2016 Red Tag FFC June Newsletter-1

President PO Box 5095, Alphington, Vic. 3078 SecretaryJohn Trioli (web) www.redtagflyfishers.com.au Niki Duckstein (email) [email protected] Newsletter — June 2016 Annual Subscriptions Due 1 JulyJuly Meeting is on 6th July 7.30 pm Members will be issued an invoice which will come by email or post the same as the newsletter. Details of “How to Pay” are on the invoice A member will be deemed un-financial if their annual subscription is not paid by the August Annual General Meeting. Annual Subscription Fees Metro $76.00 Country $38.00 = 50% of full metro Interstate $38.00 = 50% of full metro Pensioner $38.00 = 50% of full metro Junior $19.00 = 25% of full metroWhere: Yarra Bend Club Room Family $90.00What: Tackle night presented by Jim Baumgurtelfrom FlyFinz Payment Payment can be made in cash, cheque or moneyAugust meeting is the Red Tag Club AGM: order at the General meeting or by posting aWed 3rd August 2016 at Yarra Bend Club Room cheque or money order to: The Treasurer Red Tag Fly Fishers’ Club PO Box 5095 Alphington 3078Red Tag Key Contact Details Alternately members can make an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to the following account:President John Trioli BSB: 633 0000409 960 362 [email protected] Account Number: 1302 65432 Message/Reference/Description: YOUR SURNAMEVice President Vince McCaughey Note If paying by EFT please identify yourself9803 6568 [email protected] with your surname in the reference box and inform Bill Jackson that you have made theSecretary Niki Duckstein payment. Email: [email protected] 307 129 [email protected] Phone: 9890 6040 (work phone) (There is a message bank on this line)Treasurer Bill Jackson9899 2311 [email protected] TAG NEWSLETTER JUNE 2016.docx Page 1 of 6

VALE: Donald (Scotty) Macleish AO Murray River to host Carpaggeddon 1928 — 2016 Following on from our April newsletter feature, As a rule, most new members that join the Red it’s been confirmed that the Federal Government Tag Fly Fishers’ Club come along mainly to learn is set to unleash ‘koi herpes’ into the Murray River across 3 states to eliminate millions of how to tie a fly and catch a fish. Australia’s worst freshwater fish pest – the European carp.At the age of 69 Scotty Macleish joined the club atDeepdene Park Hall in 1997, and was an exception As we highlighted, it is estimated 80 per cent ofto the rule; he simply wanted to master the art of all fish in Australia’s biggest water system — thecasting a fly. Murray-Darling Basin — are carp.This he did, and from then on was spending his And to make matters worse, it is now widelySaturday afternoons and sometimes Sundays at believed that water taken from irrigators andclub and interclub casting tournaments at the flushed down the river system in the name ofYarra Bend casting pool, mainly during the winter. saving the environment has caused this explosionScotty took on the role of club handicapper in 2003 in the carp population- the ultimate irony!and continued until failing health forced him toretire in 2013. The good news is that in May’s 2016 FederalWhen the club decided relocate to the Long Budget $15m was allocated to the National CarpPavilion at Yarra Bend Park in 2000, much hard Control Plan with the sole aim of eradicatinglabour was required to make the surroundings European carp by 2045.more comfortable. A major task was to remove adividing wall. In the Red Tag Minute Book, it is The virus could kill thousands of carp within thenoted that … first 24 hours of release and yield a sight millions‘John Trengove, Geoff Newman, and Don of Australians have yet to see in their lifetime – aMacleish demolished the wall, carried, and Murray River clear of carp.stacked the rubble outside. Don Macleish wasappointed Safety Officer on the day. Ironically, Carp, dubbed ‘the rabbit of the river’, breed inhe was the only person to sustain an injury, a plague proportions