STLAA Trout 2016 by Norm Cribbin

Angling Report of the Southern Tasmanian Licensed Anglers Association

Index Editorial .......................................................................................... 2 Inland Fisheries Service ................................................................ 3 Minister’s Report on Inland Fisheries 2015/2016 ....................... 3 From the Director - The State of the Fishery ............................... 4 Hydro Tasmania Report................................................................ 6 yingina/Great Lake's threatened galaxiids ................................... 6 MAST Report ............................................................................... 10 Anglers Alliance Tasmania Report ............................................ 12 Chairman’s Review 2016 ........................................................... 12 Inland Fisheries Advisory Council Report (IFAC) 2015-16 .... 14 STLAA Reports ............................................................................ 16 STLAA Executive ...................................................................... 16 STLAA President’s Report 2015-16 .......................................... 17 Club Reports .............................................................................. 19 Australian Polish Anglers Club ............................................. 19 Bridgewater Anglers Association .......................................... 21 Clarence Licensed Anglers Club ........................................... 24 Huon Licensed Anglers Association ...................................... 27 Kingborough Anglers Association ......................................... 30 Lake Pedder Anglers Club ..................................................... 32 New Norfolk Licensed Anglers Association ......................... 34 Features & Special Reports......................................................... 36 From the Past ............................................................................. 36 Too Good to Catch Just Once .................................................... 46 Tooms Triumph ......................................................................... 47 The Mighty Tongariro................................................................ 51 Slow down, your fly rod is too fast! .......................................... 53 Back to Pedder - Easter Competition Review............................ 57 Recreational Boating Fund Application..................................... 61 Obituaries ..................................................................................... 64 Season 2015-2016 Photo Gallery................................................. 67

Trout 2016 Tasmanian Angling Report of the Southern Tasmanian Licensed Anglers Association is published annually by the Association and its affiliated Clubs. Cover Photo: A lovely Arthurs Lake fish about to be returned to the water.

Report Committee: Terry Byard Bridgewater Anglers Ph 0429 977 185 Norm Cribbin Clarence Anglers Ph 0408 144 587 Robert Chandler Huon Anglers Ph 0418 131 216 Neil Pinkard Clarence Anglers Ph 0427 342 245

Editorial

eason 2015-2016 was a real challenge with exceptionally low lake and river levels due to the unprecedented drought conditions. Despite the conditions most anglers enjoyed some excellent fishing during the season. Personally I enjoyed some excellent mayfly hatches and resulting spinner activity at Penstock Lagoon and Lake Meadowbank.

Junior Angling Pond at the Bushy Park Estate continues to be a focal point in the calendar of STLAA. The day provides the chance for our junior anglers to catch a really big fish and the opportunity for adult members to share in the experience, whilst catching up with members from associated clubs. This season saw the inaugural STLAA Interclub Challenge event take place. The event is to be held annually with the host club being selected by ballot. The host club is responsible for nominating the water and rules for that particular event. Bridgewater Anglers won the ballot to host the inaugural event, nominating Lake Crescent as the water to be fished. The event was well attended by participating clubs and culminated in a presentation and BBQ back at their Lake Sorell shack. All clubs are encouraged to support this new event as a way of strengthening the links between member clubs of the Association.

The big southern rivers such as the Huon, and Derwent provided a mainstay for many anglers, producing some excellent fish as evidenced by some of the photos in the Gallery section. Some of the most severely impacted waters in respect of water levels were Tooms Lake, Lake Leake, Lake King William, Great Lake and Lake Burbury. These waters at the peak of the drought were to almost, if not completely, inaccessible to boat anglers. Lake Leake and Tooms Lake also required shore based anglers to wade through extensive muddy shoreline to reach the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge.

Special thanks must go to the Report Committee and Club Delegates who have spent many hours arranging advertising sponsors, following up on reports and collecting and writing the articles that appear within Trout 2016.

Noting that as this publication goes to print Tasmania is recovering from some of the worst flooding in living history. We are now in a situation where all major lakes, apart from Great Lake, Lake Gordon and Lake Echo are at full supply. The floods whilst devastating for many do have a positive effect on our waterways providing much needed flushing and injection of new water into the lake and rivers systems.

As I have indicated in the past I would ask you to acknowledge our advertising sponsors, for without their support it would not be possible to continue to publish this annual report. So next time you are making use of any of our sponsorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s services, take time to thank them and mention that you saw their advertisement in the Trout 2016 book.

As anglers we will have to wait and see how the various waters respond to the widely varying conditions over the next few seasons.

Norm Cribbin - Editor

The Annual STLAA Family Day and BBQ, held at the New Norfolk Anglers

Inland Fisheries Service Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report on Inland Fisheries 2015/2016

s the Minister for Primary Industries and Water, with responsibility for Inland Fisheries, I am again appreciative of the opportunity to provide my report for the Southern Tasmanian Licensed Anglers Association (STLAA) publication, "Trout 2016", The Government recognises the value of the inland recreational fishery to Tasmania and is committed to developing, managing and protecting our world-class trout fishery.

trophy fishery in 2015 demonstrates the progress made. I attended Liawenee Trout Weekend again this year and I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the IFS and anglers for this wonderful event. The weather was fantastic and good crowds turned out to view the trout and activities of the Service. The ongoing participation of angling clubs in this event and their support of the fishery is great to see and very much appreciated.

I am a strong supporter of the Anglers Access Program and it was my pleasure to launch angler access to Talbots Lagoon in December 2015. This project was undertaken with the consent of Forico Pty Limited and I commend them on the decision to participate in the Program. The South Esk River Anglers Access Project was progressed and will be completed in during the 2016-17 season.

The IFS implements fisheries management projects to understand, manage and improve all recreational fisheries. Trout population studies were again undertaken on rivers across the State following an unprecedented dry spring, summer, and autumn. Studies were also started on Penstock Lagoon and Arthurs Lake to be completed in 2016-17.

Work continued on the Government's commitment of investigating possibilities for developing recreational fisheries opportunities in the south of the State. The purchase of water for Lake Dulverton continued plus it was stocked with trout to supplement the fishery. A small expansion of the River Derwent Anglers Access Project was completed near the New Norfolk Bridge and a feasibility study into a dedicated impoundment south of Geeveston is being investigated.

The use highland spawning creeks to supply wild fish stocks was broadened with the construction of a new trap on the River Derwent at Lake King William. Unfortunately, this trap, along with most of the others in the Central Highlands, was damaged by the devastating June floods. Repairs are planned for the 2016-17 summer and any shortfalls in the stocking program will be made up next winter, weather permitting. The proceeds of licence fees continue to be applied to fisheries management, protection and development by the IFS and the return to wetter conditions this year should ensure this work provides a good return to anglers for several seasons to come.

The Carp Management Program (CNP) remains a priority of the Government. The eradication of carp from Tasmania and the restoration of the Lake Sorell fishery are key objectives of the CNP and significant progress was made this year The return of Lake Crescent as a

I share the ongoing commitment of the members of the STLAA to our worldclass fishery. I thank you for the passion you bring and your continued support and involvement in our fisheries management.

Jeremy Rockliff MP Deputy Premier Minister for Primary Industries and Water

From the Director - The State of the Fishery

he 2015-16 trout season gave us some of the most extreme climatic conditions we’ve seen for many years. It was very dry from spring to autumn and the Central Highlands saw the lowest inflows on record. This had serious consequences for Hydro Tasmania storages particularly yingina/Great Lake. Because of the low rainfall the State experienced an energy crisis made worse by the failure of the BassLink Interconnector. Fishing was disrupted around Lake Makenzie and the western lakes down to Lake Pedder as serious bushfires hit the normally wet Western half of Tasmania. The fishery was further stressed in June when the dry ended and the state experienced the worst flooding in 75 years. Our Central Highlands fish traps, Corra Linn, Salmon Ponds and Anglers Access infrastructure on several rivers were all damaged in the floods.

up survey later in 2016 to look at tag loss and fish movement. This will help design a full study for 2017. We also did population studies of Penstock Lagoon and river fisheries. Boat access to major lakes was difficult because of the low lake levels. Ramps at yingina/Great Lake, Lake Echo, Lake Burbury, Lake Leake and Craigbourne were unusable and others, such as Woods Lake, accessible by 4wd only. There were many fisheries that fished well such as Lake Crescent, Four Springs Lake and Bronte, Penstock and Little Pine lagoons. These were not affected by the low levels. Some places fished well despite the low level, such as yingina/Great Lake, Woods Lake and Tooms Lake. There is no denying it was a very challenging season across the whole fishery, one of the poorest in recent years. The season’s performance was reflected in licence numbers, which fell by 3.5 percent for the year.

Small fish size and difficult fishing meant the performance of the Arthurs Lake was again a concern. We decided to start a pilot fish population study to better understand the fishery. We tagged and released fish back to the lake from the spawning runs at Scotch Bobs and Tumbledown creeks. We’ll do a follow

On the River Derwent at Lake King William we built a new migratory fish trap. Winter floods seriously damaged this trap and those at Arthurs Lake and Lake Sorell before fish could be caught for wild adult brown trout transfers. As a result, fewer fish were stocked this year.

Shortfalls at Bradys Lake, Four Springs Lake, Tooms Lake and Lake Leake will be made up next winter.

and this will present a challenge in the coming year. Most water storages across the State have either spilled or risen greatly following the return to wetter conditions in May and June. This will rejuvenate waters such as Lake Leake, Tooms Lake and Craigbourne Dam as well as popular fisheries in the Central Highlands. I am confident that the outlook for the 201617 trout season is now greatly improved and will deliver great fishing opportunities for several years.

We started work on the South Esk River Anglers Access Project this year with completion planned for 2016-17. The Talbots Lagoon angler access was launched by the Minister, Jeremy Rockliff, in December and it was planned that at the season opening for 2016-17 the South Riana Dam angler access would be launched. All this work has greatly improved fishing opportunities in the North West

I wish the STLAA and its member clubs every success in the 2016-17 season.

The Carp Management Program continued to work on eradicating carp from Lake Sorell. Most of the carp caught were spawned in 2009. A study of catches indicates that the population was reduced by at least 50% this year. Surveys in the lake showed that there was no successful carp spawning last spring or summer and the population remained contained to Lake Sorell. High lake levels during winter 2016 have made spawning habitat more available

John Diggle Director of Inland Fisheries

Deer at Penstock Lagoon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AAT Web Cam screen shot 4 August 2015

Hydro Tasmania Report yingina/Great Lake's threatened galaxiids

ntil relatively recently, the life cycles and habitat requirements of threatened fish in several lakes in the Central Highlands were not well understood, particularly spawning time, spawning location, spawning cues, longevity of fish, and habitat use. This makes it difficult to predict how water levels influence their populations. It is

reasonable to expect that loss of critical habitats and cues could significantly reduce the breeding success of galaxiid populations. Hydro Tasmania initiated a range of studies in 2009 to fill ecological knowledge gaps and improve our understanding of the potential impacts of low lake levels on the lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s threatened fish species.

Figure 1 - Shannon paragalaxias (left) and Great Lake paragalaxias (right). Spring 2015 inflows were the lowest on record for Hydro Tasmania. High temperatures increased evaporation rates, leading to a further reduction in storage levels. The Basslink undersea interconnector experienced an unplanned outage from 20 December 2015 to 13 June 2016, which further increased the pressure on Hydro Tasmania storages.

The ongoing dry conditions and extended Basslink outage lead to an environmental impact in some of our storages. Low lake levels, particularly in yingina/Great Lake, put pressure on aquatic species and lake ecosystems. Hydro Tasmania acted to limit the environmental impact of the energy security challenges on its storages,

particularly at yingina/Great Lake through water level management to protect critical habitat and support ecosystem health.

<2 years of age), they predominantly occupy shallow areas around the lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s margins using benthic habitats (ie the lake bed, Figure 2 and Figure 3), and use rocks in these shallow benthic areas to spawn in spring and summer (Figure 4).

The Central Plateau region of Tasmania has a high level of endemism in its aquatic fauna, and yingina/Great Lake is no exception. While the lake is one of the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important recreational trout fisheries, it is also the natural home to four species of galaxiid. Two of these, the Great Lake paragalaxias, (Paragalaxias eleotroides) and the Shannon paragalaxias (Paragalaxias dissimilis), have distributions that are confined to Great Lake, Shannon Lagoon and Penstock Lagoon. These two species are listed on State and Commonwealth threatened species schedules (Figure 1).

Figure 3 - Shannon paragalaxias resting on the lake bed.

The other two galaxiid species (spotted galaxias, Galaxias truttaceus, and climbing galaxias, Galaxias brevipinnis) are not considered to be threatened, but are likely to be important to the aquatic ecosystem of yingina/Great Lake.

yingina/Great Lake is no longer in environmental risk zones as a result of the rains in May and June, and water levels continue to rise. Population surveys for native threatened fish species were completed in May, and found high numbers of juvenile galaxiids. These preliminary field results indicated that recruitment from last spawning season has been successful for these threatened species. This suggested that no detectable population impact occurred as a result of the loss of eggs and individuals in Spring 2015. This is very encouraging and Hydro Tasmania will continue to monitor and analyse these results and take a cautious approach to next spawning season.

Figure 2 - Great Lake paragalaxias camouflaged against lake bed.

An expert group of aquatic scientists was convened by Hydro Tasmania during the low lake level period. The group and assisted the business to manage water levels in order to minimise environmental impacts and provide favourable conditions for the recovery of the lake from this low lake level event. The group indicated that the placement of artificial spawning habitat in yingina/Great Lake could be a potential

The results of the galaxiid studies initiated by Hydro Tasmania showed that the recent low water levels experienced in yingina/Great Lake could potentially impact upon population is of threatened paragalaxias by reducing spawning success due to dewatering of important spawning habitat. This is because both paragalaxias species are short lived (majority of the population

mitigation measure to reduce the impact of potential future low lake levels caused by climate extremes or unforeseen circumstances.

However, the effectiveness of artificial spawning habitat is untested on these species, and so Hydro Tasmania is conducting a small scale trial to test its feasibility. A series of rock groynes were installed at three sites in Swan Bay in late August 2016. The location of the trial sites were chosen to maximise spawning likelihood, as Swan Bay appears to be a spawning â&#x20AC;&#x153;hot spotâ&#x20AC;? for paragalaxias. However, the bay has significant cultural heritage values and the sites were chosen after surveying the area and consulting with Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania and the Aboriginal Heritage Council to avoid disturbing aboriginal artefacts.

