An interview with David Spencer – Focus Magazine, Issue 217, April 2024.

Hi David. Can you tell us about your involvement with the Hastings Fly Fishers club and what your role is?

Hi Daisy, I have been a member of Hastings Fly Fishing Club for about eight years now, and am now in my fourth year as President. 

Could you share a bit about the background of the club and how it got started?

The Club started in 2009, when a small group of locals discovered they shared a common interest in fly fishing, and thought it would be a great idea to form a club to share their love of the sport, and hopefully also introduce others into giving it a try. So, from an initial group of six members, we are now in our fifteenth year and have around 50+ members. Our Club Patron is Brian Henderson, who is an internationally recognised Master Casting Instructor.

What are some of the regular activities club members participate in? What does it mean to be part of the club?

The Club is involved in a range of activities; we have a monthly meeting (every 2^nd Wednesday of the month), which is usually held at Port city Bowling Club, but due to renovations happening at that Club, we have moved temporarily to the Snr. Citizens Centre in Munster Street.

We have a monthly (4^th Sunday of the month) fishing outing which involves us visiting various locations in and around the mid-north coast, and often further afield – such as Guyra, Nundle, the Snowy Mountains, and New Zealand. We fish in salt water and fresh water locations. People often correctly associate fly fishing with trout, but many of the usual saltwater species such as Bream, Flathead, Mullet, Whiting, etc, can also be caught on fly. Apart from Trout, we also have outings fishing for Bass and Carp.

We also have regular casting practice days at Lake Cathie, these are usually held on a fortnightly basis.

People often correctly associate fly fishing with trout, but many of the usual saltwater species such as Bream, Flathead, Mullet, Whiting, etc, can also be caught on fly.

What does it mean to be part of the Club? Well like all recreational clubs, it is always good to share one’s activities and knowledge with people who have similar interests. And certainly, our club is committed to sharing knowledge, improving fishing skills, and promoting the sport. But like all good clubs, it is not just about having a common interest, it’s also about socialising, camaraderie, having some fun, and doing so in a way that promotes respect for each other, and the environment.  We are a catch and release fishing club, and as much as is possible, do our best to handle fish in a manner that enables their safe return to the water.

Could you tell us a bit about some of the members and who can participate?

We are a family orientated club, and have male and female members, and although many of our more active members are retired – and therefore have more time to go fishing – we do have a number of younger members. Basically, we welcome anyone to the club who has an interest in fly fishing.

The majority of our members are from around the Hastings region, but we also have some from the Manning/Great Lakes region. Our members come from a range of backgrounds, so often, there is someone who has the skills that might be needed in meeting the needs of the club.

Over the years, we have, as part of a program run bu the Dept. of Primary Industries, released many fingerlings in local waterways.

The club has been involved in a number of different events, fundraisers and awareness efforts, can you tell us about them and anything you have coming up?

While obviously the principle interest of the Club is fly fishing, we are also engaged in a number of other activities. Over the years, we have as part of a program run by the Dept. of Primary Industries, released many fish fingerlings into local waterways. This has included several thousand flathead, and in various freshwater locations, in excess of 150,000 Trout and Bass. Apart from this, the club has been involved in waterway clean-ups, and a mangrove restoration program.

One of our more rewarding  community based activities, is, in association with The New England Trout Acclimatisation Society (NETAS), and other clubs in the Mid-North Coast/New England region, we participate in a ‘Casting for Recovery Day’. This is held at the Dutton Trout Hatchery in Ebor. The mission of ‘Casting for Recovery’ is to enhance the quality of life of women, who are recovering from breast cancer. This is done through experiencing the  sport of fly fishing within a supportive and welcoming environment. Members of the various clubs donate their time to assist with casting instructions, and in providing food for the event.  Feedback from the women who participate in this day is always very positive.

We also try to have a presence in the local area, and on occasions have an information stall at the Laurieton River Walk Markets. On the 11^th May we will be at the Lake Cathie Autumn Fair. So come along and say G’day.

What do you enjoy most about fly fishing and being a part of the Hastings Fly Fishers?

I have been fly fishing for about 12 years now, but much more frequently in the last 9 years or so. While all forms of fishing require a certain amount luck, it’s also very much about skill and knowledge, and fly fishing has so many interesting facets to it. Among many aspects there is an understanding of the role of different rods, types of fly lines, fly selection (there are literally thousands), reading a river, and then applying a range of different casting techniques to present a fly in such a way that a fish is prepared to take it. But one of the most important aspect  for me is that you get to fish in so many different and lovely locations. And there are many in the beautiful mid-north coast.

What would you say to anyone interested in learning more about fly fishing, and the club?

Well, whether or not you are an experienced fly fisher, a beginner, or someone who has never picked up a fly rod, if you are interested in trying a different  type of fishing experience, come along to one of our meetings and have a chat to us. You will find members who are willing to assist you in having a go at this great sport, and who knows, you might discover you develop a passion for something that wasn’t really on your radar before.

Hastings Fly Fishers - Greater Port Macquarie Focus, Autumn 2024