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Fulling Mill Christopher Bassano Custom Selection

 

Bassano's Bitch Variant

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

The "Bitch Variant” is also called “Fiona” from time to time. I was introduced to this fly by another one of Australia’s top fly fishermen, Royce Baxter from Ballarat. Royce, I believe had been shown this fly by Canadian angler and world championship silver medallist, Donald Tom. The fly is quite brash and fishes as such. I mostly fish this fly on the top dropper although many anglers have more success with it elsewhere in the cast. The red and black colour combination is a great fish catcher whether using dry flies or wets; this fly is no different.

Unlike ‘Shrek’ and ‘Humungous’, this is a fly that fish have a love/hate relationship with. When they are eating it, they will not look at another fly. If I have this fly on the cast for half an hour and have not caught a fish on it, I will take it off because when they want it, they will eat it and pull the rod from your hands in the process. It is a flashy fly and I find it more suitable to coloured water or overcast conditions. I could not count the number of times this fly has saved an unproductive days fishing by catching numerous fish when others are struggling. Again, if a less flashy fly is needed, simply cut some of the flash out of the tail. You will be taking this fly out of the back of a fish’s throat! Barbless.

Sizes: 10

Order Code: COA962

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Blind Caddis

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

This caddis pattern is most effective in water deeper than one meter. It sinks faster than the Polaroiding Caddis and is a great edition to a team of nymphs when fishing from a boat. Bank anglers will find this a terrific fish catcher when using the dry / dropper technique as it gets "to depth" at a naturally fast rate.

The fly itself is very imitative and works well on spooky fish. A fly pattern for both mainland and Tasmanian waters, this is one of those flies you should always have with you. Barbless.

Sizes: 12

Order Code: COA975

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Carrot

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

This fly was introduced to Australia by Englishman, John Horsey. This is the original pattern. It is very, very easy to see on the water and is eaten extremely well over the summer months. If you have trouble seeing your flies, this is a good one for you. Orange continues to be a very productive colour in Australia and the extreme brightness of this fly is more than likely the reason why it is eaten so well. As with many flies, when the trout seem locked in on this fly, they seem to ignore all others to get to it. Pulling this fly across the surface in overcast and windy conditions is a productive way of waking fish up. Being carrot shaped, the fly pushes water well and the seals fur body aids floatability.  A generous amount of floatant applied at the start of the day is usually all that is needed no matter how many fish you catch on it. The fly works well in almost all of the popular Tasmanian waterways but interestingly, it is also very good on many of the western lakes in rough weather. The fact that this fly was designed for Rainbow Trout in the northern hemisphere and is equally at home catching wild Browns in Australia, means it is worth trying where ever you are. Barbless.

Sizes: 12

Order Code: COA964

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Claret Carrot

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

As with the ‘Carrot’, this fly was introduced to Australia by Englishman, John Horsey. The original pattern was orange in colour but all other colour variations were used. As claret is a particularly good colour in Australia when our mayflies are hatching, the claret carrot was always going to be successful. Originally designed as a ‘sighter’ fly when using a three fly rig, the claret carrot is very much a fish catcher on its own. This is a top dropper fly. The floatability of the fly makes it perfect for ‘pulling’ along the surface but it is eaten static just as often. Large sizes are the norm as the bulk adds to its effectiveness. When mayflies abound, this fly is at its best and even more so when there is a good wave. For one of my guides, this is the number one fly for ‘shark fishing’ on Great Lake because it is so easy to see and readily eaten. Although you can use this fly in a ‘nymph under dry’ rig, it is better used in a team and when you are trying to pull fish to the surface when there appears to be nothing happening. Barbless.

Sizes: 12

Order Code: COA963

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Claret Nymph

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

Claret has been my favourite colour for decades when mayflies are around. This nymph is my number one on Little Pine, Arthurs, Woods and Penstock. It needs to be fished very slowly or even static on a long leader. A slow figure of 8 retrieve is deadly. For me, this is a top dropper or point fly depending on the depth of water. Cast at a rising fish and given a "draw" past the fish, it is deadly. Be careful not to break fish off on the take as they can hit it very hard. I only ever fish this fly on a floating, intermediate or intermediate tip fly line. Barbless.

