Recap of our first Cod Camp Out...
Our recent Cod Camp Out was a roaring success... Aussie Angler Fly Fishing and James norney of Mountain Fly Vic pooled their knowledge and efforts to deliver what we like to think of as a truely succesful clinic.
Held on the banks of the Ovens river in a Hipcamp with great facilities, most participants wandered up to set up camp on Friday. By Saturday morning after a hearty BBQ breakfast of egg & bacon rolls, BBQ figs and fresh coffee, we jumped straight into delivering a few hours worth of all knowledge Murray Cod.
Diving right into topics we covered rods and reel chopices for different scenarios; most quickly realising that for Victorian rivers an 8 weight is perfect while if after the big impoundment specimens, anything between 8-10 would be ideal. LIne choice becomes a very important with everyone understanding the difference grain weight has and how to apply choices around fly size, fly line types and weight.
Morning tea saw us fill up with warm coffee and homemade treats while we tied leaders and tested assorted knots for strength and suitability. The difference between using fluorocarbon vesrsus monofilament was discussed and choice of tippet strength covered.
James' casting demonstration showed eveyone some skills to be practiced and aspire to while the discussion around fly choice and how to adapt them with with weights or floats was eagerly watched. How to approach the river and how/where to cast was practical and enlightening. What to look for on the surface and where cod might likely be found were all covered as well. The late afternoon saw practical casting skills developed on the river and in the paddock, with participants understanding how to change their cast in order to deal with te larger flies than most are used to!
A huge BBQ dinner around the camp fire allowed us all to chat and share ideas around all topics fly fishing. the SUnday morning fishing session saw Jarrah catch his first cod- he used his 6 weight with a fly tied by Rick. Every attendee was thrilled to be there when Jarrah caught a cod.
The Cod Camp Out was so much fun and so successsful we will be hosting these regularly. Our next date has been set for May 16 so feel free to call the store to register your interest.