Figure 4. Paragalaxias eggs adhered to the underside of a small boulder in Great Lake

Figure 5 - Map showing approximate locations of artificial spawning habitat trial sites in Swan Bay.

Figure 6 - Line of artificial spawning habitat groynes in Swan Bay. The groynes submerge as lake levels rise during spring. both paragalaxias species indicted that this would place the artificial habitat at a suitable spawning depth during spring 2016. Each groyne is comprised of approximately 4 m3 of 200-400 mm dolerite in a pile approximately 2.5 m long by 2.5 m wide by 1 m high (Figure 6 and Figure 7). The artificial spawning habitat will be monitored by snorkelling during spring 2016 to assess the effectiveness of rock groynes as artificial spawning habitat. If effective, it will be adopted as a potential mitigation measure to reduce the potential impact of low lake levels during future low inflow periods.

Figure 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Close-up of an artificial spawning habitat groyne. The sites are situated at Mackersey Head, west of the Swan Bay boat ramp, and at Dud Bay (Figure 5). At each site a line of five small rock groynes were placed on the 1024.7 m (above sea level) depth contour. This level was selected as known spawning depth preferences of

David Ikedife Senior Aquatic Scientist Hydro Tasmania

MAST Report

priority for MAST over the coming fishing and boating season will be to further educate the large number of inflatable life jacket owners on the dangers of not regularly maintaining these jackets. It is a legislative requirement that inflatable life jackets are maintained in accordance to the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendations and more checks will be carried out over coming months inspecting the integrity of inflatable life jackets.

Life jacket manufacturers have advised that the average span of a life jacket is around 10 years. For those who purchased a jacket to wear for comfort years ago it may now be time to upgrade. A new Australian Standard has been published so for those looking for a new jacket only purchase one that is of the new standard, AS 4758.1. The older standard jackets, AS 1512 and AS 1499, will be written out of legislation in 2020. Anglers are reminded that it is a requirement to also wear your life jacket on a boat 6m and under when motoring. Compliance officers reported that a number of infringement notices were issued to people for failing to wear their life jackets during last season. With water temperatures early in the season no more than 6 or 7 degrees your chances of survival are limited when not wearing a life jacket.

It is now 16 years since life jackets became compulsory on boats 6m and under in Tasmania and we are seeing many old inflatableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still being used that were purchased around 2001-2004.

More information on the servicing of inflatable life jackets and cold water immersion can be found on MASTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, (www.mast.tas.gov.au).

water level boat ramp at Craigbourne Dam did not proceed this year due to the Dam rising just as work was about to commence.

With low lake levels last year and earlier this year Hydro Tasmania and MAST worked closely together and ended up removing the pontoons on Great Lake for storage at the IFS yard at Liawenee.

If you feel there is infrastructure due for an upgrade then we recommend you apply to the RBF, applications close in March each year. Applications are available on the MAST website.

Since the record rains in June lake levels have risen and the pontoons have now been returned to their locations. A new pontoon has been installed at Lake Rosebery and for those who fish the South Esk a new landing stage will be constructed at Longford. The new low

Happy fishing and safe boating from all the crew at MAST. Peter Hopkins General Manager â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Recreational Boating Safety and Facilities Marine and Safety Tasmania

Anglers Alliance Tasmania Report Chairman’s Review 2016 ith the recent “FIPS - MOUCHE” announcement that Tasmania will be hosting the annual World Fly Fishing Championships (WFFC) in 2019 (last held here in 1988), there is a great deal of opportunity ahead for all associated with recreational trout fishing and tourism business, as well as other tourism industry sectors around Australia. Tasmania in particular once again reaffirms it has a position on the global stage as a world class wild trout fishing destination. After 2020 this event is shifting to a bi-annual format, and it will likely be a long time before Tasmania gets another showcase opportunity like this. Our political representatives keenly await a strategic plan from AAT, in conjunction with the WFFC event planning authority, to identify priorities in needed infrastructure, information/education, and marketing, along with cost estimates to ensure the best outcomes from federal, state resources and funding.

resulting in devastating floods and infrastructure damage. At the end of all this we now have healthy regenerating waterways and some lessons learned. Over the past three years AAT has seen steady growth in website visitation (Source: Google site analytics). Webcams continue to be a major drawcard for an upward trend of visitation to the website. In summary, the number of annual users continues to grow by around 25%. Over that threeyear period, we have seen 100,000 users come back, on average 4 times each, looking at 4 pages for around 4 minutes. This translates to over 1.6 million page views. The AAT executive recently secured ‘Telstra’ as a naming rights sponsor. This sponsorship covers the data use cost for all cameras and gives us scope to move forward with confidence. The “Tasmanian Angling Hall of Fame” sub-committee are now planning monthly phone meetings and are not far from finalising the induction guidelines and selection criteria to be published on the AAT website, along with a succession plan to ensure ongoing sustainable management. Thanks to the AAT executive for extra support and guidance in these tasks. The information boards, on display in the Museum of Trout Fishing at the Salmon Ponds, have been finalised and updated regarding the original history.

The executive has continued with passion to engineer improvements in outcomes around the state, together with effective management practice and leadership from the IFS leading toward the improvement and sustainability of our fisheries into the future. Tasmania saw a record dry winter and warm summer leading into an historically low reserve in our water catchments. IFS having previously studied these sort of climatic risks and were able to work wisely with water managers to minimise threats to our fisheries and habitat.

October 30th is the planned state wide Junior Angler Day utilising a number of venues around the North, North West and South of Tasmania. There are inspiring events and new national initiatives being planned by various organisations around the state

Immediately following this record dry Tasmania received a record wet period

and country that AAT could work with/support to increase advocacy and fishing participation.

and all of the representatives from the angling community. I thank you all sincerely for your efforts, passion and commitment.

Many people pull together in various ways to make things happen for the Tasmanian fishery, from the executive and sub-committees, our key partners,

Gary France Chairman - Anglers Alliance Tasmania

Inland Fisheries Advisory Council Report (IFAC) 2015-16

n August 2015, IFAC called for new members, as appointments were due to expire on 28 October 2015. IFAC increased the number of appointees from seven to eight. Three exiting members, Dr Christine Mucha, Gary France and Shaun Finlayson, were reappointed for two-year terms. New appointees Alex Schaap, Frank Neasey, Simone Hackett,

Dr Liza Fallon and Michele Moseley were appointed for two or four-year terms. The Director of Inland Fisheries, John Diggle, remains a statutory member. Retiring members Sue Baker, Dr Karen Richards and Michael Stevens are thanked for their service.

Member

Representation and role

Michele Moseley

Chairperson

Alex Schaap

Ministerial appointment

Frank Neasey

Ministerial appointment

Simone Hackett

Tourism relating to inland fisheries

Gary France

Freshwater angling associations

Shaun Finlayson

Representing freshwater commercial fisheries

Dr Christine Mucha

Ministerial appointment

Dr Liza Fallon

Representing conservation interests

John Diggle

Director of Inland Fisheries

Membership of the Inland Fisheries Advisory Council on 30 June 2016 IFAC provides a forum for consultation on policy matters, a sounding board for the Director of Inland Fisheries and, importantly, fulfils a legislated role to provide advice to the Minister for Primary Industries and Water.

During the year, IFAC provided support for the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy commitments by assessing the feasibility of developing a southern fishery and other southern recreational fisheries initiatives.

IFAC held five meetings during the year at the IFSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office in New Norfolk, taking the opportunity to meet with staff and listen to presentations on various subjects from both staff and invited guests.

IFAC worked on its meeting protocols and prepared revised terms of reference for the Minister for Primary Industries and Water. The Minister has approved these revised terms of reference. The extremely dry conditions at the start of the year affected water levels and river flows. The potential impact into the following season would have been significant if these conditions had persisted. IFAC acknowledged that IFS would have incurred losses if relieving

In addition, IFAC was well represented at the Trout Weekend 16 in May and the Carp Management Workshop earlier that month.

rains had not followed. Consequently, IFAC took the opportunity to ensure that it was well informed on water management issues and policies, and subsequently provided advice to the Minister on these matters.

3.5% compared to the previous year. IFAC believes this reflects both the environmental and economic conditions of 2015-16. Although licences were down, the IFS completed the year with a modest surplus.

Encouraging more angling remained a key focus for the IFS and IFAC, and improving the experience is an important component of this. We aim to present new experiences for existing anglers and attract more juniors, families and tourists. IFS and IFAC are still investigating a number of opportunities to achieve this and will continue to do so. However, licences were down some

This year was a particularly challenging one due to extreme weather events. However, the focus and hard work of staff, together with the input and advice of IFAC members, enabled the IFS to deliver on its corporate plan. Michele Moseley - Chairperson Inland Fisheries Advisory Council

STLAA Reports STLAA Executive OFFICE BEARERS 2015-2016 POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 697 Moonah 7009 PRESIDENT: Mr Laurie Harrison VICE PRESIDENT: Mr Amos Mapleston & Mr Justin Causby SECRETARY: Mr Neil Pinkard HONORARY TREASURER: Mrs Margaret Pinkard HONORARY HISTORIAN: Mr Ray Aitchison PATRON: Mr Bob Ward AAT DELEGATES: Mr Terry Byard, Mr Justin Causby EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Mr Laurie Harrison, Mrs Margaret Pinkard, Mr Neil Pinkard, Mr Norm Cribbin Mr Amos Mapleston & Mr Justin Causby CLUB DELEGATES: Australian Polish Anglers Luke Stefankowski, Adrian Kniaz Bridgewater Anglers Terry Byard Bronte/Brady Anglers Kim Cooper Clarence Anglers Norm Cribbin, Neil Pinkard Huon Anglers Rob Chandler Kingborough Anglers John Francis Lake Pedder Anglers Matthew Mallinson, Garry Loh New Norfolk Anglers Tim Lowe, Justin Causby LIFE MEMBERS: A. Maclaine 1979 D. Cranfield 1999 D. Triffitt 2011 C. Smith 1983 R. Bradshaw 2002 N. Cribbin 2012 L. R. (Bob) Ward 1987 T. Byard 2004 N. Pinkard 2015 B. Creed 1992 L. Harrison 2009 T. Lowe 2016 R. Aitchison 1995 K. Hansson 2009 K. Jones 1999 P. Wood 2010 CERTIFICATE FOR SERVICES TO ANGLING AWARDS: R. Bradshaw 2000 D. Driver 2005 J. Steele 2011 P. Wood 2000 P. Richards 2005 N. Bester 2011 L. Datlen 2000 M. Russell 2005 C. Pearce 2012 K. Hanson 2000 H. Chivers 2005 J. McIlhenny 2012 W. Knight 2000 M. Pinkard 2006 M. Mallinson 2012 N. Cribbin 2001 R. Aitchison 2006 J. Freeman 2013 B. Sherriff 2001 A. Smith 2007 D. Wright 2013 D. Triffitt 2001 S. Page 2007 P. Thompson 2013 T. Sutton 2001 B. Page 2007 R. Cooper 2013 W. Seabrook 2002 D. Goss 2007 I. Cooper 2013 N. Pinkard 2002 S. Granger 2008 N. Rowlands 2014 F. Johnson 2002 J. Barrett 2008 M. Exel 2014 J. Bluett 2003 M. Harrison 2009 A. Donohue 2014 E. Aitchison 2004 C. Harris 2010 W. Marshall 2015 K. Walker 2004 J. Groves 2010 P. Fulton 2015 B. Johnston 2004 K. Cooper 2010 M. Evans 2015 M. Sherriff 2004 J. Causby 2011 B. Thunig 2016 R. Walker 2004 S. Mallinson 2011 D. Cranfield 2004 T. Gourlay 2011

STLAA President’s Report 2015-16

t is with pleasure that I present the president’s report for the 2015/2016 angling season. The association has had a very successful year.

throughout the year and we will continue to ensure that our social program is in line with their expectations. Congratulations must also go out to the Inland Fisheries Service for a very successful and well run event at Liawenee this year with the weather leading up to was terrible but they seem to pick the day for this event with around 2,500 attending over the 2 days.

Firstly I must thank the committee for all the great work they had done over the past year along with all of the club delegates for the work that they have done on behalf of their clubs throughout the year. The last year has been another season of solid performance and contribution by the association, ably backed by our member clubs. It is the continued collective commitment of the clubs that make the association strong and this commitment has continued and strengthened throughout the season 2015-16. Though the association, clubs continue to support each other throughout difficult times and this strengthens the ties between us all. Of note are the contributions by the following clubs the New Norfolk Licensed Anglers Association who with other clubs within the association conducted the brown trout opening for 2016 by running another successful Derwent River Challenge with money raised going to a worthy charity, There were six other clubs involved in this well conducted event.

I would like to particularly thank our sponsors, many whom have been supporting the association and clubs for a number of years Hydro Tasmania, Spot On-The Fishing Connection, Rod and Range, Bob Jane Moonah, Wigston’s Lures Moonah Auto Parts, and T&M Trophies these people have been great supporters of our social events and activities program for a number of years, to all of these groups I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart as without your generous support much of our activities would not be possible

Also the Lake Pedder Anglers Club with their Back to Pedder Competition which is run over the Australia Day long weekend normally this year saw it cancelled by bush fires and had to be postponed until Easter the numbers were down but the fishing was great and money raised also going to charity again well done for another successful event.

I would like to take this time to thank the Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) for its support to the STLAA and its activities. The STLAA has strongly endorsed the work of the IFS and its predecessor organization since fisheries management came under the control of the government in the 1950’s. Over this time, our association has developed a friendly and supportive relationship which continues to this day.

On the fishing front , I again think that the season had some up’s and downs but overall the season was good and there were a number of good fishing to be had by those who took the time to get out there and have a go. I think our fishery is in great shape and I look forward to the upcoming season to see what that brings.