and have been responsible forself inflicted crushed thumb …’ bringing native fish stocks to a parlous state.The Royal Australian College of Surgeons noted Scientists at the CSIRO have tested the koithat ‘Scotty is remembered as a pioneer in herpes virus for decades and are convinced itvascular surgery, keen educator, surgeon’s poses no threat to other fish species or oursurgeon, man of exceptional loyalty and sense of fauna. And while the Government is at pains toduty …’ avoid specific details of the virus, it’s widely rumoured to be an Indonesian strain of carpThe Red Tag club is poorer for his passing – our herpes that only affects European carp.sincere condolences go to Scotty’s family. Carp infected with the virus can die within 24- 48hours and remain carriers of the disease even if they survive. Let’s hope the team at the CSIRO have got this one absolutely spot on and we see a rapid decline in carp numbers across Australia.RED TAG NEWSLETTER JUNE 2016.docx Page 2 of 6

The significance of colour in selecting flies A legend visits the Red Tag Casting PoolMost game fish detect their prey by seeing the contrast Red Tag was honoured to host a castingof the forage against the various coloured backgrounds demonstration by legendary and internationalof the river/lake. renowned April Vokey. Organised by Rick Dobson of Aussie Angler, AprilThe level or type of contrast depends on many factors: Vokey visited the Red Tag Casting Pool on 21sttime of day, type of bottom, transparency of the water, May and showed us what is possible in the worldwhether cloudy or sunny, possibly even the time of year. of Spey casting. The demonstration was enjoyed by all attendees, with plenty of instruction on theWhen selecting flies, the key factors that contribute to finer arts of Spey casting. Many thanks to thesuccess are (in order of importance) size of fly, it’s Red Tag members who helped with the BBQ onsilhouette or shape and it’s colour. the day.Colour is perhaps the most contentious of these 3 metrics Update - Tony Ryan @ the CVFFCand there are a number of factors that should be meeting, Omeoconsidered when deciding on the optimum colour and Fisheries are looking to increase the fishingcolour combination. Here are some suggestions. license fees to $35 per annum. An option from Fisheries was to increase fees annually by CPITry to consider what colours in your fly will look like at without a reporting process.the depth you’re fishing – for example, since red is the Fisheries are currently completing a 3 yearfirst and blue is the last colour absorbed, it makes sense survey on a number of trout rivers across theto use a blue fly when fishing at depth. state. Some surprises and concerns wereMany fish feed by looking up toward the surface of thewater. In doing so, they have difficulty distinguishingspecific colours. The contrast of the prey against thesurface becomes important, so selecting flies that havea colour contrast rather than specific colours is often keyto enticing a fish to strike.Black is the least transparent colour, gives the bestsilhouette at night and is probably the most visible colour(to a trout !) under most conditions.If your fly has more than 2 colours, the darker colourshould be over the lighter colours as this produces thebest contrast.Different coloured flies may be equally effective orineffective simply because they are similar in colour atthe depth the fish see them.If you are fishing your fly in deep water, the motion andany noise or disturbance it makes might be much moreimportant than its colour.A good profile is important when vision conditions are low(night time or dirty water) – black and red flies offer goodprofiles – perhaps one of the factors behind the successof a Royal Wulff.Red and white are another combination which provide agood contrast under many conditions.A good idea is to increase the contrast of the fly if thewater is dirty and decrease if it is clear.Keep these ideas in mind next time you select or tie a fly.RED TAG NEWSLETTER JUNE 2016.docx Page 3 of 6

