The 28^th Fips _ Mouche world fly fishing championships were recently concluded  in New Zealand.  18 teams and 74 fly fishermen competed for team and individual honor.. Three  rivers, the Whanganui Whaiou Waimakariri and lakes Rotoaira and Otamangakau created a feast of challenging fishing.

The simply outstanding Czech team finished as World Champions. The individual World Champion is Martin Droz, of the Czech Republic with France and the Czech Republic taking silver and bronze respectively. New Zealand  finished higher than in any previous World Championships, to take the silver medal.

 Australia placed 12^th but some individual results were of world standard.  Vern Barby gained  1 & 2 in his 2 lake session and Craig Coltman’s 28 fish was the most for his beat on the Waihou river. Additionally Scott Tucker, Joe Riley and Vern Barby on review caught the most number of fish in their sessions for their individual  river  beats.

Vern barby result on the lakes confirmed him as a world class lakes fisherman.

The fishing in New Zealand was simply breathtaking, with enormous numbers of large trout being caught both in practice and during the Championship. In one practice day, using  a variety of techniques, “Team Australia 2008” caught over 400 trout. In the championships the Czech team caught a total of 383 fish , while Australia caught 185. The least number of fish caught by any team was 86. In the end, however, the best teams were successful,

Whilst Czech or polish nymphing is the “in Vogue “style the time honored approach of fishing “Wee Wets”  downstream proved the downfall of just as many fish.

Supported by their sponsors, “Team Australian 2008,” trialed many products. “During a championship your equipment is tested to the maximum, in 1 month we put our gear through conditions that most anglers would encounter only in a life time of fishing!” We are pleased to report that all sponsored product proved most reliable and suitable to the demanding fishing conditions that heavy rivers and large New Zealand trout provided.

Fips_Mouche requires a country holding the championships to convene a conservation symposium, The Rotorua lakes are under stress from nitrate and phosphate run off . The local authorities presented their plan to rescue impending degradation of this great fishery. This symposium is particularly relevant to Australia, one of the most arid countries, and our threatened trout fisheries.

Whilst 12^th position is not what we wanted, “Team Australia 2008” initiated support from the “Victorian Institute of  Sport” and took a wider approach to its international competitiveness Overseas experience and the association with the world’s best fly  fisherman creates new learning opportunities and we embrace the lessons learnt. Fly Fish Australia recognizes that more competitions will create a more competitive match hardened approach.

 Australian teams of the future will learn from the preparation and this championship. With these lessons, the foundations for future success are laid.

The 2009  championships are in Scotland on 4 lochs and the River Tay, already preparation has commenced for this next campaign.

Peter Dixon

Captain Australian Fly Fishing Team