The Association’s social events for the year were again highly successful and very well attended. I thank the members and their families for their support

I would like to take this time to thank the executive committee for all their assistance this year for a job well done and hope that we can do the same in the following year; I would like to thank our Patron Mr Bob Ward for his guidance and assistance throughout the year also and, last but not least Mr Ray Aitchison the Associations Honorary Historian for

all his input and hard work that he does for fishing in general. Finally I would like to let everyone know that I will be stepping down after the next meeting and I wish all members, and their families, great outings and fishing for the upcoming season. Laurie Harrison - STLAA - President

President: Adrian Kniaz Secretary: Luke Stefankowski Treasurer: Anthony Young Postal Address: 1 Kingston Heights, Kingston Beach 7050 Meetings: 2nd Wednesday Monthly

Club Reports Australian Polish Anglers Club

i and welcome to all members and guests,

Some members managed to get out for a fish. Unfortunately the fishing wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t great again. Socially it was fantastic, with many drinks being had and a roaring great fire gave the club plenty of entertainment.

The news of the passing of our long time and devoted club member, Frank Banasik, was a devastating end to the season. As a passionate angler, Frank very rarely missed a club trip. His enthusiasm for fishing was infections and his friendship was treasured by many. Memories of Frankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment towards the club will always be remembered and his presence around the campfire will be sadly missed. Our sincerest sympathy goes out to Alice, Julia, Krystel and family. All our thoughts are with you.

The long weekend competition at Lake Burbury made its return. Finally the weather was on our side, warm days with gentle winds. Our catch rate doubled this year and the fish were in very good condition. With the water level being so low, all members did very well, a young junior in particular having a very successful weekend. This Year for our March trip the competition location went to a member vote. The vote took us to Lake Crescent. A club trip had not been held here for many years and there was great anticipation about the trout that might be caught. However, that dreaded wind came back to haunt us and the trip proved to be unsuccessful, The Lake was very low, average depth being 0.9 m with the deepest part being 2.0 m.

This year the club introduced a day trip for our first competition, location being Craigbourne dam. Attendance was high however the dam water level was very low which made fishing very difficult. No trout were landed that day. The Lake Binney trip which was held in September was a great success. The weekend saw a great member turnout with plenty of fish being weighed in. All forms of fishing were used and all successful.

For our last competition at the Dee lagoon, some members arrived on the Friday night to have a few beverages before the early start Saturday morning. All members raised a glass for Frank and told stories of him and his time in the club. Not a great days fishing on the Saturday however some rainbows were weighed in Saturday afternoon.

The October competition saw the return of Woods Lake to the calendar. What a weekend it turned out to be. 65 kilometre winds, bushfires burning VERY close by, helicopters passing over and evacuations kept us on our toes and out of the water. Some fish were weighed in but due to the conditions, fishing was not very successful.

Adrian Kniaz - President

Our annual trip in November to Lake Echo was not much better. The club seemed to have taken the weather with them from Woods Lake. Same winds, with rain this time to contend with.

“A Little Bit of Everything” 18 Patrick Street Bothwell TAS 7030 Phone/Fax: (03) 6259 5508

New Supply of Tackle, Flies, Bait (Worms & Grubs) Lines, Rods, Waders, Clothing and other Fishing, Camping and Hunting Gear!

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Take Away or Dine In Supermarket - Fruit & Vegetables Newsagency - Mercury Phone Credit - PAYG Power Ice - Swap & Go Gas – Fuel (Diesel & Petrol) Chemist Lines - Hardware Gift Lines - Hot Lava Jewellery  Photo Express Machine Roberts Rural Supplies Come in and say G’Day to Andre, Leanne, Emma, Jake or one of our friendly staff Open 7 Days a Week Monday – Thursday: 6am – 6pm Friday: 6am – 7pm Saturday & Sunday: 7am – 7pm Public Holidays: 7am – 7pm

President: John Steele Secretary: Kevin Johns Treasurer: Cheryl Williams STLAA Delegates – Terry Byard Meetings: Last Tuesday of each month except January & June

Bridgewater Anglers Association

t is with much pleasure that I present the President’s report for the 2015/16 Season.

Mitch Wiggins also got a sea runner of 399g to win the junior. The Association was well represented by members at the Derwent River Challenge BBQ with us coming 2nd again to the New Norfolk Anglers whilst Lake Pedder Club was 3rd.

The season started well with a great roll up of members and friends, for the Association’s AGM, trophy presentation and dinner hosted by the Brighton Bowls Club. Following a great meal and catching up of colleagues and friends and the formal agenda, trophies were presented for the 2014/2015 season.

Tooms Lake 22-23/8/2015 With moderate NW winds and cloudy it was a nice day Saturday except the water was very low and very dirty, Sunday SE winds with drizzle. 10 seniors and 3 juniors attended and only 3 fish, all rainbows, being weighed in. All caught by Gary Chaffey on the wet fly, 1 still had 2 seasons of eggs inside, best weight 1.25 kg. Members enjoyed a BBQ at the Chaffeys’ camp on the Saturday night.

Shaun Wiggins received most of the awards for the junior competitions, Cheryl Williams representing the female members, with Gary Chaffey dominating the senior competitions. This year life member Angus MacLaine is retiring as club Patron due to increased family caring commitments. Angus has given a huge amount of service to the Club over many years. Committee member 26 years, Assistant Secretary 8 years, Secretary 5 years, Vice President 7 years, President 5 years, and finally Patron for 14 years. He was made Life Member in 1978 and Life Member of STLAA in 1979 following 14 years as Bridgewater’s delegate and 2 years as STLAA President.

Field day 5/9/2015 Derwent River below Meadowbank Dam Weather was cool with S to SE winds with some sunny breaks. We had 13 seniors and 1 junior attend the weigh in and enjoyed the joint BBQ at the Esplanade. A total of 30 fish weighed in with 14 being from our members. The heaviest fish by a junior was won by a New Norfolk member and the seniors was won by Bernard Creed with a nice brown 1.1611kg.

I would like you all to join me in showing our appreciation for his hard work and devotion to the Bridgewater Anglers’ Association and STLAA.

Field weekend club 19-20/9/2015. Open waters.

shack

Weather was fine with northerly winds 17 seniors and 1 junior attended. A total of only 5 fish weighed in all browns. Seniors won by J Myers with a nice 3.16 kg from Crescent, The others were from Woods Lake with S Johns catching 3. No juniors weighed fish in. An enjoyable weekend was had by all.

Opening weekend Derwent River, greeted us with strong NW/W winds and showers on Saturday. Sunday was snowy light showers and strong NW winds. The fishing was not the best although 13 members fished and 13 fish weighed in, Ricky Wiggins catching a nice sea runner of 1.163 kg to win the senior and

Thanks to everyone who helped with catering and cooking.

Field weekend 17-18/10/2015 Lake Crescent and STLAA Inter Club Challenge

Club Family Day 17/1/2016 at Cremorne: This was a great social day attended by 35 members and families. The weather was good and much swimming done and a great outdoor get together thanks to the Woods family for their hospitality.

We were lucky enough to host the first STLAA Inter Club Challenge and even more fortunate to win it. It was a great opportunity to share stories with members of other clubs. The weather was sunny strong NW to SW winds sat and sun light W-SW winds. It was attended by 10 members 1 junior with 3 fish weighed in seniors won by S Johns with a nice brown of 2.63kg no fish was caught by a junior.

22/1/2016 The annual fund raising BBQ at Bunnings was held thanks to Gary and Cheryl for all their great work in organising and running the event it was a great success with considerable funds raised and a huge thanks goes out to all who helped to make it a success .

Field weekend 22-25/10/2015 open waters Thurs sunny light to mod Southerly winds, Fri sunny light winds, Saturday sunny mod to light Southerly winds. Attended by 14 members with 27 fish weighed in from Great Lake, Woods, Crescent, Penstock and the Clyde River. A great night was had with 13 members attending a BBQ at the Williams’. Seniors won by P. Wood with a nice brown of 1.23kg from Crescent, no fish caught by a junior.

Lake Leake competition was cancelled due to low lake level. Back to Sorell 30-31/1/2016 The weather was strong E/NE winds and showers and was not conducive to any fishing but members enjoyed a fantastic Saturday night meal with much socializing and storytelling. St Helens 27-28/2/2016 26 members and families attended a great weekend. For something a bit different, some members participated in charter trips. Saturday’s charter was focused more on game fishing with excitement when a 150kg Marlin was hooked although not brought to the boat. While Sunday’s charter was focused on targeting table fish, catching good quality striped trumpeter and a large amount of nice perch. Both charters were enjoyed by all. A good meal was had at the motel Sat night and a social BBQ on Sun night at the Bradshaws’ unit.

20/11/2015 the Club ran an afternoon introduction to trout fishing at Northern Christian School at Cobbs Hill Road. This was a stall at a major fair run by the school. This enabled quiet a number of young students and parents to see and use and experience fishing gear, casting and clubs. Our thanks go to the Johns Family and the other members who assembled and manned the stall. Christmas BBQ 6/12/215 at the Tolosa Reserve It was well attended by 52 members and families. The Club used this event to celebrate life member Barry Sherriff’s 80th birthday. This continues the tradition of recognising 80th birthdays of club members. Barry has contributed hugely to angling and the Club, a large cake was cut and shared with everyone.

Field day Derwent River 5/3/2016 The weather was good and the river was very clean. This was attended by 9 senior members with no fish being weighed in although many bream were caught along with couta and cocky

salmon around the Bridgewater Bridge. A BBQ was enjoyed by all who attended. Field weekend 19-20/3/2016

Tooms

painted with new vinyl going in a month or so later thanks to Des Rowbottom. As well, the new larger flue on the outside fire was done. The initial construction of the ramp was achieved at a pre-working bee. Special thanks to J McDougall for the use of his workshop and tools and all who helped with the fabrication, transport and installation at the shack. This has made the shack accessible to everyone and has added value as well.

Lake

The weather was good both days. This weekend was attended by 12 senior members who caught a total of 30 fish thanks to Noel Bester and Mandy Fish nee Bester, showing the way before going home on the Saturday with 4 nice fish. Their tips allowed others to catch fish, all good sizes and in great condition, the best by Shawn Johns who bagged out on Sunday and finished the weekend with 9 fish including the top fish of 2.99 kg. A great BBQ and night was again had by all at Camp Chaffey.

I as president would like to thank all people involved with all projects, fund raisers and with the competitions the companionship fun and laughter during the last season which I think makes our club strong. Finally I would like to thank the trophy donors, Treasurer Cheryl Williams, Secretary Kevin Johns, for all your hard work. Also STLAA delegatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Terry Byard, Bernard Creed, Patron Bob Ward, Shack Booking Officer Angus MacLaine and all the committee and members for your hard work and support during the last season.

Open waters 30/4/2016 -1/5/2016 Wind on Saturday was mod NW and Sunday saw very heavy rain at times and very windy. Attended by 6 members with 10 fish caught and weighed in all fish caught were from Tooms on the Saturday, the best being 2.25kg caught by K Johns. P Wood caught 2 nice rainbows at Lake Crescent Sunday evening.

Tight Lines everybody for the season 2016/2017 John Steele - President.

Shack working bee at the end of the season This was a major working achievement with the new disability ramp put in and No. 3 unit stripped out cleaned and

President: Neil Pinkard Secretary: Jonathan Wadwell Treasurer: Peter Lorraine Postal Address: PO Box 291 Rosny Park 7018 Contact: 0408 144 587 Email: clarenceanglers@outlook.com

Clarence Licensed Anglers Club

e had a fine turn-out in July when members and past members and their families gathered to celebrate not only the 2015-2016 season but also drew the winners of our annual raffle which has been another successful fund-raiser. The winner of the fly-tying work-station was Ronnie Andrews who present at the dinner and was very excited.

Peter Lorraine has extended his role as Treasurer this year to put together a thoroughly well prepared submission for a grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund, ably assisted by Norm, Gerry, Ronnie, John and Warwick. Despite their efforts we were not successful; however, it will be a useful basis for future applications.

I thank all those members who have supported the Club in some way during the past 12 months, whether via Club meetings, field trips, social events, donations, fund-raising, Ray’s BBQs, IFS’ Liawenee week-end, raffles, articles for our newsletter, or representing the Club at STLAA meetings and functions.

David Roberts has been maintaining our Facebook site, for members’ conversations and interesting photos, videos and articles, so thanks for that David. We need to add value to his developments and maintain a high level of relevance, by you creating a link to our site by “Liking” our site and also by adding photos and content to the conversations. If you need help, contact David.

I especially wish to acknowledge the work of Margaret Pinkard who has once more taken on the role of Treasurer of the STLAA, and assisted me greatly in my role as Secretary of STLAA by also recording the minutes on her laptop.

During the past season we have been very active with:      

I also advise that the untiring services of Bert Thunig have been deservingly recognised by the STLAA at their Annual Dinner when he was awarded the Certificate for Services to Angling. I’m sure he will continue to work hard for the Club and be a friendly enthusiastic participant at our field trips. Well done, Bert.

9 General meetings 9 Committee meetings 2 Social evenings 13 Fishing trips 12 Fundraising BBQs, as well as the stalls at Liawenee.

The Club has been very active supporters of STLAA by providing three members of the Executive Committee, including the Secretary and the Treasurer, as well as the Editors of “Trout” – the STLAA’s annual report.

I also thank the members of the Committee; all have been very supportive and hard-working, especially Jonathan Wadwell as our Secretary and the Editor of “Clarence Catchlines” our monthly newsletter. Well done, Jonathan! Your enthusiasm and diligence is to be commended. Our Club brochure has been enhanced by your efforts. Thanks also go to Alan Shaw for chairing meetings in my absences.

 Consistent Angler Award Bert Thunig

We have been very well represented at all STLAA meetings and functions such as the:

 One Fly Perpetual Trophy Vacant

 Family BBQ at Bushy Park,  STLAA Inter-Club Challenge at Lake Crescent,  STLAA Annual Dinner – where we were again the club with the most representation

 One Lure Perpetual Trophy Scott Garth  Club Member Award Peter Lorraine  “ACE" Award Rick Franklin

The Treasurer’s report shows our improved financial position which quantifies the success we have had in fund-raising through our BBQs, Liawenee stall, raffles and drinks; however we still need to extend our membership, and also work harder at welcoming and retaining new members by providing practical assistance and encouragement to be active anglers and club supporters.

