The History of Tie 'n' Fly Outfitters

(Formed - August 20th 1995)

Boy how time flies?! It seems like only yesterday I got this brainwave to create a fly fishing Outfitter here on the Sunshine Coast. Most of the Tackle industry just laughed at my idea of a Saltwater Fly Shop and said “You don’t have any Trout in Queensland Gavin; you’d be better off setting up a Bait ‘n’ Tackle shop……”
Worse still was when I said “We don’t have Trout but we have a stack of tuna”

Being a stubborn so n so, I wanted a fly fishing shop so I started Tie ‘n’ Fly Outfitters in a spare room in my house as I couldn’t find a shop that suited what I wanted. Anyway I had so much fly fishing gear around my place I thought nobody would notice it wasn’t anyway.

Well that was 15yrs ago and now it seems everyone loves catching tuna on a fly, but back then only a handful of guys were actually catching them on fly. Guys like Harro, Steele & Steptoe lead the charge and really were a lot of the motivation behind Tie ‘n’ Fly Outfitters becoming a reality. I’ve always said we’re only doing what we’re doing because these guys did it and wrote about it so we could all get out there and enjoy it.

Tie ‘n’ Fly Outfitters has always lead the way when it comes to Saltwater Fly fishing and now a number of Australian businesses are using the Tie ‘n’ Fly model to improve there turnover in this very competitive market. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery I suppose and makes us feel good that we’ve been able to help.

The Tie ‘n’ Fly model is a little different to what most think it should be. The retail books recommend that for success “Position, Position, Position” is most important. Being a Beach Bum, I might have misinterpreted that – Close to a great fishery, close to a great surfing spot, close to the beach and all the bikini clad girls!!!

In April 1996 Tie ‘n’ Fly Outfitters brought the Queensland saltwater fly fishery to the world by creating “The International Saltwater Fly Fishing Expo”. This brought some of the world’s greatest fly fishers to the Sunshine Coast, the great Billy Pate, Jodie Pate, the late Jack Samson, Cam Sigler Snr, Cammy Sigler Jnr, Bryan Peterson, BJ Meyers (the Texas Woolybugger King ). Under the international spotlight the Sunny Coast really shone and many people discovered just how 'world class' our fishery really is!

                                                                    Some of Fly Fishing's 'Greats'

Tie ‘n’ Fly was also responsible for bring many new fly products to the Aussie Market. Polafibre, Kinky Fiber, the Orvis Vortex Flyreel, Heritage Flyrods to name just a few.
Even today Tie ‘n’ Fly is a leader in the world of Saltwater Fly, This was clearly illustrated when  Jack Charlton chose Tie 'n' Fly to be his exclusive Australia/NZ agent/dealer for his famous, state of the art fly reel the “Mako”. It is a real privilege to be apart of this international family and a sign that we are still at the forefront of this industry.

To say thank you to everybody for your support we have decided to run a SALE. A Birthday Sale so you can celebrate with us.
Not only are we going to offer the best sale prices on gear ever but everyone who spends $50 with us will go into the draw for a chance to  win a days fly fishing with the Tie ‘n’ Fly Team along the Sunny Coast!

The SALE will start on our BIRTHDAY, the 20th of August and run for an entire month! Every few days we will update the list of SALES items so be sure to check back here regularly!!  SALE ITEMS

This course is designed with the beginner in mind and is a must for anyone starting out in the sport.

Many people comment that it is best to complete this course before purchasing any equipment. This way they can determine if they like fly fishing before outlaying money on gear. It also gives them an insight into what type of gear is best suited for the fishing they wish to pursue.

Contrary to common belief, you don't have to spend a fortune to purchase good quality fly gear that will perform well and give you many years of enjoyable fishing.

If you have ever wanted to learn about fly fishing, join us for an Introduction to Fly Fishing School.

