The Australian Fly Fishing Podcast

Episode 12 - Jim Bartschi from Scott Fly Rods

The Scott Fly Rod Company, started by Harry Wilson in 1974, has been handcrafting fly rods in the USA for close to 50 years now and leading the way in fly rod design and innovation. 
For over 30 of those year, Jim Bartschi has been a part of the Scott family. In this episode, we delve into the history of the Scott Fly Rod company and how Jim went from being that annoying kid that just wanted to hang out and cast rods at the workshop, to a fruitful career that has seen him help build and design some of the finest fly rods in the world.
Jim is the current President and head rod designer at Scott Fly Rods and is a big believer in creating "fishing tools", not just fly rods and ensures that the best materials and techniques go into building every Scott fly rod. We discuss the Scott Difference and Jim's rod design philosophy, some of the technology involved with these premium fly rods and the current line up on offer. From short, fiberglass twigwater rods to fast action saltwater rods designed to tame anything with fins, there is a Scott fly rod for every application.

Episode 11 - Mark ”Bargy” Bargenquast from Fish’s Fly & Sportfishing in Weipa

Growing up in Hervey Bay, I had the pleasure of meeting Bargy close to 20 years ago now and have been lucky to call him a friend over these years. Initially it was Bargy's stories of giant threadfin salmon and barramundi captures in the Mary River that had me enthralled but as the years rolled on it was his passion for fly fishing and some of the incredible species he targeted that really peaked my interest.
Bargy came from humble beginnings, growing up on the Fraser Coast spending a lot of time hunting and fishing with his grandparents on the river. Bargy's involvement with the ANSA club throughout the 80's gave him a solid understanding of fishing techniques and how certain species hunted and where they could be found. 
It wasn't until the early 2000's that Bargy decided to start guiding on the Fraser Coast and hit the ground running. From big golden trevally and queenfish on the flats, cruising threadfin salmon in the drains and longtail tuna and juvenile black marlin in Platypus Bay and beyond, Bargy had it dialled! 
His involvement with John Haenke's "Fishing Downunder" DVD series really opened the eyes of many a fisho and showcased some incredible fisheries both locally and further afield. He was also a part of "Black Torpedoes" a local production by Taz Jefferies which showcased some of the incredible flats fishing and the diverse range of species available in our region at the time. 
On a fishing trip to Hervey Bay, Peter Morse introduced Bargy to Alan "Fish" Philliskirk, a saltwater fly fishing pioneer in Australia and the then owner of Fish's Fly & Sportfishing in Weipa. Needless to say, the two hit it off. Winter was typically Bargy's quiet season in the bay so he started heading up to Weipa to help guide during the peak of their season. Eventually the call was made to pack up the family and head for Cape York, where Alan "Fish" Philliskirk would eventually hand the reins over to Bargy, around 2020.
We delve into the outstanding fishery that is Weipa and the vast beaches, flats and creeks that surround it and the plethora of species on offer.
The crew at Fish's Fly & Sportfishing offer a complete package from airport collection, to a top notch fly fishing lodge and even a private chef to cook for the guests. They can even arrange multi-day fishing/camping trips to remote beaches for the die-hard fly fisher interested in chasing big Anak permit.
Bargy, "Fish" Philliskirk, Jacko Bargenquast (Bargy's son), Kurt Rowlands and Drew Bolton really have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to fishing in Weipa and all live within the community. I can highly recommend booking a trip with Bargy and the team from Fish's Fly & Sportfishing.
You can follow them on Instagram at @fishsflyandsportfishing , visit their website www.weipaflyfish.com.au or alternatively send Bargy an email to make an enquiry at bargy6@bigpond.com
 
 

