Trout have always been my thing. I was lucky enough to have spent my formative fly fishing years on the West Coast rivers of Ireland, I’ve fly fished across southern and eastern Australia, and even fished a mayfly hatch on the famed English Chalkstreams. My daydreams have always been about meandering rivers and sipping trout; a far cry from where I’ll be in one week’s time, on the tropical sand flats of Kiribati, or Christmas Island as known by most of the fly fishing world. (This Christmas Island is just south of Hawaii, as opposed to the Australia’s more infamous Christmas Island).

The saltwater learning curve has been pretty interesting in the lead-up to this trip. For a starter, the flies are completely different to trout flies, and very simple in comparison. Coloured flat-waxed nylon, fly fur, dumbbell eyes, and a bit of Krystal Flash constitutes the most popular fly, the Christmas Island Special, and its variations. I’m sure we could make more technical flies, but I get the impression that it won’t change the success rate.

Reels, lines and backing are yet another point of difference, and perhaps the most important part of the gear. Normal trout gear uses backing made of Dacron. Dacron is relatively soft, easy to use, and easy to connect to the rear of a flyline. Bonefish set-ups on the other hand use Gel-Spun backing, which is very fine for maximum capacity, and very hard in its texture to protect from abrasion on coral. There is a trade-off for these qualities though, if you connect Gel-Spun directly to the flyline, chances are that it will cut through the flyline coating, and eventually sever the join. And that's bad! This can be overcome in a number of ways, but the best by far is to create a 30 cm braided join from hollow-monofilament braid. On one end of the braid a loop is created, big enough to fit-over the fly reel or a line-spool to help with quick line changes. From the other end of the hollow-braid, the Gel Spun backing is fed inside of the hollow braid, and out through the splice of the braided loop. If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool trout fisher, and this sounds confusing, it's because it can be. But like most things, with a bit of good advice, and one or two practice runs, it becomes pretty easy.

The final big difference between trout and tropics is what gear to pack. Instead of my usual 12kg's of thermals, windstoppers and rainjackets, I'll be heading off with about 5kg of sun-hoodies, quick-dry shorts, and sand-flat friendly boots and sandals. Way easier than packing for four-seasons in one day!

The learning curve in preparing my own gear, and gear for others on the trip, has been interesting and rewarding. And that may be one of the reasons that fly fishing is so appealing. It doesn't matter whether you're a true-blue trout fisher, or an angler of the World, there is always something new to learn and experience.

Many of you following the mainland newspapers would know that Tasmania is going through a very significant period of change, in relation to both its logging industries, and the size of its conservation areas. A crude summary of the situation is that high-conservation value areas previously scheduled for logging are now going to be incorporated into the World Heritage Area, whilst on the flip-side the logging industry will gain more certainty of supply and 'social licence'.

Putting the entrenched and passionate politics of the issue firmly to one side, a great outcome for us is that by all indications, Skullbone Plains, the home to our RiverFly Wilderness Huts, has now been included in the World Heritage Area. Simone and I are very proud that the property on which we operate has been nominated, and we see this as a great endorsement of the sustainability of our wilderness fly fishing operations. To find out more about our wilderness huts click here.

At the start of last season I hooked myself up with the latest women’s fly fishing bag – the Orvis Sling Pack. I’ve used it on several trips and just applaud those who designed it. Whilst it’s girly in colour its every bit the same as the boys bag. Practical, lightweight, strong, and with lots of compartments for all the regular terminal tackle you carry, plus room for a shell jacket, and the all-important toot paper. The bag is worn across your shoulder with the bag section on your back but has a second strap for quick release so you can sling the pack to the front of your body for easy access. Thus when fishing you’ll have nothing dangling or swinging at the front of your body – bringing in fish is not interrupted. It’s a really great design which reduces the amount of gear you take, and in my opinion logical. Bum bags are often hard to reach, or swivel to the front and vests are known for being bulky and floppy. Girls are finally getting recognised with the release of more and more women’s gear. I’m pleased that there is a quality pack that I can recommend. At $129.95 it’s also very good value.

If you would like to recommend a women’s fly fishing product that you have personally used then send me an email, and include a photo if possible!

I recently met Ron Carthew, a keen fly fisher, and owner of Trapper’s Hut Whisky. His story is a great one.

Ron entered into a scheme with a whisky distiller as part of a super / retirement plan. He purchased a share of the whisky, 3 barrels to be precise, and was happily looking forward to one day receiving a payout from it under a ‘put and call’ option that is common throughout the industry. Suddenly the distillery went bust; leaving Ron with a whole lot of whisky…sounds harsh doesn’t it! Ron could have filled his fishing shack with whisky and enjoyed it until the cows came home, but in reality, he was left with more than anyone could consume. So off he went to a mate’s house, and appropriately so, as that mate was the ‘grandfather’ of Australian whisky, Bill Lark (of Lark’s distillery). Bill tasted the whisky, described it as ‘a cracker’, and suggested Ron bottle the now 10 year-old whisky under his own private label. Bottles were soon filled with single-cask whisky, and Trappers Hut Whisky was born. Only a single barrel is released at a time, so it’s a bit of a rare and special treat, so if you’re keen on a mature, rich and malty Tasmanian Whisky, then we suggest giving Ron a call and warm yourself this winter with a drop of Trappers Hut Whisky. Buy direct from trappershut.com.au or phone (03) 6267 2267

Simone, myself and the fly fishing team are taking our annual leave from July 1st to the 9th. guiding emails will still be answered, and our online store will still be open, however the brick-and-mortar flyshop will closed during this period. Thanks, and we look forward to helping you all with your fly fishing needs upon our fresh-faced return! 

Thanks, Daniel Hackett.

Please feel free to forward this Email on to your friends, as word-of-mouth referrals are the foundation of our successful family business.