I first got to know Gavin while living in Brisbane about 8 years ago now.  We used to head out from Mooloolaba and chase tuna, mackerel and anything else going in his 14 ft tinnie.  What impressed me about Gavin in those days was his uncanny ability to find fish.  

We have just finished a four day fishing trip chasing Longtail Tuna.  Gav has a fantastic new boat which is a wonderful fishing platform.  He still finds fish, even when no one else knows where they are.  But probably the best thing about fishing with Gav is his ability to teach the craft of saltwater fly fishing.  I learnt a hell of a lot this trip and its why I’ll come back to try again.  Thanks for a memorable trip and see you next year.

Andrew McKenzie - New South Wales, Australia
(April 2007)

Just a note to say thanks for a fantastic two days of top class Saratoga fishing.  I would like to recommend you to anyone that wants top catch these fantastic prehistoric fighting fish on fly.  You ability to put us on to fish each day was fantastic and I look forward to catching up for the Tuna fishing in the new year.

Thanks again for a great couple of days.

Shaun Wormald - New South Wales, Australia
(November 2008)

My first trip with Gavin was in 2002 in the bay in front of Mooloolaba, we had a deadline because he had to get back to open the shop by 9:00AM so we only had a couple of hours to score a Longtail Tuna for me. This was my first attempt at a Longtail and I was a real novice when it came to fishing in saltwater with a fly but within an hour I had my first fish on and landed, a major trophy for me plus we got Gavin back in time to open the shop on time.

This year we had the same quest and a similar deadline and after beating the bay to death with a variety of flies we stumbled on a small school of Longtails off Old Women Island, I hooked up with a strong fish, our deadline came and went and I hadn't landed the fish, at one point I thought the fish was going to win this battle, an hour and forty minutes later it threw in the towel and I had landed my second Longtail in as many outings. People here in the States ask me if I can recommend a guide when they get to Australia, I don't even have to think about it.

Jim Ware - USA
(April 2006)

Last weekend you took myself, my father-in-law (Phil) and brother-in-law (Mark) out on your new boat for one of the best days of fishing I have had for a very long time. The weather was great, the fish were biting and your guiding was top-notch. Your obvious passion for the sport combined with your patience with our less than professional casting ability and determination to put us on to the fish made for a truly memorable day. One that we will continue to enjoy every time we view the photos.

Catching our first spotted mackerel on fly was both magical and exhilarating... their awesome speed as soon as they hooked up blew us away. I have attached some photos of the day that I thought you might like to have a look at.

Again, thanks so much for a great day that we will remember for a long time. We have already started making plans for the next one, and maybe some casting lessons in the meantime!

See you soon.
Mark, Phil, Robert and Kate
17 March 2007

It has been a few months since we moved to London, but I felt I must take the opportunity to thank you for our many guided trips that both Chris and I took with you whilst we were in Australia.

After many years freshwater fly fishing in the States we were new to the sport of fly fishing in Saltwater when we first arrived in Australia five years ago. Your expertise was invaluable; not only in improving our existing skills but in teaching us the new techniques we would require to be successful.

Your skillful positioning of your boat alongside the frenzy from above and the depths gave us the opportunity to become predators alongside the Tuna and the birds without being noticed. The fisheries just off Mooloolaba show true nature at its’ rawest and your instruction amid this mayhem guaranteed countless successful takes and landings. Above all, your ethics for ‘Catch and Release’ safeguard the fisheries for future generations to come.

Anyone with a passion for fly fishing and craving for the ultimate adrenalin rush would fail to be disappointed.

Your infectious enthusiasm, expert knowledge, and most importantly your patience, guarantees our return in 2007 and our whole hearted recommendation to anyone to book with Tie 'n' Fly.

Dan Larsen - London, UK
(September 2006)

I'm sending through the photos I promised Gavin.

Also, to say again (on the record!) that it really was the best day's fishing I've ever had.

Great fishing, great company and even great food!

Hopefully it won't be too long before it gets superceded but it will certainly be a challenge.


Alastair MacGregor, United Kingdom
(December 2007)