uncovered, particularly in regards to high Message from Scotty Macleish’s Familytemperatures and lack of flow in some rivers. The MacLeish family has advised that there willClubs are to consider some evaluation/record not be a funeral for Scotty. In its place, akeeping of those rivers frequented by club memorial service will take place at a yet to bemembers and report back to Fisheries. advised venue, time, and date.Red Tag to discuss further at our next Activity The family suggests that it will take place in theMeeting and forward an opinion to Fisheries. latter half of June.Tasmania to host the 2019 Message from the Newsletter EditorWorld Fly Championships We’re now heading into winter, with only 10 daysThe hospitality and recreational fishing industries left before the stream season closes on Queen’sare celebrating news Tasmania will host the Birthday weekend – where did the 2015/16World Fly Champion-ships in 2019. season go. I hope you all had a great season and that PB’s were smashed.On Monday, Primary Industries Minister JeremyRockliff called it “a major win’’. The rivers have been running low and clear and even though the mercury has been dropping,“Tasmania’s bid was unanimously endorsed, reports are that the Rubicon and Goulburn havewhich is a great testament to our state, our been fishing well. By all accounts whilst fish havewaterways and the management of our world- been caught, they’ve been harder than usual toclass trout fishery,’’ he said. bring to the net – no doubt indicative of the time of year and heightened levels of spookiness (ifCountry Club Tasmania sales and marketing there is such a word).manager Bede Clifton said: “Apart from thefishing tournament, (organisers are) also looking Come 13th June, the casting season begins inat what are the great food and wine earnest – apart from the various inter-clubopportunities.’’ comps there will as also be a number of Red Tag club casting comps. Not only is this great excuseVeteran fisher Mark Youngman said at least five to engage in your favourite sport over the closedfishing hot spots would be chosen for the world season, it’s also a terrific opportunity to improvechampionships. your casting accuracy. Always remember that Ken Lucas is ready to help with some instructionWhat’s been happening at the Red Tag and coaching – so if you’ve always wanted toCasting Pool? perfect that Reach Mend or Curve Cast, Ken’s your man and the Red Tag casting pool beckons.Red Tag Club Championship, Round 2 of 628 May 2016 - Yarra Bend Pool On a number of housekeeping issues:Weather Overcast Club membership fees – a friendly reminder thatWind Calm to Moderate S/W our annual fees will be due on 1st July –promptTemp 15 payment is greatly appreciated as fees are one of the key financial pillars of the club.Possible Dry ACA Wet Fly Skish Fly Total AGM – the Red Tag Annual General Meeting is in early August, and your attendance is strongly 50 100 50 200 encouraged. A key issue to be addressed will be the Red Tag Club Committee. A number ofLeff Andropof......... 48..... 96..... 44..... 188 positions will become open in August and as ourKen Lucas..............46..... 97..... 42..... 185 club has over 60 nominal members it’sBruce Ratcliffe .......47..... 88..... 42..... 177 imperative that as many members as possibleGeoff Newman ......41..... 88..... 47..... 176 nominate for roles to ensure our club continuesTed Whittam..........44..... 77..... 35.....156 to function and prosper into the future.RED TAG NEWSLETTER JUNE 2016.docx Finally, the Club Newsletter is a great way to share information with your fellow fly fishers. We’re always looking for topical articles, fishing reports or news of upcoming events - feel free to email me on [email protected] Regards, Michael Page 4 of 6