Sizes: 12, 14, 16

Order Code: COA950

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Claret Nymph - Black Tungsten Bead

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

The black tungsten beaded claret nymph is a point fly that I use in clear water or when the fish seem very fussy on bright days. It works very well using a slow figure of eight retrieve once left to sink to the desired depth (just above the weed!). It is also extremely effective fished static under a dry fly or indicator on Little Pine, Woods and Arthur's lakes.

Both the black and copper headed nymphs work very well on the rivers in smaller sizes such as 14 and 16. Either under a dry fly or in a team of nymphs fished upstream, they are deadly. If things are quiet, use the copper bead but if the water is low and clear late season, the black bead provides the subtlety you often need. Barbless.

Sizes: 14, 16

Order Code: COA948

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Claret Nymph - Copper Tungsten Bead

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

The copper tungsten beaded fly works best when there is a little colour in the water. Fished deep and slowly over weed beds, this fly also catches plenty of fish on the "hang" at the boat as it is drawn up and stopped. In a team of drab flies, this is often just what is needed to induce a take.

Both the black and copper headed nymphs work very well on the rivers in smaller sizes such as 14 and 16. Either under a dry fly or in a team of nymphs fished upstream, they are deadly. If things are quiet, use the copper bead but if the water is low and clear late season, the black bead provides the subtlety you often need. Barbless.

Sizes: 14, 16

Order Code: COA949

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Fur Fly - Small

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

When fish are in shallow water or tailing in bright conditions, this is my fall back fly. It possesses a great hot spot that trout seem to hone in on but remains subtle due to its size. I first used this fly at Lake Fergus when I was getting a lot of fish to look at the larger version. It was as if they wanted to eat it but changed their mind at the last second. The smaller version did the job for me and has continued to be my go to fly when fish are tough. The smaller profile means it sinks slightly faster than Large Fur Fly and will not "pull fish over" to the fly as readily. However, when fish can been lying stationary or crusading slowly, this subtle fly is eaten more readily and never fails to produce. Barbless.

Sizes: 14

Order Code: COA989

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Fur Fly - Large

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

This is one of my best two flies when fishing early in the season. Originally designed and tied by Rob Sloan, the fur fly is effective today as it was all those years ago. The design of this fly enables it to sink slowly when sticks and twigs are an issue and water levels high. The fur pulsates when the fly is pulled and stopped, making a wonderful frog imitation.

Whether in the western lakes, Little Pine, Bronte or any other water with shallow flats, this is often my fly of choice. Don't be surprised if the fly is also eaten "dry" as it floats after it lands.

As an additional bonus, I have also used this fly to great effect on Lake Eucumbene during low light as a middle imitation. The versatility of this fly is such that it is also a great top dropper fly when pulling wet flies from a boat or when fishing off the shore. Low slow draws with long pauses brings the best results. Barbless.

Sizes: 12

Order Code: COA988

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Grab All

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

My great friend, Damian How, showed me this fly two decades ago. At the time, Damian was guiding in North Western Tasmania and was catching more fish than anyone else. He and I had a day on the St Patricks going "fish for fish" with an F Fly and a Grab All. At the end of the day and at the end of many such days, it was very hard to split the two flies and when considering the F Fly is arguably the world’s greatest adult caddis imitation, the Grab All has to be held in similar regard on our rivers. What makes it even better than many flies I see being used on the river, is how easy it is to see. From a guiding point of view, it is perfect. You basically have a small fly that is very easy to see in all light and water conditions that the fish eat very well.

It has become a standard fly when fishing rivers and lakes in New Zealand and occupies two rows in my fly box. Thank you Damian! Barbless.

Sizes: 14

Order Code: COA979

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Great Lake Hopper

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

This fly is a "Tasmanian" version of a wonderful English fly called the "Bristol Hopper". This style of fly was first introduced to Australia by John Horsey many years ago when he came to Australia to run a few lake fishing courses. John is arguably the world’s best lake angler and was responsible for furthering our lake fishing skills - especially from a drifting boat.

Bristol Hoppers are some of my favourite flies to use on still waters and part of their effectiveness is due to their "low riding" nature in the water. While this helps in getting eaten by trout, it makes them hard to see. This is an even bigger problem when you are a guide as many clients have trouble seeing their flies at the best of times. The addition of a possum wing (increased floatation) and an orange hackle (great visibility) has made this fly easy to see, and hard for any trout to refuse as the hackle also acts as an attractor.

