There are some things that the written word doesn’t explain nearly as well as video footage. This is especially true for adrenalin-based experiences. I find sight fishing big fish to be one of those times when seeing and hearing the action is often more exciting than reading about it. Which is why I really enjoy watching John Haenke’s videos from his Fishing DVD stable. A new branch of his company, www.theflyfishingdvd.com, aims to capture the online viewing market by offering downloadable videos for a minimal cost. From what I have seen of his latest offering, he is doing things right.

Sight fishing is what I enjoy most. Watching his latest offering, sight fishing to big threadfin in the Great Sandy Straits near Hervey Bay, is EXTRAORDINARY. I have yet to read someone describe a rooster tail as well as what you’ll see in this footage. In fact, the first scene, showing a VERY large threadfin breaking the surface a few metres from the bank, sets a tone for the rest of the video that never drops below fantastic. These fish are very big and are in very shallow water. And they see many of them. It is as much a testament to the skills of guide Mark Bargenquast as it is to the incredible fishery he has on his doorstep.

A morning’s fishing lands fish to over a metre, with one fish lost near the boat that has to be seen to be believed. It is quite extraordinary to see these fish quietly swimming along herding jelly prawns before turning onto a well presented fly. Angler Peter Morse gives some excellent tips along the way and shows obvious enthusiasm for the phenomenal fishery he is being shown. It says much of a fishery when an old hand starts acting like a kid in a candy store.