Field Trip Awards (in chronological order): Derwent River Tyenna River Arthurs Lake Tooms Lake Lake Meadowbank Woods Lake Bronte Lagoon Lake Burbury

Bert Thunig Bert Thunig Scott Garth Leigh Garth Ronnie Andrews Mathew Johnson Bert Thunig Norm Cribbin & Vince Coyte Now I come to the new season. Members have had input as to when and where to have our field trips which we have incorporated into Calendar of Events. The first event is to celebrate the opening of the brown trout season by joining other southern anglers to fish the Derwent for the New Norfolk club’s Derwent River Challenge, BBQ and prize pool.

Building the Club’s Cabin in Dolerite Drive at Arthurs Lake has progressed despite work and other commitments hindering Norm, Gerry, Ronnie, Peter, Alan, Jonathan and Vince. We have installed the windows (generously donated by Ron Ruthven) and the electrical wiring. In the new season, our next efforts will concentrate on the water tank, plumbing, insulation and plasterboard. Our more active members in the past season have been recognised through the following awards:

I wish to thank all members for their support over the past year and I look forward to the 2016-17 season which I believe will be even more successful and enjoyable.

 Heaviest Fish for Season Senior Men (Trout) Bert Thunig Senior Women (Trout) Leigh Garth

Neil Pinkard – President

 Heaviest Trout Field Trip AC Walker Memorial Trophy Leigh Garth  Heaviest Atlantic Salmon for Season Bert Thunig

President: Rob Chandler Secretary: Patricia Woolley Treasurer: Cheryl Page Postal Address: PO Box 16, Huonville 7109 Contact: Ph 6260 130 Meetings: Bi-monthly

Huon Licensed Anglers Association

t gives me great pleasure to report on the Huon Anglers club activities for the 2015/16 trout season. Our membership numbers remained similar to recent years. It was pleasing to see more new members within our ranks and a continuation of strong support for Junior anglers.

landing three Brown trout. Jody Page won the Mystery Weight prize (950g) with a 900g fish. October was another good month with twenty nine fish caught. The Huon again providing reliable fishing as did Woods Lake. David Condon caught fish over 1.2 kg from both the Huon River and Woods Lake. Doug, and son Thomas Lovell had another good day on Woods Lake as did Robin Henzler who "bagged out" (5) with two fish over 1.2kg. Our Junior members also did well. Chloe Woolley caught three from the Huon River. Jack Condon and Mathew Paul also weighed in fish from the Huon. The Mystery Weight prize (930g) went to Mathew Paul's 900g Brown trout.

Following reasonable winter rain there was much anticipation for a good start to the Brown trout season in August '15. Our first Social Weekend weigh-in on the opening weekend Sunday saw seventeen trout weighed in. Some thumping fish from the Little Denison River were presented. Kylie Price caught a 6.7kg Rainbow trout and Jordyn Mayne, a Junior member got plenty of kudos with her 7.08kg Rainbow trout. These two fish went on to win the Junior and Senior Heaviest fish trophies for the STLAA. By the end of August twenty six trout had been weighed in. The Monthly Mystery Weight prize (615g) went to Darren Harris with a fish weighing 623g.

Our Social weekend in November, coinciding with the Lake Burbury Competition has always been well supported. Twenty six Rainbows and Brown trout were weighed in at the Burbury contest. Our juniors did well at Burbury with Jordyn Mayne landing seven trout and Cayden Woolley accounting for five. A couple of notable catches for the month were a 1.7kg Brown trout from Grace Woolley (Junior member and winner of the Monthly Mystery Weight) and Doug Lovell caught twelve fish from Woods Lake, with the best just under 1.5kg.

As the weather warmed in September our members started to test the waters outside the Huon. Thirty trout were weighed in. Roger and Patricia Woolley picked up three nice fish over a kilo from Tooms Lake and Doug Lovell had a successful excursion to Woods Lake landing four Brown trout. The Huon River system continued to yield some nice specimens. Stacey Woolley caught a 2.2kg brownie and I netted a very pleasing 2.5kg Brown trout within sight of the Huonville Bridge. But the star of the month had to be Grace Woolley, a junior member who weighed in eleven Huon fish from four outings. The best of her monthly bag weighed 1.5kg. Another junior Elsie Cragg had a good month

By December the drought had well and truly set in. Shaun Woolley caught a Brook trout from the Little Denison, the only fish weighed in for the month, making him a monthly prize winner. Remarkably the mystery weight was 385g and Shaun's fish went 384g! Just when you think it couldn't get any worse... it did. No fish were weighed in during January '16.

Junior member Mathew Paul assured himself of the Monthly Mystery Weight prize (820g) for February when he weighed in the only fish, a 1.3kg Brown trout from the Huon River.

"Salmon Central" when the season opens in August? Our Annual Dinner and Trophy night held at the Glen Huon Hall in July was enjoyed by all in attendance. I take this opportunity to thank the Social committee and all the ladies and members who provided deserts and salads or help clean up for their efforts. I would also like to thank Doug Lovell for his assistance with the spit roast. Special thanks to our sponsors Griggs Butchery who provide meat for our dinner and the social weekend BBQs and Rod and Range who assist with prizes for our raffles.

March saw dedication rewarded for Doug and Thomas Lovell when they spent the Social weekend at the Miena shack and ventured to Brady's Lake where they caught six Rainbow trout. Those of us who fished the Huon found the going tough. Junior Thomas Murtagh landed the only other fish for the month. The Mystery Weight prize (695g) went to Doug Lovell with a 600g entry. April, a traditionally good month for the Huon, saw little change in the dry weather pattern. Four trout were caught from the Huon River while the smart anglers went to the lakes for the last weekend of the season. Stacey and Lenny Woolley caught three fish at Bronte Lagoon with one just over 1.5kg. Doug Lovell and son Thomas fished Brady's Lake landing four and Woods Lake where junior member Thomas pick up three fish over a kilo, the best being a lovely 1.7kg brownie. Thomas also won the Mystery Weight prize (640g) with a 600g trout.

Trophies were presented to all Junior members who weighed in fish and for Mystery Monthly weights. Winners of the traditional prizes were: Heaviest Trout: Male - Stephen Price- 3.86kg Brown Female - Kylie Price- 6.7kg Rainbow Junior - Jordyn Price- 7.08kg Rainbow Most fish caught: Male - Doug Lovell- 22 Female - Patricia Woolley- 6 Junior - Grace Woolley-18 Heaviest Highlands Trout: Thomas Lovell- 1.76kg

For the record we caught 167 trout weighing 138.4kg. Vicki Werner received the Average Weight prize with a fish of 830g.

Bruce Woolley Perpetual Trophy: Patricia Woolley

It was not the season to chase escaped Atlantic salmon in the Huon. The season total was eleven with David Condon accounting for five of them from Craigbourne Dam. Just prior to the close of the season rumours surfaced that a local fish farm had lost a substantial number of salmon. Those in the know waited patiently for them to move up to the freshwater around Huonville. This did happen in the last days of the April but unfortunately heavy rains washed out most attempts to tackle them on the final weekend of the season. It should be

Nearest to Average Trout weight: Vicki Werner, 830g Brown Trout Nearest to Average Atlantic salmon weight: Mathew Paul, 1.02kg I would like to thank our Office bearers for their support and the work they have done over the past year. Particular thanks go to our Secretary- Patricia Woolley, Treasurer-Cheryl P Page, and our Patron and Weigh Master- Barry Page. Special thanks to the Page's for holding the Social weekend weigh-

in/BBQs and allowing us to conduct meetings at their residence after our normal meeting venue was damaged earlier this year.

Tight lines for the coming season, Rob Chandler - President

President: Peter Thompson Secretary: Craig Beardwood Treasurer: Mark Gardam Postal Address: PO Box 242 Kingston 7051 Meetings: Last Thursday of month. kingboroughanglers@gmail.com

Kingborough Anglers Association

he Kingborough Anglers Association has again had a very good year club-wise and a not so good year fishing-wise. The fishing competitions have been well attended but the catch rate was well down on past years. Most notable was the absence of insect life and hence, fish activity on the surface. Most members’ dry flies only saw the light of day on a few occasions. Hopefully all this will change with the Season to come.

change in the subs. regime will see an increase in numbers in the years to come. I would like to thank Graham Davis for his continued publication of “Tight Lines” and also to the contributors and also to James McIlhenney for his continued maintenance of our web site. A big thank you to my Office Bearers, Craig Beardwood and Mark Gardam, for an outstanding job again this year. Mark for his control of the Club’s finances and to Craig for his very comprehensive minute taking at the Meetings.

Congratulations go to Graham Davis for winning the Season total of fish caught and to Tom Kruisvijk for catching the best conditioned fish. The highlight was a good number of fish caught at Bronte Lagoon at the E.C.Lowe Competition and the low point was being washed out over the Arthurs Lake Weekend where we had seven inches of rain over the two days.

I also thank the Sponsors of our Club Competitions for their donations and especially to Tassal who have been our main sponsor for a number of years. Thanks to Adam Chapman and Huon Aquaculture for giving us a very interesting guided tour of their fish farm.

The Annual Working Bee was very productive with the deck being covered in and a new carpet being laid in the front room. The gourmet dinner at night was ,as always, a gastronomical success. Many thanks to those who attended for both their hard work and food contributions, not forgetting Rod’s scones and Wayne’s soup.

Lastly a big thank you to all the Club Members who contribute in various ways to the continued existence of the Club. I look forward to the Club’s future under the stewardship of a new President as my tenure has come to an end and I anticipate eagerly another season of fishing and friendship with my fellow Club Members.

The Annual Dinner was a success notwithstanding the fewer members participating this year. Thanks to Frank again for all his work organising the Dinner and to Shane at the Southern Lights, Kingston for a great night and very good food. It is hoped that the

Peter Thompson - President

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Lake Pedder Anglers Club

President: Matthew Mallinson Vice President: Gary Loh Treasurer: Natalie Rowlands Secretary: Sharon Mallinson Email: lakepedderanglersclub@bigpond.com Website: www.lakepedderanglersclub.com Contact 6265 3273

he January bushfires caused chaos.

competitors down on the expected January numbers and many of our club stalwarts were unable to make the Easter date in the end. This has found many members with your memberships now expired. If it is at all possible the club requests that you renew your membership as these funds are required to assist the club to fund the Australia Day 2017 competition. I don’t mean to sound all doom and gloom but we need to be honest about how the club is sitting at present. The decreased competitor numbers caused significantly decreased revenue into the club which is going to impact the charity work and club growth this year. The committee is looking for any grants we can apply to seek financial assistance from and in May we held a stall at the Liawenee trout expo to try to sell merchandise we were unable to sell last January. We either need a big sponsorship/prize boost or more cash into our bank to hold the next Australia Day competition with prizes at the same standard you have been used to. We discussed options with members at a forum on the Sunday night at the winter competition. I don’t think we can expect the committee to fundraise like they did in 2015; they worked very hard and put in many hours selling boat raffle tickets to fund the tournament boat purchase.

I’d like to thanks members, sponsors and the committee for their hard work and support to the club during 2015. In preparation for our planned 40th Birthday celebration in January many people put in a lot of hours fundraising. After a heavy year I can’t express the outright disappointment felt by not only by myself but the entire committee and members through the circumstances that transpired. The competition was rescheduled for Easter. We were placed in a situation where we needed run the competition (funds were needed to come into the club to offset our outlay) as well as draw the raffle, the Easter break was the longest holiday break we could choose. The funds raised through our membership fees and competition entry fees at the Australia Day competition fund the club activities, insurance and charity work for the rest of the year not to mention fund the setup of the next Australia day competition. We had all looked forward to hosting Nick Duigan and Andrew Hart of “Hook Line and Sinker” in January. They were planning to feature a session on their show on fishing at Pedder with our members and spend time with the club at the Lodge. They found themselves, like most of you, unable to get in when the road was closed. We are yet to make plans but the guys have said they will come up during the year when they are free to fish with members and film for the show.

The Pedder Wilderness Lodge has also been affected by the January bushfire which resulted in an extended time they were closed as Tas Fire Service took over using the Lodge for accommodation of their workers. They were left not in the good place a lot assumed they would be. Tourism operators on hearing of this bushfire that went on and on – cancelled bookings for

The Easter event had mixed success. Welcome to the 47 new members who attended and those present had a great time. However we were about 150

the first 6 months of the year. The Lodge has found themselves in the situation of needing to advertise to attract back bookings they have lost. The Lodge asked us to pass onto our members to please come up during the winter to fish and to take up the offer to stay with them for a discounted member winter rate during the quieter months of winter. We need to support them to thank them for their ongoing support to the club.

publish the club member stories and history of Lake Pedder Anglers Club, formerly known as the Strathgordon Licensed Anglers Club (SLAC). Thank you to all who are planning to document the first 40 years of the clubs history, this will be a great gift to the future generations of the club and a wonderful way to celebrate our clubs 40th birthday. Previously I discussed how it is important to keep bringing new people into roles in the club and to also give people a well needed rest. We will be looking for a new secretary at this Septembers AGM. In September Sharonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s term is up and due to work commitments she is not in a position to continue in the role and has found the past 6 months a struggle. She will remain an active member on the committee assisting with the newsletter and website. The secretaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role involves attending meetings, typing minutes, meeting agenda, typing letters for the club/committee and answering the club emails or forwarding them onto the relevant committee member to address. If you have time spare to do this for a term of two years please have a chat to Sharon to find out more. Sharon will be there to assist you learn the ropes.

Our June long weekend competition went ahead as planned. Awards for this competition are trophies were presented at a club dinner held on the Saturday night with a members meeting on Sunday night followed by a flare demonstration. This was a great weekend as Saturday night was our 40th birthday party. We have a few 40th Birthday tops left and lots of 40th Birthday lures. Please contact the treasurer or myself if you would like to purchase these. Life member John Groves has prepared a form to assist past and current club members to capture their memories and the history of the club. This is our next project for the club and Naomi Skelly has offered to help John compile the club history. If you know of someone that may have a story to tell, please pass a form onto them. It is planned to

Matthew Mallinson - President

Photo of club jetty at Strathgordon that was upgraded in December 2015. Thank you to club patron Nigel Heaven who funded the materials and labour was supplied by the club.

New Norfolk Licensed Anglers Association

he past 2015/16 season was another successful year, with quite a number of large fish caught across the many events held over the year.

