Early days
Up until 1950, the Sydney Surf Casting and Angling Club was the only Club that catered for fishermen interested in casting. Mixed with the surf fishers were freshwater fishermen, who belonged to the Club solely for the privilege of participating in the one or two scheduled 3/8 oz or 5/8 oz plug casting distance or accuracy events, squeezed into the Club’s many surf c asting events each year. It was in this environment that keen freshwater fisherman, Bill Southam, suggested that an independent “freshwater casting Club” be formed to cater for the needs of fly fishermen. This idea was received with enthusiasm, especially since Victoria already had three very similar active Clubs.
So in early 1951, a group got to work with mowers and rakes at LakesideCrescent, Queenscliff (off Manly Lagoon) and cleaned a site in which to hold casting practice. By March 1951, Lakeside Casting Club, as it was known, was firmly established with Bill Southam as its first President and Ted Riley as Honorary Secretary. Les Harris was appointed Treasurer of the Club at the second Annual General Meeting and he held that position until he retired from business in 1967. Les also held the position of Secretary for some years.
First logo
It was during Alan Ibbetts term as President that Earn Melhuish developed an emblem consisting of crossed rods with plug and fly on a gold background. The emblem was used extensively on the club stationary, bulletin cover and embroidered caps. Club members in those days wore a uniform consisting of black shoes, grey flannel trousers, white shirt and grey cap. At Lakeside Crescent, Queenscliff, the Club proposed and even conducted the first New South Wales casting championships. After about two years an alternative casting site was located on fresh water above the causeway in Parramatta Park, with permission being secured from the Park’s Trustee, to build a concrete casting platform of the required size.
Growing membership
By now membership grew including the likes of John Belhune and Ern Mason. With the Club now firmly established at its new home in a more central metropolitan position of Sydney, it was not long before it was competent enough to conduct an Australian Casting Championship. Generally, Bill Southam was outstanding in both heavy and light fly distance casting, while those from the Central West town of Orange dominated fly accuracy. Bill Southam, Ern Melhuih shared the plug accuracy events with Ted Riley until John Bethune arrived on the scene. After that, John Bethune dominated the casting event for many years. As a casting Club, Lakeside competed in and gave casting exhibitions at community festivals, tackle and boat shows.
First World Championship
The first World Championship held in Australia was organised by Alwyn Walker of Lakeside, which commenced with a civic reception at the Sydney Town Hall. Alwyn Walker was also the first life member of the Club followed by Len Harris. In 1970, the name of the Club was changed to LakesideAnglingandCastingClub to encourage new members. Club meetings were held at Len Harris’s shop for some years, until Len’s retirement whereby meetings were held at Homebush R.S.L., then St George Rugby Union Club in Strathfield, Lakemba R.S.L. until finally moving down the road to settle in at the Lakemba Memorial Services Club in 2004.
In 1985, the casting venue changed to Homebush Sports Centre until they needed the site to get ready for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, we then moved back to the Parramatta River. During the first World Fly Fishing Championship that was held in Australia, Lakeside was represented by John Plosky as a member of the Australian Team. Ross Salvato and Laurie Tescari acted as guides for the Italian Team. Both teams performed credibly.
New name
The Club’s name was changed to the Lakeside Fly Fishing Club in 1996 to put more emphasis on the art of fly fishing and less on the competition casting of the past. Casting competitions are still held “in-Club” with members competing against each other in order to improve their skills.
by CliveGrohs
Post Script
In 2004, the Club became an Incorporated Association under the Incoprorations Act in order to comply with modern governance and insurance requirements. The Club's current and growing broad membership base comprises new, right up to very experienced fly fishers that are highly competent in all aspects of this wonderful sport. Since 2004, a gradual influx of new enthusiastic members has reinvigorated the Club and it is once again involving itself in casting and many other activities associated with fly fishing; including fly tying and stream-craft. The Club has won the CFA Inter-club meet for best overall Club 2006, 2007, 2008 and again in 2009.
The Club has relocated its freshwater casting venue to within the Mirambeena State Recreational Area at Lansdowne, in Sydney’s South-West. This excellent venue allows Club members to undertake various casting activities, including competiton and teaching.
Monthly competitions are held between members with a yearly event, the Lakeside President’s Challenge held in July, between other like minded fly fishing Clubs. Over the years, many members have done a tremendous job in keeping the Club together through both the good times and bad. It would be unfair to name anyone in particular in fear that someone would be left out. But I can say that we are very grateful for all your efforts and for the long and proud history you have left us.
by David Screen
President | 