Episode 10 - Dougal Rillstone - On life, the Mataura and permit fishing

When I first heard about Dougal Rillstone, it was through an issue of Fly Life magazine promoting his book "Upstream on the Mataura - A Fly Fisher's Journey to the Source". Dougal was born in Gore on the south island of New Zealand and has had a deep connection with the river for as long as he can remember. His book features a great collection of stories from his time on the Mataura and the journey that would see him walk from Fortrose on the Southland coast, upstream to the headwaters and the source of the river in the Eyre Mountains. 
Leading up to this podcast, I had been in regular contact with Dougal and it was evident that the Mataura wasn't the only thing on Dougal's mind when it came to fishing. Dougal is a mad keen, permit obsessed, saltwater fly fisherman as well. Over the last 20 years, Dougal has been a repeat client of Fish's Fly & Sportfishing in Weipa, Cape York, where his love affair for permit began, on a trip guided by Alan "Fish" Philliskirk.
Permit fishing has taken Dougal all over the world from Cape York and Exmouth in Australia to Belize and beyond, in search of the holy grail of saltwater fly fishing. He's amassed over 70 permit on fly over his saltwater career and has even caught the big 3, Trachinotus anak (Australian permit), blochii (Indo-Pacific permit) & falcatus (Atlantic permit) all within the same year, an extraordinary feat!
I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Dougal and hearing more of his story. I found his sense of adventure and dedication inspiring, to say the least. If you haven't read Upstream on the Mataura, I suggest you pick up a copy, find a comfy chair, pour yourself a whiskey and dive in. While stocks last, you can pick up a paperback copy from Peter Morse's website wildfish.com.au or from Australia and New Zealand's very own flylife.com.au 
 

Episode 9 - Justin Webber from Headwaters Art & In The Salt Fly Magazine

Recently, I got to talk with Justin Webber, the creative mind behind In the Salt Fly Magazine and more recently, Headwaters Art & Angling Co.
Originally from Durban in South Africa, we discuss how Justin first got into fishing and eventually fly fishing. We explore some of the destinations around the world that fly fishing has taken him and how he ended up moving downunder to Mackay, a fly fisherman's dream.
Justin speaks about the fantastic fishery he has on his doorstep and some of the friendships he's forged along the way through fly fishing, how he started In the Salt Fly Magazine (a Free Australian digital online magazine) and his most recent project, Headwaters Art & Angling Co. and how it came about.
I thoroughly enjoyed talking to Justin, he's a very down to earth bloke and his passion for fly fishing is undeniable and evident through his work with In The Salt and Headwaters. Make sure you give his pages a follow on Instagram and check out his websites www.inthesaltflymag.com.au & www.headwatersart.com.au , I'm looking forward to seeing what Justin has planned for the future!
 

Episode 8 - Casey Pfeiffer - Competition angling, travel & all things fly fishing

Recently I got to chat with Casey Pfeiffer, a fly fisher from the Barossa Valley in South Australia. I've always had a huge amount of respect for Casey, she is a competition angler competing both within Australia and internationally, loves solo fishing missions and ties a mean fly.
In this podcast we delve into how Casey first got into fly fishing before jumping wading boots first into competition fishing for trout, representing her country in New Zealand and Norway, ticking off bucket list species and life on the road in her trusty van Kevin with her husband Lubin (The Full Scale Fishing Adventures). From trout to tuskfish, permit to blue bastards and everything in between, Casey sure knows how to get it done.
I hope you enjoy this episode, I know I thoroughly enjoyed chatting to Casey and getting to know her a bit better.
 
 

Episode 7 - Micah Adams the Adventure Angler

Recently I got the opportunity to talk with Micah Adams, a highly respected fishing journalist and the former host and executive producer of the highly successful fishing show, Adventure Angler TV.
We discuss how Micah started his writing career, having his own regular segment in the local newspaper as a teenager, before honing his craft and writing for the best print magazines in the country.
Life as a guide, targeting wiley black bream, estuary perch and big flathead and how Adventure Angler TV was born and some of the great trips and friendships formed over those years.
Micah is an extremely well travelled angler, with a wealth of knowledge and a very humble, down to earth attitude. From chasing permit on fly at Hinchinbrook Island to Cape York motherships, New Zealand back country helicopter trips to chasing giant tarpon in the Florida Keys, Micah has done it all.
I hope you enjoy joining in on the adventure, I know I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. 

Episode 6 - Craig ”Noddy” Radford from Western Australia

Recently I had the pleasure of speaking with Craig Radford from Western Australia, or "Noddy" as he's known by his mates and members of the fishing community. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and hearing of Noddy's adventures in the west and where it all started for him back in the 70's. We discuss his early days in the ANSA fishing club and how he progressed from sportfishing to fly fishing, some of the early figures that helped teach him along the way and some of the incredible fisheries he's got to experience over the years, from mackerel and longtail tuna to WA dhufish and giant samson fish. Craig has spent years working out certain fisheries and techniques, in particular bombing big flies down to the depths of up to 50 metres (150ft) in search of even bigger fish. Dredging is a fishing style that I believe is under utilised in Australia and was interested in learning more about. Noddy offers up some great advice with some entertaining stories along the way. I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did recording, Craig is a down to earth bloke who is more than willing to pass on his years of knowledge. Enjoy!
 

