Food for thought

The bi-annual AAPGAI open day is always a good event. Not only does it encourage wannabe instructors to meet and experience what AAPGAI is all about, it allows its commited members to get together, chat, cast and catch up. I always exit these weekends inspired and more motivated than ever. The open day also follows an intense week of assessing those people who have chosen to put themselves through these gruelling examinations.

I had the pleasure of being part of the demonstration team this year. I am already looking forward to March's event in Cockermouth.

If you want to know more about AAPGAI, check out the AAPGAI website here.

The weather is set to turn this weekend and there is a hefty storm forecast for the beginning of the week. Fingers crossed I can get on the river and do some teaching this weekend before turns too unsettled.

~Dave

Partridge Midge Supreme #20, 22 & 24

The new Partridge Midge Supreme is now available and, when samples arrived, it was time to put the grayling bugs on hold and get on with replenishing the fly boxes for next season. My midge and terresterial fly box gets an airing from pretty much April through the October; but especially after Mayfly have shown themselves and the warmer months start and the fish need to be more opportunistic in their meal choices. They have taken a battering this year, so getting some tried and tested patterns onto these new irons was top of the agenda.

This is a sharp, well formed little customer, stronger in the wire than many of the other sub-20 hooks available. The standard wire and forged round bend with the large gape make it ideal for tying small CDC Beetle and ant patterns.

These are available in size 20, 22 and 24. I'll be using them at the IFISH show later in November if you'd like to check them out.

~Dave

Onwards and upwards

It's the last weekend of the 2013 trout season and it was obligatory to fish the same river I started my season. Where as we began on April the 1st with a cold, biting wind and snow, we finished it with a drop in temperatures and a deluge of rain. With the river rising around us and colour creeping in thanks to the farmland run off, there was a feeling of limited time. French leaders and a methodical approach soon saw the first fish come bouncing in. Whilst there was nothing large, it's always nice to connect with healthy, wild fish before they begin their spawning campaign.

So onto the grayling now and plenty of casting and tying shows coming up.

I hope the 2013 trout season has served you well.

~Dave

Blue Winged Olive Hatch in Bosnia with Paul Procter

Partridge Midge Supreme

The Summer months and then on into the back end of the trout season, often call for small, terrestrial fly imitations. In a recent article in  Fly Fishing & Fly Tying, I discussed the merits of the smaller fly and some of the techniques to get the most out of fishing these tiny offerings. They are my first choice throughout a huge part of the fishing season.

Partridge have introduced a hook pattern specifically to help us imitate these small flies - their 'Midge Supreme.

First impressions are very good and I'll be posting some examples in due course.

I'll also be giving these hooks an airing at the IFISH show at the end of November. I hope to see some of you there.

~Dave

I was joined by Juan and Ale, from Argentina, who wanted to sample some UK fishing - and what better place to be than a crystal-clear chalkstream. It was pretty tough going, but both managed to connect with fish - and on the dry fly too!

Juan with his first ever grayling

Ale covers a rise

Well done to both - a pleasure to be out with you. Now, I just need to get myself over to Argentina!

~Dave

Remembering Mark.

It was a sad moment when I heard that Mark Libertone, known as 'Soft Hackle' on many forums, passed away this week. Although I felt I knew him as a friend, I strangely never met Mark in person. We had many conversations and exchanges from across the pond over the internet, on many forums and different networking sites. I valued his input and thoughts. His approach was always kind and considered.

Mark will stick on my mind as a master in the world of fly tying - and whilst he tied other styles of flies, it's spiders and soft hackles I will remember him for. He was truly passionate about the subject and his knowledge vast.

I thought I'd share some of Mark's flies; such simple and beautiful creations:

More of Mark's flies can be seen here: Mark Libertone

My thoughts are with his family.

~Dave