The ongoing adventures of a passionate wild trout fly fishing guide based in Tasmania, Australia's best trout fishing destination.
Roger Butler guides for his one-man guiding operation Red Tag Trout Tours which caters to flyfishers from all over the world, who share a common goal: getting a wild brown trout to hand.
Hong Kong visitors Ivan and Angie saw an article in a Hong Kong travel book about fly fishing in Tasmania’ at Currawong Lakes and wanted to try it out.
Red Tag was happy to do the teaching and both enjoyed a very new experience.
Both got right into the action on a lovely spring day.
Happy starter. Having not waved a fly rod for some time, but very keen to start again, Alan (from Western Australia) had a good day on the wild trout river with us in spring.
Success on the wild trout!
Although the water was a little high, he has some top fishing with four to hand a ‘best of the day’ dropped and renewed enthusiasm for a return bout.
Graeme, father on the right, and sons, from left, Nick, Chris and James had a great two day introductory fly fishing adventure.
Unbeknown to Graeme the boys had put together a combined fathers day/birthday gift for him — he had no idea what was in store ’till he met the guide at the Hobart airport arrivals.
Although it is unusual for Red Tag to take a group of four, as a family this turned out to be a most enjoyable experience for not only the clients but also for myself.
All were beginners and each sighted fish to cast to, had fish on and both Nick and James got fish to hand.
James got more than a taste of success on day one. This top conditioned wild brown was a delicious entree for dinner that night.
His first ever trout, taken on the darchutek brown para emerger, sighted, stalked and caught in an afternoon mayfly hatch. Doesn’t get much better than that!
Next morning, at Currawong Lakes, Nick was into this fish — a 3lb+ rainbow, took him darn near to the backing three times and gave him the top fish for the trip.
Phil & Jennifer getting started on the grass.
Togged up for the wild trout session.
Local couple Jennifer & Phil enjoyed a top day going through the introductory fly fishing workshop.
Keen as they were and try as they might unfortunately the trout had the last laugh this time … but watch out fish … they will be back!
If looking for just a day or an extended introductory fly fishing workshop in Tasmania, then Red Tag Trout Tours has it covered.
Starting with the plentiful and protected lawns for casting practice, and then on to our own rainbow fishery, below.
The action then moves on to success with the wild trout on the rivers.
Red Tag’s fly fishing workshops has it all.
All is included, and if you would like to expand your introductory fly fishing experiences, the we have a range of accommodation at the same location.
The heritage cottages are ideal for a couple or single. We also have available two bedroom cottages consisting of a double bedroom and 2 x singles in the other bedroom – ideal for a family or small group. These are part of the Somercotes Estate, family owned and operated since 1823. It is a magnificent jewel of Tasmanian colonial heritage and rural development.
Our packages are all-inclusive – all gear with waders, all meals with 3 course dinners, all refreshments with dinner, beer or wines, fishing licences, transport or transfers plus a copy of our complimentary KOCPIT theory workshop manual.
Leanne and Brad, both from Queensland, had a very enjoyable and rewarding day learning to fly fish on their first ever Tasmanian trip.
After the obligatory start on the grass it was onto our still water and Brad, above, had a plump little rainbow to hand in very short time.
By afternoon, confidence in casting and knowing that those big nasty crocs from up the north island aren’t around, it was into the river and on with the learning in earnest, as Leanne shows in the fast flowing stream above..
Although still a little timid on the feed, Brad dropped a nice wild brown on this section and the instructor got a good conditioned wild brown to hand, both on the bead-head nymph, so the wild trout are starting look for and take the mayfly nymphs.
We had our first workshop of the new season the other day and to look at the weather you would not believe it is supposed to be winter down here (only a couple more weeks).
Although the wild browns in the river didn’t know they were supposed to be the stars of the day, Bill and Dan had a great day with some action on our private fishery, one nice plump rainbow to hand and some near misses and dropped chances.
Three excellent results from the day:
It looks great for a very rewarding and enjoyable teaching and learning experience for future Red Tag workshop attendees.
Now that the majority of Tasmanian trout waters have closed, our attention turns to gear maintenance, tying and promotional opportunities.
Backing normally doesn’t need much attention, but I run off to the spool, check the anchoring knot and then rewind evenly making sure all is OK as I go.
Check for wear and damage, cracks in the outer coating, etc, and if there is any damage (cracks) this will detract from performance and in the case of floating lines allow sections to sink.
In cases where cracks are deep and or regular, replace with a new line if a Weight Forward. If Double Taper check whole line and if backing half is still fine it can be reversed.
Check join to fly line. Depending on join style or knot, ensure no cracks or casing breaks in the fly line at this point — if so rejoin.
Check for wind knots (you should be doing this regularly when fishing) and if any there, replace with new section or whole tapered leader.
Check runners, bindings and reel seat for damage. Carefully inspect each section for wear and tear, ie, minor fractures if weighted nymphs have hit rod, or had any knocks on the gear. Tip sections are especially susceptible to this sort of injury.
Off season is a good time to thoroughly inspect, dry, clean and repair waders and wading boots. Check out the new Aquaz wading boots if you want to upgrade.
If you would like any help, prices on new equipment, etc, we can look after you with the range of quality and value Pro Angler gear.
