Dylan Mordike (Class of 1988) introduces Fly Fishing to Radford College

Dylan Mordike, Head of Co-curricular and Fishing Club Coordinator said: “Fly fishing was just one facet of the sport that we engaged in this term as we looked to developing our skills and awareness as anglers. The Fishing Club hopes to reconvene in the summer”. 

The Morison Centre lawn seems an unlikely spot for a fishing lesson, but that’s where Radford Fishing Club members began learning the delicate art of fly casting from experienced instructor Lyall Crawford kindly organised by Dylan for the students.

Fly casting is the art of casting a food-like fly to a fish using a weighted fly line.

“It’s like you’re stalking the fish,” Lyall said.

“At some stage of your fly fishing career, your fly and your fish have to be in the same place at the same time and my job is to teach you how to deliver your fly to the fish and for you to enjoy the lesson.”

Radford Fishing Club went to Lake Ginninderra last week to test their new-found fly casting skills. While no-one caught a fish, the students thoroughly enjoyed “just being there.”

Asked what the most important piece of advice was that he’d imparted to Radford’s budding fly casters, Lyall, who is now retired, said: “I had a great career, so I told them to work hard at school, get a good job and then go fly fishing on your day off.”

Content and photo credit: Radford College, Bulletin Week 8, 24 March 2021.