Queensland’s sand flats are one of Australia’s great fly fishing assets — and right now, they’re under real pressure.

In this episode, Andrew is joined by Chris Burgess (FlyLife contributor and Inshore Flats Project advocate) to dig into tunnel nets: what they are, how they work, and why many anglers believe they pose a serious threat to flats fisheries from Hinchinbrook to the Whitsundays and beyond.

We get into:

• What a tunnel net actually is — and why it’s so effective
• Localised depletion: cleaning out a flat and the big question of how long until fish return
• What’s been observed during trials, including stress, crowding and mortality concerns
• The risk to iconic flats species like permit, golden trevally, GTs and queenfish
• The broader impact on guiding, tourism and why net-free flats matter
• What you can do right now to help protect these fisheries

If you love saltwater fly fishing — or you’ve ever dreamed of a Queensland permit — this one’s well worth a listen.

Get involved / learn more: Search Inshore Flats Project and follow their channels for updates and ways to support, or head to www.inshoreflatsproject.com.au

On this episode of Behind the Counter, Peter and Damien give an update on the recent fires and the lucky break that saw our key catchments spared — meaning the fishing is still firing and conditions are about as good as you could hope for. They dive into what’s fishing well right now, from Tassie to New Zealand, plus all the chatter from inside the shop. There’s plenty of new gear hitting the shelves, including the much-anticipated Atollas fly boxes, and a few surprises that have the crew buzzing. A solid listen if you want to stay across what’s happening on the water and in-store at The Flyfisher.

In this episode, Peter and Damien sit down for a proper catch-up on everything happening in-store and out on the water. The lads run through the latest gear that’s been working well, fresh products hitting the shelves, and recap a stack of recent adventures — from New Zealand trout missions to Cocos chaos and Hinchinbrook flats sessions.

It’s a laid-back wrap of a big year at The Flyfisher, with plenty of stories, laughs, and a look toward more pods (and more fish) in 2026. Thanks for tuning in all year — we’re just getting warmed up.

In this episode of The Flyfisher’s Podcast, we pick up where we left off with Peter Hayes — one of Australia’s most influential flyfishing guides and casting instructors.

Peter dives deep into:

• The importance of line management
• How loop shape ties directly to body mechanics
• What (and how often) to practice, including the three key stages of practice:
  1. Loop control
  2. Casting stroke angles
  3. Water landing effect

We also chat rod design — why Peter has a soft spot for fibreglass and bamboo rods, and how the kinetic whip effect in bamboo could inspire modern rod designs.

Plus, we cover:

• Why slack in your leader is essential for long, natural drifts
• How angling pressure and degraded waterways challenge us to become more skilful — and why the harder you work, the more rewarding those fish captures become.

If you’re serious about improving your fly casting and fishing, this is one you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Andrew sits down with one of Australia’s most influential flyfishing figures — Peter Hayes. Known for his sharp teaching style, deep understanding of casting physics, and decades of guiding experience, Peter has helped shape the way we fish, and how fly casting is taught across the country.

From his early days representing Australia in both flyfishing and competition casting, through to building Hayes on Brumbys — a purpose-built flyfishing school in Tasmania — Peter’s journey is one of passion, innovation, and commitment.

Recorded while Peter was in Ballarat running casting clinics and guiding on Lake Wendouree, this chat dives into his career, the evolution of fly fishing in Australia, and his thoughts on where flyfishing is headed, both good and bad.

This is the first half of a long conversation — in Part 2, Peter shares practical tips to help you become a better fly caster and flyfisher.

In this episode of The Flyfisher’s Podcast, we catch up with legendary flyfisher and author Philip Weigall to wrap up what was, for many, a seriously tough season. Despite the low water and all the usual challenges (yep, including those bloody cormorants), Phil found ways to not just cope—but thrive. He shares how thinking a bit differently about where and how to fish in dry years can lead to surprisingly good results… in fact, some of his days were all-time bests. It’s an insightful chat packed with practical takeaways. Enjoy the listen!

In this episode of The Flyfisher’s Podcast, we dive deep into the adventure, challenges, and conservation efforts behind fly fishing in the Amazon with Rodrigo Salles of Untamed Angling. Rodrigo has pioneered access to some of the most remote fisheries on Earth, working alongside indigenous communities to create sustainable, world-class fly fishing lodges. He shares his journey, insights on Amazonian species, and what makes these waters so special. Plus, longtime client Ray Malone joins us to reveal why these trips are truly life-changing. If you’ve ever dreamed of casting a fly in the heart of the jungle, this episode is for you!

Fly fish the Amazon with Untamed Angling https://www.uangling.com/

We all dream of that near-untouched water, the place where solitude meets success, and the fish are bigger and more plentiful. But is a secret spot really the key to better fishing? And how hard is it to find your own?

In this episode, we reveal what it takes to discover your own secret spot—and it’s easier than you might think. While we’ll focus on trout fishing, the insights from our guest apply no matter where or what you fish for.

Andrew is joined by Mick Hurren, a seasoned guide and cinematographer from Yea, North-East Victoria. Mick has the most extensive playbook of secret spots we’ve ever come across—so we’ve bribed him with beer to spill his secrets.

Whether you're after trophy trout or just looking for a little more water to yourself, this episode will give you the tools to find your own secret spot.

There are few things better than a fly fishing trip that blows all expectations out of the water—and that’s exactly what we got with Aotearoa Anglers in Southland, New Zealand. In this episode, we dive into an unforgettable three-day adventure, from drifting pristine Southland rivers and hiking into backcountry trout paradise to sight-fishing monster browns on the lakes.

With expert local guides, top-tier rafts, and some of the most breathtaking fishing locations on the planet, this trip had it all. We’ll share the highlights, the lessons learned, and why Aotearoa Anglers should be on every fly fisher’s radar.

In this episode of The Flyfisher's Podcast, Peter Blackmore and Andrew explore how to plan and execute a successful DIY fly fishing holiday to New Zealand's South Island.

New Zealand's South Island is a mecca for fly fishing addicts, offering some of the most diverse and pristine waters in the world. From crystal-clear rivers and challenging backcountry streams to lush lakes and tarns, the South Island has it all. Whether you're an experienced flyfisher or a beginner, this podcast episode will help you navigate the best spots, essential gear, and travel tips for an unforgettable, cost effective, DIY fly fishing adventure.