Best used when fishing in bright, windy conditions, this fly lends itself to "shark" fishing in Great Lake or simply fishing blind around the edges and shorelines of Tasmania's crystal clear lakes in summer. When gum beetles are present it seems to work even better again. It is also a wonderful western lakes fly and if you struggle to see your fly, this will be a great edition to your armoury. Barbless.

Sizes: 12

Order Code: COA978

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Hares Ear Klinkhammer

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

This fly is specifically tied to be used when the light is low or you need a buoyant dry fly when fishing nymph under dry. We all have to compromise with our dry fly when fishing this set up but this fly gives you a genuine dry fly that fish will eat, while remaining a float when using a heavy nymph. The extra buoyancy and hi-vis post makes this fly a must have in my fly box while the natural materials in the body and the way it sits on the water, enables it to remain imitative and be eaten well.

While this was primarily tied as a river fly, it has been very effective when fishing lakes as an easy to see "indicator" that also gets eaten.

Deciding on which size of fly to tie on is as simple as deciding what weight nymphs you are going to use. Heavier nymphs = larger size. Barbless.

Sizes: 12, 14

Order Code: COA980

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Humungous - Flashy

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

The Humongous has been an excellent fly for many years but as usual, we are always looking at ways to tie a fly that is just as effective as the original, but is less time consuming at the vice. The Flashy Humongous was conceived during one of these experimental sessions. It didn't quite achieve the goal of working as well as the original because the two flies seem to work well at different times.

This fly seems best in a smaller size than the original and it also has a smaller profile. In mainland lakes, the Flashy Humongous is the go to fly and seems to work well with a fast retrieve. Many competition anglers use this fly in dirty water but I think it is just as effective in clear water.

I have had success with the Flashy Humongous on the point or on either dropper in a team of flies. It is also very good when swinging rivers. Across the world, a black and gold combination is like chocolate to trout so it no surprise that this fly is essential in any lake in Australia. Barbless.

Sizes: 10

Order Code: COA987

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Humungous - Gold

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

The Humungous was invented by Scottish fly fisherman, David Downey. As is the case with most woolly buggers, it does not represent anything specifically, but certainly attracts fish in all types of water. Although mostly used as a point fly, the humungous works equally well in the middle. Large sizes work well even when fish are a little shy. This fly catches fish in both lakes and rivers on a fast or slow retrieve although trout do enjoy chasing it! I often catch fish in the sunshine using this fly when all else fails. Competitive anglers in Australia will rarely be without this on the cast whether fishing near the surface or with fast sinking lines. Barbless.

Sizes: 8

Order Code: COA960

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Index Fly

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

The Index Fly is an unweighted damsel imitation. Damsel flies are prevalent in all of our Australian lakes, farm dams and rivers.

I was shown this fly by Royce Baxter from the Ballarat Fly Fishing Club. He and many there use it on Lake Wendouree for most of the year but predominantly during the summer months. Although the fly appears quite large, it certainly works best in this size. Being unweighted, it is usually used on the middle or top dropper when fishing from a boat but it is also a wonderful point fly when fishing from the shore with a floating line. The fly can be retrieved at whatever pace you like but generally works best with a steady, pull, stop, pull retrieve. When weed is growing near the surface towards the end of summer, it is particularly effective.

This is a great fly all around Australia. Barbless.

Sizes: 6

Order Code: COA990

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Loop Wing Claret Hopper - Flexi Rib

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

The loop wing claret hopper can be fished singly or in a team. It can genuinely fit anywhere in a cast of three flies and works in sunny or overcast weather. This differs from the normal claret hopper in that it has a possum wing which is highly suggestive of a mayfly, emerging from the nymph. The possum fur also adds floatability to what is otherwise a poor floating fly. Again, this fly can be pulled across the surface and fits beautifully with other dries that have the same attribute. I have had tremendous fishing with this on Little Pine when other flies failed. It is very effective during mayfly hatches but I have had as much success using it without a mayfly in sight and on waters with very few mayfly.  On those tricky days when fish are rising once and then disappearing, this fly will pull them up. I carry dozens of these at all times. Barbless.

Sizes: 10, 12

Order Code: COA966 (in size 10) or COA981 (in size 12)

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Loop Wing Claret Hopper - Mylar Rib

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

The loop wing Claret Hopper with a Mylar rib is a fly I use when I want an attractor style fly that still has imitative properties.

