Last weekend saw the BASC Wales & Borders Show go off with splash... quite literally on the Saturday. As I drove over the Severn Bridge, the clouds were heavy and were delivering exactly what they had threatened: rain; and heavy stuff at that. As the rains came, only the very brave showed up, leaving it pretty quiet. I was tying in the GAIA tent, and casting lessons were available outside. The Easterly wind wasn't helping, but the River Usk's trout were rising steadily all day.



After a couple of beers, great sleep and stunning breakfast at the Old Six Bells, Sunday was a different matter - warmer, calmer and less rain. Even some blue sky. Plenty of people through the tent made it an interesting day.



So, the weekend was a good one. There was lots happening and it was great to watch the falconry displays.


Alongside GAIA was Dai Roberts from the Riverfly partnership. A very knowledgeable guy, I chatted to him about entomology for some time. We even tried matching the very naturals he'd kick-sampled in the morning. We also played around with some #28 and #30 flies just to keep those cold fingers busy.

-#28 CDC Comparadun, #30 Klinkhamer & #30 CDC Shuttlecock

Many thanks to Mark Roberts (GAIA and Gwent Angling) for the invitation to the event. It was great to see some old friends and meet some new ones.

If you get a chance take a look at the recent interview with Hans Van Klinken (father of the Klinkhamer). Vern-o, a great fly tyer in his own right, delivers the goods.

~Dave.