I love working with clients of all abilities but I was particularly excited to receive an email from some experienced fly fishers from Holland recently.
Group leader Peter, was returning to Wales with first time visitors Will, Peter 2 (henceforth known as P2) and Ad, for a five day fishing spree. They thought that an experienced local guide might get them ‘acclimatised’ to the Welsh river Dee and set them up for the week ahead.
According to Peter, all of their initial enquiries came to nothing so they approached me!
Will, a very experienced nymph fisherman immediately headed off to the fast water and was soon into fish.
Peter, P2 and Ad all started on the dry fly but after an early fish for Peter (and several misses) we weren’t able to tempt anything else on the dry.
A Duo brought Ad his first Welsh Dee Grayling and a change of venue saw more fish for Peter and Will but after missing a few and getting snapped by a very good Trout, P2 was still waiting for his first fish to the net.
Another move brought more fish for Will, Peter and Ad who was now whooping with delight just downstream.
Then from nowhere came P2 with a host of fish. I even watched him take 2 fish on successive casts. Excellent, everyone was nicely settled in. I wasn’t able to get them into any trophy fish but then what did they expect from an amateur?
Prior to their arrival, Peter had asked which patterns they should tie up for their trip. A quick inspection of their fly boxes on arrival revealed 4 of the neatest and well stocked fly boxes I’ve ever seen. I later found out that Ad is a renowned master fly tyer and holds regular tying sessions at the club at which they are all members.
It sound like the rest of the week went extremely well and there is talk of a 50cm Trout for Ad but I’m still awaiting the photographic evidence.
Well Trevor you have indeed put us on the right track. We have had a great week. The picky Grayling of the Dee at regularity were landed. Thank you so much for your information and lesson on presentation of the fly. This has helped us the rest of the week when fishing. So also for experienced fisherman there’s always what to learn, thanks.
I’am happy too hear the adventure story of some friends of mine….from the club.
The master tyer Ad….give masterclass tying workshops…so his flies are proved on the Dee river….and shared his knowledge with the group!?
You’ve put us on the right track. The tips on the presentation of the fly are been useful the rest of the week. Anyone can learn what to do. Thanks.
You’ve put us on the right track. The tips on the presentation of the fly are been useful the rest of the week. Anyone can learn what to do. Thanks.
Those sedges look interesting to say the least, would love to know how to tie them! what is the body and head “hackle”?