It fishes well in a team of dries on the top or middle dropper and, not surprisingly, works very well when mayfly are hatching.

The fly floats very well and is one of those dries that usually only need to be dressed at the start of your fishing session.

I have also used this fly to great affect when fishing dry flies blind on lakes that enjoy a good beetle fall. Those that spring immediately to mind are Great Lake, Lake St Clair and Lake King William but it is actually harder to find a lake in which this fly doesn't work well. Barbless.

Sizes: 12

Order Code: COA982

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's McGoo - Olive Head

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

The olive thread head McGoo is another terrific damsel imitation that works very well in all of Australia's shallow impoundments. Whether it is farm dams or large lakes, this semi imitative pattern catches fish. When damsel flies and dragonflies are around, this McGoo pattern is extremely effective. The olive thread head lends itself to being used when the water is clear and the fish are being difficult to catch.

Using slow, long draws followed by long pauses is a good retrieve to start with over the top of weed beds. It doesn't matter if you are fishing off the shore with a floating line or out of a boat, deep and fast, this McGoo rarely lets you down. No Australian fly box is complete without some of these. Barbless.

Sizes: 10

Order Code: COA976

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's McGoo - Orange UV Head

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

This fly originates from Ireland and was then further developed by Ballarat fly anglers, Vern Barby and, to a lesser extent, Craig Coltman. Although originally intended as a damsel fly imitation, the fly works very well when none are present. The slim profile makes it very effective when fish are being selective yet it still has "pulling power", attracting fish from a long way off. The fly works well on a floating line when fished from the shore on its own but really comes into its own in a team of flies on sinking lines. I prefer to fish this fly slowly but it is equally effective pulled hard and 'hung'. I have caught fish with this fly on all three spots on the leader but favour the point for the weighted version and the top dropper for the unweighted fly. Used on a SinkI 7 line, it is effective but as good as it is, I prefer it in a scenario when fishing in five feet of water or less. Not surprisingly, this fly is on the leader somewhere for almost all Victorian anglers when fishing lake Wendoree and alike. In Tasmania, there is not a lake it won't work on. In bright weather or when fish are slightly spooky, one piece of flash can be cut out of either side of the tail to increase your catch rate. Barbless.

Sizes: 10, 12

Order Code: COA944

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's McGoo - Copper Tungsten Bead

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

This fly originates from Ireland and was then further developed by Ballarat fly anglers, Vern Barby and, to a lesser extent, Craig Coltman. Although originally intended as a damsel fly imitation, the fly works very well when none are present. The slim profile makes it very effective when fish are being selective yet it still has "pulling power", attracting fish from a long way off. The fly works well on a floating line when fished from the shore on its own but really comes into its own in a team of flies on sinking lines. I prefer to fish this fly slowly but it is equally effective pulled hard and 'hung'. I have caught fish with this fly on all three spots on the leader but favour the point for the weighted version and the top dropper for the unweighted fly. Used on a DI 7 it is effective but as good as it is, I prefer it in a scenario when fishing in five feet of water or less. Not surprisingly, this fly is on the leader somewhere for almost all Victorian anglers when fishing lake Wendoree and alike. In Tasmania, there is not a lake it won't work on. In bright weather or when fish are slightly spooky, one piece of flash can be cut out of either side of the tail to increase your catch rate. Barbless.

Sizes: 10

Order Code: COA942

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's McGoo - Orange Tungsten Bead

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

As for the McGoo but used more in dirty or milky water and when rainbows are common. This fly is often a first choice for me at the start and end of the season. Barbless.

Sizes: 10

Order Code: COA943

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Palmered Orange Tag

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

It is always dangerous when you mess with a great fly pattern such as the red tag! The palmered orange tag has as many differences as there are similarities. This pattern floats much better than the original red tag due to the palmer but remains very delicate. The palmer gives the fly obvious advantages but most importantly, it enables you to fish a very small fly in a fast current and still be able to see it, knowing that it is floating well. If you want to fish a small fly but have difficult seeing them, this is the fly for you. The orange tag replaces the normal red, giving the fly even more subtlety. The tying of this fly ensures that no matter how it lands, it look the same to the fish. I.e. unlike other flies, it doesn't matter how it sits on the water.

