We typically don’t have a January edition, (especially since I’ve never been able to convince an ex-Vice President to do a special Christmas Edition J).  Nevertheless, I thought it particularly important this year.  A chance to report on an enjoyable end of year barbeque catching up after a year of limited gatherings and a successful coast trip (well for everyone except me L).  The ever reliable Jason M has produced reports on his aspect of the Coast trip, but he extended on to head on to Brogo where we missed out last month, plus provided some additional reporting on the Lake G outing which was run when the CAA Brogo event was cancelled.  A prolific contributor to Burley Line and always appreciated.

Moreover, looking forwards, we have an unprecedented (if ever a word was overused recently that one would have to take the cake) two events in January – Claude’s carp caper and our ever popular Jindabyne trip – occurring before we even meet for the first time in 2021.  Make sure you put them into the diary, and contact me if you have an interest in Jindy.  We already have 12 members showing interest … and note there are only 14 beds.  More information soon via email.

As I write this, President Claude is in Melbourne having his nasal passages probed by Dan Andrew’s medical staff and me having to cancel my planned trip to Terrigal later this week due to the Northern Beaches outbreak.  How soon the COVID situation can resurge after success – and threaten the chances of a few of us planning a trip to NZ in April.  As we have all agreed, 2020 has been an insane year, we can only hope things will feel more normal next year.

From me and my team of helpers, all the best for the festive season and hope to see you all in the new year.

In this issue:

• An article by new member Tristan on building a fly rod – quite inspiring and the rod does work (see cover photo).
• Images and videos of Googong – a bit more water there now than when we went during the casting weekends.  Thanks Greg S and Lyall.
• Jaime works as an entomologist (just an excuse to learn the wheres and whens of trout food!) and he chanced on an interesting find.
• Promo from me for the Jan 2021 Jindabyne trip.
• A sad tale from someone who will remain nameless.
• Brogo was cancelled, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t go fishing.
• Mike offered some supplementary advice in respect to JQ’s Flat Wing Deceiver pattern.
• Did everyone know that Lake Eucumbene has been performing well?
• One item for sale.
• Lots of news from our lobby groups.

Ian has reminded me that the 1950s vintage front cover we displayed in the October issue was drawn by Alex Gurney, the artist who penned Bluey and Curley amongst others – some of the senior members of the club will know who we are talking about.  I’ve found another one from the early ‘50s.  I’ll try to find more during this year of recalling our heritage.

Many thanks to Claude for his “President’s Notes” this month and his report on Oct Fly Tying.  Also, sincere appreciation to BJ, Shaun, Alan and JM for contributions this month.

JM provided a promotion for the Brogo event but just a short while ago advised that WaterwaysNSW have their reservoirs still for “Day Use Only” due to COVID-19.  He’s exploring options and all will be revealed by email soon.  I’ve left the article in this issue as it might entice some private visits to the waters – it is a great site that we will certainly visit again at some time.  Jason also noted that in Dec 2019, after we were last there, levels had halved again, down to 13%.  Jan 2020 they were at 10%.  In Feb, it went from 10% to 100% in 24 hours.  Wow!

Reports this month are: the successful 75^th anniversary dinner; the equally successful Lyle Knowles comp with reports here complete with photographic evidence; secret hints from Nathan for fishing the Eucumbene – many thanks to Andrew for taking notes at the October meeting (this was conducted as a “Zoom and Room” – a few hiccups and mixups but I believe successful) and finally an item from JM on using his kayak on the Goodradigbee.

Worth a look: https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/targetonemillion2/crownland  … the Victorian initiative in respect to Crown Land/TSRs.  Is this a model we should seek for in NSW?  I dropped in to the Goodradigbee and the TSR has clear ‘do not camp’ signs.  The problem there (and some other land which I think Council manages) is probably the poor behaviour of previous campers.  That said, if toilets are not provided then the inevitable happens – it is one thing to seek people to take their rubbish, it is a significant step to insist they have their own portaloos …. though the Kiwis have forged a path in that respect too.

While talking New Zealand, a mate pointed me to this – he denies it was him.  My first reaction was “canal feeder” but it being a brown does have me wondering.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/300143657/fisherman-who-landed-massive-trout-in-mackenzie-wishes-to-remain-anonymous

With my Membership Officer hat on … another gentle reminder about fees.  There are handful of ‘regulars’ who have not yet paid.  Remember that you need to be financial to be considered for trophies!  Alan had to rush through his dues in light of his Lyle Knowles catch.