It’s a country that has it all- wilderness, dramatic scenery, water of chalk-stream clarity, substantial runs of fresh Murray cod and the opportunity to take them on the surface with the riffle hitch – every conceivable fly fishing box is fundamentally crossed off! The variety is astonishing and the fishing is nothing short of addictive, and those who are fortunate enough to venture in to the night in pursuit of the might Murray cod. Soon find themselves planning their next fishing trip time and time again!
While one might expect nonstop action on the lake one should visit the river in the same mindset. Equally, the fishing on certain rivers isn’t for the faint-hearted, in some places verging on extreme with challenging wading and unpredictable conditions. It’s a matter of what you hope to get out of your trip. Bear in mind also that the fishing can and will vary greatly from one time to the next. But, whatever your priorities endure the elements and your cod fishing dreams will almost certainly come true.

Of late the water I’ve been targeting has been small skinny water with deep holes and a lot of structure and not very wide. Cast long distance hasn’t been an issue as for some of the casting has only been a few meters in front of me. It helps if you know your water your casting at for night time, fishing structure of any kind you may not see 100% isn’t a problem as you will have a fair idea were bout’s it is. When mentioning structure you’re not just looking for timber there is an array of obstruction’s’ to aim at. Standing and submerged trees, root balls, logs, small or large branches over hanging the water surface, then you have weed, lily’s pads and cumbungi weed beds. Let’s not forget rocky out looks like; undercut banks, boulders, drop of points under the water and rock walls! These are all spots were Murray cod and not leaving out Golden perch out as they will have a crack at a surface flies too. The depth of the water has an effect while surface fishing; you wouldn’t waste your time casting flies of any kind over 20ft of water. Ideally depth from 6ft to right in to the shallows of a foot you would cast at. Once the depth of the water starts getting too deep the fly won’t be in or even near the strike zone, you don’t want to waste valuable time casting and walking or night long. Working your fly right to the 10ft from the rod tip keeping tight and connected to the fly at all times. It’s like the cod knows that the fly is just about to be lifted off the water and an insane strike happens at your feet and scares the life out of you.

The technique is to cast your fly across the river, small stream land base close as possible to the back and any structure. Immediately being to twitch, strip and rip the fly back in a similar way to any lure you might fish. Often action is instant and cod boil at the fly surface or sub-surface. Constancy moving fly will entice more strikes from the fish, than a non-moving fly. Not to say that also seduces the cod to woof the fly down too. Even tho they will reject the fly, casting several time in the same location could produce another savage strike. Quite often the same fish will rise, boil and break the surface behind the fly. As the fly desperately swim away from the fish, it will finial take it with a huge swirl or splash and race off with it.
As I work my way through the tiny pockets or larger pooled water, I sat the fly in the main current of my peripheral vision. Something huge and green rolled though the surface at the bottom of the run. The fly came flickering back across the lie when I experienced that supreme, magical moment that sets Murray cod fishing apart from all! Other cast, a great table of black, glossy water rose up behind the fly and suddenly the fly was snatched from the fly line. Even before I could react, the rod buckled over wildly in my hands. An impossible bow-wave ploughed through the water and the frame of a truly huge cod rocketing though the water resorting back to his dungeon. I felt a mixture of fear and adrenaline though my whole body. WOW! The hair not just on the back of the neck stand up, but the whole body is covered with goose bumps.

Alone in the darkness, I scooted along the bank retrieving the backing quickly as possible, I stared down at the water to my amazement a huge flank flashed by and a unstoppable cod bolted home bound again. Minutes passed with every second counting my mind began to fill with what ifs thoughts, was my knots right will the leader hold and Arrrh! The head shakes will it spit the hook, so many questions for myself, but keeping it calm at the same time. Finally success the fish was landed a senesce of relief and a fight that seem to last a life time was over. Photos taken and without them it would feel very much like a dream, even tho its dreams like this that wake you of the night!
I figured that the action was going to be thick and fast, I tracked down to the next pool with a immediately a response. Despite a number of swirls behind the fly over a couple of cast, I persisted and paused the fly waiting for the weight on my rod. I continue to cast and had no other inquiries! As you know casting at night you have to have your wits about yourself and I stopped to think where did this fish go? Well after looking around I noticed a semi submerged structure to my right that I could just see with the moon light. Out bound cast past the log 1 or 2 meters as I didn’t want to spook the fish; as I retrieved and slowly twitched the fly right over the snag BOOF game on and cod. My hart went up to 180 beats a minute and with a great battle with short blistering runs I come out with a Murray cod looking at me saying you basted. I netted him and let out you beauty to put it nicely! Fishing partner bolted over to see a horse of a fish just kicking back in the net contemplating defeat. Up with the big fella a few photos; and can I say it is a little difficult to produce good photos at night but I’m working on it, once a few shots had been taken back in to the cold depths’ the fish went. Persistence does pay off and always think outside the square if your fishing techniques don’t work try something different.

