The National Fly Fishing Champinships

The National Fly Fishing Champinships were held over 3 days finishing Sunday with Josh Flowers of Meander finishing a brilliant first at only 18 years old (first Nationals) and Jonothan Stagg of Relbia a close second (previous 3 times National winner and 11th individual in the last World Championships in Norway).Vern Barby of Ballarat was third. 
In the Teams Event, Victoria was first, Tasmania second and South Australia/Western Australia third.
The Tasmanian Team of 5 comprised Joe Riley of Longford, Craig Carey of Breadalbane, Jonothan Stagg of Relbia, Stewart Dick of Riverside and Jason Garrett Jnr of Hobart.
55 anglers from all Australian states competed over 3 days and 5 times 3 hour sessions at the Meander River, Arthurs Lake, Penstock Lagoon, Little Pine Lagoon and Bronte Lagoon. Fishing was tough due to the bright conditions and easterly winds but all venues produced fish.
Tasmania had 20 anglers competing with 1st and 2nd as above and Craig Carey 5th and Tim Urbanc 7th.
Next years National’s are in Victoria. Top ranked anglers will be competing at the next two World Championships in the Czech Republic and Bosnia over the next two years.
Regards
Mark Youngman