This is a polaroiding fly, and one that is best fished by itself. It is equally at home on lakes and rivers and is a fantastic searching fly, able to be fished blind and especially to difficult fish. Although you could do it, I don't recommend this fly as one to fish a nymph under. There is no particular lake or river in which this fly works best. It should be carried in various sizes and cast at any opportunistic fish. If anything, go smaller! Barbless.

Sizes: 12, 14, 16

Order Code: COA946

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Parachute Fluoro Post Adams

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

The Parachute Adams is one of the world’s highest selling and most used dry fly. It is a pattern that originates in the USA and for most of my guiding life; it was not in my armoury. Mainland angler, Phil Weigall changed that along with many of my clients. I am a big believer in confidence and being confident in your fly when you are using it. I found that many of my clients would ask me what flies we might be using during the day on a river and were always surprised when a Parachute Adams was not mentioned. Some anglers would not fish with much confidence until I tied one on and then their entire demeanour would change.

It is such a successful fly on the mainland of Australia that it is arguably the most used dry fly there and by Australian anglers travelling to New Zealand. The reason it is so popular is because it catches fish and lots of them.

I still had the problem of clients not being able to see the fly well in poor or mottled light which lead to the addition of a fluoro post. This was met with much appreciation from clients and knowing that the change of colour from white to orange makes no difference to the fish yet orange is easier to see, this is now my staple Parachute Adams tie whenever I use it, anywhere in the world. Barbless.

Sizes: 16

Order Code: COA977

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Parachute Possum Emerger

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

Being tied almost entirely out of possum fur, this fly floats brilliantly. Much more robust than its "CDC winged" counterpart, the fly is very imitative. One fly could last you for days and keep floating! There is almost never any need to put silicon on your fly after the initial floatant has been applied at the start of the day. When fish are rising to mayfly duns, it is extremely effective but on any occasion when fish are rising after the first mayfly hatch of the season, it will work well. Although moving the fly is not often recommended with such imitative flies, fish will still eat this pattern pulled on lakes in overcast weather. Always try it static first!

The smaller sizes are extremely effective on the rivers and when fish are cruising in shallow water. The take is always confident and slow when this fly is eaten. Being a parachute fly, it sits beautifully on the water and once the hatch is over, it is also taken as a spent mayfly. As the body sits in and under the meniscus, the Parachute Possum Emerger will get eaten from the start to the end of the hatch without having to change from a low riding to high riding fly as the hatch reaches its' peak. Sometimes I wish I had an entire box of these flies in various sizes.

I fish this fly on every lake in Tasmania which has mayflies but my favourites are Penstock, Little Pine, Arthurs, Four Springs, Bronte and the entire western lakes and nineteen lagoons region. When fished in a team, this is NOT a point fly and suits the middle or top dropper much better depending on what else you have in your team. Remember not to strike too soon! Barbless.

Sizes: 12, 14, 16

Order Code: COA951

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Parachute Spinner - Black

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

I don't think that this fly needs an introduction to people who fish in Tasmania and any mayfly water on the mainland. It is quite simply the single dry fly that you cannot be without.

Unlike the standard black spinner, this fly is much easier to see and floats for longer. It sits the right way every cast and gives you confidence when you see it on the water. It is no wonder really because the fish eat it with such confidence.

It is an exceptional polaroiding fly but it is equally as good as a searching pattern close to banks and around weed or down bubble lines in rivers. The rivers of Tasmania and the mainland are made for this fly. It is a large fly and that's how the trout like them.

When you see mayflies on the water, this is a go to pattern and when the fish are jumping to eat them, it is even better. Barbless.

Sizes: 10, 12

Order Code: COA986

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Parachute Spinner - Orange

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

I am not sure why this fly is not more popular amongst anglers. The black coloured version is a staple amongst all Australian anglers while the orange version doesn't get the credit it deserves. On many occasions both in Tasmania and on the mainland, I have had fish ignore the black spinner and eat the orange one. From early in the season right through to the end, this fly is eaten well. Once again, the presence of mayflies is helpful although not a prerequisite.

I love the larger sizes of these as they float well and people with poor eye sight seem to be able to follow the drift of the fly much better but on the rivers, the smaller version is always eaten with gusto.

Mainland River’s such as the upper Mitta Mitta and Murrumbidgee are full of fish that love this fly while in Tasmania, all of our mayfly waters (both river and lake) are ideal locations to fish this fly.