President: Christian Rowlands Treasurer: Secretary: Justin Causby Patron: David Triffitt Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of each month

These Junior angling days provide a fantastic opportunity for children to hone their fishing skills and hopefully catch a fish. We must also thank Tassal and Inland Fisheries for stocking our pond.

Opening weekend saw another win for the New Norfolk anglers, in the annual competition of the STLAA clubs.

I would like to thank all members for their continued support over this season, with many volunteers turning up to help at our events.

This weekend was once again supported by our many sponsors and the club would like to thank, Wigstons Lures, Williams Mitre 10, Norske Skog, Inland Fisheries, Craig Farrell MLC,

In particular for the recent clean-up of our rotunda, which had suffered flood damage. This was sincerely appreciated.

The club continued to run its very successful Junior Angling pond Days, at our facility at Bushy Park. We would also like to thank Bushy Park Estates for their continued support.

In closing I would like to thank everyone involved in our club including members, families, partners and sponsors for their invaluable support. Regards, Christian Rowlands - President

STLAA Family Day BBQ at Bushy Park Estate

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Features & Special Reports From the Past The following are a collection articles from various sources providing an insight into anglers and angling in the past.

rthur Fleming, SFFC was one of the State’s best known and respected bushman who joined the Police Force in 1932 before being seconded to supervise Fauna and Fisheries Acts and Regulations in 1941.

Arthur was awarded Life Membership of the Southern Tasmanian Licensed Anglers Association in 1953; in 1954 he was encouraged to again join the Fisheries and became the Chief Inspector where he served until retiring in November, 1964. He passed away in November, 1976.

He made life extremely hard for poachers in the Highlands, but was fair to all. He had a reputation for being able to go for days without sleep. In 1951 he was appointed as a bailiff but soon retired to take up farming.

Arthur has been inducted into the Tasmanian Anglers Hall of Fame.

This is a copy of an article by Michael Sharland published in the “Mercury” regarding Arthur. It was titled “Packing feat was no fable” Adams field’s early days and incidents in the osmiridium rush that was part of it.

here must be few men in Tasmania engaged in long distance packing who could claim that on any one trip they had carried on their backs anything near the weight that once was carried to Adamsfield by one of the early packers, Arthur Fleming.

The nature of this pack is described by Arthur Fleming himself, in a letter from his home at Newstead – I doubt whether the details have been published before. “It is not my intention to create any record; it was just one of those things that happen,” he writes. “The pack contained two bags of sugar, each 70 pounds; one hopper plate, one barrow wheel, several tins of milk and jam, and some odds and ends.

It wasn’t just guess work, the weight of this particular pack that he took from Fitzgerald over the notorious pinch known as the Thumbs when he was a regular packer. His mates looked at him as though in disbelief when it tipped the scales in Luttrell’s Adamsfield store at 204 pounds.

“I happened to have charge of the packing team, and by arrangement with Neil Luttrell’s father, the late H. J. Luttrell, took all goods transported so far by Jeffrie’s packhorse team up over the Thumbs to the Adamsfield store. On the morning of this particular trip I had thought to take in a pack of about 155 pounds, which was the usual load. It was already packed and ready to start when a man leaving the field came along with a note from one of the miners asking me to

The initial reaction by some of them on noting the extraordinary weight was, it is said, to look outside for his team of camels! There had of course been no aid as camels, horses, or anything but his own bodily endurance and mighty strength. And his achievement has always gone down as an Adamsfield packing record. And it’s almost certain to be an Australian record too. It is still, even now, the subject of comment among those who can recall the saga of

bring in the hopper plate and barrow wheel as he needed them urgently.”

this respect prominence.

“So I laced the hopper plate on the back of the pack and tied the wheel inside a sack on top, and set off. I recall there were five in our team that morning, and I found myself waiting at the top of the Thumbs for the others to come up. Just then two men from the field came out, and one remarked about the size of the pack and its weight. I told him I didn’t know its weight yet.

Following some years of foot slogging by miners and packers, the track to the osmiridium field was improved and widened. It was then that horses were able to get through. Loaded to the plimsoll with things that go to maintain a remote settlement – all manner of goods, including mail – they worked to a regular schedule, through even the worst parts of the year.

“This man then took hold of it and gave a heave, but never got it off the ground. He said, “Did carry that up the mountain?” When I replied “yes” he looked at it again and said, “Well, I suppose I will have to believe you!” I took it to the Adamsfield store, and Neil Luttrell weighed it – 204 pounds.”

Then came the first of the motor vehicles, equipped for bush travel. They got so far until the rough going entailed unloading them, leaving the foot sloggers to do the rest. Had Adamsfield continued to yield its riches for a little longer the field undoubtedly would have been served by a conventional road, putting finish to the packers’ jobs.

The record remains unchallenged as far as can be determined. If ever there was fascinating material for a book on life in the Tasmanian bush it would certainly be found in the achievement of early packers servicing the mining fields as the only means of transport. And Arthur Fleming’s accomplishments in

would

command

due

As it was, at the time when Arthur Fleming and others were servicing the field the business of foot packing had reached its somewhat prosperous peak. Now, since there are easier means of transport to outback places, organized packing has faded into history.

This report written by Jim Terry for the 1955 STLAA Angling Report will give an indication of the efforts made in that time to improve angling for all. farther afield we were wasting our time and energy tackling them. There are apparently no coastal breeding birds left here now.

Black Cormorants

o follow the habits of these birds it takes a number of years to find where they breed, live and where they go when out waters are clear of them.

Circumstantial evidence on the movements and quantity of animals and birds often give a false impression. For instance this year there were millions of eels. We pumped thousands of them onto the orchard; normally we would only see a few in the irrigation drains. With the lack of cormorants in our rivers this year there may be an increase in the eel population. This is where the “procormorants” will say “I told you so”, but that is the way of Nature. There will

In the spring of 1954 there were large numbers on the Derwent Estuary. They followed the river as the food moved upstream. This year the cormorant population on the Derwent was very low and there was no follow upstream during the spring. An organised shoot on the Derwent drew a blank. Our Association was quick to realise that as these birds breed on the Mainland or

probably be another influx of migratory birds as there was last year and all will be levelled out again.

travel in the general direction across a big flat. It was a surprise to me to look up, after struggling to free the Rover from a bog and see the fog gone and ourselves well off course. We left the Rover at about 10 a.m. with about six miles to foot.

The birds that do most damage are those which breed in out head waters. These inland rookeries are mainly on the Nive, Ouse and Mersey Rivers. The second flight in an Aero Club plane was made this year in February by Mr. L. Jones, D. Bridges and myself. For this type of work Mr. Jones insists on perfect weather which meant waiting from November until February to get a fine day and when we were all free. Taking off at about 9 a.m. we flew direct to the Gordon River and followed it up, examining the lakes on the Western side of the valley and over King William, St Clair and Travellers Rest Lakes, then North round the head-waters of the Forth and Mersey and turned for home over the top of Mount Cathedral.

During the walk we were guided in direction by some seven or eight birds which flew past on their six to eight mile direct flight to fish Lake Ada. We passed four lakes and were quite worried as to the whereabouts of Lake Fanny when we found it with a sigh of relief. The rookery is on an island about sixty yards from the Western shore. We approached as carefully as possible but were under observation before we were within 200 yards. Many of the birds were on the wing and the rest had very long necks when we opened fire. These birds take some killing and it is certainly a great reward for a tough trip to see their wings fold and see the water splash as another unlicensed angler hit his deathbed. After an hour and a half shooting Robin inflated his canvas Li-Lo and I swam out to collect the quarry. There were fifty one eggs and many dead birds. With those we picked up on the way home round the edge of the lake, there were thirty two heads. Some of the birds had fish up to two pounds in their necks and many from half to one pound fish about their nests (all fish by the way were brown trout).

We saw odd cormorant nests on about three lakes in this area and a lone musk duck shooting water into the air. Two or three fast runs over Lake Fanny sent of clouds of big black Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s off what we believe is now the biggest rookery in the State. Doug estimated that there were thirty nests. He was three short of the actual count. We followed the Pine River down into the Nive and checked over the Tungatinah Rookery which we had visited earlier in the season, and found it empty, no second clutch. So, home via the Derwent.

Leaving Lake Fanny for home we realised we had to hurry to be out of the rough country before dark. At 6 p.m. the day was drawing in and we were well bogged, and I broke the jack. After half an hour, with the aid of wire bags and a few rotten fence posts we were off again and finally had our feet under the tea table at 11 p.m. at Bothwell.

Some experience was gained during the trip â&#x20AC;&#x201C; never throw a soggy bag out the front window! To follow this excursion the next weekend Robin Terry and myself were taken by Ian Downie in his Land Rover to find Lake Fanny. We went via Liawenee, Lake Augusta, across the Little Pine and camped for the night. The following day we set off in a thick fog to

Last year we had two very successful shoots, at Tungatinah where the rookery of nine nests yielded thirty eggs and

birds and on Skittleball Plains where two nests yielded eight kills.

March. If the average fish is Âž pound they would eat five fish each, which is 850 per day.

On return this year we had reduced the first rookery to seven nests and at the latter there were no nests and only one bird which we shot.

Over the past eight years, I have been on inland rookeries nine times and have examined dozens of stomachs, even taken samples to town in formalin and have never seen anything but trout, so these figures for Lake Fanny are not exaggerated but probably understated.

It is, therefore, our belief that by persistent, well planned visits we can reduce and keep well in check this menace to trout. It is our intention to visit Lake Fanny in November next and with the aid of a pencil pine raft, which should be easy to build, lay explosives and discharge from the shore after dark.

The life cycle of a trout is to spawn in the head waters of a river and small trout grow to cormorant size before going down to the estuaries or lakes to grow. Our problem is a very real one in inland waters, but if an examination of the stomachs of cormorants from estuaries were to be made there would only be a very small percentage of trout.

It is estimated that a cormorant eats his own weight in food each day and to take Lake Fanny as an example there would be at least sixty adult birds from early November till the end of March, as well as the first clutch of at least sixty young and the second of at least fifty. This brings the cormorant population of this one area to 170 birds by the end of

J. M. Terry

From the 1979 STLAA Annual Report Australia, that this method of transport had been tried. Each bag of fry weighed approximately twenty to thirty pounds. Have you ever tried to carry a sandbag of water, without any protection, in the scrub? About 2 Â˝ hours from the start one bag in a pack sprang a leak but fortunately we were carrying a few spare plastic bags.

Stocking of Lake Skinner

fter eighteen to twenty four months of planning and talking the go ahead to stock Lake Skinner was given. Lake Skinner is a lake on top of the Snowy Ranges and the only way in is on foot. On 2nd December, 1978, Mr. Tom Rigby, the person mainly responsible for this stocking, was waiting at the end of the walking track for the party to carry the fry. Eleven people aged from 15 to 49, assisted with the transportation of the fry and we thank lads from the local Venturers Club, and others who are not Branch members, for their assistance, because without it the task would have been extremely difficult.

On one part of the track for about thirty yards, it was necessary to crawl on hands and knees to get through. The journey took three hours twenty minutes. On reaching the Lake the bags were placed in the Lake for thirty to forty five minutes to equalise the temperature. The first bag opened contained forty six dead or dying fish and from the total of 20,000 fry, 287 were found to be dead or dying, a mortality rate of 1.00435%.

20,000 rainbow fry were packed inside plastic bags inside sandbags, which was the first time in Tasmania, and possibly

In February, 1979, fish to five inches were seen and as there are no other fish in Lake Skinner it is assumed that those seen are from the fry carried in. It therefore appears that we will have a

good, if not great, rainbow fishery on top of the Snowy Ranges in a few years time. H. Lazarus (One of the carriers)

New Norfolk and Huon Anglers having lunch at Lake Skinner after carrying fish to the lake which is behind the big rock. 14 April 1991 From the 1957-58 STLAA Annual Report business to try these as I had already provided myself with some before starting from home.

Golden Trout.

id you ever try our Golden Trout? Certainly not the same trout we read about that inhabits the deep lakes of Canada, but a fish which is quite as sporty and which is just as beautiful as the genuine Canadian.

The river winds its way through an open plain and it is clear except a few stunted Ti-tree every here and there, and at the time of my visit the water was down to summer level, so that I found no difficulty in wading up the shallow edges, the banks had been scoured out of red soil by past floods and gave a good background most of the time.

I dropped off one morning about 11 o’clock – it was a glorious day, bright and warm, after a light shower or two the previous night, everything was clean and fresh. Walking down to the river I noticed a great number of grasshoppers about, so decided it might be good

It was a fisherman’s day, nice and warm, with a light breeze which was behind me

most of the time, and having set up the gear, I hooked on a hopper and proceeded to the business in hand.

By lunch time I had a third beauty in the bag, and stopped to enjoy a rest where I could sit in the sun against a boulder, watching the birds darting backwards and forwards along the river banks. After lunch I resumed operations, but with lesser success – I hooked a smaller fish after proceeding some way. The weather was then changing, the wing having freshened considerably and clod piling up overhead. As my pick up was due soon I decided to call it a day and returned to base, where I could change into dry things in readiness for my pal and home.

Having made a number of casts and moved upstream a short way, I was awarded presently with a good strike and after a good battle, as the water runs fairly fast, I landed my first for the day. Imagine my delight when upon looking at my prize, a fish nearly one pound. I observed it was a lovely golden, deep gold on the underside, shading down to black on the back with very large red spots. Having bagged my first on the first strike, I lit a smoke and started on again. Shortly I hooked another to find a similar colouring as the first, this one going about one and a quarter pounds.

Now you ask where are our Tasmanian Golden Trout to be found? I’ll tell you, the “Iris”, but let me also give a word of warning, it is in the Highlands, so go prepared, as you may have to come back through a snowstorm, and it’s cold when it blows and snows.

This was fishing as I like it to be sure, good fighting fish, with not all the advantages my way.

The Back of Beyond - The Mercury 15 February 1912 As to the fishing the Little Pine simply abounded in trout. The visiting party of three easily managed their thirty in a day, while some local pastoralists, more practised fishermen could almost double that. The principal lures were March fly and hopper. The trout did not usually exceed a pound in weight. Mr Lines described them as American brook trout. These would be fontanalis, and have lighter spots than the common brown trout. I think the fish were after all, brown trout (fario).

