Registered by Post Publication PP232338/00003 Number 126, February 2016 Tight Lines

The Bulletin of The Rod Fishers’ Society Incorporated

Highlights

 Time out on the Gungarlin

 NZ Sea Run Trout Fishing

 Book reviews President’s Letter In this issue of the Bulletin there are interesting stories Facebook is outlined later in the Bulletin. It is still a of family fishing experiences in New Zealand and the work in progress and I welcome any input as we move Snowies; of chasing sea run browns and excellent along the journey. Our thanks go to Peter Gibson and reviews of both one of the best books on casting for Peter and Melissa Johnson for their efforts. as well as a book on New Zealand fishing adventures. We invite all members to encourage family and friends Great to see that there is enthusiasm and interest for to join Rod Fishers’ and create diversity and increase wives and children of members to get the fishing bug. interest in our Society. On a recent trip fishing trip my colleagues had a Our Tight Lines Editor, Peter Johnson is always plaque in the middle of table called “Lo! The Angler”. It looking for written articles that are interesting to our read ”He riseth early in the morning and upsetteth the members be it reviews, photos, reports from trips, whole household. Mighty are his preparations. He poetry, book reviews or issues of a technical nature. goeth forth with a great hope in his heart and when There are prizes for best articles, usually presented to the day is far spent he returneth smelling of strong winners for 2016 at the December lunch. drink and the Truth is not in him.” Best wishes for a successful season and I look forward In January there was a large turnout from Sydney, to meeting up at a lunch or Rodfisher’s function. the Central Coast and Newcastle for the yearly Central Coast lunch, this year held at Woy Woy. What was not mentioned in the report in later pages was Tight Lines, there were unconfirmed reports of fishing from the table. Thanks to Bob Beamish for hosting and Don Marples , President organising this event. I am pleased to advise that at the last meeting of Council, Gerhard Benz and Sean McSharry were made Honorary Life Members of the Society for their Inside the Bulletin outstanding contribution to the Society over many years. On your behalf I congratulate both Sean and President’s Letter 2 Gerd. Upcoming events include the March lunch on Woy Woy Lunch Report 3 Thursday 3rd featuring member Eamonn Donnellan talking in his best Irish accent of the delights of fishing in Ireland. Bookings are now open, so contact the Woy Woy Lunch Photographs 4 University and Schools Club to attend. The annual Oberon Landowners’ Dinner is set down December Lunch Report 5 for Saturday 2nd April - always a good opportunity to try out our stocked dams and local and to develop first hand friendships with the landowners. The Excellent but Cheap NZ Guide 6 There are always a number of members attending and a good time to join them to explore the fishing in Southland’s Nomads of the Tides 7 the area. Past President Gerd Benz is always a good contact. Going Gungarlin 10 We are planning an evening get together in the suburbs near to public transport for members to meet Book Review: Flycasting Skills for Beginners and and hear from an expert fishing guide. This is 12 particularly of interest to those members who are not Experts able to attend the monthly lunches in the city. It is being planned for around an April or May timeframe so keep an eye out for emails from Chris Blyth. Rod Fishers’ on Facebook 13 During the year there are many activities planned – Book Review: Open Season, An Angler’s Life in the annual fly tying and auction night in June, casting 14 sessions most weekends and Peter Morse clinics in New Zealand August. Trips are planned for Oberon, Jindabyne, New Zealand and Kiribati. Rod Fishers’ Directory 16 The Society’s transition to a new web page and using social media such as Facebook is progressing well and instructions on how to find the Society on Rod Fishers’ Calendar of Events 16

2 Woy Woy Lunch Report Rod Fishers’ March Luncheon Society member Eamonn Donnellan will As there is not a Sydney lunch in January, for many years an informal lunch gathering had been held at talk about fly fishing in Ireland Noahs on the beach front at Newcastle. For many Newcastle, Central Coast and Sydney members these occasions were a highlight of the Rod Fishers’ social When: Thursday, 3rd March 2016 calendar, with many members from Sydney and the Time: 12.00 pm for 12:30 pm start Central Coast traveling, usually by train, to join with Newcastle members in what was always a relaxing and Where: Union, University and Schools Club, 25 Bent St pleasurable occasion. Sydney. Note: Please observe the club’s dress code (coat and tie is required). That is up until last year, when the powers that be decided trains would no longer run into Newcastle City Price: $60.00 (Bookings Essential) Centre, but instead stop well short of it. As a All members and their guests are welcome and are consequence, making it far more difficult for out of town Rod Fishers to travel to the lunch venue. Therefore, a encouraged to attend the Society luncheons. January Newcastle lunch was not held last year.

To re-establish the fine tradition commenced by Newcastle members, in particular Graeme McIntyre and Brian Quinn, this year the lunch was held at Woy Woy, on the Central Coast, roughly mid way between Sydney and Newcastle.

There was a good turn up with 26 attending, most from Sydney but also good representation from Newcastle and the Central Coast. Many chose to arrive early and gather at the Bay View Hotel, adjacent to the restaurant, for a pre-lunch drink and chat. Unfortunately, Brian Quinn was unable to attend due to ill health and we wish him a speedy recovery.

