Boattart,
I am a member (and President) of Illawarra Fly Fishers' Club (IFFC), to which MACKERAL refers.
I have been a member of IFFC for almost 10 years now and I must say that despite not having been a “Club person” before joining, my decision to do so all those years ago was a good one. Having taken up fly fishing, I thought that the only way to increase my skill and knowledge base was to join a club and following some investigation on other clubs, I decided on IFFC, despite living in the Sutherland Shire. I have met some great people, made good friends and had the opportunity to fish in some of the most beautiful places on this earth through fly fishing and by being a member of IFFC.
Being a member of any club affords you the opportunity to learn more about fly fishing, allows you to get to know like minded people with a passion for fly fishing and you get to participate in club activities such as day, weekend and extended trips away (Weipa and New Zealand amongst them), fly casting and fly tying. With respect to IFFC, the members are a great bunch of men and women and there is no shortage of people willing to assist you with casting, fly tying or information should you require it, or offer a place on a trip when you become better known.
IFFC is not just a Trout fishing only club like others. In essence we fish for anything that swims and while we fish for Trout during the season, we also fish for Bass and all saltwater species, particularly those in the local estuaries and waterways. This adds another dimension to our approach to fly fishing.
IFFC meets on the first Tuesday of the month EXCEPT January; the December club meeting is the Christmas dinner and presentation. Casting practice is held once per month on the Sunday immediately after the club meeting at the lagoon located on Western end Stuart Park, Wollongong – 10:00 am start and a 12:00 pm finish.
Through fly fishing I have been to Los Roques in Venezuela, Montana/ Wyoming/ Idaho twice and NZ five times - it is simply an amazing and absorbing pastime. Once you start, there is no stopping !
Should you not wish to join a club I am more than happy to give you advice on what gear to purchase and give you some casting lesson s to get you started.
Regards,
Neil