Swoffing Safari around Oz

**Jono Shales** · 07-05-09

Greetings fellow fly fisherman back home.

Apologies for being so quiet of late, I've been head-down and pedal to the metal getting myself setup for early retirement / the ultimate fishing trip.

My time in Sydney has drawn to a close, it's been 8 long years and I've decided to wrap things up and head West for the rest of the year doing what I do best.

18 months in the planning, of which the last 6 have been non-stop getting myself kitted with a rig that I can live out of for the next year.

Let me introduce you to my spaceship!

There's only one choice for vehicle over here when it comes to the massive distances, reliability and parts - Toyota Land Cruiser Troopcarrier. It's a 4.2lt diesel, 2 x 80lt tanks, dual battery system with isolator and inverter, fridge, sleeping arrangements and underlfoor storage.

My boat is a Southwind (Yamaha) UB520 centre console, modified with forward casting deck and underfloor storage, 130lt fuel capacity and a brand new 90hp Suzuki 4 stroke motor.

The trailer has been modified with dual axles, 4 new wheels, new brakes and led lights.

To make the trip possible, I used a bit of old South African (I can do it) attitude and have managed to get a few companies to back me with products.

A big thanks to Mako Reels, Orvis, Scientific Angler, Gamakatsu, Seaguar Fluorocarbon, Cooper Tyres, Engel Fridges and Smith Optics for believing in me.

My truck

My fly fishing machine

Sticker bling !

All packed and ready to leave Sydney, saying cheers to my partner in swoffa.com, good mate Stuart.

My rig is packed with everything that I will need to sustain the life of a saltwater fly fishing bum for the next year or more

I look forward to sharing the adventure with you guys and hopefully inspiring you to realise that dreams are there for the taking, you just need to make them happen.

**1in10** · 07-05-09

Very, very nice. Good luck.

**Korrie** · 07-05-09

Fantastic
Regular updates on all the success and fun will be appreciated.

**Michael** · 07-05-09

Engel "Flidges"? Is that the Japanese rip-off of fridges?

Jokes aside...nice Jono! Good luck. I'm GREEN with envy!!!!!

Mike

**nkula_nkula** · 07-05-09

For fecks sake!
Thats a serious setup.... Enjoy it!

Send lots of pics!

**Conrad Botes** · 07-05-09

Well done and good luck.

Question; what is your range with only one outboard (as per Australian maritime law)? In SA you are only allowed one nautical mile offshore, regardless of outboard size.

**Scythe** · 07-05-09

I would say I hate you ... but then I think you already know that

Further to Conrad's comment, you don't think having only 1 outboard is a bit risky ? Granted I know forkall about the sea conditions around Auz but from what I've learnt you don't go out without a backup motor, especially when you're going to be travelling far and wide and miles away from any emergency services ?

Good luck to you mate, well done, few things better than watching someone set their mind to do something, efforting it by the sweat of their brow and then to realise their dream. Every SW flyfisher on here is concurrently envious and 'proud' of you.

**honda2** · 07-05-09

Wow - what an awesome privilege to be able to do something like this - hat off to you for taking the gap and doing it! May you be blessed with fine weather and many many solid hookups! Green with envy...