That, says veteran fly fisherman Doug Bridges, is the thrill of the hunt which has held his interest in trout fishing for almost seven decades.
He is one of thousands of anglers waiting for the start of the trout fishing season each year.
After 68 years of chasing browns, rainbows and brooks the 80-year-old Tasmanian trout fishing identity still enjoys the excitement of a good day's fishing.
It must be in his blood; his great great grandfather, Samuel, founded the Hobart sporting goods store Bridges Bros Pty Ltd in 1858.
Like the Bridges before him, Doug continued the family business with more than just a passing interest in fishing.
Long before Lake Sorrell, Great Lake or Penstock Lagoon were easily accessible by car Doug walked for hours through deep snow to cast his flies and hook a big one.
"People thought I was mad," he said.
"There were only a handful l of trout fishermen in those I days.
"People would point and say 'you're a trout fisherman, aren't you"'?
"That's my sentimental favourite fishing spot."
His father, Les, and a close friend taught him everything they knew.
"I can remember one morning in the 1926-27 season when we caught 33 fish before breakfast,"
Holding his hands wide apart, he said:
"I could see them in just a few inches of water with their tails thrashing and I'm sure they were thinking 'catch us if you can'.
"I'm not a purist".
"I also enjoy ocen game fishing but there is a special art unique to successful fly fishing". He held that position for 13 years before retiring to concentrate on this retailing.
"I officially retired two years ago when I sold the business," he said.
Now Doug can relax in his Sandy Bay, Beachfront home and watch for tell-tale ripples on the water.
"There's a fish feeding there right now," he said.
Simply a breathtaking vista for all seasons & an amazing kaleidoscope of twinkling lights at night. A wonderful vantage point from which to view the never ending aquatic activity & the finish of the Sydney-Hobart yacht race. Perfectly positioned & designed to receive long hours of sunshine, the residence has a warm & inviting ambience.
Built in 1957, with an area of 225m2 it comprises spacious living room, sunroom & large kitchen/family, all with floor to ceiling windows to capture picture postcard views. There is also a study, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, sep shower room & guest's powder room together with a double carport, workshop.
The residence has scope for extension, renovation & refurbishment. The land has an overall area of 1153m2 with established lawns, gardens, outdoor entertaining area & a boatshed. The property provides convenience to shopping centres, private & state schools, the University of Tasmania, The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, Wrest Point Casino & Hobart's CBD. Properties in this prestigious location are tightly held, & this must be considered a once in a lifetime opportunity!
House Size: 225m2
Land Size: 1153m2
Year Built: 1957
