Fishing Australia

Well, what a terrific opportunity presented itself to both Bass Lodge and Bass lodge Adventures when Rob Paxavanos from Fishing Australia told us that we were to be on his show and indeed that we would be the 1st episode for the new year, not to mention taking up an entire show!

Then came the necessary arrangements, which were heaps of fun, of course, as hosting fishing guests is what we pride ourselves on. We did however have some questions, all the important stuff, questions such as the following:
- What lures do we use?
- What shirts do we wear?
- Would the fish bite?
- Would we do some trout or cod or just stick with the bass?
- What food would we take and how much would they eat?
- How much beer?
- Would the 14 day weather predictions hold up?
- Would the river height be optimal or suboptimal?
- Would the slightly murky flood water improve?
- Fish up or downstream?
- What about the barometer?
- What helicopter would we hire?
- What day and time for the helitours and where to land?

So many questions! Well let’s move on, but you get the idea right? Variables, things to manage etc…..

The trip was locked in and the stay was to be during late January 2010. The weather models were a feature with Rob and myself trading views on the timing of the major weather systems that were predicted to come through. Ultimately we locked in the dates and we committed ourselves to nature’s good will. The day arrived and I busted my butt getting out of my other work (its not all beer and skittles for me you know), picking the lads up from Armidale Airport. Well, we were soon off to the shops to stock up on Rob’s favourite Milk-Coffees, V’s and anything else labelled as having excessive caffeine in it.

Soon we were overlooking the Wollomombi Falls east of Armidale and talking about the river systems below. These enormous river and gorge systems all come together to form the mighty Macleay River that runs right past Bass Lodge. I recalled to the group the time in the Chandler Gorge below when I was a teenager and had my first Australian Bass experience - one that I would never forget and one I suspect that is unlikely to have happen again. I was waist deep in the Chandler River having hiked into the mighty gorge and needing some respite, I felt a weight on my right ankle and so I simply moved away. Feeling the same weight again moments later, this time I looked down again and saw what looked to be a massive dark shape. Hold on, it’s a fish! With my heart pounding I retracted, only to watch this same ancient fish nonchalantly swim away from me almost as if to say “get out of my pool mate!” At this stage in my life I had no idea of the Macleay valley and of the fish species that were later to intrigue and fascinate me.

Moving on from the falls and after having several heightened, caffeine enriched discussions, we picked up our bags and soon found ourselves on the balcony of the Lodge. Those who have been to the Lodge know just how good the balcony is to arrive at and this was no exception - as to get the film crew here meant an 8 hour trip from Wollongong. A couple of beers and the stories started flowing. It was clear that Rob was well versed at spinning a yarn and also that Davo (Dave Young) was well versed and making people laugh and feel relaxed. That evening we set about enjoying some new friendships trading fishing tales and relaxing in preparation for the next day.

Well, when I say relaxing, all good fisho’s know that a good plan is required and as we had heaps of options to select from and therefore had to narrow them down and select a strategy that suited a camera man and his gear, a sound man and his gear, a director and his gear, Rob, Dave and myself and of course our gear, including Rob’s new favourite “the Clackin’ Rap” that was to prove so successful and equal to other preferred lures that we had.

The game rules were established as follows:
- Fish the main river in front and upstream of the lodge
- Daytime light was required for the cameras. (Bugger, there goes the best parts of the day – morning and evening).
- Stay together to make sure fish caught could be filmed
- Film/sound crew and Corey the producer were all to go in the Colorado Bayoe
- Myself in a single Australis barra
- Rob and Davo in that marvellous machine, a double Hobycraft, complete with drink holders and cups!
- Fishing (pecking?) order: I got to take up the rear and of course those already fished spots. Well I guess someone has to do that right? Besides, it’s mostly about Davo our Bass Lodge Adventures Guide and Rob right? Not used to going second that’s what I kept reminding myself, in any case.

The 4WD trip upstream from the lodge was a great trip which saw 5 river crossings in the Bass Lodge troopie and some serious 4wd access points strategically navigated with Davo at the wheel. At one point we even drove over a partially submerged camera, a shot which looked great on the show.

Seated in our canoes having reached the stretch of river we intended to commence our fishing the real filming begins and it’s not long and the first fish is caught. With two cast and retrieves to everyone else’s one it was no surprise to me that Davo comes through with a healthy Bass. With a healthy fish quickly in the bag, the pressure on the team is slightly reduced but we are here for many fish and better fish at that and so we continue to search hard into the banks and deep reaches, basically into those places protected from the day time sun…. The cameras continue to role with a sense of anticipation and we continue to catch and release more quality fish.

The heat of the day allows for several full clothed swimming sessions (sometimes associated with a wayward cast) and everyone including the film crew now seem happy to be here, all having a great yarn, catching and releasing more fish and enjoying the great scenery. We float back down river filming the gorge system, its inhabitants as we meander back to the comfort of Bass Lodge.

With my wife gladly cooking up dinner for us all (thanks Celia), us boys, unimpeded set about planning the next day. James from Fleet Helicopters has organised to land right in front of the Lodge after 1st light. The trip from Armidale is sensational and encompasses 25minutes of fantastic scenery as you fly over some of Australia’s most impressive gorge country located east of Armidale (Note: Several guests have undertaken this trip and it’s a great birthday present for someone who has seemingly everything and is otherwise difficult to buy for).

The Helicopter lands, we greet the pilot James and soon we fly over the Lodge and up the gorge towards East Kunderang. It’s a magnificent trip and the camera man (another Dave) overcomes his fear of heights leaning out the (now doorless) helicopter to capture the scenery brilliantly, scenery so well presented on the show.

Landing in a remote location on the Upper Macleay River we step directly out of the chopper and start to fish. Amazingly the noise of the chopper means nothing to the Bass in this part of the river and one basically jumps on Rob’s line and he brings it right in only 10 metres from where the chopper landed. A great start to what was to be a wonderfully productive fishing day.

That night we decide to go night fishing. Right from the start this mission is going to be interesting and everyone as everyone has let their hair down. On arriving at our location a stick flicks up at the troopie and the rear view mirror is destroyed. Rob calls the corner “Rear view corner” and after a few good laughs we then seek about finding our way to the side of the river. Its here where Dave Young slips mid-sentence off a slippery rock and submerges himself entirely. Another round of laughs and Davo has a new nickname “mad”, an apt term that Rob uses on the shows introduction to describe Davo’s fun loving attitude. I manage to catch one bass on a surface lure in the 20 minutes we are there but unfortunately the cameras aren’t ready with the people behind them still in belly laugh position following Davo’s antics.

Having focussed our fishing on the upstream side of Bass Lodge, we decide next day to fish downriver and put the canoes into the river, right in front of the lodge. This day is interesting with the threat of storms looming we continue to catch fish and create footage for the show. Actually, in reflection, its really amazing how much footage doesn’t reach the half hour show. So many fish were caught and certainly most never got to show themselves to the audience. A shame that there is not an uncut 2 hr episode but what the hey!

We had such a great time with the boys from Fishing Australia that we hope for them to return next year. The plan is for us all to go on horseback, fishing rod in hand, and heading into the far reaches of the upper reaches of the Macleay River. This show we hope to catch those big 50+cm wild river bass that are so prized and rarely fished in these area. Stay tuned!

Links:

To find out more about the Bass Lodge please visit their website [below] or call Dave on (02) 4329 1954 or (0450) 557 929.
www.basslodge.com.au