The lunch was held at the well regarded Fisherman's Book now: Telephone the UUSC to book for the Wharf Restaurant, overlooking Brisbane Water's scenic Rodfisher’s lunch on 02 9232 8266 or email at Woy Woy Channel. Thankfully, the open nature of the restaurant, situated on what is essentially a covered pier, [email protected] and a cooling breeze provided relief from afternoon temperatures which approached 39 degrees Celsius.

Our lunch guests were ex-member John Humphries, who Fishing Conditions lives on the Central Coast and is well known to many members, and fly fishers generally through his work with the Confederation of Freshwater Anglers (CFA), and Rolf If you would like general information about current Quaas, from Newcastle, who would also be know to fishing conditions, and access to fishable water, members who have attended Newcastle lunches. Rolf, a both streams and stocked dams, as well as names talented fly tyer, kindly donated three lots of flies as lucky door prizes, and phone numbers of the relevant landholders, please feel free to contact the council member, A set seafood menu included: salt and pepper squid, Gerhard Benz by phone on 93876641 or e-mail at prawn cutlets, flathead pieces, barramundi spring rolls, [email protected] fresh prawns and oysters, and grilled fish of the day accompanied by salad and chips. Both the food and the accompanying house wines were commented upon All members are reminded that the owners’ favourably. permission to fish on their properties must always be obtained as a matter of course by At the conclusion of the lunch, president Don Marples telephoning or calling in before commencing to judged it a success and consequently in future years the January lunch will again be held on the Central Coast. fish.

Bob Beamish

3 Woy Woy Lunch Photos

4 December Lunch Report As a past Council member, I was fortunate to be that many members now own saltwater rods, reels invited to attend the Rod Fishers luncheon at the and flies. Most of us live around Sydney, which is Union Club in December. I am very grateful for such surrounded by excellent saltwater fly-fishing, and a courtesy from the President and Council. It was a it’s high time the Society bought a suitable fly- very pleasant affair indeed, catching up with old fishing boat that could be used by appropriately- friends and meeting some of the new members, and licensed members on Botany, Sydney Harbour, the lovely Union Club food and wine as usual. It Hawkesbury and Port Hacking. It would be a big reminded me of what I have been missing out on, drawcard for attracting new and young members, and I will certainly try and turn up more regularly in and who knows, we might even be able to tempt the future. the ladies to come out for a day. Having not attended a Rod Fishers lunch for a few Which brings me to my last point about the lunch: years I was momentarily taken aback by one where were the girls you had greeting: “Geez, haven’t seen you for a while, promised? Rod Fishers used to have a few lady wouldn’t have recognised you…you’ve put on a few members—I assume it still has—there are some pounds”. I immediately realised that the poor fellow excellent female fly-fishers and fly-tyers. It’s was afflicted by our members’ well-known tendency disappointing that for some reason very few of them to greatly over-estimate weight. But he has a point, enjoy the well-mannered camaraderie of the and it will be my New Year resolution to be less of a Society. If I knew that more ladies attended the strain on his tippet by the next luncheon. lunches, I’d be more likely to turn up myself, and it would be an added incentive to curtail my middle- Anyway, once I got over that and my tears were aged spread. dried, I much enjoyed David Beardmore’s presentation on Christmas Island. Saltwater fly- Tight lines for the rest of the season fishing continues to grow in popularity and I suspect Peter Gibson

One of the Kiribati Islands

5 The Excellent but Cheap NZ Guide ...back last night from our trip to NZ. NZ lived up to its rule number one in guiding and having a fish only to get “long white cloud” moniker as we saw sun and blue sky smashed up in the willows by a really good one, Nancy on two days out of the two weeks. It was so bad on cast to, hooked, played and landed (brilliant netting by arrival to Queenstown that the pilot had to abort the that cheap guide) a 3lb Brown. On our last day we went landing attempt only metres (I could see the ground as out with a real guide and ended up hooking 13 and we lifted out of there) before putting the plane down. We landing 7. Nancy made some great casts including a were apparently in the wrong spot given conditions. The 45ft cast to a willow grub feeder under the willows which cloud was “on the ground”, I don’t know how they do it she hooked and landed on a size 20 fly. Good really. We ended up diverted and sitting in Christchurch effort. So the major fishing part of the trip ended, not for two hours before giving it another go. We tried three with a lot of fish you would have to say, but with another times to get down before pulling the pin and heading convert to fly fishing. back to Christchurch. No room in Christchurch for the two plane loads of people that were diverted from We headed to Dunedin after Nokomai but not before a Queenstown due to the earthquake rebuild. So we detour into that sports store by the airport for a pair of headed off to Auckland where we fell into bed at waders and boots (I didn’t mention above that the 1.00pm. An interesting day! The next day we made it excellent but cheap guide had nobbled his client with a into Queenstown, everyone cheered as we landed and pair of 20 year old Gore-Tex waders that it was then fell silent when the pilot came on air saying that the discovered leaked like a sieve in deeper water meaning conditions were a lot harder to land than Queenstown that the client fished a full final day with the real guide had told him and we’d only just made it in! wet and with a full leg of water and it was raining, so real persistence shown by the client). So the Nokomai part of the trip was cut short by a good full day. Nevertheless this part of the trip can be claimed The rest of the trip we tracked around the bottom of the as an unqualified success! We had three days of South Island and had a wonderful time. Weather wasn’t fishing. My aim was to get Nancy onto a fish and even to great but surprisingly we missed the worst of the rain like fly fishing for trout a bit. We fished the Hamilton down there with the west coast, centre and Nelson Burn first day. Fish on mayfly, willow grubs and they areas hammered. In the middle of school holidays there would take the bluebottle. Nancy had an excellent but was no one down where we were and I have no idea cheap guide - after only one casting practice session on why as the area is just fabulous. the home lawn prior to the trip she did OK and managed Now I must go as there is work to do, the client advised to miss a rise and then pull the fly out of the mouth of the that she preferred a Sage ONE to the XP that her largest fish we saw that day just before it rose after her excellent but cheap guide had given her for the trip and best cast of the day too. Guide was watching all this... as Rumpole of the Bailey said – “She who must be guide’s nightmare. Second day saw us on the obeyed…….!” Waimea. It was still flowing a little dirty after all the rain and the low cloud made spotting well-nigh impossible, plus the fish were moving around rather than sitting on Andrew MacKenzie station. After an eventful day, guide ended up breaking

