apologies – I uploaded the newsletter with the last month’s details in ‘coming events’ – all else the same for those who have read it already.
A pretty quiet edition given that CAA events are in quiet mode EXCEPT the all important AGM and Trophy Awards. Many thanks to the ever-energetic Lyall for providing some fishing news.
oops, third time lucky. Peter also spotted that in “Coming Events” I had the wrong date for the meeting and somehow “Bondi Forest Lodge” appeared in the heading. (Second attempt had the wrong edition 🙂
A slightly smaller edition, but particular thanks go to John (for a report on our recent Saltwater event) and Andrew sharing his observations of a trip to UK – with success angling.
After Luke produced the new look for the newsletter (hope you like it), he and I have been discussing the general content. We are looking for some feedback please. Specifically:
Meanwhile, two items have come up within the Council of Freshwater Anglers. CFA are looking for copies of historical angler’s diaries to support Uni Syd study into recreational fishing challenges. We’ll be formally approached in due course, but members with diaries are asked to consider whether they might be prepared to participate. There is a serious concern about Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council ceasing it’s operation due to not processing wholesale replacement of its members. Without this council, the trust funds holding our NSW licence fees cannot be properly managed. All holder of the NSW licence ought to be concerned that the angling community have lost their voice in the management of what is arguably our money – watch this space.
Apologies, Luke has reminded me that I should have made one important point in the newsletter … the record of fish is only for interest and encouragement to get out and fish. It is not the official recording. Make sure your put your catches for the year in the green book that Lyall brings to meetings. Especially important with the July meeting being last of the trophy period.
This issue has an eclectic collection: Lyall’s “June Chill” trip report shows why more folk should get along to our events. Meanwhile: a solo JM reports on the Eucumbene on closing weekend; Peter and Roger got along to a UMDR workshop on the Macquarie Perch restoral efforts on the Bidgee and report from JQ on the FFA Nationals. I’ve also extracted a learned article from a Kiwi colleague on the impact of fog on fishing – I wonder if Australian fog has the same effects. Finally, there is a bunch of new entries in the ‘longer term, non-CAA’ events, especially the kid’s workshops.
With our AGM coming up in August, I’m expecting Lyall will want all trophies returned at the meeting or ASP. I’ll try to remember to bring in mine.
Luke’s latest post on CAA Facebook reminds me that I forgot to mention stream trout season closure real soon now. Oops🙄
An eclectic mix this month.
Thanks Shaun for the gear review on modestly priced wading boot studs – I’ve still got to order mine. There is also some interesting news from MAS and CFA. Many thanks to Stefan for a thoughtful report on the Tumut trip. The photos from Lyall, and particularly by Thomas, are brilliant. Lyall is a trusted provider of material for Burley Line but I look forward to more from Thomas to grace our photo of the month to add to this month’s.
There’s an article here following on from Jaime’s great idea suggesting the coffee and shop trip to the Grand Opening of the Compleat Angler Canberra – the photos show a bunch of happy shoppers in amongst extensive stock. Well done and good luck to Nathan in this new endeavour.
Lyall was kind enough to pen some notes on the recent FFA National Championship held at Tumut. I noted that JQ had been too busy with work (and I’m aware family) to get in his report on this event for this issue. I look forward to some words on his experience with the FFA event next month.
The weather didn’t seem to have read the script over Easter. Yep, a little cooler in the evening and the leaves were falling, but the temperatures were unseasonable. Whereas Peter, Ian and I were in NZ with some drastic winds and floods but thankfully still got a few fish (especially that ‘almost a Kiwi’ Ian). Anyway, we seem to be now getting some rain, but I’m unsure if it is having impact on the Monaro streams.
One big item of news is that our own prodigal son, Nathan, is back in town and the powerhouse behind an expansion of WetSpot in Fyshwick taking over the Compleat Angler franchise following the Pratt’s closure. I’ll pop more info up on the news blog in due course but Nathan tells me it won’t be truly operational for a few week yet.
This issue seemed to be shaping up as a bit thin but clearly my mind is slipping – had totally forgotten Luke’s report on the April trip that he had sent to me while I was away. It was an excellent report so I’ve popped it into our “Places” blog for visibility. A copy is included in this issue also. Claude has reported back on some time he had on Eucumbene plus a couple of mystery photos from Luke. JQ has been competition fishing and he explains a little about how it works. Maybe the rest of you have been too busy fishing to report in but, as always, I truly appreciate my reliable correspondents coming through.
Breaking news: This updated version has Luke’s full report PLUS Claude submitted some up-to-date intel on his trip on 5 May to the Tumut – essential reading for those going up with Stefan later this month.
Claude remarked to me the other day that our ‘photo of the month’ and cover shots are perhaps dominated by “fish grab” – yep, guilty as charged. Accordingly this month has a more scenic cover image courtesy of Claude – thanks mate.
This issue has seen the return of some ‘tips from members for members’ – many thanks JQ for your contribution – even if the photo is a bit scary. A little humour has come in from Luke (who has recently resurrected our Facebook page – much appreciated mate). Ian is away and took time out to send a short report – Peter and I are looking forward to joining in the fun. With winter coming, and many of us driving diesels, I’ve copied in here some notes I’ve extracted (with permission) from ACTFF. A disappointing report is also here from MAS – this will impact on local stocking. A highlight of this issue is the report from Claude and BJ on their recent trip to NZ – just check out the cover photo to tempt you into reading the full report.
A recent report by a CAA member of a trout kill at Pejar Dam were investigated by DPI. Oxygen levels and temps were seen to be OK at the time of inspection and no dead fish found. Regardless, it was good to see our members keeping an eye on our waters and reporting in when things go wrong.
This issue has a number of reports from related associations including severe problems during that recent heatwave at Gaden and actions being taken by the Council of Freshwater Anglers. Good to see JQ and Jaime again providing some interesting reading plus the report by Charlie and Lyall on our recent event at Lake Burley Griffin. Some news snippets discovered by Luke plus I report on experiments with waders in the pool.
This edition has commenced with a very thoughtful piece from our President (who later pointed me to a comprehensive article available here. In this vein, Leon spotted a significant fish kill in Pejar Dam. This has been reported to DPI through Steve Samuels. We await results from water testing that DPI are intending to carry out.
Only limited reporting on angling – has it been just too hot for people to get out and about? Meanwhile a couple of reports of fish stocking in the local area.
Some really good reports here with a diversity of angling – not much on trout folks, what gives or are you having the same problem as Peter and I have had with finding our spotted friends. Many thanks to Ash, Evan, new member Jane, Luke and Lyall for material. This issue has seen an addition to our occasional column on ‘Tips from Members to Members’ – thanks Leon for initiating a discussion on “how to fight big fish on fly” – also known as “how to put the maximum strain on fish”.
We haven’t heard from Owen in a while – and it seems we won’t see much of him either till Christmas. Retirement has given him the opportunity to hit the road. It was much appreciated to get some images and words from his time north. Thanks also goes to Claude for a report from the end of the season – good advice on offer here, though I’m a little concerned about how successful this squirmy has been (Lyle Knowles success also). My fly box has some very poor examples and I’d better get practicing. Jaime has come through with some snippets also – always got some hints on offer. JM has a report here on the Kid’s Fishing Clinic plus he’s in print with CFA. Many thanks also to Lyall (can always be counted on to provide a topical item).