Most anglers love catching a new species, and that thrill is magnified when it’s a rare or unusual variety, such as the stunningly-marked, hard-fighting tiger trout. While I was in Tasmania last November shooting a couple of episodes of my new “A Fisherman’s Life” television series (exclusive to Fishflicks.tv), I was lucky enough to re-visit one of my favourite private trout fisheries: 28 Gates Luxury Farmstay, not too far out of Gretna, in the beautiful Derwent Valley. I completely understand that people have mixed views about private, pay-to-fish establishments of this sort. However, in my opinion, they have an important part to play in the bigger picture, right alongside completely “wild” fisheries, those supplemented by occasional re-stocking, and public put-and-take waters. Each has its own special charms and challenges. Classy private fisheries such as 28 Gates and my other Tassie favourite — Currawong Lakes, south east of Campbell Town — closely resemble natural fisheries, but with limited access and controlled angling pressure. Their resident fish behave very much like “wild” trout and are rarely a push-over to catch. As a result, these establishments offer an experience that’s far removed from shooting fish in a barrel. Frankly, they can be as tricky as any other venue. The other attraction such private operations can potentially offer is access to fish that might not be widely available in public waters… such as tiger trout! I was very excited to hear that a small number of tigers had been stocked into one of the lovely lakes at 28 Gates, and I secretly hoped that I might cross paths with one of these fascinating critters. Those who’ve seen the second episode of my “A Fisherman’s Life” series on Fishflicks will know that this dream eventually became a reality on...

North American-based “The New Fly Fisher” on-line magazine has given my latest feature on fly fishing for Aussie bread and butter species in our southern estuaries a wonderful and unprecedented 20-page run in their latest issue! It’s a real honour to be able to introduce fish such as bream, flathead and luderick to a huge international audience of dedicated fly fishers… This is definitely one of the best on-line fly mags I’ve ever seen. You can subscribe for free or have a preview look here with just a few clicks:...