As I previously mentioned, if the black one isn't working, change to the orange before going away from the spinner patterns. Barbless.

Sizes: 12

Order Code: COA985

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Polaroiding Stick Caddis

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

This fly was designed for sight fishing whether it be polaroiding or tailing fish. Almost every trout in Tasmania has a stick caddis in its stomach at all times. This fly sinks slowly which enables you to present the fly well ahead of a moving fish without spooking it. It was originally designed to be fished by itself on a leader of around twelve to fifteen feet. That is not to say it can’t be fished in a team of flies on the top dropper or in the middle. This fly works in every lake! Barbless.

Sizes: 14

Order Code: COA938

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Possum/Hares Ear Nymph

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

This is a top dropper fly when fish are feeding on mayfly duns or nymphs. Wherever mayflies are present, this is a great fly. It sinks slowly and represents the lighter coloured nymph very well. This fly should be fished in a team as per the Claret Nymph and at least nine feet from the end of your fly line as the top dropper. Barbless.

Sizes: 12, 14, 16

Order Code: COA947

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Possum Emerger

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

Any Australian fly fisherman should already know about the effectiveness of this fly. My guiding diary over the past twenty years clearly shows that this fly has caught many, many more fish than any other fly I have. It is clearly my number one fish catcher and many of my clients have caught their first ever trout on this fly.

It was shown to me by the former owner of Rainbow Lodge, Neil Grose and I believe that it was invented by well-known Australian fly tier, Muz Wilson.  Its genius lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. I have seen a hundred different versions of this fly and they are no doubt all effective but it is one of those flies that should be kept simple. Possum fur floats extremely well when treated with floatant and this fly is 100% possum. It can be pulled hard on top of waves, fished static to cruising fish, be used singly or in a team and it will be equally effective. I have seen more than twenty fish caught and released on the exact same fly and still have it float perfectly. It is remarkable.

It is important to remember that at times, the fly will be very hard to see. It is best fished on the point in a team and will therefore be a long way past the end of your fly line. Being small and dark, it does not stand out well. This is a positive attribute. It is subtle and as such, it is eaten with confidence. You DO NOT HAVE TO SEE THIS FLY when fishing it. Simply look around the area in which you think the fly will be and when you see a confident rise, STRIKE…. it will be your fly! If the fly does sink at any stage, just fish it back to you slowly and be prepared for a classic nymph take.

Any lake that has mayflies on it will be perfect for this fly. I have not used it on rivers but perhaps I should. Once a lake has seen mayflies hatching on it during the season, this fly can be fished blind even when nothing is rising or hatching. Foam lines and slicks are other places where this fly catches a lot of fish. Remember that when all else fails, try moving it across the surface. Barbless.

Sizes: 12, 14

Order Code: COA965

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Claret Possum Emerger

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

This is a simple adaptation of one of the greatest mayfly patterns I have ever used, the Possum Emerger.

Basically, it is a Possum Emerger but this one is claret. I first tied this fly in the mid 1990's but I had a deer hair wing on it. With the success of the original possum Emerger and the claret "deer wing" Emerger, it seemed obvious that a combination of the two would work well. Possum is much easier to work worth and floats better than deer hair which made this fly a no brainer. Anywhere that mayfly are present, this fly will work as a point or middle fly in a three fly rig. It is also very effective when polaroiding and floats well after you catch a fish. It only needs to be dressed with floatant once, at the start of the day and will keep floating all day long.

There are not enough superlatives to describe this fly.

Sizes: 12, 14

Order Code: COA955

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Roy - Gold Tungsten Bead

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

Top Australian angler, Craig Carey developed this fly and we named it after one of his daughters. It is reliable, colourful and attractive! This is the sort of fly that the fish can turn on and off to from day to day. When they are on it, you may as well have three of them on as they will not eat anything else. Having said that, it is more of a middle or top dropper fly and works best with a steady "pull, stop" retrieve. Unlike the McGoo, this fly seems to work better, the deeper the water is. In clear water, it can spook the fish from time to time hence, if you don't catch anything on it within an hour or so, take it off. Barbless.

Sizes: 10

Order Code: COA945

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Shaving Brush - Claret

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

The shaving brush is a favourite of many anglers across Australia. It represents an emerging mayfly, is easy to see, holds up nymphs in larger sizes and is at home as a point fly as well as any other slot on your leader.

