I first heard of Jason Garrett in the early 1980s. My law firm partner James Halliday, of wine fame, praised Jason as a host and fishing guide and recounted tales of many happy fishing holidays at London Lakes Lodge. He urged me not only to stay there, but to buy a block of land at Highland Waters.

At the time I was guided regularly by Noel Jetson, and wedded to fishing the Western Lakes and lowland streams. But as the years took their toll on Noel’s health, I realised that I needed to establish my own fishing base. In 1998 I wrote to Jason and arranged to view the blocks of land he had for sale at Highland Waters.

I recall my first meeting with Jason that winter. Dressed like a country squire in tweed cap and fine wool jumper embossed with trout fly, he was accompanied by a dachshund and a certain air of superiority. It was the easiest sale of a block of land he ever made. Highland Waters was perfectly located for my fishing, offering security and a milder climate than more elevated land at Great Lake and Little Pine Lagoon. The Lodge fitted perfectly into its surroundings and I decided to build a mini version as our shack. Jason recommended an architect and by the end of 1999 it was ready for us to occupy. View full article as pdf file