Stonefly

Plenty of Stonefly are starting to show. Looking forward to finally getting back out on the river!

~Dave

Knots - By Grog

Tying suitable knots correctly is imperative to successful fishing. This is a brilliant website and there's a superb App too. Well worth a look both as a teaching aid and a useful 'go-to' site:

Either clcik the image, or here to visit their site.

~Dave

AAPGAI - Cockermouth

A really good weekend was had for the AAPGAI assessment and open day in Cockermouth, on the banks of the Derwent. The weather was unseasonably warm!

 A full write up of the weekends events can be read here: AAPGAI ~ Congratulations!

~Dave

Wise Weighting.

Firstly, my apologies for taking so long between blog posts. Things are pretty hectic here, and the season hasn't even started! The rivers are looking very inviting and a trip to the river today found a few olives fluttering about. Infact, there was even the odd subtle rise; enough to get the imagniation brewing.

I trying to finish the photos for a couple of tying articles, plus some new additions to the River Fly Box tutorials. One of them is about using weight wisely, and I thought I'd share this simple tip with you here, now.

The idea isn't new and is so simple, but it amazes me just how few people employ the double bead. Try using a smaller bead behind the eye, followed by a second larger bead slid up the hook in a 'backwards' position - so that the recess fits into the first bead. A very easy way of increasing the weight, with the added bonus of being able to add a small amount of colour or flash. Two tungsten beads tied like this can give you a very heavy fly. If it's still not enough, then try an underbody of lead as well.

The usual bead position

The reversed second, larger bead. Secured with thread or even a lead layer

 Worth a look for those early season bugs. More soon, and hopefully you'll enjoy the full article soon. The hooks above are Varivas 2200BL and the tungsten beads are the real deal - from Funky Fly Tying.

 ~Dave

The Westcountry Game fair 2012. Charles Jardine in mid flow, looking at presentation casts for tricky fish:

...and throwing a tight loop with a crabbing line rod, in place of the usual Loomis:

~Dave

Guides' Choice

Good luck to Frank Williams with his new website and venture:

Guides' Choice

~Dave

The week's warm weather has seen Large Dark Olives peeling off. In fact, it felt as though Spring had sprung and the anticipation of starting the Trout season is building. Infact, on the Usk, it has already started.

Today gave us a cool, wet spell with even some snow mixed in. Now let;s have the warmer stuff back please; the rain is welcome however!

~Dave