In amongst all this COVID slowdown, there has been a recent announcement by NSW DPI that might have slipped under the radar. The make up of the new Recreational Fishing Freshwater Trust Expenditure Committee (RFFTEC) has been revealed. Apologies for my freshwater focus, the saltwater equivalent (RFSTEC) has probably changed too. These are the forums that examine bids for use of the money coming from our NSW “Fishing Licence” fees. They are subordinate to the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council (RFNSW) which has a direct advisory role to the Minister for Primary Industry on fishing matters.

As part of the NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers, CAA had a voice in RFNSW and RFFTEC via our good friend Steve Samuels (Pres MAS and Vice President in NSWCFA for our region) and in RFFTEC by Peter Gibson (NSW CFA non-executive Committee Member). Both of these folk were members of those bodies as individuals in their own right, but could be counted on to act as a conduit to ensure a connection to recreational anglers especially those affiliated to CFA.

While Steve remains on RFNSW, he no longer acts as the RFNSW representative on RFFTEC. Also, Peter Gibson is no longer on RFFTEC. This is a bit disappointing as they are both excellent representatives.

The current “NSW recreational fishing organisation representative” is a Mr Peter Johnson of NSW Rod Fishers’ Society. While NSW Rod Fishers’ are affiliated to NSWCFA, Mr Johnson is not currently their delegate and not on the NSWCFA committee. We look forward to seeing NSWCFA engage with Mr Johnson to continue the connection with RFFTEC.

CAA have had one meeting (complete with Powerpoint slides and movies) and two fly tying instructions (thanks Evan for instructing and Lyall for the technology). Zoom has proven very useful, high quality and easy to use.

There has been some bad press about this application, but members should rest assured that much of this is overblown sensationalism. A recent review puts the matter into a more balanced perspective.

I’ve updated my ‘Beginner’s Guide’ but also we’ve discovered that a microphone or camera are not actually required for people who just want to join, watch and listen.

Why not give it a go and stay connected to the club while we wait out this virus.

Fishing might be an approved activity in NSW but NSW Police have issued a warning about travelling distances to go fishing.

The situation whether fishing is an acceptable outdoor activity in the ACT is not clear … one member, rod in hand, has already been warned to get out of a Canberra park. We’ll keep you updated as we pursue the matter with local MLA Tara Cheyne.

The firm direction from NSW Police is here.

This is great news, though clearly even the NSW Police Minister doesn’t understand how active fishing can be, must be a bait angler 😉

The ABC report refers explicitly to NSW. Not sure about ACT, but local government has expressed a number of times that ACT will generally align with NSW

ABC News

After a successful Internet video meeting for the last fly tying – thanks Claude, Evan, Lyall and others in the background – CAA is considering using this technology for meetings given the pressure to reduce social contact (plus Raiders are shut). The next Burley Line (imminent) will have a short article.

The package we used is called Zoom (becoming very popular now), though we have a continuing interest in one called jitsi (Google the term ‘jitsi meet’).

To help novices, I’ve prepared a small how-to Beginner’s Guide to Zoom. This will show you how to prepare your computer and some basic instructions on how to participate. Limited personalised assistance can also be provided. All you need is a camera and microphone on your computer. Never fear, no need to sign up and give away personal information.

NSW NPWS have announced closures of campgrounds, most visitor centres, cafes and ‘high visitation areas’. All the details here.

Your chance to have a say in the Federal Government Native Fish Recovery Strategy. Submissions via survey close 6 April. See website here.

Because of the current Coronavirus situation, and with much regret and disappointment, the NSWCFA has decided to cancel this year’s Interclub Flyfishing Meet at Wallerawang (1-3 May 2020).

NSWCFA President Don Barton and the committee wish you and your families and friends continuing good health during these trying times.