Tony Rayner AM
This trip came about as an opportunity, as the COVID lockdowns eased, and we got a chance to get away for a weekend fishing. In the planning, numbers were looking good, with over 20 members and friends committed to the big weekend away on the Bass at St Clair.
As we approached the day a few got away for an early start and established an early foothold on the campsite when the team rolled in on Friday. Anticipation was high and although the weather report was a bit sketchy the majority managed to arrive on Friday night. A few go out for a fish on Friday night and there was fish about but not much of the typical surface action of St Clair. The most effective fly seemed to be shaping as the Craigs Night Time in small to medium size. Some had a late night around the campfire on Friday night, after the evening fish, and some world problems seemed to have been solved.
The dedicated few managed a dawn fishing trip on Saturday morning with fishing generally quiet with limited surface action but again the majority of catch on sub-surface flies. Mid afternoon on Saturday there was a marked build up in the cloud and the look of impending doom on the weather front. As we were sitting around contemplating the weather everything rapidly changed with the arrival of a savage storm front. The rain and wind destroyed all in their path including tents, gazebos and awnings. The first passing of the front saw many of us clutching gazebos and tents like overgrown kites! Just as we thought we had survived and second phase come through with far greater strength and it saw the end of Richties’ Gazebo amongst other things. The weather cleared and the rain stopped. Amongst the mud and water, we cleared up around the camp. Quite a bit of stuff ended up in the campsite bins. A few folks headed home due the wet gear and tent failures. With the cleanup complete it was time for the evening fish. One group headed off in kayaks with others heading out in boats.
On the up side the fishing really picked up on Saturday Night for those remaining. The clearly best fly, for those who had one, was Craigs Nighttime with Richard Hassel bringing in a 7 Bass on a bedraggled version of this pattern. On return to camp the weather took a turn for the worse with the rain setting into a steady downpour. Sunday the poor weather continued, and an early pack up ensued before an extended BBQ brunch.
Nice Golden Perch hits the bank 
Central Coast Storm Chasers at their best! 
Dam top up…… 
The old faithful nighttime fly does it’s job.
Overall it was a great weekend away with lots of good company laughs and a few fish for good measure.