Perfect for the beginner…

When:   Sunday the 22nd of August 2010
               from 8:30am to 4:30pm

Where:   Tie 'n' Fly Outfitters - Buddina Beach, Sunshine Coast

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

During the day you will learn all you need to know to get started. You’ll be shown what to look for when purchasing rods & reels to suit the particular type of fishing you intend to do, the different types of fly lines & their applications, maintenance of your equipment, how to set up the gear & the knots to use as well as coaching on the basics of casting.

During the on-water session, you’ll learn the basic fishing skills such as the various retrieve methods, techniques for handling loose line, setting the hook & playing the fish as well as learning how to overcome the problems caused by wind and current, roll casting, increasing distance & much more.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Yourself and a smile…
Oh, and sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water are handy too.
We can provide a fly fishing rod and reel for you to practice with on the day.

WHO IS TEACHING ME?

Gavin Platz is an internationally recognised certified casting instructor with the Federation of Fly Fishers and was the first saltwater fly fisherman in Australia to receive this distinction. He is an international guide and operates his service from his base here at Tie ‘n’ Fly Outfitters on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

HOW DO I MAKE A BOOKING?

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
There are only 6 participants per course - giving you plenty of individual attention.

Call us to reserve your place today - 07 5444 0611

or send us an email.

Course fees are $165.00 per person.

See for yourself why SALTWATER FLY FISHING is the FASTEST GROWING form of recreational angling.

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The new Fish Graphic Buffs have arrived and they look great! They are not only good at keeping the sun of you, I have found mine works perfectly as a scarf on the cold winter mornings.

The High UV or Summer Buff® is the proof of Buff®'s technology competence. It is the highest cooling headwear fabric in the world and that in combination with sun protection and Buff® comfort. This is your choice if nothing else cools you enough and if you care for enhanced sun protection.

• A stretchy tube made out of 100% Coolmax yarn with Buff® knitting technology
• Performance rating Coolmax® Extreme
• Blocks more than 95% of UV radiation (UPF 20+)
• Wonderful soft feeling
• Ultra thin

Here are just a few of the different Graphic's

(Tarpon, Yellowfin Tuna, Garfish, Steelhead)

For more information or to see what graphic's we have left, give us a shout at the shop on (07) 5444 0611 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For the latest news and fishing reports check out Tie 'n' Fly's Facebook page. Click Here to follow the link.

Are you an absolute beginner…

or do you want to increase your casting distance…

or need to improve your accuracy...

Fly casting lessons are land based, individual one-on-one tuition
– specific to your particular learning needs.

Conducted by Capt Gavin Platz—a Certified Fly Casting Instructor with the international Federation of Fly Fishers.

OUR GUARANTEE

Gavin guarantees he will improve your cast in the FIRST HOUR –
or your lesson is FREE…

Can’t ask for more than that!

Each hour long session is $75.00 per person.

CALL US on (07) 5444 0611

or send us an email to make your booking.

To get the latest Saltwater Fly Fishing Report for the Sunshine Coast

- click on the NEWS & INFO BLOG

in the top right hand corner... 

Gavin Platz is passionate about fly fishing; and he loves nothing more than sharing with you the thrill and excitement of catching fish on fly.

He began his career as a commercial fisherman in the waters off the Sunshine Coast over 25 years ago and has been fly fishing them for the past 15 years. He enjoys sharing this wealth of knowledge and experience with you out on the water.

CLICK HERE to see what some of our clients have had to say...

The yearly migration of tuna off the Queensland Coast is from now until May.

The peak of this season is usually from mid-March to mid-May, and Gavin is always heavily booked during this time.

To ensure you get your day out on the water chasing this exciting fish place your booking NOW.

Call me on 07 5444 0611 or send us an email through the Contact Us page.

Tie 'n' Fly Outfitters are on YouTube...

for footage from Mooloolaba, Weipa, Hervey Bay, the Solomon Islands and more...

CLICK HERE

TIE 'N' FLY OUTFITTERS

"Where your fly fishing experience begins"...