Nancy showing the guide how it is done

6 Southland’s Nomads of the Tides Trout are often seen as an exclusively freshwater fish. In banked a very large sea runner, which even allowing for many parts of Australia, due to lack of stream spawning the time elapsed since its capture, must have well and natural recruitment and therefore almost total exceeded 3kg. reliance on stocking to sustain fisheries, this is easy to Unfortunately, that was to be my only opportunity to fish understand. for sea trout and, like most other Australian trout In other parts of the world, however, not just trout but fishermen, I once again came to view trout as an many other species of salmonid are considered as much exclusively freshwater species. sea species as a freshwater ones. While all salmonoids That is, until I signed up for the first Rod Fishers' spawn in freshwater, in many cases the fish spend most Nokomai Station trip in November last year. Then, when of their lives at sea, returning to rivers only when arranging my licence on-line using the Southland Fish spawning, a lifecycle described as anadromous. and Game website, I came upon a series of informative The list of salmonid that spend all or part of their life in brochures; the one I found most interesting was Fishing the sea includes: Atlantic salmon and the many species the Southern Scenic Route. of Pacific salmon; the European brown trout as well as At last, an opportunity to again fish for sea runners! the Pacific rainbow and cut throat trout; from the char family, brook trout, white spotted and pink spotted char So at the conclusion of the Nokomai trip, instead of (Dolly Varden); and of the taimen species, the Sakhalin returning home immediately, I would stay on for another taimen is also anadromous. Where the sea runs occur, week and travel the route laid out in the brochure from they are valuable commercial and recreational fisheries. West to East, fishing lower reaches of rivers and coastal lagoons along the way. Starting at Tuatapere, near the In some parts of Australia brown trout do run to the sea: mouth of the Waiau River; I would then travel a short on the mainland in coastal Western Victoria, and in well distance to Riverton, where the Aparima River enters into established estuary fisheries right around Tasmania, that a large coastal Lagoon; further on the route would take most locals understandably are quite happy to keep to me to Invercargill, the main city in Southland, where the themselves. Oreti River runs to the sea; finally I would cross the lower But the best sea run trout fishing for us is across the Mataura River near Fortrose, before finishing at Owaka, Tasman, in New Zealand, where most rivers south of the in the Catlins Region, where there are numerous coastal Coromandal Peninsula have a population of sea run lagoons well regarded for the quality of their sea trout brown trout, the best of it being in the lower South Island, fishing. where chasing sea run brown trout (or sea runners as When I mentioned my idea to fellow Central Coast Rod they are often referred to locally) is almost an obsession Fisher, James Betts, he responded that he would like to in coastal Canterbury, Otago and Southland. join me on what was essentially an exploratory road trip. According to an excellent paper by expert New Zealand After I ensured he fully understood and appreciated that I fly tyer and fisherman Marc Griffiths on the biology and knew very little about where we would be fishing, and distribution of trout in New Zealand, freely available on- even less about fishing for sea run brown trout, we line, many river systems were not intentionally stocked agreed on a plan. We would meet up in Queenstown at but instead colonised by sea-going trout populations. the conclusion of my Nokomai trip, hire a car and be on Another interesting point to note is that for much of the our way. In view of the speculative nature of our venture year in the lower reaches of many rivers there are also any fish caught were to be seen as a bonus. resident river trout and large estuarine trout in addition to After settling in at the Waiau Pub at Tuatapere and the transient sea runners. sampling the food there, an experience we immediately My own obsession with sea runners started more than resolved not to repeat, we turned our attention to the three decades ago when doing some work at Lincoln fishing. Our initial fishing attempts on the Waiau River College, just to the south of Christchurch. Upon learning were daunting. The Waiau is a big river, the biggest in that there was good fishing to be had where the Selwyn Southland, and is extremely intimidating due to the River runs into Lake Ellesmere, a nearby large tidal volume of water flow and our efforts went unrewarded. lagoon, I took my recently acquired fly rod, with which up Some inquiries with the local tourist information office, until that time I had only caught one pan-size New however, offered more hope. England rainbow, and ventured forth. Upon arriving at The focus of tourist activities at Tuatapere is the Hump the river I was soon alerted to the presence of very big Ridge Track, a well regarded coastal walk on the edge of trout, as they attacked baitfish on the surface along the Fiordland. An access road to the start of the Track drop off into deeper waters. crosses several streams that flow into small lagoons Initial efforts to catch these were frustrating until before discharging into the Southern Ocean. I took to my cheap white streamer fly, also recently Arriving at the first of these lagoons, we noticed we purchased at Richardson’s Department Store in would not be alone. A local kayak fisherman, fishing with Armidale, with nail clippers to reduce its bulk. Then, after lures, had set up camp just off the road, while another at least the two hundredth cast, my retrieve was local was fishing for whitebait near where the lagoon interrupted by a solid take. Following an epic struggle to discharged into the ocean. I saw this as a very land my prize unaided and without a net, I managed to ...continued p.8 7 Southland’s Nomads of the Tides (cont.) encouraging sign, as to understand sea run trout in New flats criss-crossed by deeper channels mean deciding Zealand it is first necessary to understand the importance when to fish is vital to success. We found through of two bait fish species they pursue into estuaries in inquiry and also from experience that the last of the run- Spring and early Summer: whitebait and smelt. While sea out tide, when the tidal surge slowed, and the early part run trout feed on a variety of marine organisms, such as of the run in, when baitfish made their run in from the juvenile red cod, flounder, eels and lamprey, and crabs, it sea, were best. Low water also contained fish within is the annual movement of whitebait and smelt that brings deeper channels, which could then be reached by them into estuaries and lower reaches of coastal rivers casting from promontories and rock bars, thereby where they are then accessible to the fly fisherman. avoiding the risk of being cut-off on the