This fly is a wonderful polaroiding fly when fish are eating emergers. It sits beautifully in the water with the post sticking up and is a rare breed of fly that is easy to see yet quite subtle in its appearance. Make sure that you have different sized Shaving Brushes as the only reason a selective trout may not eat it, is because the size is wrong.

In some light conditions and on certain days, trout will prefer the lighter or darker version of this fly. It may even be mayfly species dependent, but having a leader set up with one of each colour is a good way to search for your first trout of the day.

Early in the season, the fish seem quite keen on the lighter version and as the season progresses, their preference often switches but this is very much a generalisation.

The shallow, silty bottom of Tasmania's western lakes abound with light coloured nymphs and the Hares Ear version is my favourite here while the weedy water of Four Springs and such lakes across Australia, lend themselves to the claret version. On many occasions, it is hard to choose between them and that's why I carry and use both.

The Shaving Brush is equally at home on rivers and lakes and indeed some of my good friends use it as their number one fly when fishing the rivers of New Zealand.

Make sure that you don't put floatant on the body of the fly, only the wing. Barbless.

Sizes: 12, 14

Order Code: COA983

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Shaving Brush - Hares Ear/Possum

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

The shaving brush is a favourite of many anglers across Australia. It represents an emerging mayfly, is easy to see, holds up nymphs in larger sizes and is at home as a point fly as well as any other slot on your leader.

This fly is a wonderful polaroiding fly when fish are eating emergers. It sits beautifully in the water with the post sticking up and is a rare breed of fly that is easy to see yet quite subtle in its appearance. Make sure that you have different sized Shaving Brushes as the only reason a selective trout may not eat it, is because the size is wrong.

In some light conditions and on certain days, trout will prefer the lighter or darker version of this fly. It may even be mayfly species dependent, but having a leader set up with one of each colour is a good way to search for your first trout of the day.

Early in the season, the fish seem quite keen on the lighter version and as the season progresses, their preference often switches but this is very much a generalisation.

The shallow, silty bottom of Tasmania's western lakes abound with light coloured nymphs and the Hares Ear version is my favourite here while the weedy water of Four Springs and such lakes across Australia, lend themselves to the claret version. On many occasions, it is hard to choose between them and that's why I carry and use both.

The Shaving Brush is equally at home on rivers and lakes and indeed some of my good friends use it as their number one fly when fishing the rivers of New Zealand.

Make sure that you don't put floatant on the body of the fly, only the wing. Barbless.

Sizes: 12, 14

Order Code: COA984

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Shrek

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

Shrek has arguably been the most successful Tasmanian streamer pattern over the last few years. It was developed/invented by top Aussie angler, Joe Riley. Utilising the tried and proven colours of green, gold and red, this fly has caught fish in every waterway I have used it. Shrek has been very well thought out.  It has an uncanny knack of catching fish when all else fails and is readily picked out of the cast no matter which position it is fished in. For this reason, it really does not matter where it is placed on the cast. Such is its effectiveness that I have even heard of people using three of them at a time! Whether on the drop, the hang or the pull, this fly works. As is the case with all great flies, many people have tried to make it even better by changing the tying. This is the original and in my opinion, the best tying. If you want to fish it in brighter conditions or when fish are shying away from flashy flies, you can remove some of the flash in the tail. Early in the season it would be unusual not to catch 90% of your fish on this fly when fishing from a drifting boat in lakes such as Arthurs, Little Pine, Penstock, Bronte, Woods, etc.  Amazingly, Shrek works just as well after Christmas as it does beforehand. You can fish this fly with the utmost confidence. Barbless.

Sizes: 8, 10

Order Code: COA961

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Spinner - Black

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

The Black Spinner must surely be the most popular dry fly for polaroiding on Tasmanian lakes. If not, it should be. The fly is fine and as the name suggests, black – two things that help the fly to get eaten in tough, bright conditions. Along with the “Spun”, I am not sure that I need another fly when polaroiding in Tasmania. This Black Spinner is designed to sit correctly every time it lands and is deliberately tied ‘sparse’ to remove unnecessary material. This gives the fly a much finer, more lifelike profile and less reason for the fish to refuse it.  It also means that the fly does not float as well as many dry flies as it does not have the capacity to hold floatant very well. It is specifically designed to float long enough to remain on the surface for enough time for the fish to cruise over and eat it. It is not designed for rough weather or blind fishing.

