POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Two-piece fly fishing rod with accessories by Jarvis Walker

Object No. 2004/154/3

This tubular glass fly fishing rod documents the recreational sport of fly fishing that has minimal representation in the Museum collection. Its significance comes from its production by Jarvis Walker, one of the earliest Australian manufacturers of fibreglass rods, and use by Mr John Noble, a recreational fresh and saltwater fisherman from the 1960s. Recognising that local product could meet the demand created by the increased popularity of fishing and the shortage of international tackle following World War II, Jarvis Walker began producing split cane rods in 1946. An international cane shortage following World War II and the Korean War forced rod-makers to trial fibreglass. A new generation of Australian rod makers began producing quality fibreglass rods to international success. Robert E Cox was the first Australian to produce a tubular glass fibre rod in 1952 using an imported blank. Jarvis Walker was one of the earliest manufacturers of quality fibreglass rods, producing solid glass rods from 1963 and tubular glass rods from 1980. This rod profiles a well-known name in Australian rod-making, recalls the heyday of local rod manufacturers, and documents the transition from handcrafted split cane rods to fibreglass. This rod has the potential to communicate the development and popularity of recreational fly fishing in NSW, the promotion of NSW as a fishing tourist destination, and weekend and leisure activities. Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes and sports in Australia, with freshwater fly fishing for trout a significant part. Its history in this country extends back to the mid-19th century, initiated by the desire of colonial anglers to enjoy the fighting qualities of the trout they remembered, or had heard of, from Europe. At that time the sport was already well defined and commercialised in Europe and the United Kingdom (UK), where the brown trout occurred naturally, and North America where the rainbow trout was native. Brown trout from the UK were introduced into the waterways of Tasmania in 1864 and from there to the Monaro in 1888, with the release of 300 brown trout near Queanbeyan. Rainbow trout were introduced to NSW via New Zealand in 1894. Introduction of these species was largely carried out by individuals and acclimatisation societies interested in establishing trout fishing (see 1993 newsletter of Monaro Acclimatisation Society, 'Rod and Line' included in blue file). In this respect the introduction of trout parallels the arrival of other sporting species such as rabbits, pigeons and foxes. The fast flowing cold-water rivers of the Snowy Mountains, particularly the Snowy River, were among the first to accommodate sizeable trout stocks. Waterways around New England also received trout. Their introduction into rivers and streams has generally been associated with the depletion of native fish stocks and the decline of some frog species. By the turn of the century Jindabyne, on the banks of the Snowy, was a popular destination for fishing tourists. The NSW Government Tourist Bureau opened Snowy River House in 1909 (see advertisement on blue file). Later known as the Creel, this hotel was a famous tourist venue until its closure in 1967. Fly fishing, as opposed to the use of bait or spinning lures, is a technique that requires considerable practice and quality equipment. It is often referred to as an 'art', while the tying of flies has the status of a respected craft. Fly fishing tended to be the preserve of wealthier anglers, such as local landowners and city-based tourists with a distinct middle and upper class association, at least until the post-war years. Other local people also fished for trout in the Snowy and New England regions. But for poorer anglers, the equipment used was often little more that a pole, string and hook. With the development of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, trout stocks downstream of the dams have declined. However Jindabyne has remained a major trout fishing centre because of its artificial lake. The development of fishing on Lake Jindabyne and Lake Eucumbene since the 1960s has greatly extended the popularity of trout fishing. Today fishing is a major recreational pastime for many Australians. A NSW Fisheries survey of Recreational Fishing in December 2002 estimated there were one million NSW recreational fishers, or 17.1% of the population.