I will start by commenting that the weather conditions were not as per the brochure! Blowing, cold and raining are not usually touted in the same sentence as with fly fishing for toga. Twenty eight anglers fronted up for the comp and some questioned the decision to swag it instead of pitching a tent. I got to pitch mine in the rain, then bailout the tent so it was atleast sort of drier on the inside than the out. Caught up with a few of the other competitors at the briefing on Friday night before Dave (Callop) showed up after a long drive from south of Brisbane in peak hour traffic, rain and wind. The man looked like he needed a drink! Somehow found the tent much later on and went to sleep to sound of wind and rain lashing the tent. A 5:20am start at the ramp on Saturday was met with wind and showers, but we all made our way off to a planned starting points and proceed to try and chuck fluff around in the wind. Dave and I started off in a secluded bay up kingham and before long Dave's 6w develops a nice bend but unfortunately he was dropped off - Strip strike Dave, not trout strike!!! Many casts later I hook up to a mid size toga that proceeded to jump straight into the rope we had tied off to a tree and transfer the hook from his mouth into the rope on entry back into the water!!! We continued casting away and managed to drop another toga each. Things were not looking good for team 'Swish n Fish' We tried several other spots without a bump and at close of session time, we were looking for some pastry.
Normally the competitors meet up on a bank up dam for lunch and a chat, but as it started to rain (again) and the wind was honking, we headed back to the ramp to catch up on some kip back at the deer park. I should mention here that I had started to become ill midway through the session (probably after I kept dropping the togas) and at times didn't know whether to cast or chuck. With casting now completed, the option was now down to one, which I did on route back to the camp. After a snooze, I thought it might make me feel better if I eat something before heading out to the afternoon session - bad thought. Down it went, straight up it came.
Had a plan in the afternoon session and we stuck to the plan. Eventually it started to pay dividends when I managed a 57cm toga to boat, which Dave netted perfectly. We both continued on with the plan (even gave Dave the successful fly to use - thought it appropriate as I did actually tie it for him) and after several missed opportunities, I spotted a cruising fish. We both put casts into the area and I managed to hook up to a good size fish which put up a spirited fight, but again it slid into Dave's net and a 58cm toga was recorded. Session soon finished and we had to be back at the ramp by 5:30pm, so we headed off, making it by 2mins.
Saturday night's dinner was subdued for me, but atleast food was staying down now. Others had found the going tough as well, with many donuts by well respected fly fishos. There was agroup of boot scooter there, so we were 'entertained' to karaoke and dancing. Dave found some new drinking buddies and did his part in sabotaging the opposition, whilst I sulked off at about 10. Thanks mate.
Sunday's 5:20am start at the ramp was again welcomed by showers and wind - yeahaa. We tried several spots and spooked a few fish and got bumped by a few more, but couldn't raise a scale. Excitement did break loose when Dave's little Sage folded right over with definite substantial line pressure. An unfamiliar fight had me questioning whether it was a toga, but as Dave has not hooked anything on fly in Australia (overseas yes, but not here) anticipation was building and maybe team Swish n Fish were about to make a comeback. This was soon dashed when a turtle broke the surface in a less than happy mood. Nice size turtle around the 45cm which had taken the fly cleanly in the mouth. Fly extracted and off he swam - atleast Dave, you have now taken something on a fly in Australia! Rest of the session was uneventful with constant wind changes and rain squalls.
Back to camp and pack up. Word around the camp was that most had found it tough too. Presentation went well with Denis Shaw (3rd last year and won it in 2007) taking it out with four fish to 73.5cm - well done and he deserved it. Norm Good took out an impressive 2nd and I managed to scratch up 3rd (unable to back to back last year's win). There were some good fish taken in tough conditions and a credit goes to all anglers for their effort. Plenty of prized were handed out and Dave 'turtle man' took away a nice smoker. Free flow of information and discussion on what worked and didn't with plenty of help for anyone trying to catch a fish on fly flowed throughout the weekend.
Extremely well organised comp, which is socially minded and for a great cause. Despite the weather, being crook (again), and a sore shoulder for all the casting in the wind, I had a great time and appreciate the company of a great team mate. We had plenty of laughs and both caught quite a few trees when the wind gusted at just the wrong time in tight country. Thanks Dave. Lot's of fun and I will be back next year for sure.
Photos to follow soon
Steve
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You were probably lucky you were genuinely crook than have to party with the Callop. Sounds like you both had a great time though. Well done. We have to get you up to Monduran though mate. Barra on fly, that would be something else....me thinks you need a 10wt though.
Originally Posted by Big_Ren
