The Trout Obsession by Martin Auldist

On the scale of Aussie sportfish, trout are placed very definitely at the skinny end.

Generally though they are a very wary adversary, and once hooked they fight hard often with some spectacular aerial antics. Capturing them involves careful fishing in scenic but often technically challenging environments, and using specialised equipment. When everything comes together and you fool even the smallest trout, its not only great fun but extremely satisfying.

PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES

Happily, south-eastern Australia provides some fantastic opportunities for trout anglers in every southern state. Tasmania is the Aussie trout angler's Nirvana and especially renowned for its lake fishing. It's fair to say that no other state in Australia can match the consistent quality of fish in the Apple Isle. Nevertheless, Victoria also has its share of trout, particularly but not exclusively in the high country and foothills of the Great Dividing Range.

FLYFISHING

I caught my first trout on a fly in 1995 and I've hardly lifted a spinning rod since. There's definitely no snobbery intended in that statement - it's merely a reflection of the enjoyment I derive from catching trout on fly. I cut my flyfishing teeth catching big rainbows in the Tongariro River and other streams around Lake Taupo in the North Island of New Zealand during a seven-year stint in the Shaky Isles. Much of what I learnt on the mighty Tongariro is reflected in my fishing back here in my native Victoria, albeit it on a smaller scale.