Where is Lake Fergus? confess I don’t know, and as far as I can make out, my map of Tasmania does not appear to recognise the water. Anyway, somewhere about the Great Lake and Lake Echo and near the Big Pine River and the Little Pine River, away back of beyond, there is this unknown lake. A party of Hobart adventurers have just returned from there with a great account of the fish in the locality. The adventurers motored as far as they could, and then the poor despised horse came into use again and drew them far away to streams and waters little known to fishermen. I asked Mr Lines, who was one of the campers how long they were there? He said “Five days.” Was it hot? “Yes it was during the hot days you had in town.” How did you get along for snakes? “Oh pretty well; we killed three.” An unusually poor allowance.

It was in Lake Fergus that the big fish were. They saw them in immense number, big fellows, 6, 7 and 8 lb., and no matter what they tried them with, take they would not. It would be interesting to put some of our naval visitors on to them. Nevertheless, here and there a few big fish up to 7 lb, were taken. It has occurred to me, what about an annual trouting trip in February for as many as

like to join, paying so much per head and camping in the highlands for a matter of fourteen days?

It is reported that a Tasmanian judge of sporting proclivities, recently saw fabulous numbers of big "Englishmen" in the Lower Gordon and Franklin Rivers. The openings for the trout fisher are innumerable in Tasmania, but to do justice to the fish he must leave the wife at home. Angling in our back waters and 7 o'clock dinner functions do not agree.

I think the trout fishers generally owe thanks to this party of explorers. They give us news of a neighbourhood of which next to nothing is known. Still other places need trying - the far away reaches of the Upper Huon and the Gordon River. The Mercury, Thursday, 8h February 1877

small fish called jollytail, about the size of whitebait, when the trout took the hook. The fish gave excellent sport for three-quarters of an hour, and was eventually landed by the aid of a gaff.

English Brown Trout.

r. James, who arrived from Tasmania on Wednesday afternoon (says the Melbourne Telegraph), brought with him a magnificent specimen of English brown trout, which he caught at a place called Charley's Hope, some distance above the Plenty, in the River Derwent.

It was the largest of its species ever caught in Tasmania, but the brown and red spots, and the square-cut tail, bore evidence that it was a genuine brown trout.

The fish weighed 16 lbs., and measured 2 feet 7Âž inches in length and 19Â˝ inches in the girth. The doctor was fishing with rod and line, the bait being a

Dr. James had the fish packed in snow, and it was brought to Melbourne in excellent preservation.

Launceston Examiner Saturday 20th March 1897 water have each a strong claim on the attention of the tourist, and once the means of access to our Lake Country is made easy visitors will not be found behindhand in taking due advantage. The most extensive of the numerous lakes of which the island can boast is the Great Lake, a noble stretch of water covering an area of upwards of 28,000 acres, and situated 3822ft. above sea level. It is approachable on the north from Cressy, Westbury, or Deloraine, the latter route, under present conditions, being the easiest.

Tasmanian Inland Sea - The great lake

here is no denying the fact that Tasmania has a great natural asset in her lakes. Her population is hardly large enough yet to warrant their systematic opening out as pleasure or health resorts, but the time, let us hope, is not so far off when the attractions they offer will be more widely known than at present, and a trip to the lakes will become the recognised thing for our summer visitors to do. Tasmanians, as a general rule, know very little about them: the majority are aware that there are lakes somewhere in the island, but where they are, or how they are reached, does not trouble them. The Great Lake, Lake Sorell, Lake Echo, Lake St. Clair, and other inland sheets of

The Deloraine Improvement Association is responsible for this, that body having for some years past made special efforts towards securing the easiest grade up the Tiers. They advocate what is termed the

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bluffâ&#x20AC;? track, which goes round to the eastward of that bold eminence known as Quamby Bluff, and by comparatively easy grades ultimately enables the traveller to reach the top of the Tiers after a journey of seven miles and a half. About twelve months ago a representative of the "Launceston Examiner" accompanied a party which included Messrs. Caleb J. L. Smith, William Walker, and RW McGowan, prominent members of the Deloraine Improvement Association, along the track constructed by that body to the northern shore of the Great Lake.

Nothing but a personal visit can give an idea of the picture presented by this magnificent stretch of water. In places it reminds one somewhat of the Derwent, hear Hobart, but the surface is occasionally broken by small islands, which if planted with English trees and pines would lend an additional charm to the scene. The Great Lake would furnish an ideal convincing ground for aquatic contests; for yachting it should be unsurpassable. The water contains an abundance of trout. The Deloraine Improvement Association are deserving of commendation for the excellent work they have done, and are doing, in bringing the attractions of the Great Lake as a summer resort prominently before the public. Mr. Caleb J. L. Smith has taken special interest in the work, and Messrs. McGowan, Walker, and others have assisted by every means in their power. That such a noble sheet of water should have remained for so many years, practically speaking, neglected is a pity, but the chances are that now a systematic attempt is being made to render access to its shores a comparatively easy matter, visitors to the colony, and many of our own residents also, will doubtless avail themselves of the easy facilities which now offer for reaching the lake from Deloraine.

The whole party rode right on to the top of the Tiers, and the horses were in satisfactory buckle, when a halt was made for lunch near the little stream which, it is understood, constitutes the source of the Liffey. Luncheon over, the horses were remounted, and keeping along by the new pegs erected to mark the way by the Deloraine Improvement Association the travellers went at an easy pace across the plain bound for the Great Lake, six miles distant. The scene presented from the centre of the plateau is striking in the extreme. Round about in the distance mountain ranges, broken here and there by yawning chasms or bold peaks, are to be seen as far as the eye can carry. The Ironstone Mountain, 4736ft. in height, stands out in especial prominence, while other eminences are noted in the dim distance. The route on to the Great Lake is across country, flat, but for the most part rocky. The first sheet of water passed is the Little Pine, situate about a mile from the source of the Liffey. There is nothing of special importance about it save that it should constitute a handy watering place for stock. After an enjoyable jaunt the Little Great Lake is reached, and a short trip across a narrow strip of land brought the party to the big Tasmanian inland sea.

The first vehicle was driven along the new route by Mr. Caleb J. L. Smith, towards the end of last year, and our illustration represents the trap and horses, with Mr. Smith holding the ribbands, on the shore of Great Lake. The boat moored a short distance off is owned privately, and is a commodious, substantially-constructed craft.

The Mercury, Friday, 12th November 1897 Mr. Herbert Nicholls appeared for Mr. Crooke, and Mr. Hobkirk, of the Law Department, for Water Bailiff Self. The evidence of eight witnesses was taken. A very large part of the matter introduced was, I regret to say, quite irrelevant to the question at issue. The statements of Mr. Crooke, of Water Bailiff Self, and of Thomas Self agreed in all material particulars. Mr. Crooke, having obtained a license on August 31 to fish for salmon and trout during the season commencing September 1, proceeded on the evening of August 31, at about 5.30 o'clock, to Triffitt's Point, on the bank of the Derwent, when, with all the necessary tackle for catching salmon, including a spinner fully and appropriately baited with a jollytail, he commenced to cast, and continued doing so for some time. Water Bailiff Self and his son, Thomas, who were in a boat, observed him and pulled towards him. Mr. Crooke, seeing the boat approaching, walked off in a direction to avoid it, across a ploughed field. Self landed and followed him, calling to him and asking his name. He came up to Mr Crooke and expressed his surprise at finding it was he. He then took possession of Mr. Crooke's spinner (which Mr. Crooke had attempted to lead him to suppose had not been baited) and retained it. After some further conversation, Mr, Crooke returned to his lodgings, and the water bailiff and his son pulled away in the boat. Mr. Crooke asserts he believed he had a right to fish for salmon on August 31, but that, nevertheless he was not fishing, but merely trying and testing his tackle and complains that the water bailiff had no right to seize his spinner, and, further, that in doing so he spoke in an arbitrary tone and in a threatening manner, although he admits no offensive or

The Fisheries Commission A meeting of the Fisheries Commission was held yesterday at the Museum. Mr. A. G. Webster presided, and there were also present Messrs. Curzon Allport, G. Crisp, A. Kirk, T. Rush, and C. C. Swan. FISH FOR AUSTRALIA Letters were read from Ballarat and Perth announcing the arrival of migratory salmonidae in those places. It was reported from the former by the Fish Acclimatisation Society that the consignment had turned out very successful, and that there was great pleasure at the result. The Acclimatisation Society of Perth, West Australia, elated that the fish arrived on August 30. Four thousand were dead, but considering the long distance they had been taken this result was satisfactory. DISTRIBUTION OF FISH The distribution of migratory salmonidae since last meeting was reported by the secretary, Mr. H. W. Knight, to have been as follows:- Chudleigh lakes 2,000; North and South Esk 2,500; Lake Sorell and Upper Jordan 1,500; Ringarooma River l,000; Nive, Lake Dixon, and Franklin River 5.000 VOTE OF THANKS A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. H. S. Wright, of Hobart, for his services in the distribution of fish on the West Coast. CHARGE AGAINST A WATER BAILIFF The following report of Mr. B. Shaw, P.M., who had been appointed to hold an inquiry into a complaint made by Mr. Wm. Crooke against Water Bailiff Self, was received from the Chief Secretary: In compliance with instruction received from the Hon. the Attorney-General, I held an inquiry on the 21st, 23rd, and 27th days of October inst.

threatening language or objectionable words were used. Self’s version of what occurred when he accosted Mr. Crooke coincides with Mr. Crooke's, except that he asserts his tone was not arbitrary or his manner threatening, beyond the necessarily loud tone in which he spoke, and the fact that he had to stop Mr. Crooke's retreat. The fact is, beyond all doubt, that Water Bailiff Self found Mr. Crooke in the act of poaching, in attempting to catch salmon and trout during the close season; that he, within the full scope of his powers under section 60 of the Fisheries Act, 53 Vic., No. 11, seized that part of his tackle which afforded evidence of the offence, and there is no reason to believe that the water bailiff’s language and bearing were other than were to be expected in an officer of his position in performing such a duty. Mr. Crooke, through his counsel, Mr. Nicholls in cross-examination of Water Bailiff Self, attempted to extract from him details of a domestic disturbance which occurred in his family 17 years since. Upon my refusal to allow such questions to be put Mr. Crooke and his counsel left the Court, and I continued the inquiry to its conclusion in their absence. I attach the evidence which I reduced to writing, together with certain exhibits. BERNARD SHAW, Police Magistrate Police Office, Hobart, 28th October, 1897. The CHAIRMAN said that before an inquiry was held into the conduct of one of their officers the Commissioners ought to have been communicated with. He would write to the Government pointing out the irregularity of the

proceedings. He was sure, however, that no discourtesy was intended, and that the failure to communicate with the Commissioners was an oversight. Mr. KIRK was surprised that their officer was kept on his trial three or four days unknown to the Commissioners at the instance of one who was now found guilty of poaching. Mr. CRISP: Don't you know there is wire-pulling? DESTRUCTION OF CORMORANTS The SECRETARY stated that a reward of 3d. per head had been offered for the destruction of cormorants, but it was generally represented that that was not sufficient and that no less than 6d. a head would " pay." Mr. KIRK mentioned that it took three charges to kill a cormorant, and that meant a cost of 5½d. It was agreed that a reward of 6d. for black and 3d. for white cormorants shot on inland waters should he offered. NETTING AND TRAPPING IN THE JORDAN The SECRETARY read a letter which he had sent to the Warden of Brighton in reference to the illegal use of nets and traps in the River Jordan, and a reply complaining that the letter was "unofficial." The CHAIRMAN: It will be our duty to put no more fish into the Jordan if there is no protection. Mr. SWAN: How many councillors live along the river? The SECRETARY (Mr. H. W. Knight): Five out of seven. The Commissioners approved of the letter forwarded by the secretary.

Too Good to Catch Just Once by Adam Rice

ast year in September I caught a nice sea runner in the Derwent River. I estimated it to be around the 3.6 kg mark.

I released it both times. The split in the tail was the giveaway. This isn't the first time this has happened to me either. I caught one of 5 lb in 2015, released it and caught it again 20 mins later.

Then in October, the following month, I caught the exact same fish again. I didn't notice it until after I got home and looked at the photos that I took and it was the same fish.

The split in the tail was the giveaway.

Tooms Triumph by Jonathan Wadwell

t had been a lean year for fish as I headed out on a sunny Friday for the last fishing event for the season. ANZAC Day long weekend at Tooms Lake is traditionally the final event in the season for Clarence Anglers, with many anglers heading up on Thursday or Friday to get set up and check out the conditions. Our last visit here was late October; the lake was showing signs of stress from poor inflow but was coping. From visiting other lakes in the past few months namely Great Lake, Lake King William and Arthurs and seeing how far they had dropped, I was expecting Tooms to be a shadow of its former self but not quite like this.

was an option or should I just take the Hobie along. Arriving at Tooms for the first time in six months I was a bit shocked at what I saw. Many anglers could arrive at Tooms in its current state especially boaties and just turn around and head elsewhere. The water level of the lake was the lowest in the short time I had been fishing there and well down on previous trips; the lake was indeed a shadow of its former self, low rainfall, irrigation or for whatever reason had taken its toll on the lake and the aquatic system that it supported. The most noticeable absence was the disappearance of the weed beds that once graced the shores of the northern sections of the lake. Bird life was also noticeably down but life in the water still seemed to be fairly active.

I decided to head up the Monday before the event just to have a look at the boat ramp and to see if towing the boat up

Extremely low water levels at Tooms during Season 15-16

I arrived early Friday morning. Launched and tied up the boat in front of the camping area and began to set up camp. Low water at the boat ramp was causing a few hassles for boaties, the low water had brought into play two stumps just out from the ramp that saw

some anxious moments for some as props were placed just far enough into the water to avoid an expensive repair and a weekend of fishing evaporating before it has started. I headed out around nine thirty and set off towards the far end of the lake, the

weather was warm and sunny with a slight breeze producing a bit of chop at the southern end of the lake. My plan was to motor down the lake watching the sounder for the weed to disappear and troll up and down the lake, stopping if I saw a rise for a bit of fly fishing. It wasn’t long before I had my first fish, a nice 54cm Brown, trolling with a shallow bibbed hard body. A couple of

trips up and down saw another three fish caught ranging in size from 42 to 58cm. I did stop occasionally and gave the fly rod a flick but with no luck, so I continued trolling as it was proving the most successful. With four fish before 1pm I headed back in for lunch and deciding that four was enough for one day and had the afternoon off.

