Each year the Darwin Flyrodders hosts the Territory Freshwater Flyfishing Open held on the iconic Corroboree Billabong which has over 50 kilometres of navigable waters.
This 2022 DFR TFFO, was the 30th Anniversary of the
competition.
The premier species targeted are Barramundi and Saratoga,
with others such as Tarpon, Sleepy Cod, Longsome, Archerfish, Catfish also
eligible for points for length.
The premier species earn double points.
Our base for the Competition is the Corroboree Park Tavern
on the Arnhem Highway which is only a 15 minute drive to the launching ramp.
Just over an hours drive from the edge of Darwin.
While some teams fished a few days leading up to the comp,
others have relied on past experiences and weekend pre-fish outings over the
last few weeks.
16 teams of 2 fly fishers each, had registered this year,
however COVID stopped one team and one other angler from participating.
Teams range from first timers with the fly, to beginner fly
fishers, to the super keen and very experienced competitors (you the guys who
fly fish way too much!).
Boats vary, equipment varies, and tactic options are endless,
but all are there for the awesome comradery that sits over all of the DFR activities.
And while “THE” top secret location might not be revealed -
tactics and flies are shared readily amongst the competitors. Though, any
discussion about where the barra might be this year - is spoken of cryptically
and very softly – well at least prior to lines in!
So, Friday evening, the first night presentation is at the
Corroboree Park Tavern location, where all competitors are staying at. It is
where the pre-comp instructions are given and the handing out the team bags
with all sorts of goodies from our many sponsors. Deckies are reminded not to lose
the scoresheets (it has happened!), and to assure proper attire is conformed to
(fishnet stockings I am told? Not sure that’s an absolute!). And one angler,
just like every year is reminded that he needs to adhere to the closing time
for each day’s fishing! You miss the scoresheet cut off, once! and the club
will never let you forget it! Then again, every club has one of those “guys”,
don’t they?
Pre-dawn Day1 of comp, sees boats readied in darkness
outside of sleeping arrangements, some take a quick stop at the tavern, who
have opened the kitchen early and especially, for those that want bacon and egg
rolls, and hot coffee. Awesome start!
By the crack of dawn four or five boats are found prepped
and ready to launch at the billabong’s main boat ramp 15minutes from the
accommodation. While several of the hard core keenest fly fisher teams are
already zipping along the still waters out to their chosen starting point.
Lines in at 7am. Lines out at 5pm. With lots of casting in
between!
That evening the talk on arrival back at the tavern is about
lots of fish, monster jumps of gigantic toga that jump metres into the air to
dislodge the sharpest hooks and flop gracefully back into the pristine
billabong water - free to annoy, maybe even inspire the next fly fisher to come
along.
Saturday evening presentation starts with a special meal, fancy
food just for the TFFO fly fishers. It was spot on in flavour and amount! (as
always). But most of the super keen anglers are waiting on the Day1 results!
Biggest of the key species is presented first. Barra, then Toga,
then tarpon with special awards for biggest Catfish.
Then the team standings are given in two halves, ooohhs and aaahhhs
are heard as the scores are displayed. Then the Individual standings are also
displayed in two parts 15 fly fishers on each slide of the presentation. It
will be an interesting shortened Day2 for some fly fishers – as it is tight at the
top of the table standings.
Not many barra caught but a few, there were countless tarpon
and plenty of average toga. Most of the 30 anglers are catching fish – even the
first timer of using the fly - has snaggled a fish or two. Well done everyone!
Day2 is same lines in but out by 1pm. The competitive teams
are again on the water predawn, and while still very keen to catch fish the
other anglers are also soon on the water to fully froth the water with their
efforts and carefully crafted flies.
Lines out mid arvo and boats packed up for the drive home.
But all are eager for the afternoon presentation of the final results.
Finger food first – awesome again!
But the results are what the fly fishers are here for this
afternoon.
Again, biggest of species first for 2022 DFR TFFO
Biggest Barra 65cm – Roger Sinclair
Biggest tarpon 40cm – George Vlazny
Biggest Saratoga 66cm – John Murdon
Most Meritorious – first bara on fly - Michelle Slow
The encouragement award was presented next. This to a fly
fisher who during the Open, amplifies what the TFFO and DFR is all about –
having a go and learning through the process. This was to Ian Hayne.
Due to tremendous amount of work by the DFR club committee
members with our sponsors – especially in such a crazy COVID cause economic
time frame – all fly fishers get a prize corresponding to raffle numbers picked
from a hat.
The first individual fly fisher prize award presented is the
“Back Stop” award. This is given to the angler who supports and pushes upward at
the rest of us – this year it was first time fly fishing angler – Ian Hayne
Each Fly fisher is presented with their pre as the presentation
rises through the results. Finally, four anglers left. Some these four had good
days, others better days, some struggled. Who would finish where?
By the time the presentation got to the last four
competitors, those left were some very good anglers who have placed repeatedly in
the TFFO over the last few years. Two of which have been overall yearly club
champions too.
One of them had caught five more toga than one of the
anglers above them, would those five fish be worth enough points to leap the
other anglers.
Hmmmmmm, very interesting. Pressure building, hearts are pumping
– aaarrrgghh!
Fourth place fly fisher went to BC with 3414 points
All the team standings were then announced for which results
are based on two anglers combined points. After the other 13 teams shown the top
teams were presented with their awards and prizes.
Runner team was ‘Two Casts’, with Robyn and Shane with 6116
points
The champion team was ‘Dragg’n Flies’ of Peter and Richard with
7708 points
Total fish caught during the DFR TFFO, were as follows:
Well done everyone!
As one angler has said:
“This is one of the best comps I have fished in as comps go
(the DFR salt comp is, I believe, the best fly comp there is!)– and that’s not
because of the results this year. As except for a person’s secret barra
location on the billabong – most will tell you what they are trying, using and
even suggest areas to focus your fishing. The banter, laughter and culture of
the club is awesome. Yes, always a few loud ones, some quiet ones, but over all
a great group of fly fishers, iconic location and target species, and an
exceptional couple of days fishing and learning with like-minded fly fishers!
Bring on TFFO 2023”.
So, congrats to all the fly fishers participating. It
was an awesome 2022 DFR TFFO.
Thanks to DFR TFFO committee and DFR leadership team, and
the countless and greatly appreciated sponsors.
How will 2023 DFR TFFO go?
So many options, such good fly fishing to be had!
Who would live anywhere else - Top End, NT what a great
place to fly fish!
Come and visit us! Contact the DFR club for help and
information.
For images of some of the fish caught this year - watch the video of the 2022 DFR TFFO
Again, thanks to our awesome sponsors!
No comments:
Post a Comment
If you have something constructive to add please do so.......
After moderation (if it is constructive) it will be published.