Recent Publications

 

Introduction

 

Chapter One

 

Getting started at Fly Fishing

                                                    

There are many reasons for going trout fishing. They are all good ones!

This book aims to get the fly fishing novice started.

 

Fishing skills are built on natural, human instincts. You must never forget that mankind evolved over thousands of generations as a hunter and gatherer. The technical skills you will develop and the modern equipment you will use are important, but are no substitute for understanding why trout behave as they do and focussing on what makes them vulnerable to a hunter’s wiles…….even if they are all to be returned to the water!

 

Fly Casting

 

Many people are attracted to fly fishing by the skill and elegance of casting a fly. The fly rod and line are the best tools to place an almost weightless ‘fly’ in front of a wary trout without scaring it. You cannot become a fly fisher until you can handle this simple equipment so you need a strong grounding in fly casting. You need to understand how the tackle works. After that practice and experience is all that is required!

 

Trout Behaviour

 

Learning how trout behave is a more complex problem. Hopefully, it will become a lifetime’s study. The first stage is an understanding of the fish’s physical characteristics and its relationship with its environment. Nearly all the trout caught in the UK today are Rainbow Trout that come from a fish farm. Nevertheless, it is rewarding to pay homage to their wild ancestry.

 

ALLAN’S ANECDOTE

“Fly fishing is a simple process. You cast your fly onto the water and persuade a trout to grab it.

 

There is a difference between a field sport involving a wild quarry and a ball game like golf. When you play golf and your performance is less than perfect it is hardly a total failure. You can still enjoy your game. When fly fishing if your cast splashes down you will scare the trout away. If you are unable to cast far enough th trout will not see your fly. You may choose the ‘wrong’ fly. You may retrieve the ‘right’ fly at the wrong speed or at the wrong depth so that it is ignored. Unless you get the process 100% right you will fail to hook a fish.

 

In golf and fly fishing there is always a new hole to play or a new cast to make. But, at the end of a round of golf, you have at least played the game. If you cannot catch a trout, especially when others do, it hurts!

 
Health and Safety

 

There is a long list of hazards associated with fly fishing and enjoying the outdoor life. Fortunately, the actual risks are low and are avoided by common sense. The biggest risk comes from slips, trips and falls. Wear sensible footwear, take care over difficult terrain and carry a mobile phone. There is a small risk of eye damage from casting so always wear Polaroid sunglasses which, in any case, are essential to see into clear water. As most fisheries have shallow edges the risks of drowning is low but wear a life jacket if fishing from a boat. The greatest health risk (both short and long term!) is from the sun. Wear sensible clothing and use sun block.

 

Clothing

 

Out of respect for a wild quarry that will be alarmed if it sees you, good anglers wear outdoor clothing in sensible, muted colours. There is an industry dedicated to providing you with such a uniform!

 

Start on Small Still Waters

 

Small still waters are the best venues for getting started at trout fishing. Although they are usually well stocked and accessible they still repay expertise and observation. At times, because the stocked trout have learned to avoid angler’s flies, they can be very frustrating places to fish. It is important to manage your expectations.

 

A Warning!

 

Learning to fly fish for trout will probably lead to a lifetime’s passion. It will open a door that could lead to an endless variety of other angling experiences. Desires become obsessions and can seriously affect your life. You have been warned!