Clarence Anglers setup at Tooms Lake

By late Friday eleven club members had arrived, one of the best Friday turnouts for a trip. The sun was setting low on the horizon and after one of the best day’s weather wise I have spent at Tooms it soon started to turn cold. The fire was soon ablaze and with an unusual number of people for a Friday seated around the fire, talk of the days fishing and the idea of a Friday comp was bandied about.

water levels walking around the now exposed shoreline. Reaching the end of the weed beds I put the lure out the back of the boat and proceeded trolling down the lake, after two passes and thud goes the rod and line starts to reel out. A 55cm Brown in the boat and out the lure goes for another try. I had only just clicked the bale over and started to sit down when again out the line goes, another nice brown in the boat, this was starting to get to easy. About an hour or so had passed and with a few more runs up and down the lake not a lot was happening and then whack and line started screaming off the reel, but unlike previous efforts the fish broke the line before I could get the rod out of the holder. Rummaging around the tackle box for a lure to put on, I eventually found one similar and let it run out the

Saturday and the first day to earn a few competition points and I was hoping the same “MO” would work today. The weather stayed warm and the lake relatively calm and after a hearty breakfast and a chat around the fire I set out once again down the lake to the end of the weed bed. In contrast to previous year’s most boats headed south looking for some deep water with the land based fishers finding no problems with the low

back of the boat. A couple of runs up and down the lake produced another two good size fish and it was only one o’clock. Three fish, ample for half a day’s fishing so I headed in for lunch and a quiet afternoon.

produced, some very nice fish had been caught with the largest of them being two 65 plus cm rainbows. This made me think of the one that got away and maybe the 6lb tackle I was using for trolling was on the limit.

As boats started to make their way back to camp and the catches of the day were

Early morning fog at Tooms Lake

As the fog slowly lifted from the lake, Sunday was shaping up to be another glorious day. Many times previously Tooms had not been so kind weather wise with memories of gale force winds, rain and snow stuck. Sunday saw most of the dedicated fly fishers with boats, pack the fly rod away and join in trolling the lake or flicking the shore, those who were fishing land based walked the shores but as in previous days it was to be for little reward. The day started off as a carbon copy of Saturday with one early fish after a couple of runs, another hit and then “snap” another lure gone, and then another two in the boat by midday.

good company and listen to stories of the one that got away. Monday saw a few go out for one last hoorah but I decided to put the boat back on the trailer. If I thought getting the boat off was hard getting it on was turning out to be more difficult. As I approached the ramp and waited in line, one boat was stuck on a log to the left so I went right only to get stuck on numerous fallen trees. Thanks to a club member who waded out up to his chest and proceeded to drag me around to the front of the ramp, please note: that if you get someone to do this for you be aware that the water in front of the ramp at Tooms is much deeper than that on the side as he soon found out.

With ten fish for the weekend I was more than happy. But then again I would have been happy with just one or two or to catch nothing and just sit around with

All loaded up now and ready for home with ten fish in the freezer and with a few goodbyes a very enjoyable finish to the season came to an end.

The Mighty Tongariro by Gary Chaffey

aving toured the South Island of New Zealand a couple of times in a campervan and caught some nice fish it was decided to visit the North Island last September/October to have a look at what was on offer there. With my wife we travelled in the company of another non fishing couple and had a great time for two weeks exploring all of the usual tourist spots such as the Bay of Island, the Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupo etc but after the two weeks it was time for our friends to leave for home leaving us another week to further explore.

morning. That done what else would you do but go down to the Bridge Pool and have a look at what the locals were doing. I was only there five minutes when a local landed a nice fish so it was straight back to the van to rig up. One of the locals came over looked at my gear informed me that the flies in my box did not have enough weight on them and unless you were on the bottom you weren’t in the game. He gave me a double-beaded nymph that he had been catching on which was used in conjunction with one of mine, and then directed me to where he said the fish would be laying. He was correct! Within half a dozen casts I had my first Tongariro rainbow; in the next hour I landed one other and lost two up to 4½ pounds. I was as happy as a dog with two tails.

I had travelled light in the fishing department with only a light 8’6” backpack fly rod, a vest and a pair of thigh boots these having served me well on the South Island in the past. We arrived in Turangi mid-afternoon on the Wednesday proceeded to the information centre purchased a 7 day Taupo licence and organised a guide for Friday

A nice Tongariro Rainbow The next day I visited the same pool again and landed a fish first cast, after half an hour we went to the tackle store to stock up on heavy flies and begin

exploring some of the other pools which I found a bit intimidating with a light rod and thigh boots which didn’t allow me to get to where the fish were laying, but we

did enjoy the trout museum - well worth the look. I was able to catch up with my new kiwi mate and replace the fly he gave me and have a chat.

My advice to anyone visiting for the first time, pay the money for a guide for at least a half day as this type of fishing is very foreign to what we usually do in Tasmania. Next time I plan to use the same guide and spend a day in some of the back country which I am assured will be even better with the bonus of not having to fish in the company of so many anglers. I am counting down the days already.

The following morning after a good night at a freedom camping spot beside Taupo it was off to meet the guide at 8am who supplied me with chest waders and a heavier Sage rod. He took me further up the River away from the crowds which involved wading across the River supporting each other for balance where we found a pod of fish in a smaller braid which I could sight fish with lighter flies. Now I was in my comfort zone. Another six fish up to 4Â˝ pounds again and full of fight. A great morning! My guide was very generous with his time and advice being accustomed to fishing in still waters. His guidance on line mending and drag were invaluable. I learnt a lot in a short time.

I had never been that attracted to fishing this type of fast water with heavy flies and dirty big strike indicators but it was pretty addictive. So much so, I plan to return next year with Gore-Tex chest waders and a stiffer 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122; rod with the view to explore some of the smaller streams as well as another crack at the mighty Tongariro.

Slow down, your fly rod is too fast! by Jim Morris

couple of years ago I wrote an article advocating the use of slower (read deeper flexing) fly rods in general and in particular why I love fishing Bamboo/Split Cane fly rods. Most of that article was devoted to Bamboo fly rods, so this follow up piece simply concentrates on arguing why most of us would benefit from stepping back from super-fast actioned rods, to something a

little more forgiving regardless of whether they are constructed from graphite, fibreglass, or bamboo. Since writing that first article, two major things have occurred to reinforce my belief that deeper flexing rods are the way to go, especially for Trout fishermen.

The author demonstrating a slow wave of the bamboo. First, I learned to 'double haulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. 15 years ago a NZ guide friend suggested I should learn to double haul, but for some reason I thought it would be too difficult for an old dog to learn a new trick and kept putting it off. Then, two years ago after listening to Peter Hayes, I thought I'd quietly give it a go alone on his

casting pond. For many years I had single hauled unconsciously, especially when fishing from a boat. My single hauls were on the back cast, which in hindsight makes perfect sense with the wind at your back, because you are accelerating your fly line into the wind and therefore creating a tighter loop into

the wind. As it turns out, converting that single haul into a double haul was deceptively simple and took about 5 minutes. Although the technique took only minutes to learn (and I'm convinced it was easier because I was learning with a slower bamboo rod), in truth I barely double hauled at all on the water in the first year and only became more determined to use the technique regularly during the 2015 season. As with all things to do with fly casting, I'm still working on my timing when casting different rods, but either way, learning to double haul opens up a whole new world of possibilities when casting all fly rods and especially slower rods.

you need for sight fishing. Interestingly, most writers don't acknowledge deeper flexing rods can be just as capable as their faster counterparts in situations where slower rods were once considered wanting: specifically in windy conditions. Here's where Peter comes back in - learn to double haul well and even a relatively slow rod can punch a tight loop into the wind. So how can you cast a slower rod accurately and at distance, especially when it is windy? Let us briefly look at some fly casting fundamentals. 1. Fly rods act both as a lever and a spring when being cast. Most fly fishers overestimate the importance of the spring part in the cast, so if we consider a fly rod to be mostly a lever, that lever is simply towing a fly line through the air, forwards on the forward stroke and backwards on the back stroke.

Second, I attended several workshops at Peter Hayes' place on Brumbys Creek. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve known Peter for years had always admired his casting and fishing abilities, but what I hadn't realised was how passionate Peter is about learning and developing new casting techniques and how knowledgeable he is about the 'science' of casting. Peter is regarded by many as Australia's premier fly casting instructor. What he can't do with a fly rod simply isn't worth attempting; he's a fly casting 'freak' in the nicest sense of the word, or as one participant at a workshop put it:

Peter also happens to be a huge advocate of most fly fishermen learning to cast slower rods because it will make them into better fly casters and fishermen!

2. The speed reached by the tip of that lever/fly rod also determines the speed reached by the fly line. High line speed equals a 'desirably' tight loop in most situations (except, say, when casting a team of weighted flies and a wide loop is needed to prevent tangles) and as we all know the casting stroke in either direction consists of a smooth acceleration to a stop (or at least until the tip begins moving back in the opposite direction if you like the idea of the 'continuous' casting stroke).

Ok, so why are slower rods better than faster rods? Read any article about the resurgence of interest in Bamboo and Fiberglass fly rods and you'll begin to get a handle on the answer. Words such as soul, accuracy and feel are readily bandied about, but what is critical is that slower rods give you, the caster, more time - more time to adjust your cast and to land the fly accurately; critical skills

3. Fast long rods, being stiff levers, means that a fast terminal tip speed will be achieved fairly easily with a very short casting arc, but the trick is you have very little time to make that smooth acceleration, or to do anything else like introduce a haul etc... during that short stroke. In comparison, a slower/deeper flexing rod will not respond as quickly to

"Haysie is one guy I would pay money to simply watch casting".

inputs from the caster, so to achieve the same terminal tip speeds the casting stroke will need to be lengthened. On the plus side, because a slower rod requires a wider casting arc to reach the same tip speed, the caster has more time to adjust direction, or to add a haul during the longer stroke. Adding a double haul to either a fast or slower rod increases line speed and that is particularly useful with slower rods because you can then reduce your casting arc.

they make smaller fish feel bigger, but providing a rod has some 'butt strength' big fish can still be controlled easily and with more confidence with a deeper flexing rod. Most anglers subscribe to the belief that the additional weight of a slower glass or bamboo rod would tire them unduly after a day on the water. However, after 4 solid seasons Trout fishing almost exclusively with bamboo (up to a self-imposed maximum 8’6” rod length) in fresh water and glass in the salt, I believe the opposite to be true. Providing you use a reel that properly balances the extra weight of the rod, the slower action and less critical timing of a deeper flexing rod will tire you far less. I can’t stress enough however the importance of balancing your outfit. A reel that is too light on ANY rod will make it feel tip heavy; conversely a reel that is too heavy will make your rod tip feel too light.

So what does this all mean on the water? A slower rod gives you more time:  To complete your casting stroke in either direction. Small timing errors are less critical and that is really useful after a long day on the water.  To add a haul in either or both directions. Hauling a slow rod when casting into the wind, or when going for distance is critical.  To adjust the direction of your cast, so that you can land your fly where you want it. A slower rod gives you the sensation of 'placing' your fly on the water, whereas I feel fast rods are often too unforgiving when it comes to accuracy, so the caster is either forced to slap down the fly, or risk missing the target totally. Either way, you are more likely not to catch that fish.

A final word on buying a slower rod: Bamboo rods are fantastic, but to describe what to look for (or look out for) on the secondary market would take many, many pages of tips. If buying one new, I would say look no further than Australia’s very own Nick Taransky. There are lots of good Bamboo makers out there (especially in the US), but Nick’s rods are up there with the very best of the best, plus he’s a great bloke to boot! There are other really good Australian makers out there too, so do some research to find out whose rods you should consider based on positive customer feedback.

Slower rods are usually a little heavier which can be useful at really close quarters because the momentum of the rod will enable you to just cast the tippet, without relying on the fly line to load the rod.

If bamboo sounds too scary, or you don’t want to go on a maker’s wait list (yes, the best bamboo makers can have wait lists stretching into years!), consider Fiberglass. Many of the big name companies such as Redington, Scott and Fenwick have now introduced their own lines of 'retro' glass rods, while Swift in

Slower rods generally roll cast better. They also let you feel the fly line loading and unloading the rod, which in turn will improve your casting. The additional flex in slower rods will help save your tippet when a fish bolts, or if you strike too hard as I do. I think

JETs and Fiberlite models up to 8’6”, Scientific Anglers ‘system’ rods, Orvis ‘fullflex’ models, Winston ‘stalkers’ etc are well worth watching out for; regularly come up for sale in excellent condition on the secondary market; and currently sell for a fraction of what it costs to buy a new graphite rod.

New Zealand have quickly established a reputation for relatively ‘fast’ glass rods. The choice of smaller scale glass rod makers is rapidly increasing too and most have excellent reputations (Tom Morgan, Mike McFarland, Chris Barclay, James Green, Steffen Brothers and Kabuto just to name a few). Finally, consider this fact: when graphite rods first came onto the market and began to replace Fiberglass as ‘the next best thing’ for trout fishermen, many of the existing glass rods were at the top of their game. The best were superb casting tools and are still capable of holding their own today. For example, the Hardy

In conclusion: have a go with a (good) slower fly rod and you won’t be disappointed – they will increase the enjoyment of your casting and therefore brighten your day’s fishing.

Back to Pedder - Easter Competition Review by Matthew Mallinson

ell we finally made it to Pedder after going through the stress of the January fires. As you know the weather at this time of the year at Pedder can be either great or give you a belting. We had a bit of both but most days saw wind squalls, rain and long calm stretches which enabled boats to navigate safely all over the lake.

got away it was this bloody big this long and you should have seen it bloody hell. We heard about this fish for the remainder of the comp and others that he did eventually manage to net. Well done Turtle. I feel I must reflect at this time on the Wayne Perkins memorial gathering held in Wilmot bay to honour the memory of this wonderful fisherman. Son Scott addressed the gathering and after a whisky or three in the rain we departed the shore now known as the Perkins shore remembering just how good a person and clubman Wayne was. No doubt we will be there next January.