Breathing:
Being in the right state of mind for casting – You need to relax not rush the cast, which sounds ridiculous I know, so you really need to calm yourself down and breath! Cast accurately at structure and bully these fish from their haunts. If you don’t; you’ll land lesser fish if any; be prepared at all times. It maybe needs to strip strike and if so, do it as hard as you possibly can and set the hooks.

Correct outfits:
Takes from a large cod are easily missed due to a sudden strike; instead fill the weight then strike. Tackle selection can be trial and error, rods break; fly lines get raped and knots will fail and rise anglers frustrations to the max! A selected range of fly rods 8# – 9# and 10# weights load with the correct fly line may it be; floating, intermediate or fast sinking. A shooting weight forward head will assist you to haul out those huge flies.

Hook setting:
Hook setting is manifested by hand with little control strip striking. This may not permanently set the hooks, but pulling the rod butt towards the body and lift the rod tip high to ensure the best hook up. Hooking up or setting the hooks? Hook up is when the fish has done the job for you and he or she has hit the fly that aggrievedly and the fish has pieced the skin on the outside of itself or has in hailed the fly, there isn’t much more to do then fight the fish. Setting the hooks on the other hand is lifting the rod tip at the correct time to hook the fish. Feeling for the weight of the fish you strike by lifting the rod while crossing the fingers that the fish didn’t spit the fly. If the cod doesn’t stay connected take the slack up and start retrieving the fly slow it may entice another quick attack and continue to work the fly right to the rod tip and belt out another cast in the same direction. I tenuto repeat cast after a exposition up to 6 to 10 times, if no inquires I will move on but do remember on the way back to give yourself one last crack.

Equipment:
While walking the banks night or day I carry a light weight back pack, its contains – camera, fly box, pliers, leaders, water, torch a measuring mat and my landing net that I have clipped to the back of the back pack for easy access. It seems a lot and you would have thought and that it be heavy; keeping a small arranges of surface flies is all you need and the essentials’. Walking distance and the amount of casting you do will verily on each trip, be prepared for any conditions you many come across. Even a small first Aid kit is handy you never know what may happen while out and about, accidents’ are known to Accor. Also so keep your mobile phone in a water tight case along with the camera the last thing you don’t need is your perishes shot gone and if the uninspected does happen you can make an emergency phone call. Remember to let someone know where you’re going for the night; so if there is any trouble while out the right authority can start searching in the right spot!

Once hooked in to these fish and wait to be well rewarded you’ll soon realise what all the fuss about is! Epic fights – blistering short runs with incredible and dramatic power. The hook set your silence is no longer an explosion is astonishing as the fish powers away.

Fly tying and constantly developing new patterns and concepts. Creative approach to fly tying, you will discover a new use of fly tying materials and gain inspiration and ideas.

Remember that effective flies catch more fish – It seems simple and straightforward … almost logical that it is so. Consider that the only thing the fish should ever see is your fly. The fly cast, the tackle and your fishing techniques are only tools to bring the fly in the right position. Innovative and strategic approach to fly tying creates the best flies.

Kaos flies catch fish! They are quite crude, not what a connoisseur of well-crafted angling artefacts would want framed in a display box on his den wall. I tie a lot of wet and surface flies, but avoid small trout flies because constructing them irritates me to the MAX!

People tie flies to save money or for the enjoyment of experimenting with new patterns. They do it for the pleasure of catching fish with a fly they develop themselves.Anyone can copy your killer fly for his own use. Usually the best you can hope for is that your fly will appear in books on the subject, either named after you or crediting you with its creation.

Kicked start off to the 2015/16 Cod open in style, I managed to have a few hours flick on Saturday Avo. Moving away from the crowds having the river to myself is truly magic. Casting watching the wild life and listing to the sweet sounds of the Australian bird choir nothing quite like it anywhere else….Below a few tips, enjoy!

The fly rod is and tackle is one of the easiest bits of fishing equipment to carry with you. It assembles and dismantles apart in to 4 pieces and tuck’s away in to a tube you can’t get any easier than that. A fly reel is also very compact to travel with and a small fly box; who I’m I kidding? A large fly box with your favorite flies and you set ready to go. My fly rod is with me 100% of the time when I’m traveling around; you just don’t know what water you might come across a creek, river or passing by a lake. Within minutes you’re set up ready to attack any stretch of water. Compact easy to set up and will fit just about anywhere in a car, the fly rod should be your best friend. Why my rod is in the car all the time; it’s not just so I can have fish any time, even tho I love too, it’s also to work on my technique and casting skills.