flats by a fast rising tide or trapped in the mud. Whitebait are small juveniles of the galaxiidae family about 4 to 5 cm long that are highly prized as a food fish. Effects of tide, as well as prevailing weather conditions, High market prices, and seemingly little constraint on the became very apparent when we moved on to fish the extent of captures, have caused great enthusiasm for Aparima River at Riverton. Arriving in town without any whitebaiting as a pastime. Consequently, the banks of the accommodation arranged, we made straight for the lower reaches of many Southland rivers are dotted with all tourist information centre where we were put in touch manner of rough huts and immobilised caravans, where with two of Southland's lesser know treasures, Robin whitebait enthusiasts camp out overnight while tending and Bryan at Highview B&B. their nets as whitebait make their way upstream from the Highview B&B is run by a retired farming couple who, as sea to spawn. Big runs often follow a flood, as the water well as overseeing their investment motels on the West clears, usually on a rising tide – a fact which should be Coast, take in paying guests to stay in their large noted by a sea trout fisherman. modern home situated on the outskirts of Riverton, Smelt, larger than whitebait at about 10cm long, are also overlooking the estuary. As a retirement interest Robin caught by whitebaiters who refer to them as pursues her passion for gardening, while Bryan, like “cucumberfish”, because of their smell, or“silveries” due many rural New Zealanders, is a passionate fisherman to their appearance. Like whitebait, they live most of their and hunter. Although still having good knowledge of the life in the sea, returning to estuaries to spawn. fishing in the Aparima and how to access it across private property, he now prefers to fish the Twizel Canal As we had company of locals at our chosen lagoon, we for very large rainbow trout that live near the moored soon engaged them in conversation and they confirmed salmon farm cages, using worms or Huhu beetle grubs there was indeed good prospects of sea trout as the tide as bait,. To each their own. rose. The kayak fisherman launched, headed upstream and was soon fast to a fish, but later inspection revealed it Generous with information as to where to fish, Bryan was a very dark, rather poorly conditioned resident fish, went even further. When James and I arrived at the first not what we were after. At the narrow channel linking the suggested spot we found Bryan already there. Having lagoon to the sea, the whitebaiter was having a more directed us to a spot where he thought we might have exciting time as several good sized sea trout competed success, he then decided he would also go there to with him for whitebait making their run in from the ocean. guide us along the river and show exactly where to fish. His efforts to guide the trout into his net were But despite Bryan's best efforts we were unable to catch unsuccessful, but spurred James and me on in our anything from this beautiful section of the Aparima, just attempts to catch one. above tidal influence. After several near misses, I finally caught a strong fighting The following day the weather turned bad. To fully fish just up from the whitebaiter. Not a big fish, little less understand the significance of this it needs to be than 1kg, but a satisfying catch nonetheless. The understood that Riverton and Invercargill, about a half successful fly was an Australian whitebait pattern by Muz hour away by car, are a long way south. At more than 46 Wilson, tied in the fuzzle style. degrees south (by comparison Hobart is less than 43 degrees), Invercargill is one of the southernmost cities There are other fly patterns suitable for use on sea trout, in the world. Bad weather means high winds, as well as ranging from traditional ones such as the grey ghost, to fast dropping temperatures and driving rain. woolly buggers, to rabbit fur fly variants, yellow being popular with many anglers. Due to the saltwater Fishing from a rocky promontory in the lower estuary environment, all flies should be tied on saltwater hooks if was just too difficult in the conditions, so we sought intended to last for several outings. shelter further up the Aparima. The fish were unfortunately almost as difficult to catch as the previous Most New Zealand fishermen fish for sea runners using day and, despite once again appreciating the beauty of lures and spinning tackle (with softbaits being currently in the river, we landed only a couple of small browns. vogue), although with the right fly as I found out and, most importantly, a good knowledge and understanding of the But prospects looked like improving when we came tides, sea runners are accessible to the fly fisherman. across big groups of very large trout aggressively pursuing what looked to be baitfish in the shallows. Picking the best state of the tide to fish is critical, Unfortunately, they just would not take a fly. Later Bryan particularly in larger estuaries. Big variations between said he would have been able to catch them on worms, high and low tide, combined with vast expanses of mud ...continued p.9 8 Southland’s Nomads of the Tides (cont.) so perhaps a worm fly like the San Juan worm might have Stuart in his 1917 British classic The Book of the Sea been the answer, although why a trout actively pursuing Trout: “Sea trout are estuary fish – nomads of the baitfish would suddenly decide to eat a worm I am not tides to whom all waterways are familiar” sure. Possibly worms do not swim as fast and are much easier to catch. For our return journey to Queenstown we decided to Moving on to Invercargill we again fished the upper tidal take the coastal road, which crosses small tidal lagoons reaches, this time of the Oreti River, but fared little better. of the MacLennan, Tahakopa, Tautuka, and Waipati So we resolved to head straight to Owaka, the largest Rivers on the way to Fortrose, where the much larger town in the Catlins Region of Otago, to see if we could lagoon of the Mataura River enters the ocean. Arriving turn things around. at Fortrose, we were greeted by the sight of large white caps as powerful winds whipped the lagoon surface to Streams of the Catlins, being small and peat-stained, are foam, so after stopping for a cup of coffee and refuelling not well regarded for their resident trout fishing. But the we were soon on our way. same cannot be said for the sea trout fishing. In this regard, they are not dissimilar to the Welsh sea trout But as we continued our journey back to Queenstown, I rivers in the UK. Conjecture is that there being little to kept recalling those small lagoons, with their quiet, sustain large trout in such streams, a large proportion of seclude, holiday villages, that we had recently passed the trout population choose instead to head to sea where through, imagining the excellent sea trout fishing they there is an abundance of marine organisms upon which to would surely provide. Did I mention that fishing for sea feed. runners can become an obsession?

