After writing two weeks’ worth of big time blogs about this sensational Australian fly fishing adventure, it’s time to close the book. This has been a really fun adventure to document. Everything about this trip was a success and I’ve already talked with Aussie Fly Fisher and Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures about locking dates for Dec 2027. You never want to rush your life, but honestly, I can’t wait!
Today, my final morning fishing with Joshua and his son Hunter and our friend Russell ended with a bang. For the second day in a row we were on the water by 5 AM casting and stripping poppers as the hot sun rose on the Murray cod river. I didn’t take a minute for granted. I live for the sounds and sights of spring – the birds, the green, the beauty. I know that in less than 48 hours I’ll be in the cold and snow where the birds are now nearly silent and greenery is absent.
We all caught some very nice Murray cods. Though things started slow, the fishing picked up. I landed about six and I’m certain between all of us we landed at least a dozen. Best of all for me, I landed my best Murray cod. This one here chased down my popper in shallow water. The strike started as a bulge of water ten feet away from where my fly landed then it waked its way and in a big splash indulged. Best of all I didn’t screw it up – ha!
The fight was fantastic. After a good tug a war I brought the fish to Hunter who was my net man much of the last few days. But just as he reached the net, this big cod dashed down the bank and got tangled in undercut tree roots. I’ll thank Josh for untangling the fish. All in all, it took the three of us to land it and film it.
I fished another 30 minutes after catching my best cod and landed a couple more. Then I reeled it in with a smile. Mine, Hunter’s and Josh’s hands tell the story. We are chewed up! We said goodbye to Russell about noon and we are presently on our 8 hour drive back to Sydney. I’ll catch my flight home tomorrow morning.
I’ll end this with a very special thanks to Josh Hutchins and his Aussie Fly Fisher company. Josh has made it possible for all keen anglers to see the best Australia has to offer from salt to fresh. And thank you to my friends at Yellow Dog Flyfishing for helping me organize my hosted trip over here starting in the Wessels. I’m a far better angler than organizer and I couldn’t do these trips without their help.
Now I am closing the book. Tonight its sleep in Sydney and pack up all my Australia fishing gear in Josh’s office. Tomorrow it’s the start of 40 hours travel to Hayward, WI. I’ll spend a mere four days in WI then Granny and I head for NH to spend the holidays with family. Keep right on a truckin. 2025 has been a beauty!