Positioning the boat in shallow water; punch a cast out over the drop off, which any sounder will show you undulating ground. Once over the drop off or structure give the fly time to sink before stripping back. The sink rate is slow with an intermediate line but this means the fly is in the strike zone a lot longer too. Casting the fly past or over the structure; then stripping the fly back towards the strike zone – prepare yourself to get smashed, as Murray cod and Golden perch hit with an almighty force. Repetitive casting in the same spot will in carriage a hit, mixed in with big rips or two or three quick twitches at a time.

The best advice I can offer, is to never pass by any small creek or river system if it has shallow water. And if it looks too difficult to cast at, that’s the spot to have a shot at as you may be amazed at the size of the fish living beneath the water! However, there are many small creeks and rivers and lakes where you can fly fish from the water’s edge for Murray cod or Golden perch locally.

Local knowledge on the area is paramount; receiving any information about the location you’re going to fish is very valuable. This makes it easy to go for a couple of hours of casting after work or on the weekend. Take in to consideration of other anglers’ technique and revert those in to fly. Anglers that might have been casting spinner baits or any other artificial lure in certain colours and had good success, then the same colours can be used in any fly style. There are quiet and tranquil spots along most water ways and can be very rewarding for fly fishing anglers who want to catch a Murray cod or two.

The spring thaw means full rivers and high currents are flowing and the fish began to move. These conditions are not the best for flies sitting on the surface, so try your luck with wet flies. Fish are hungry after a season under the icy conditions and wet flies are the best way to take advantage of spring appetites. Fish also seek out the warmer, shallower water, so fish close to the banks and away from any lingering icy cold shelves.

Whether you are perfecting your cast or mapping out details of your favourite fishing hole, there is always a reason to get out on the water. If you have a passion for fly fishing, there is no need to ignore it for months on end. Make your hobby a year-round affair by using each season to improve your skills.

Fly tying patterns Instructions, which take the mystery out of the craft and give even a novice the best chance of success. If tying your own flies is new to you, then you have some wonderful experiences ahead. The art of fly tying is one that will become a passion a competition with your to achieve the perfectly tied lure, that killer fly that captures the biggest of fish. There is no one to inspect your work but the fish you’re after, and your sense of success comes from the reeling of the fish that go into the creel. So, how do you learn the art? There are flying tying patterns in every fly fishing magazine and online at every fly fishing site. There are even websites focused specifically on fly tying recipes, which of course, are fly tying instructions.

What’s important is that you choose a basic pattern and start. Each attempt will yield a better fly tier than the one before, as its practice that perfects this delicate craft. Be sure before you start that you have all the supplies and tools called for in the pattern, so you can complete each fly once you begin the process.

Multiple techniques are used to create fly tying patterns’ the combination of techniques and materials allow the fly tier to create and invent an infinite number of patterns. Simple to advance traditional flies use natural fur and feathers but the invention of synthetic materials extends the creative reach of the modern fly tier. In addition to materials, the different hook sizes and styles influence the style of the fly.

Fly tying recipes are prolific on the internet, along with ratings by users for the clarity of the instructions and the fly’s success in catching fish. The craft is inextricably linked to the sport of fly fishing, and the passion for one fuels the passion for the other. Try it and find out for yourself.

Fueled by my passion for fly fishing with my fly rod in hand and the great outdoors calling you! I’m fishing in a tight pocket of the river casting large flies at these beautiful marbled colored fish. A season you have planned never goes the way you expect it to and the journey still continues. Tough season and equally tough and stubborn fish, the hunger drives you to boiling point and you still set trip after trip to nut out the mighty cod.

Fly fishing is not limited to the summer months with the right knowledge and approach; you get to enjoy your passion any time of the year. Though you do not always come home with a fish or even get a strike, you are still able to pursue your passion all year long. Make every opportunity into fly fishing season.

Depending on your local climate, it is still possible to make winter a productive time for your fly fishing. Late cold nights on the rivers give you rare opportunities for some winter fishing being surface or sub-surface fly fishing. Seek out different deep pools where fish collect during the low season weather. Fish do not feed with the same regularity, so take multiple flies to try to tempt them in to any strike. Identify pools, logs, weed beds, boulders, under cut banks and any standing and submerged structure that attract Murray cod. Behaviors of cod do change in all seasons and when fly fishing opportunity arrives, you know where to go and how to fish a certain spot.