Episode 5 - Captain Eddy Lawler from Peak Sportfishing Adventures

Recently, I got to talk with Captain Eddy Lawler from Peak Sportfishing Adventures in Exmouth, Western Australia. Exmouth is home to Ningaloo Reef, the largest fringing reef in the world and is the closest point in Australia to the Continental Shelf, making for some of the best marlin fishing in the country, if not the world. Eddy and his crew specialise in in chasing sailfish, black, blue and striped marlin on both conventional and fly tackle, spending upwards of 250 days a year on the water. 
Eddy talks about what he got up to after school, travelling, working in tackle stores, getting his skipper's tickets and guiding in the Northern Territory. We then discuss the pre Peak Sportfishing days, when Eddy first arrived in Exmouth and how much potential he could see in the area. Eddy recounts being part of a team led by marlin fishing experts Australian Dean Butler and USA angler Tom Evans. During the month-long charter, the guys successfully caught and released 28 billfish on IGFA legal fly fishing tackle - an achievement that smashed any lingering doubts about the international standard gamefishing potential the Exmouth grounds.
We look at how Peak Sportfishing Adventures began upon the arrival of Eddy's 25ft Contender centre console and later, the addition of his 36ft Blackwatch. Eddy also speaks of the 2018 season which saw some incredible achievements such as USA angler Jeremy Block's IGFA world record 212lb black marlin caught on fly tackle and 16lb tippet. It was also the same year that Clay Hilbert's 1089lb blue marlin was caught on conventional tackle, the first 1000lb+ blue marlin caught in Australia, a monumental moment for Eddy and his crew.
To find out more about Eddy and Peak Sportfishing Adventures, visit: peaksportfishing.com.au
 
 
 
 

Episode 4 - Andre Van Wyk from Lucky Bastards

In this episode I talk with my first international guest, Andre Van Wyk from Cape Town, South Africa. Many of you would have already seen some of Dre's fishing escapades on Instagram through his account @nepptuna . The dude is a seriously fishy bloke and a phenomenal fly-tyer to boot.
We discuss what it was like growing up in South Africa as a kid and how he first got into fishing, the different species and fisheries on offer in SA and share a few stories about mutual friends that Dre grew up around.
We then delve into how Lucky Bastards was started, a fly fishing hosting business run by Dre and his good mate Platon Trakoshis. We look at the fisheries on offer with these trips, including the Seychelles and St Brandon's Atoll, with the crew from Fly Castaway.
The conversation then shifts from chasing bus sized giant trevally on the flats to Dre's obsession with bucktail and the giant rabbit hole that is tying big nasty bucktail flies for even nastier fish.  
Dre recaps on his latest trip to Oman with the crew from No Boundaries Oman and his love for the place. We discuss the different fisheries on offer in Oman from light and medium tackle right through to chasing 60kg+ GT.
We also look at some of the other projects that Andre is included in, Feathers & Fluoro and The Mission Fly Magazine. The Mission Fly Magazine is a free digital and print magazine coming out of South Africa, make sure you check it out.

Episode 3 - Rod ”Harro” Harrison

 
Recently, I got to talk with Rod Harrison, or "Harro" as he is affectionately known in the fishing community. Harro is one of Australia's true fishing legends. A man that has accomplished so much in the sport and given back just as much, inspiring countless anglers and putting Australia on the map for fly fishing. We delve into the early history of saltwater fly fishing and some of the pioneers involved such as Max Garth and Ron Pearson, the tackle that was being used, fisheries that were developed and the species caught and heard some great stories to fill in the dots and carbon date events between then and now.
Over the years he has written for publications such as Fishing World, Modern Fishing and FlyLife Magazine, published books and hosted television shows, all in the search of new exotic species and friendships to be forged. One of those friendships came in the form of the late great Lefty Kreh, one of the most influential anglers in modern fly fishing. Rod's relationship with Lefty opened a lot of doors in the US and around the world, where he was able to fish with and become mates with the likes of Dan Blanton, Bob Clouser, Bob Popovics and many more iconic anglers.
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it. Fly fishing in Australia wouldn't be the same without Harro's contributions and I feel privileged to be able to share some of these stories with you.