Gaining drag free drifts on rivers will ensure that the fly remains dry and is eaten with gusto. Fish it along any high banks or when the winds are light and the natural spinners are coming out over the water.

This fly can be seen being eaten throughout the ‘Polaroiding’ segments of the “Tasmanian Fly Fishing Techniques” DVD’s. During the ‘Boat Polaroiding” segment, you will even see this fly eaten by a cruising fish after it has sunk. I do not suggest that this is a good way to fish the fly but certainly proves how effective it can be.

The fly must be fished by itself on a long leader and not in a team. Aim at the fish and cast with a delicate presentation.  As is the case with the Orange Spinner, the Black Spinner should be used on any waterway that contains mayflies. There are far too many to mention. One of the beauties of this fly is that you do not have to see the natural black spinners in order to tie it on. All you have to do is see the fish and during the summer and autumn months, it is rarely refused. You can’t have too many of these in your box. Barbless.

Sizes: 12

Order Code: COA969

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Spinner - Orange

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

There are many orange spinner patterns available and this one is a variant shown to me former Tasmanian fishing guide, Damian How. Originally it was used on the lowland rivers of northern Tasmania where the fish would eat it in preference to many other imitations.  Now, it is regularly tied on not only when fishing the rivers, but in all other lakes which contain orange spinners. These include Woods and Arthurs Lake, Lake Leak, Four Springs, Penstock, Bronte and many more.

The fly is designed to be fished when trout are eating spinners and as such, it is fished singly to sighted fish. The fly is designed to land the correct way every cast and closely represent the natural insect.  Fished in quiet backwaters on rivers or to jumping fish, this is the most effective orange spinner pattern I have ever used. These flies are under used by almost every Tasmanian angler and although the window of opportunity to use them may be small in comparison to many other flies in the range, when the fish are locked in on this colour of spinner, you must have it on the end of your long leader. Barbless.

Sizes: 12

Order Code: COA968

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Spun

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

The “Spun” is as the name suggests, a half spinner, half dun. It was invented by my good friend and Tasmanian based fly fisherman, Cameron Spur. Cameron tied this fly in the early nineties for polaroiding and fishing to fish that are inherently difficult to catch. He was successful. While filming “Tasmanian Fly Fishing Techniques Vol 1 and 2”, this fly proved itself time and again. It is in the same mould as a black spinner but is much easier to see and floats better. The Spun is also suggestive of a spinner, a dun and an emerger. It covers so many bases. I do not fish this fly in a team as it is best fished singly to sighted or rising fish. Whether on lakes or rivers, this is a superb fly. I often snip the bottom half of the hackle off, flush with the end of the hook eye. This ensures that the fly will sit correctly 100% of the time and can also be used as a ‘spent’ pattern.

No fish in the western lakes is safe when using this fly. I never seem to have enough of these flies in my box and consequently, I save them for when we are fishing at large fish in clear water. This pattern is only ever used singly and never in a team. I put it on the end of a fine tippet (.12 - .14mm) and cast it at sighted fish. Never move this fly! Thank you Cameron!!! Barbless.

Sizes: 14

Order Code: COA967

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Wooly Worm - Black

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

I caught my first ever lake fish on this fly decades ago and it is as successful today as it was then. Used as a point fly in a team or on its own while wading and searching early in the season, it is deadly. It sinks at just the right rate and has enough movement to be fished with slow twitches and long pulls. Although this fly works best during overcast and windy weather, at any stage when casting along drop offs and edges of weed beds, it is my go to fly. From Little Pine to Bronte and across the Western Lakes, this inconspicuous fly is best kept simple. Barbless.

Sizes: 10

Order Code: COA939

Order Group: 16

 

Bassano's Zulu Tag

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Part of the Christopher Bassano Custom Selection. See Christoper's description below...

This fly floats so well that it works superbly with a nymph hanging under it. The colour combination of black and red has stood the test of time. It is another great fly when used on its own in smaller sizes when sight fishing. In a team, it can be fished anywhere on the leader and although it floats well when "pulled", it fishes best static. I am usually using this fly when I catch my first trout on the dry fly each season. It is just as effective when used on lakes and rivers although the smaller size is recommended for the river. Barbless.

Sizes: 14, 16, 18

Order Code: COA941

Order Group: 16

 

 

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