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Flying
Bass
By Richard
Carter
No alcohol hasn't effect my eyesight.
I am talking about fly casting for Australian Bass. Most of the
people I work with in a computer software company wonder why
do it at all? What follows is an example of an early morning
fly fishing escapade on the upper reaches a river I know above
impoundment within an hours drive from home.
Summer time, 4am leave home
35min walk in semi dark to be at favourite spot
with dawn at 5:20am
quiet, still pre dawn
birds waking, atmosphere all around
predawn sky is mirrored on water surface
A rock and a half sunken log
with overhanging casuarina
a perfect spot for a speculative cast
the surrounding stillness is breath taking
a water dragon lizard scampering off as you begin to cast
the plopping of a mini dalberg on the surface like thunder to
the ear
ripples of the landing fly spreading across the pool
wait, twitch, wait, wait ,wait tension mounting
a small quick strip of the line
the fly surges, displaces water and pops back to the surface
wait, wait and wait some more till all the ripples have subsided
a little twitch to end of the rod causing a shiver to the fly
BAM! Crash! Splash! The hook sets itself such is the take
loose line flowing, spool spins, avoid the snag, watch the rock
fall over in the mud, keep rod high, line tight
recover line, another run, recover more line
eventually the shining and ancient coloured bronze prize is on
top of the water
cold to the hand, slip the hook, a few photos, revive, release
a few moments of reflection
on life's and nature's wondrous gifts
Another rock outcrop, another snag awaits
each may harbour another bronzed battler
to be caught and released before the sun gets too high
Those at work still don't understand.
How could they don't fish, let alone fly fish.
Don't explain it to them, just put a rod in their hand, give
a little instruction and give a little advice. Then get them
on the water, that first fish on the end of a taunt line on a
fly they made themselves will see joy and enlightenment. That
first fish in their hands for a photo and gentle release will
see a dawning of a new understanding that will see them hooked
for life.
 
53cm of mean Glenbawn Dam Bass,
enough to get anyone hooked on fly
| AVFT
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