again, yes it was a tough day at the office as the saying goes.

So, the final day with a much better weather forecast warmer, blue skies & light easterly breeze Kerry was keen to take me to the lakes west of Liawenee. After cleaning up the Resort we departed by 10am & headed to Lake Augusta with the aim of walking around to the western shore from the southern end to do some sight fishing. It took us about 30 mins walking time only to find the wind had increased making sight fishing visibility impossible. Back to the vehicle for plan B.

Kerry believed Lake Kay would be a good alternative option & so on to this car park 3-4 kms away. Several vehicles were already there before us which would make it a bit crowded we thought, hmmmm?! We decided it was lunch time & so before heading off we had lunch. Whilst doing so a Hobart fishing Guide rocked up. We told him of our plans which he poured cold water on suggesting we head around to Second Lagoon where he guaranteed we’d have success using a black spinner. So, we had nothing to lose & took his advice as Kerry had never fished this water before. This meant heading back from roughly where we’d come taking another road to the southeast. Got there by 2pm put our waders on & we walked to the lagoon’s edge 200m away. Quite a strong easterly blowing by this stage with us both fishing across the Lagoon about 100m apart. The Lagoon was very shallow-no more than a metre deep & sight fishing was possible. Within 15 mins I had a good hook up casting in a prospective fashion using a black spinner & within 5 mins had a prize 3lb brownie in the bag—my first for the 4 days. “Woop-ee!!!” I sung out to Kerry who was excited for me & came across to share my success. Kerry sighted a number of fish but couldn’t get them to take his offerings. We decided it was time to slowly head back to the vehicle & so

Ian would humbly admit that on the water he isn’t known to often clean up, but as a passionate member and committee person this photo shows’ he’s made of the “right stuff”

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Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmania Inc. - Page 19

What’s Happening?

What’s on

August 11th AGM (7.30 at 43 Mace St.)

August 25th Fly Tying 7.30

September 8th General Meeting

September 22nd Fly Tying

September 26th Rainbow waters open

fished our way back via a different route. We were almost back to our starting point when Kerry had a strike & masterfully landed another classic brownie. All in all it was another enjoyable 4-day adventure for us both, even though I could only manage 1 fish for the trip with Kerry bagging 7. Departed Lake Augusta by 4:30pm headed for home 2.5hrs away. The attached photo are the 2 Brownies from 2nd Lagoon.

So to all of you who have been assisting me to further develop my fly fishing skills (over the past 9 yrs) I do thank you very much, realising that

it’s still work in progress for me which I have had a lot of enjoyment & pleasure from so far in my retirement years. I don’t catch a lot of fish each year but do treasure the opportunities when they come my way. Pickie

A big thank-you to this months calendar sponsor

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20

Booking is by current financial members only.

Persons booking shack are to leave their contact details (a telephone number for sharing purposes).

The Shack may only be booked by a member attending the shack Advance booking for a maximum of four consecutive nights only. Members may use a second four night block when the shack is available. People sleeping in vehicles and using shack facilities pay the full rate.

Members must either pay in advance or make full payment within 7 days of vacating the shack. You must confirm your booking by telephoning Jason Smith on 0409 415 351

or email [email protected]

The booking is not confirmed until the webpage dates change colour.

The password to book can be obtained by contacting Jason (as above) and the current shack door lock combination will also be available from Jason.

Members are advised not to disclose the combination unnecessarily. Problems incurred by doing so will result in suspension of privileges.

When paying by electronic transfer put your name and ‘Shack Hire’ in space provided and send treasurer an email advising him of your payment to [email protected] The account is

BSB Number: 037 002 Account Number: 156358

Shack Hiring Charges

Member - $10.00 per night

Family - $20.00 per night

(2 adults only per “family”)

Guest of a Member $20.00 per night

(Children under 18 yrs. stay free)

Shack Booking Procedure

Page 20 - Newsletter of the North West Fly Fishers Club of Tasmanian Inc.