If you haven’t given this technique much consideration as a productive way to fish for Murray cod at any time during the season you should rethink your prejudices and give it an honest try.

Float tube fishing is very enjoyable and unusual hobby that anglers aren’t aware of. Don’t let your modest budget glue you to the shore and buy an expensive boat. A float tube takes you out to all depths of water, where the real “lurkers” swim far beneath the surface.
Land base fishing is fun and relaxing, but experienced anglers know that to make the most of your time, you need to get out on the water. Unfortunately, boats are prohibitively expensive for many fishing enthusiasts also very large. If you want to fish on the water but have a small budget and the stretch of water is littered with structure that impossible to angle from and boat, then consider float tube fishing instead.
Stability and protection
Float tubes are the best type of inflatable fishing vessel because they do not capsize, even in the wake of a speeding power boat or Jet Ski. The tubes have convenient storage for your flies, spare reels, snacks and other items you require on the water. Do not risk losing your expensive fishing and camera gear, stow your equipment in the compartments on each side of the tube. There is ampoule room behind the seat to, a wet weather bag for your clothing or sleeping gear can stay dry.

Move-ability
The tubes are small, light and easy to man-oeuvre on all water may it be a tight water way to large lake. These floating devices will position the angler to the perfect cast where you can’t achieve from the bank or the vessel. There are no oars or paddles, but I do have one on me from time to time as this ables me to rest my legs from kicking. With that it all so easy to keep one hand on your fishing rod.
Seating considerations
The location and structure of your float tube’s seat has a major impact on your fishing experience. Riding high and dry makes for pleasurable fishing especially during the cold winter months. Seasoned anglers prefer high seats because they make it easy to cast over long distances if needed. Seat height correlates with your own height and the length of your torso. Short anglers prefer very high seats, while extremely tall people enjoy great casting distance in most seats.

Rod control gives you line control
Not many anglers know the real meaning behind (High Sticking) what you may read about this isn’t usually good! Busted rods dropped fish incorrect length of leaders the list goes on. High sticking in any situation the right way is going to assist you all 100%. The leader length is short for a few reasons, it assists you to roll over large wet flies and keep it tight and accurate to the structure. The short leader, a length to 3ft to 4ft to a maximum. This helps with fly placement but as you high stick the rod the leader knot or knots won’t go through the guide eyes and foul up on a hooked fish. Then this prevents the fly rod to be snapped when high sticking the fish to your net. While casting seated on your float tube low to the water, high sticking I believe is the most lesson to learn. As you have positioned yourself in to heavy structure, why it is necessary to high stick on the back cast is to guide the fly line over what obstacles behind you. You may have any sort of obstructions to overcome high banks, cliff faces, trees of any kind and all sorts of shrubs and bushes. High sticking by halting the rod at 1o’clock and pointing the rod tip towards the sky, this action guides the fly line, leader and most important the fly above the obstacles behind you. Power though from that point to release the fly line from your finger tips and guide the fly to the tight timber you’re aiming at!

Rod length
Confused on rod length? I’ve taken the difficult decision and made it easy for your next purchase! As there are endless amount of manufactures the choice of brand I’ll leave to you. The length and weight for my advice is a well design rod with a medium-fast action taper length between 7ft 9inches to 8ft 6inches. These lengths might seem odd but there are many custom rod builders that could produce these measurements. Weight of the rod I prefer #8 – #9 and # 10 weights, it will depend on the water you fish. The length of rod to the weights I have suggested match up ideally as this is what I use and for many years. A perfect combination for effortlessly casting big flies into tight places, the fly rod would be powerful enough smooth casting that look as good as they perform!

Being in the right state of mind for casting – You need to relax not rush the cast, which sounds ridiculous I know, so you really need to calm yourself down and breath! A little more concentration is required while cast from a float tube. Cast accurately at structure and bully these fish from their haunts. If you don’t; you’ll land lesser fish if any; be prepared at all times. It maybe needs to strip strike and if so, do it as hard as you possibly can and set the hooks. Takes from a large cod are easily missed due to a sudden strike; instead fill the weight then strike. Once you’re in to the feisty fight, start to kick your fins vigorously. This assists the angler to guide any size fish from the depths of their holiday home. Combined with high sticking the rod keeping connected tightly to the fish it could avoid a lost fish. Tackle selection can be trial and error, rods break; fly lines get raped and knots will fail and rise anglers frustrations to the max! A selected range of fly rods 8# – 9# and 10# weights load with the correct fly line may it be; floating, intermediate or fast sinking. A shooting weight forward head will assist you to haul out those huge flies. Hook setting is manifested by hand with little control strip striking. This may not permanently set the hooks, but pulling the rod butt towards the body and lift the rod tip high to ensure the best hook up.

