Welcome to the May edition of Flycast.

As Monty Python would say, “Now for something completely different.”

The Dunmore article reports that Redfin perch have become prolific in the main lake in front of the lodge. Whilst wading through shallow water flooding the surrounds of the lake we noticed a large number of very small fish that we took to be juvenile redfin. However, upon mentioning this to our host, Cath, we were advised that what we had been observing were juvenile gudgeon, not redfin.

Our “Know your Fish” usually involves a species that is a target species for flyfishers but at our monthly Club meeting it was suggested that our fish of the month should be gudgeon. I never knew that there were so many species of gudgeon in Australia. Fortunately, by consulting the “Atlas of Living Australia”, I was able to winnow this number down to two most likely suspects.

Co-Editor Bonnie’s curiosity about local place names we have come across in our fishing travels led her to a fascinating history about a little known Australian hero. We hope you enjoy “On the Road to Dunmore” thanks to our Mayor, Peta Pinson, who not only reads our Newsletter but found a picture of our last month’s fish – the ‘Blue Bastard’ (it wasn’t difficult – Webmaster).

Ben has been busy with his new boat, the “Fleur de Fleuve” (River Flower). Ben has promised us an article on his set-up and it will be interesting to see what a knowledgeable professional boatie adds to his boat. That will be in next month’s Newsletter. I’ve had a preview of the pictures and can’t wait (I don’t think Bonnie is as anxious as she can foresee some expense).

Bonnie and I are heading off to Darwin later this week. As you may have seen on the Anzac day television news, this year marks the 80th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. On the 19th February 1942 more than 188 Japanese aircraft attacked Darwin’s Harbour and airfield. It was the first and the largest foreign attack ever mounted on Australia. I recommend that anyone visiting Darwin visits the Darwin Military Museum at East Point that showcases the extent of that and later attacks and really brings it home.

May your waders never leak, and you always have a tight line.

Iain

View/download May 2022 edition