Owaka is a pleasant holiday town with good shopping facilities and accommodation and, most importantly, an Bob Beamish excellent pub and friendly, helpful locals. A very pleasant young woman in the tourist information centre immediately gained our complete and undivided attention when she revealed that her partner not only fished for sea Rod Fishers’ Ties runners, but was also very successful in catching them on NSW Rod Fishers’ Society is pleased to be able to offer fly. With further prompting she revealed his two favourite spots in the Catlin Lagoon: from the sailing club wharf members a new range of Rod Fishers’ ties. These are and, further towards the entrance, from a rock bar jutting a high quality silk tie, and are available in blue, red and out into the lagoon just before it empties into the ocean. green (green has no stripe). I took heart at this. Sea runners are mostly fished for at Ties are $25.00 and are available from the Society. If the seaward end of coastal lagoons or in the rivers that any members would like to buy a tie, please contact flow into them towards the upper reaches of tidal Peter Pengilley at [email protected] influence, Our only success had been in the small lagoon near Tuatapere, in sight of the ocean and to the sound of breakers, while our efforts at and above the tidal reaches of the Aparima and Oreti had both yielded disappointing results. The sailing club wharf, less than a kilometre from the ocean, looked promising as it jutted out into deeper water of the main channel. And although James said he had several follows by large silvery fish during our mid- afternoon fishing session, we decided to instead try again at the more seaward rock bar later that afternoon. Our timing for fishing at the rock bar was perfect: the last of the run out tide had slowed the water flow, allowing for easy wading to the channel edge. James was the first to land a fish as the tide started to run in, a small fish, but most definitely a sea runner, of less than 0.5kg. He then followed up with two more of better than 1kg. Feeling my frustration mounting as the fishing went quiet and the tidal flow increased with the fast rising incoming tide, I was about to suggest we move back to the sailing club further up the estuary when my efforts were finally rewarded. It is hard to find the words to describe the satisfaction I felt as I looked down at in excess of 1.5kg of silver-sided sea runner as I beached it, There is certainly truth in the words written by Hamish

9 Going Gungarlin Hoping to take advantage of the quiet between Arriving at the river about 2pm, my first task was to Christmas and the new year, I suggested to Kyle explain to Kyle the way to get a tent up in the rain (it that we pack up the car and go fishing for a few was still pouring), “Quickly.” I explained. We got days. He will tend to take any opportunity to engage our accommodation sorted and as we unloaded our in activities that his sisters see no appeal in, so the gear the rain began to ease. suggestion was met with enthusiastic agreement. As the afternoon faded, the inevitable rises began in We decided to take the tent and camp by the the long pool running down towards the camp Gungarlin for a few nights. I have fished here many ground. We took a rod and had a few casts, using a times - it is a very attractive river, usually holding size 14 parachute adams. Slashing bites at this fly smallish trout up to a pound, good camping and revealed most of the rises to be very small fish - often not too many people around. Being a smaller many could not get the fly in their mouths, sinking it river, I figured it would be safe enough for the boy to our frustration. Those that did connect proved to to fish without risk of being washed away. be not much bigger than 5 or 6 inches long. We landed a couple of these, but it appeared no larger So, we loaded tent, sleeping bags, fishing rods, fish were around, so we called it an evening. clothes and associated kit into the car and set out. A quick stop at the supermarket for supplies had us We collected some wood from up the hill and (using catered for and we drove south. the dry wood purchased in town), soon had a warm fire going. It had been a long drive from Sydney By it was pouring rain, heavily. I had vowed and so we resolved to eat, get a good nights sleep to deliver a reasonably authentic camping and fish in the morning. Kyle is ten years old, so his experience, so was counting on collecting wood for idea of a perfect meal consists of any protein you a fire to cook by. That plan went out the window like drowned in tomato sauce, washed down by when I saw firewood (the dry type) sold by the bag something sugary with bubbles in it. Luckily my at the service station at Cooma. I bought a bag. camp cooking skills had this covered and we filled We drove out along the power lines to the camping up on sausages, potatoes, corn and ginger beer. ground at Gungarlin River. This track winds up and down the hills through the twisted, broken snow The next morning saw a bright, sunny mountain gums and the scenery alone is worth the drive. day. Even at the height of summer the high ...continued p.11