Red Tag Fly Fishers Club Syllabus 2016 Sat 20th Club Championship (5) ICF Skish Yarra Bend Pool 1.15pmJuneWed 1st Activity Sun 21st Geelong OpenMeeting Yarra Bend Clubroom 7.30pm Championship Barwon Valley Park 9.30amSun 5th Brunn Shield Round (2) ICF Skish Fri 26th VFFA Annual + Alex Wallace Teams Trophy Dinner Celtic Club 6.30pm Yarra Bend Pool 9.30amSun 5th VFFA Sunday Morning Casting Sat 27th VFFA Presidents' Casting Sessions begin @ Yarra Bend Pool Day Yarra Bend Pool 11.00amSat 11th Queens Birthday Weekend – Sat 27th Club Cast - Australian Skish + stream fishing season closes Charles Brittain Trophy September Yarra Bend Pool 1.15pmSat 11th Australian Fly Casting Ch’ships Sat 3rd Yarra Bend Casting Pool 9.30am trout stream fishing season opens - Club trip TBASun 12th Australian Fly Casting Ch’ships Wed 7th Activity Meeting Yarra Bend Casting Pool 9.30am Yarra Bend Clubroom 7.30pmWed 15th Committee Meeting Sat 10th Club Championship (6) Australian Yarra Bend Clubroom 7.30pm Skish Yarra Bend Pool 1.15pmJuly Brunn Shield Round (3) Australian Wed 21st Committee MeetingSun 3rd Skish Yarrambat Pool 9.30am Yarra Bend Clubroom 7.30pmWed 6th Activity Meeting Sun 25th Victorian Plug Casting Yarra Bend Clubroom 7.30pm Championships GisborneSat 9th Club Championship (4) October ActivityAustralian Skish Yarra Bend Pool 1.15pm Wed 5th Yarra Bend Clubroom 7.30pm MeetingSun 17th Red Tag Open Championship Fri-Sat-Sun Stawell Fly In Lake Fyans Yarra Bend Pool 9.30am 7th–9th incl. Herb Jenkins Teams TrophyWed 20th Committee Sat - Sun Wastell Trophy + Ted BarkleyMeeting Yarra Bend Clubroom 7.30pm 15th-16th Trophy Creswick 10.00amSun 24th Southern Open Wed 19th Committee Meeting Yarra Bend Clubroom 7.30pmChampionship Southern Pool 9.30amSat 30th Club Cast - Harold Darby Trophy Sun 23rd Australian Plug Casting ICF Skish Yarra Bend Pool 1.15pm Championship, GisborneSun 31st Brunn Shield Round (4) ICF Skish Fri 28th Red Tag Annual Southern Pool 9.30am Dinner Venue TBA 6.30pmAugustWed 3rd Annual General Meeting November Melbourne Cup Day Yarra Bend Clubroom 7.30pm Tue 1stSat 6th Club Cast - Australian Skish + Wed 2nd Activity George Sawyer Trophy Meeting Yarra Bend Clubroom 7.30pm Yarra Bend Pool 1.15pm Fri-Sat-Sun Taggerty Family Weekend 11th-13thSun 7th Jack Joyner Trophy + Ron MassonTrophy Yarra Bend Pool 9.30am Wed 16th Committee Meeting Yarra Bend Clubroom 7.30pmSun 14th Turville Shield Teams Event December Yarra Bend Pool 9.30am Wed 7th Activity Meeting + Social BBQ Yarra Bend Pool 6.00pmWed 17th Committee Meeting Yarra Bend Clubroom 7.30pm PLEASE NOTE: syllabus is subject to change - check your monthly NEWSLETTER for possible alterationsRED TAG NEWSLETTER JUNE 2016.docx Page 5 of 6

BIG 4 Taggerty Holiday Park Rio Fly Lines For reservations: Gin-Clear Media Phone Michelle, Mathew or Simon Fly fishing DVDs and films (03) 5774 7263 www.gin-clear.com 3380 Maroondah Highway, Taggerty 3174 Hurley's Fly Fishing [email protected] Contact: Gavin Hurley on 9532 1583 AFN FISHING & OUTDOORS 489 South Rd, Bentleigh VIC 3209 20/52 Corporate Boulevard Indigenous plants from the Melbourne area Bayswater Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm, Sat-Sun 12-4pm 9729 8788 Yarra Bend Rd, Fairfield. Tel: 9482 1710 [email protected] FlyFinz Jim Baumgurtel [email protected] Aussie Angler Fishing Tackle Contact Rick Dobson - 9432 1501 30 Sherbourne Road Greensborough 3088 Enquiries: [email protected] Compleat Angler LIKE Tasmanian Fishing News Box Hill 702 Station St On Facebook & www.tasfish.com 9890 7439 www.compleatangler.com.au Swords Select Wine & Beer FlyLife 348 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill Salt & Freshwater Fly Fishing Rob Sloane www.flylife.com.au Adrenalin FliesSupplier of quality fly fishing tackle and equipment www.adrenalinflies.com.auIf undelivered, return to: Page 6 of 6Red Tag Fly Fishers' ClubPO Box 5095Alphington Victoria 3078Est.1932RED TAG NEWSLETTER JUNE 2016.docx