Down under, down under, our next trout season is getting closer. Yes Tasmania’s opening is Saturday August 2 for the traditional ‘wild brown trout’ season.

FLY LINES
If you haven’t done so already, clean and straighten the fly lines by pulling off the reel and gently cleaning with mild detergent or preferably the manufacturers recommended cleaning agent.

This helps get rid of any line ‘memory’ that may have built up in the line by being wound on the reel for a long period (ie, since last season).

It also helps the line run through the eyes or ‘shoot’ better when first casting thus laying out straight and true.

REELS
Clean and re-grease, check backing is OK and the knots are still good and strong.

Backing to reel, backing to fly line, then fly line to leader and any tippet or leader joins (eliminate any old wind knots left over from that last rushed trip).

RODS
Check joins are smooth and tighten OK, no loose bindings at eyes/rings, the tip eye is not worn/grooved to wear fly line or damage leaders, etc, and finally grip is OK — not cracked or split.

FLIES
Make sure the hooks are in good nick, sharp and clean, no rust in older ones or damaged hook bends.

Tight lines and best of luck for a good season.

As the new season approaches it starts the old dry fly juices flowing.

Not quite yet, but as those of you who follow the blog know Red Tag Trout Tours has been experiencing mayfly hatches and rising fish earlier and earlier on the waters I guide on.

Don’t miss out, we are getting busier and busier each year in the October to early December period, best mayfly times on the streams, etc. A fish or two on the dry in September is even a distinct possibilty.

The Days Booked Calendar is up and running and I will be keeping it as current as possible to assist bookings and tour planning.

You bet! Father and son David and Justin from Queensland wanted to try fly fishing while down in Tasmania for a midwinter break, and look what happened. Tried out a private fishery called Red Banks for the first time, less than an hour’s run from Hobart, and very pleased with the results.

To start with David gets his first ever trout, above, a nice rainbow, to hand on the fly.

Then not to be outdone by Dad, Justin is releasing yet another rainbow, below, he has taken on the fly.

Both had a great day and you can see from this shot of Justin bringing one under control, that it was a great day weather wise as well. Who says Tasmania is cold and wet all winter?