Calendar \ 2012 Commonwealth Champs info

COMMONWEALTH FLY FISHERS INFORMATION

Hello to Commonwealth Fly Fishers Members,

Some time ago I sent out a letter of announcement regarding the staging of the Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships in Tasmania, Australia in February 2012.

Since that time a lot of ground work for the event has been going on and we have been able to finalise some items that I am sure will be of interest to you.

Firstly, an update on the event itself. We can now confirm the dates for the competition are February 14 - 19th inclusive. This will allow for registration and the opening on the 14th, one day of official practice and three days of competition. The final afternoon will include the Commonwealth Fly Tying Competition, demonstrations and a closing Banquet and Trophy & Medal presentations. 

The Country Club Villas are world class, with a golf course, pool, spa and fitness centre, bars and restaurants as part of the complex. Visit the website www.countryclubtasmania.com.au for  more details.

The Villa units are all self-contained with kitchen and lounge and are available in one two and three bedroom units. 

For those wishing to investigate pre and post event accommodation visit the following websites.

www.discovertasmania.com; www.travelway.com.au; www.greatwesterntiers.net.au

You will see that there is much to choose from and I am sure also your host will be able to help in your choices. 

I have been asked the question regarding where the competition venues will be and at the moment the answer is that given the travel criteria of 1.5 hours to any given venue from the Country Club there are numerous rivers and lakes at our disposal with nothing but wild trout in them. For your information, venues under consideration are South Esk River, Arthurs Lakes, Woods Lake, Penstock Lagoon, Great Lake, Little Pine Lagoon, Hunstman Dam and Meander River. Superb fishing is the committee’s primary goal and the final selection of the sectors will be notified to teams at least 8-10 weeks prior to the opening of the championships.

Whilst we have had a very wet winter this year, which is fantastic for our fisheries, my committee are of the opinion that we should see how the winter of 2011(which is June-October down under) pans out in the way of rain etc and then the final decision will be made. .

The Inland Fisheries Service website www.ifs.tas.gov.auhas a very comprehensive guide to our State’s fisheries. .

In your pre event angling adventure I would urge you to experience all that our Tasmanian Trout Fishing has to offer which is well documented on www.flylife.com.au for those teams wishing to engage a professional trout guide visit the website www.troutguidetasmania.com.au

A couple of weeks ago I had a visit from Jill Mandeno who, on behalf of the Commonwealth Fly Fishers looked over the venue accommodation and possible angling venues and has given her support for the arrangements for the event.

Now it is time to get serious given that February 2012 is the height of our Tourist season and accommodation in some areas can be difficult. I am seeking from each country an expression of interest if you are considering attending and the number of teams you intend to send along with your accompanying guests on which there is no limit.