Where’s the fish? 10 Going Gungarlin (cont). mountain areas get very cold at night and a hot cup of coffee right after sunrise sitting by that river is one of the truly enjoyable times I have had fishing (see front over photo of this bulletin) We cooked up a hearty breakfast (which, other than the addition of eggs, bore more than a passing resemblance to our dinner the previous night - I was starting to think our trip to the supermarket had been poorly managed). And so we fished. Often in the Gungarlin I have found that a high floating, dry fly, (Geehi beetle, Royal Wulff or similar are usually effective) floating down the fast riffles in this river can bring a rainbow up for a take. Great fun fishing, searching each run, making sure you stay in touch with the fly while still maintaining a natural drift, and watching for that split second when the fly vanishes in the rumbling water in front of you and you strike. Only small fish usually, but a terrific day fishing. Kyle has been fishing sporadically for a few years now, and while his casting gets rusty in between trips, he quickly gets it right and can get a line out sufficiently well to fish small rivers like this. So we took turns fishing each run, and stopped at all the large pools to look for fish moving around or rising. The river was in OK condition, running very low (no surprise for the end of December). After the heavy rain we experienced on the first day there, the water level rose about 4 inches overnight, but by the time we left two days later, it had fallen back to where it started. The water was clear (even after the rain) and, apart from a piece of broken camping furniture that some grub had tossed into the river (and which I removed) clean and beautiful as ever. We caught another couple of small fish, the same size as previous evening. There appeared to be an abundance of fish in this range from 4-6 inches. We fished until lunch time and then returned to our camp. Later that day we saw a few rises that looked to be larger fish, but our flies were met with disinterest by these fish - they seemed to be taking some emerging insect below the film. We met some other fishermen who were camping downstream and they said they had caught a couple of fish to about a pound, but not many around. A sensational meal of beef ribs and vegies baked in the open fire was enjoyed with your choice of a great NZ pinot noir (Rabbit Ranch), or a litre of tomato sauce and some sugary drink (selection generally depending upon your age). Another beautiful day followed. The lack of any significant fish saw us go for a walk up the hill to explore for a few hours, then laying around on the bank of the river in the sun reading a book, with fishing rod only lifted to cast at anything silly enough to rise in front of us. A few sandwiches for lunch, and we packed up and headed home in the afternoon. Upon arriving home, Kyle made a point of telling his sisters that he had not had a shower for three days, thereby guaranteeing the exclusivity of the fishing trip to the domain of boys for at least a few years to come.

Ed

The mountain home of fine dining, with tomato sauce

11 Book Review: Flycasting Skills for Beginner and Expert

Flycasting Skills for Beginner and Expert

By John Symonds & Philip Maher Published by Merlin Unwin Books, 2013 Flycasting skills: as flyfishermen we all have them, some of us more than others. For some, flycasting becomes almost an end in itself, as they strive for perfection. Probably for most like me, however, as long as they are able to present a fly well enough to catch fish that is sufficient. In whichever category you belong Flycasting Skills for Beginner and Expert has something to offer. What makes this book different to many other books on casting is the novel approach the authors adopt. Only 84 pages long, including index, it is so concise because it makes extensive use of diagrams to illustrate casting strokes, with explanatory text and symbols aiding comprehension. Another important difference is that it gives equal weight to two handed and single handed rod casting and to overhead and spey / roll casts. While overhead casting with a single handed rod is best when starting out, and for making precision casts, and is sure to impress your friends when casting a long line accompanied by vigorous false casting explanation are supplemented by useful tips and and line hauling, in many fishing situations it will advice. spook fish. The various roll and spey casts might be a better option, particularly in tight situations. Starting with an explanation of symbols used in Anyone who has used one will vouch for the diagrams, the book then deals first with how to hold superiority of a two handed rod for repetitive a single-handed fly rod, terms used in casting and casting on big waters. some useful casting rules. Then follows detailed coverage of all the casts probably possible to The authors are both highly qualified casting execute with both single and double handed fly rods. instructors. John Symonds fishes for salmon, trout and grayling in the UK and decided to become a Particularly useful to fly casters at all levels is the certified casting instructor and guide as a treatment given to the key casting position, retirement occupation. His talented as a graphic acceleration to a stop, the lift, pause and drift. As artist are very evident in the presentation of the well as covering overhead, roll and spey casts, book, which he intended as a manual for those anchor points and D-loop formation, hauling is also wanting to follow the same path. Philip Maher is an examined in detail. For those looking for more, some Irish fly fishing champion who captained the Irish less well known and colourfully named casts such as team in the 1996 World Championships. Also a the Barnegal Bay, Galway, Belgian and Wombat qualified professional casting instructor and guide, casts are also covered. Not sure how useful these he was John's mentor and now lives in Canada. are when fishing, but sure to impress your friends if you are into name dropping. The coverage of the book is indeed impressive. Starting out as a series of notes compiled by John So is the book a substitute for fly casting instruction Symonds to remind himself of how a fly rod and by a well qualified and knowledgeable teacher? line work together and how to improve his casting, Certainly not, fly casting is best learnt by doing. And the book shows all the main casts, step-by-step on despite the title, the complexity of the diagrams even a single page with explanatory notes. It is intended with the explanations mean that intermediate and to be (in book form) as close as possible to real life advanced fly casters are likely to gain most from it. instruction, supported by theory as to how a cast Although there is certainly something for the actually works. Clear graphic images and ...continued p.13 12 Book review (cont.) beginner who will find it increasing useful to consult as their skills develop. With current high interest within the Society in casting improvement (including Andrew McKenzie holding regular classes and members attending classes by Peter Morse and Juan Del Carmen to enhance their skills) the book would certainly be useful, not only to help clarify thinking on how to properly execute casts, but also to aid understanding of some essential casting principles; such as translation, rotation, straight line path and maximum rod flex, and why these are so important. Is this the best work on fly-casting ever produced as some reviewers claim? Whether it is or isn't, every fly caster seeking to improve should have it in their library.