Float tubes are wonderfully portable. If you plan to camp with your tube, pick a model with backpack straps and a Boston inflation valve. The best float tubes for group camping excursions have adjustable back rests and lap webbing panels. Quick, easy adjustments make it easy for the whole family to comfortably take their turn in the tube.
I’ve had the good fortune to use the Outcast Super Fat Cat-LCS first and it set the bar for the rest of my research. Most float tubes on the market are akin to inflatable rafts shaped like a horseshoe with a seat. Some tubes feature puncture resistant inflatable tubes that can be patched if torn. Some had high quality valves and some cheap. Most tubes featured some storage and only a handful had adjustable seats. In the end the Outcast Super Fat Cat-LCS was second to none the best tube I could find! In fairness some of the tubes I looked at had high quality components and some had great design, but only the Super Fat Cat-LCS had both. Here is what I like about it:

I fish for Murray cod and other native fish and that means fishing tight to sunken trees and a variety of partially submerged structure. Among the top features I look for in a float tube are durability and resistance to puncture. The Super Fat Cat float tube consists of two parts. The outer shell that is made from 420 PC/500 PVC, which is pretty darn tough for its weight and a second part which is a replaceable air cell that zips into the protective liner. You would really need to go out of your way to puncture the outer shell and the air cell. If it does happen the Super Fat Cat comes with a patch kit and if the puncture is bad enough then you can simply replace the air cell.

The second thing I like about the Fat Cat is the valve system. The valve has a spring-loaded release that makes inflating and deflating simple and quick. The valve also allows you to adjust the pressure of the tube while on the water. The main valve features a white-water rated protective cover that prevents accidental deflation. Should the valve get damaged it can be easily replaced.
The Super Fat Cat-LCS differs from the standard Fat Cat-LCS in that it features a two-part inflatable seat. The advantages of an inflatable seat are two-fold. First, you can adjust the seat to ensure a comfortable fit and second should the inner-tube be compromised while on the water the seat contains enough air to keep you afloat (Note: this does not mean you should forgo a PFD). The seat sections are fully adjustable and are extremely comfortable.
Another feature that sold me on the Super Fat Cat-LCS is the amount of storage. On either side of the tube there are two large billows pockets that zip open, which can hold lunch, tackle, extra clothing, camera and just about anything else you might need for a day trip. The section between the back of the seat and the front of the tube is also a great place to pack a cooler when it’s time for a celebratory beer or water after a long day of fishing. Additionally, the float tube features a series of eight mesh pockets for holding tippet, tools, keys, etc.
A float tube also has a removable stripping apron that sits across your lap and does wonders for managing line. The apron also features a measuring tape, which makes sizing up your catch a breeze.
If you have spent much time in a float tube, then you know how much small design elements make huge differences. For the speed and move-ability the bow of the Fat Cat is lifted thus making it faster and easier to move about. There is also a good amount of extra storage between the bow and the back of the seat (perfect for a cooler).

Float tubes price range varies a considerable amount so when you buy one you want to be sure it is constructed well. Out of all the float tubes I looked at the Outcast Super Fat Cat was far and away the best. It has all the right features and with the replaceable air cell will last a lifetime. The Super Fat Cat floats high in the water so you sit mostly above the waterline, which means you can move around easier and the float tube is very fast when paired with a good set of fins. Additionally, the amount of storage on the Super Fat Cat is unmatched! You have two large zippered side compartments that each feature numerous pockets and clips for setting up your tube just the way you want it. The Super Fat Cat also features plenty of room behind the seat back where you can put a cooler or a waterproof bag with a change of clothes. All in all I just can’t think of a way I would improve this float tube. If you are in the market for a float tube, then without hesitation I recommend the Outcast Super Fat Cat!

When fly fishing from either a Float Tube or an inflatable Pontoon boat, Navigator fishing fins are the most important and indispensable accessory. These ultra-lightweight and neutrally buoyant float tube fins will provide the maximum distance with minimum effort and best maneuverability. It does look quite technical fly casting; I believe it’s far from it. Huge long cast and stalking the fish being super quite isn’t what you need to achieve. Short accurate casting to a point; read the structure, standing or submerged and constantly practice and fine tuning that cast. Books, magazines, dvds and a lesson or two could be the turning point you just might need to nail a Murray cod fly fishing.

Cool clip of this young fella chasing cod on fly!

Michael Shanahan