Red Tag Fly Fishers Club is a renowned sports club located in Melbourne, Australia. With a history that dates back to 1932, the club has built a strong reputation in the fly-fishing and casting community in Victoria and beyond. It was founded by a group of passionate fly fishers who were devoted to improving the technique of fly casting.
The club's story began at Toorourrong Reservoir near Whittlesea, where a bait angler witnessed the incredible casting skills of Reg Lyne, the fishing department manager at Hartley's Sports Store in Flinders Street, Melbourne. Intrigued by this method of catching trout, the bait angler, Wilfred Crouch, decided to study and learn the art of fly-fishing. Crouch began providing fly-casting instructions to protégés at the reservoir, catching the attention of Malcolm Gillies, a well-known angler and tackle maker from Carlton.
Gillies proposed the idea of forming a dedicated fly-fishers group for casting practise at Tom Tully's orchard dam on Ruffey Creek in Doncaster. This led to the formation of the “Red Tag” club in 1932, with Wilf Crouch as the inaugural president and Frank Park as the secretary. The club quickly attracted numerous members from the Box Hill Angling Club, and it has since grown and evolved into the respected institution that it is today.
The Red Tag Fly Fishers Club is proud of its inclusive culture and actively encourages individuals and families from all backgrounds to join. The club offers a wide range of activities and events related to fly-fishing, including fishing trips, fly tying, tournament casting, and casting tuition. In addition, members participate in volunteer days aimed at improving fish habitat and protecting the environment.
To keep members informed and engaged, the club publishes a bi-monthly newsletter. Club merchandise, such as shirts and caps, is also available for purchase. Testimonials from happy members highlight the welcoming and friendly atmosphere of the club, making it a fantastic organisation to join.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Red Tag Fly Fishers Club and contributing to its ongoing activities, culture, and history, you can contact the club through their website or regular mail. The club's headquarters are located at the East Ivanhoe Bowling Club on The Boulevard in East Ivanhoe, Victoria.
Red Tag Fly Fishers Club extends its gratitude to all its sponsors and associates who play a crucial role in the club's success. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, you can reach out to the club through their website.
With almost ninety years of history behind it, Red Tag Fly Fishers Club continues to be a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to the sport of fly-fishing and the preservation of the natural environment in which it takes place.