As we start to see the yellow flowers of the wattle bloom, we know that native fishing around Canberra is just about to start. Please join some of your fellow CAA members, to tie or just chat, on Wednesday 24 August at 7:30 PM on Zoom. Invite sent separately to members.

Our mates at Boss Outdoors/previously known as Compleat Angler (ie Nathan) have assembled material kit. The kits have all the materials required to tie 4 flies in 2 colour variations.

• Purple Head, Olive & Chartreuse Tail
• Red Head, Olive & Chartreuse Tail

The kits are $20 each to purchase for members.

There are 12 kits available, but more can be made on request.

Notes from Claude:

If you love fly fishing for Australian native fish and are looking for a good fly this spring, look no further than the Donnie Brasco Fly. This is a great all-rounder fly for species such as golden perch, bass and the ever prized target Murray Cod (yet to catch one on the fly).

This fly can be tied in a variety of sizes. A good starting point for bass and golden perch would be to tie on a 1/0 hook. Larger hooks up to 4/0 would be ideal for Murray cod when summer rolls around. Both the body and tail of the Donnie Brasco Fly consist of rabbit fur. This material is well known for its fish enticing action. Cast these into the weed pockets, weed facing , rocky points and standing timber. When retrieving the fly with short sharp strips, rabbit fur tends to pulsate in the water, closely resembling the movement of a fishes fins.

Black and purple are proven colours when it comes to attracting Australian native fish. By tying on a purple tail and a black body you have a very versatile fly for both clear and turbid water. The fly can include a weed guard too. By tying a double loop weed guard you can work the fly right in among the structure without snagging up too often. The weed guard shown in the video offers good snag resistance whilst collapsing easily when a fish bites.

(Source: Ozfish)

Recipe:

Hook: 1/0 Gamakatsu O’Shaughnessy hook (or equivalent)

Thread: Veevus 6/0 thread (or equivalent)

Body:

Purple (other colour) rabbit strip
Black (other colour) crosscut rabbit strip
Red (other colour) crystal flash
Craft fur for body (optional)
Eyes: Lead or other of your choice

Weed Guard: 40lb monofilament nylon

Extra Tools (optional): Small hair clip