Bob Beamish

Rod Fishers’ on Facebook!

The New South Wales Rod Fishers’ Society is now on This public page can be seen by anyone on Facebook, Facebook! The Council has decided to create a and will be used to promote the Society, our values and Facebook presence for the Society for two reasons. fly fishing in general. Anyone can post as a visitor, and the Society will never publish any information about Firstly, this is a modern, effective and accessible method fishing locations, events details, members personal to create awareness about the Society, and to promote details, landowners, secret flies or anything else that is the activities and values of the Society. The future sensitive to the Society. Any members who are on potential membership of the Society will come from the Facebook can visit the page now - remember to ‘Like’ us generations who are now using Facebook and we need to get updates! to have some presence there if we are to engage with those of them interested in Fly Fishing. We have also created a members only Facebook Group, here https://www.facebook.com/groups/ Second, Facebook provides an additional channel for nswrodfisherssociety/ the Society to communicate with our members, and for members to communicate with each other. This can include sharing photos and event details. Please be assured that the Society will continue to communicate through our current channels (such as email and this Bulletin), and certainly does not require or expect any members not already using Facebook to sign up if they do not want to. Members should consider it completely optional.

The NSW Rod Fishers’ Society public page is here https://www.facebook.com/nswrodfisherssociety/

This is accessible by invitation only and is provided for

the Society and members to communicate with each other and share photos or other details about fishing that they do not wish to share with the public. This may include Society lunches or other events that are only intended for members, fishing reports or photos that the Society does not wish to share.

This is a new venture for the Society, and we are taking baby steps. We will update the pages regularly and evolve how we use it to best suit our needs.

Ed

13 Book Review: Open Season, An Angler’s Life in New Zealand

Open Season: An Angler's Life in New Zealand by Dave Witherow Published by Random House, 2014

Dave Witherow has spent most of his adult life in the South Island of New Zealand, and has lived a life that most flyfishers can only dream of replicating. Open Season is a recollection of various fishing trips and expeditions, mostly undertaken with mates, to the remote back country streams and rivers of the South Island of New Zealand when they were still largely unknown to the rest of the world and when life itself was much simpler. Dave has a zest for life and for flyfishing that is contagious. Some of his adventures are hair- raising, but they make you believe that the world is actually a good place and that great fishing adventures are still there, waiting to be enjoyed - you just need to get up and do it! Dave is also a larger than life character - I suspect that he has been called many things in his lifetime - he is certainly not afraid to express a view, no matter how controversial it may seem to others. He does bemoan the invasion of foreigners (Aussies obviously included) that has changed the nature and "vibe" of fishing in New Zealand, but his views are well thought out and passionately argued. And he is willing to concede some ground – Peter Morse, for example, is OK. I read this book just after returning from a trip to Nokomai with the Rod Fishers society, and I found his descriptions of the South Island and the Mataura in particular, hauntingly descriptive and so clear it was as if I was still there. If you love flyfishing, you will enjoy this book. You will be envious of a life lived to the full in pursuing trout in remote and unspoilt country. But I think it will also fill you with a resolve to seize the day and to fish more, and most likely, to plan the next trip with mates to the South Island of NZ!

Tim Unger

14 This brown snake apparently came bolting out, took the sausage in front of a group of people and disappeared back into the bush, said the spokesperson from National Parks and Wildlife Management. "It was like it had done it before." The barbecue, in a park at the foot of the Blue Mountains in NSW, where campers might expect the odd brush with a snake still caught everyone by surprise. The photo came from a camper staying at the park.