This competition was held over 4 days from Thursday midnight to shut off on Easter Monday morning. 140 competitors attended Day 1 Friday saw all anglers up early and head to their favourite location and as I did only to find that the fish were not where we caught them in January so remembering that at this time of the year the fish are moving around the shore line to spawn we fished the trapps inlet which proved productive. Laurie and Martin as usual ventured down the lake and came back with quiet a lot of fish well done to both for their efforts. At the weigh in on Friday the quality of fish being presented was pleasing the fish were in excellent condition and colour as you would expect at this time in the season. Thank god we had the marquees up as showers set in making the comp entry registrations and weigh in as pleasant as possible. 19 fish were weighed in, the biggest 866 g caught by Nigel Heaven our club patron.

Fish presented at the weigh in were possibly the best we have seen for some time so all looks well for the future. 77 fish were weighed in and the largest caught by Gary Loh at 1220 g. Unfortunately Sharon had to go home and miss the remainder of the comp as two of their dogs were unwell and required veterinary care. After the dinner finished our local auction master Laurie Harrison took control and as he does managed to extract money out of most to go to our charity account. Special thanks to Martin Exel for putting his hand up and bidding on quiet a lot of items and also to those that bid and won items the money is well received and assists the club to hold events for our charity at the club pond.

Day 2 Saturday was much the same but as agreed for this comp the weigh in wasn't until 4.30 pm which saw nearly all anglers off the lake weighing in and getting ready for the Saturday night dinner and charity auction. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ridiculousâ&#x20AC;? had the pleasure of taking Turtle and Jacob for a fishing trip well down the lake and as most could hear Turtle yelling and hollowing about the one that

Day 3 Sunday a fish all day by all and did we have some fun. We had the pleasure of the water police checking most of the boats on the lake it was pleasing to hear from them that the only problem they found was one boat had a life jacket short. Lachlan and I had the pleasure of the club patron Nigel Heaven who joined us on our boat after lunch for a fishing experience, we ventured down

to Bonnet Bay to secret spot number 4 only to find other boats like “Ridiculous” poaching the area but they were to consumed getting stuck into venison steaks and telling all about it. Troy Stonehouse tells me he went over to get some and it wasn’t too bad. We considered going over but the crew said no as we are catching fish so we will stay. For an hour drift spinning we managed to land some good fish with Nigel landing his usual 7th. Those Rapala lures the club sells are the go. Nigel passed on a few tips to Lachlan who no doubt will remember them forever. Nigel stated that this was the first time he had been on someone else’s boat on the lake mind you he has fished this water since it was flooded. Thanks Nigel for the great time and look forward to doing it again. By this time in the comp we had weighed in 222 fish with biggest so far 1274 kg caught by Leighton Beer

Day 4 Monday The final weigh in saw a large gathering of anglers all lined up to weigh their fish and settle down prior to the commencement of the formal part of the competition. All competitors assembled in the dining room to witness the prizes being presented by the president and committee. President’s address thanked everybody for attending thanked all our sponsors especially our major sponsors and sports stores who donate every year to ensure that this club can hold such a major event in the south west wilderness area and on Lake Pedder. Matthew thanked the Lodge staff for their support and the committee for the effort put in over the 4 days. It was now time for the winners and prizes so all waited in anticipation. Kayla Braslin weighed in a heap of fish and was lucky winning many of the awards. Leighton Beer won the heaviest fish award. 357 fish were weighed in over the 3 and half days fishing. Congratulations to the winners.

All retired to the bar and reflected on the events of the day and the one that got away

Most fish caught by team, Martin Exel, Laurie and Mandy Harrison total 88 fish.

Leighton’s heaviest fish 1.274 kg

Overall competition prize Heaviest fish adult female and Steve Foster Memorial secret weight for jnr – Chloe Loh

Overall competition prize - Best Bag of 6 fish for an individual (based on weight) Kayla Braslin

Winner of the Easter Egg – John Groves

Winner of the major prize draw boat package â&#x20AC;&#x201C; William Leath

Presentation time at the Pedder Wilderness Lodge.

Recreational Boating Fund Application by Kevin Johns The following Recreational Boating Fund Application from the Bridgewater Club was submitted to remove dangerous boating hazards above the Bridgewater causeway. Although the application was unsuccessful in the 2016 round, MAST have indicated to the club that the work may be able to be undertaken outside of the RBF programme. The RBF submission from BLA is provided for general information and awareness to Derwent River boat users until the hazards are removed.

he Derwent River above the Tasman Bridge is a favoured water for both trout and bream anglers especially from August to December. There are many fishing competitions being run by our association, other angling clubs and other bodies during these months. These competitions have become very popular, therefore there are many angling craft on this waterway as well as other pleasure craft including jet skis.

2. Remove old broken navigation piles both upstream and downstream of Bridgewater Bridge as many trout fishers regularly hit these. When this occurs anglers can be knocked off balance, get caught on these and have trouble getting off or even worse have damage to the vessel or motor. 3. Install extra navigation piles (2 minimum) on the starboard (green) side, north of Mason Point. This bay is very shallow, members have observed vessels which have run aground at speed on the edge of this bay or just sailed into the bay slightly. When travelling down the north shore, you come to the end of the marsh and then lined up the navigation pile at Masons Point keeping away from red Pile No 18 this causes you to enter the bay.

The preferred methods of fishing this water is drift spinning or trolling usually for the two hours either side of high tide. These methods target the bays and the edge of the channel, therefore hitting a hidden obstacle whilst fishing is not a pleasant experience especially if you become stuck on the obstacle or have it damage your vessel. Our members suggest the following safety improvements having observed or been involved in many incidents on this waterway over many years.

Costs Estimate for each improvement is: 1. Cost of sign and installation should be below $800.00.

Safety improvements on the Derwent River

2. A diving crew for maximum 2 days could cut off all old piles at bed level say $5000.00 or use the MV Kulanda whilst performing Item 3 then cost unknown.

1. Installation of a sign at the mouth of Sorell Creek near current marker, regarding speed limits upstream of this point. Few craft reduce speed when travelling upstream although they are not towing skiers and are unaware of the speed limit which is only sign posted at the big tree boat ramp at Milbrook Rise.

3. Installing new navigation piles and replacing Piles No 17and 20 would be a maximum of a dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work for MV Kulanda, cost unknown.

Summary If these safety improvements were achieved we consider the river would be safer for all users. Please contact Secretary Kevin Johns on phone 6263 6552 or mobile 0428 584 674 if any of the above matters needs further explanation. We would be willing to meet and discuss at a convenient time and place. Pile midway from pile No 16 and Pile No 17

Group of 7 piles just north of bridge Old jetty at Lime Kiln

Marked up map showing extent of old navigation piles.

Obituaries

Julia, Krystel and family. All our thoughts are with you.”

n memory of two Lake Pedder Anglers Club members who will be sadly missed. We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to their families Alan GOURLAY - April 2016 For years Alan supported the Committee, his wife Tracey was Club Treasurer, and Alan worked hard behind the scenes. Alan and Tracey were amongst some of the original caravan park people in the Club. Following the closure of the caravan park, they continued to camp at Teds Beach. Alan often went to Pedder the weekend before the January competition with a caravan full of prizes and set up camp at his favourite spot at Teds Beach. He would put up the competition banners and signs for the Committee. Alan helped at the weigh station at each competition and had his hair shaved to raise funds for Camp Quality. He continued to support the Club, getting sponsorship for club events until just before he became unwell. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts and best wishes are with Tracey, Kate and Peta at this time.

Frank (Captain) Banasik Mick CORNER - May 2016 Mick had been a huge part of the Club, a Life Member and long term Committee member. He also trained up the Club’s office workers before he retired from official duties. He single-handedly ran the Club’s software to generate the competition results for years off an Excel spreadsheet that he had developed specifically for the Club. Some of Mick’s ideas were used in the development of the current software program.

Frank Josef BANASIK 17.5.1944 - 13.5.2016 The President of the Australian Polish Anglers Club stated in his annual report:

When Mick became aware he was unwell and had not long to live, he decided to put pen to paper and produced the article on the following page to print for Club members. He continued to edit this article as he thought of things for the next couple of months.

“The news of the passing of our long time and devoted club member, Frank Banasik, was a devastating end to the season. As a passionate angler, Frank very rarely missed a club trip. His enthusiasm for fishing was infections and his friendship was treasured by many. Memories of Frank’s commitment towards the club will always be remembered and his presence around the campfire will be sadly missed. Our sincerest sympathy goes out to Alice,

Mick was very proud of how his family, including his grandchildren, loved to fish at Pedder.

Our thoughts are with Joyce and the family.

few black stripes and small red dots on the sides.

Mick will be remembered fondly and sadly missed by all at LPAC.

Buy some small luminous eyes. When the paint has dried, stick them in an appropriate position and dab a small amount of 5-minute Araldite around the edge of the eyes. Make sure it doesn’t run by rotating the lure for a few minutes. This may take a bit of patience, but I suspect that these eyes are a very effective attractor and probably more effective than the paint job (and the paint job is definitely superior to a lot of existing bought jobs). Wet flies Do the same with the eyes for wet flies. Use the smallest eyes available. These may still look over-sized, but believe me, they’re very effective. Fast sinking lines Try a fast sinking line for your wets. Even in Penstock Lagoon I’ve tried one, and I had no trouble with weeds (I suppose the fly follows at a higher level than the line). Sunset Try starting your session just before the sun drops below the horizon and fish for about

Fishing Tips from Mick Corner I’ve been a bit off-colour recently and haven’t been able to go fishing. In fact I may have to give it up altogether. However, I’ve learned a few tricks over the last few years that would be a waste if not passed on. If you are not already using them, trying them out will almost definitely increase your catch rate.

1 – 1½ hours. You may not last as long when trolling – too dark, but it’s great for the wet flies. My eldest son Peter prefers before sunrise, but we’ve never put the two times to a comparative test. I was on Arthur’s once with a mate at this time of the evening – he was using a slow or intermediate sinking line, but I don’t know which fly, and I was using a fast sinker and a fly similar to the Eureka but with luminous eyes fitted. I think I got 7 and he got 3 or 4. I also got quite a few touches, more than my mate did.

Lures If you have any lures that are not very effective, don’t throw them out - paint them with flat hobby paint (try the model shop in Elizabeth Street, Hobart, opposite the old Bridges Bros shop), light to medium tan for the back and sides, light orange for the belly. Paint a

Sharpen your hooks Buy yourself a diamond dust sharpener – I have an Eze-Lap Hone & Stone. Even

chemically etched hooks improved significantly.

can

Try hooks with the Dublin bend. These have the tip pointing very slightly outwards which encourages the hook to dig in at the slightest touch.

Gently use the sharpener until the hook, when dragged across a finger-nail, wants to dig in with only the slightest pressure.

Mick Corner 10/12/2015

My catch rate improved significantly after doing this â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially with searunners.

Season 2015-2016 Photo Gallery

Adrian Slater & son Jayden with a 6 pound rainbow from Wayatinah

Demi Slater with an Atlantic salmon caught at the NNLAA junior pond

Robert Chandler â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Huon River

Norm Cribbin & Vince Coyte - Tooms Lake

Mick Oates – Woods Lake Neil Pinkard – Tooms Lake

Rick Franklin – Woods Lake

Peter Loraine – Tooms Lake

Bryan Watt & Adam Williams. The fish weighed in at 3.69 kg and 4.82 kg respectively.

Juniors with Santa at the Bushy Park Pond - NNLAA Christmas BBQ

Les Hay and Grandson – STLAA Family BBQ at Bushy Park Estate

John Martin and Grandson – STLAA Family BBQ at Bushy Park Estate

S. Johns 2.75 kg Brown - Lake Crescent H. Ames - Lake Crescent

J. Myers 3.16 kg Brown – Lake Crescent

Peter Wood – Woods Lake

Clean up Australia day on the Derwent River foreshores

Gerry Fitzgibbon, Chris Bryne and Jonathan Wadwell â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bronte Lagoon

Bert Thunig – Lake Meadowbank

Mike – Woods Lake

Paul â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Macquarie River

Inaugural Interclub Challenge Lake Crescent 17/10/2015 won by Bridgewater Anglers Club

Liawenee Police Recruit

Matthew Johnson - Woods Lake

Jordan Price - Huon Anglers STLAA Heaviest Fish Jnr – 7.08 kg

Thomas Murtagh – Huon River

Kylie Price - Huon Anglers STLAA Heaviest Fish Snr – 6.7 kg

Jack Condon is eight years old this is his first ever trout

Huon Anglers Trophy Winners at the Annual Dinner

Roger & Tricia Woolley with their grandson Cayden Woolley from Huon Licenced Anglers with their catch from the Lake Burbury Competition.

Central Highlands Lodge

The Central Highlands Lodge is located on the shores of the Great Lake in the highland village of Miena gateway to Tasmania's central plateau and world premier trout fishing waters with over 3,000 lakes. It is the most centrally located lodge to the famous fisheries of the Western Lakes, Arthurs Lake, Penstock and Little Pine lagoons, all of which hold an abundance of wild brown trout. The scenic drive from either Launceston or Hobart takes around 1Â˝ hours and the Lodge is located conveniently to all of Tasmania wherever you are or want to go it's not far away. The Lodge has a lounge, private bar, two wood fire places and a restaurant/dining area. The menu is one to look forward to and includes traditional hearty home cooked meals, soups, delicious deserts and a superb collection of Tasmanian & mainland wines. After relaxing in the lounge by cosy log fires, comfortable rooms with crisp sheets on a pre-warmed bed await you. The room facilities include ensuite bathrooms, heating, electric blankets, fridge, TV and tea and coffee making facilities, with wader hanging racks outside. Rooms available include: 2 family units (2 bedroom units with heat pumps, one queen and two singles) 2 family units (2 bedroom units with heat pumps, table and chairs, one queen and two singles) 5 Twin room (1 bedroom unit with two single beds) 1 Double room (1 bedroom unit with queen bed) 1 spa unit and 1 spa cabin For more information about all the facilities and services we can offer please contact Mike or Helen T: +61 (0)3 6259 8179 F: +61 (0)3 6259 8351 Email: highlandslodge@bigpond.com.au

Experience Highlands Hospitality