Quality Accommodation In Oberon  Under New Management  Comfortable rooms with ensuite or self-contained units  Recently renovated  Heated rooms and electric blankets  LCD flat screen TV  Garden with gas barbeque  In-house licensed restaurant offering Indian and Australian cuisine (will cook your catch)  Quiet location away from main road

Ask about group rates

FOR BOOKINGS PHONE 02 6336 1377

Titania Motel 11 Tarana Crescent, Oberon, NSW 2787 Phone: 02 6336 1377 Fax: 02 6336 2174 Website: www.titaniamotel.com.au Email: [email protected]

The Titania Motel in Oberon offers all Members a standing The Compleat Angler in Sydney continues to offer all Members a 10% discount on accommodation (does not include restaurant/ standing 10% discount on its normal prices (all sales and other special offer prices are excluded) bar)

15 Rod Fishers’ Calendar of The New South Wales Rod Events Fishers’ Society Incorporated Postal Address c/- The Honorary Secretary NSW Rod Fishers’ Council Meeting New South Wales Rod Fishers’ Society Union, University and Schools Club, 25 Bent St Sydney P.O. Box 3792, Mosman, NSW 2088 Date: Thursday, 3rd March 2016 E-mail: [email protected] Time: 11:30am Patron Monthly Luncheon Lofty Tottenham OAM (Honorary Life Member) Union, University and Schools Club, 25 Bent St Sydney President Date: Thursday, 3rd March 2016 Don Marples Time: 12:00pm for 12:30pm. Cost: $60.00 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Mobile: 0406 538 568 Nokomai Field Trip, NZ Skype: donmarples Date: 5th - 12th March, Fully Booked Honorary Treasurer Contact: Greg Prowse 02 95231049 or [email protected] Peter Pengilley 36A Buckra St, Turramurra 2074 Field Trip: Billabong Cottage, Oberon Telephone 0438 569 537 (Private) Date: 1st - 3rd April 2016 Honorary Secretary Cost: TBA - usually around $50 per person per night Andrew Harris RSVP: Gerhard Benz, ph. 02 93876641 or [email protected] Telephone 0402 126 206 E-mail: [email protected] Oberon Landowner’s Dinner Membership Secretary Date: 2nd April 2016 Peter Pengilley Oberon Showgrounds, Ross St, Oberon Telephone 0438 568 537(Private) Contact: Greg Prowse 02 95231049 or [email protected] to book Editor NSW Rod Fisher’s Journal Adrian Maroya, Telephone 9451 7853 NSW Rod Fishers’ Council Meeting E-mail: [email protected] Union, University and Schools Club, 25 Bent St Sydney Editor Tight Lines Bulletin Date: Thursday, 7th April 2016 Peter Johnson, Telephone 0408 889819 Time: 11:30am E-mail: [email protected] Advertising Monthly Luncheon For advertising in this Bulletin please contact Union, University and Schools Club, 25 Bent St Sydney Jim Eichler email: [email protected] Date: Thursday, 7th April 2016 Telephone/Facsimile 9949 4069 Time: 12:00pm for 12:30pm. Cost: $60.00 Electronic Communications Chris Blyth, Telephone 0411 428745 Nokomai Field Trip, NZ E-mail: [email protected] Date: 9th - 16th April, Fully Booked Contact: Greg Prowse 02 95231049 or [email protected] Councillors Gerhard Benz (Immediate Past President, Field Trips, Stocking NSW Rod Fishers’ Council Meeting Program, New Member Liaison) ph. 9387 6641 Union, University and Schools Club, 25 Bent St Sydney Andrew McKenzie (Casting) ph. 9489 3372 Date: Thursday, 5th May 2016 Sean McSharry (Council, Assistance - Journal) ph. 9958 2073 Time: 11:30am Greg Prowse (NZ Field Trips, Society Functions) ph. 9523 1049 Bob Beamish (Council, Luncheon Speakers) ph. 4324 4196 Monthly Luncheon Marty Sterrett ph. 9402 5712 Union, University and Schools Club, 25 Bent St Sydney John Hunter ph. 9967 4061 Date: Thursday, 5th May 2016 Time: 12:00pm for 12:30pm. Cost: $60.00 NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers NSW Rod Fishers’ Council Meeting For CFA news and events see www.freshwateranglers.com.au Union, University and Schools Club, 25 Bent St Sydney Date: Thursday, 2nd June 2016 Time: 11:30am New Members are always welcome. Applications for membership can be forwarded to the Honorary Secretary with a cheque covering the Monthly Luncheon joining fee of $116 (incl. GST) and the first year’s subscription of $77 Union, University and Schools Club, 25 Bent St Sydney (incl. GST). We also accept direct deposits to The New South Wales Date: Thursday, 2nd June 2016 Rod Fishers’ Society: BSB 012 055 Account# 497936401. Time: 12:00pm for 12:30pm. Cost: $60.00 The joining fee includes a complimentary copy of the Society’s

Centenary publication, “The Flowing Stream”. If you already have this Peter Morse Fly Casting Clinic book, the joining fee will be proportionately reduced. If you do not Lansvale Reserve, Shortland Brush Turnoff, Henry Lawson Drive, know current Members to propose and second your Membership Lansdowne Application you are invited to contact the Membership Secretary or Date: 20th and 21st August the Honorary Secretary so that they can make the appropriate Further details to be advised closer to the date arrangements to submit your Membership Application at next meeting of the Society’s Council.

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