Phils Fishing Diary

Grayling Forum - A Growing Membership

2011-12-09T17:33:00.001Z

First of all a big Thank you to those that have already joined, a small but ever growing membership.

This is the only dedicated Grayling forum for Fly Fishers, it doesn't have the distractions of other species, threads or links to clubs. Its 100% Grayling, a one stop shop for the Lady of the Stream.

With the popularity of the species increasing year on year, this "niche" resource will undoubtedly help to improve our catch ratio and in turn our techniques from the wealth of information on offer from the members.

Join Today

I look forward to reading your posts & new threads, all input is welcomed and feel free to post Blog reports on the forum.

Have a Great Christmas & All The Best For New Year

Cheers

Phil

Fishing The Eden at Warwick Hall - November 10th 2011

2011-11-14T19:48:00.001Z

Before we headed to the GAIA Autumn meet up in Northumberland, a fishing day was on the cards to the River Eden, Warwick Hall.

The beat allows you to fish for Grayling between 15th October and February 14th. We were the only ones on the stretch and geared up to fish for potential lunkers. We had both fished here many years ago and had great success. The Eden holds a good number of Grayling and when you eventually find them they are hard fighting fish. The day was just awesome and accounted for many a Grayling, not the monsters that can be expected but nice fish around the 1-1.5lb mark. I fished the bugs for the day and they took a shine to a variety of shrimp patterns. You'll certainly need the extra weight on your team of nymphs when fishing here as deeper holes line the route.

All in all a quality day on the river with Dad and we will be back to see if the big Ladys will be out to play next time. Just a word of warning, if you fish here during the Grayling dates expect to be startled by the Salmon jumping through the pools on a regular basis and making there way onwards and upwards.

A selection of photos from the Day......

A day on the River with my Mucka !!!!!

Until Next Time..........Tight Lines

Gone Fishing.....At Last !! - 24th September 2011

2011-09-25T19:20:00.002+01:00

Well its been a hectic few weeks since my last outing and not much time to go fishing. No complaints here though as I have been busy with my Tuition and casting clinics with the local angling club, several Game & Angling shows with GAIA at the Midland and Lowther shows. I have however managed a couple of outings on the Severn with my good mates Glen Pointon & today with Steve Daley and Dad. The days are always full of good banter and some cracking Trout and Grayling fishing.

Its just awesome to be out once again fishing for my number one species the Grayling, if you to like fly fishing for the "Lady of the Stream" then join my Forum to swap ideas and tactics or even book a Guided Day with me. Anyway enough of the self promotion here are a few images of the past few weeks and days on the Severn.

Lowther Game & Country Fair

Midland Game Fair

Trichoptera abundant on the River

Stalking Mode

Pointon......selecting the next fly.

Steve Daley & Dad.....Enjoying The Day !

A Nice Grayling "French Nymph " Fishing

Until Next Time........Tight Lines

Dovedale in Desperate need of Rain ! -18th August 2011

2011-08-18T21:33:00.002+01:00

After a hectic few weeks with various GAIA events at the CLA and Lowther Game Fair not to mention various casting clinics and mentoring sessions I had a few hours after work up on the Dove at Dovedale.

No noticeable signs of any fish taking from the surface so a few small pheasant tail variants were the order of the evening to search the pocket water. The river was low, in fact its the lowest Ive experienced it for some time, allot of algae was present on the sub surface rocks and stones, and with only a slow flow on the river it wasn't going to improve anytime soon.

A few small trout took a shine to the nymphs but it was hard going for the couple of hours I spent on the river. A couple more anglers on the other bank were finding it just as hard and agreed that the river was extremely low.

It was good to get out none the less and experience has taught me when to call it a day and not flog a dead horse. This river is magical on its day, all it needs is plenty of rain and to give it a good wash through. Then it will spring back into life once again and hopefully a few of the big Grayling will show themselves.

Low Water

Until Next Time ......Tight Lines !

Carp On The Fly - Monday 4th July 2011

2011-07-05T08:43:00.001+01:00

We had recently joined our local fishing club B.M.A.C. (Bay Molton Angling Club) with some of the best fishing on offer in the North West region, my local river Bollin, Birkin and Dane on offer as well as numerous carp waters. Carp waters? for the fluff chucker ? It was following a presentation by Rob Doyle at the GAIA meeting that really inspired us to give it a go.

After several hours casting practice it was time for some fun. I set up my 9ft 6# and tied on an imitation dog biscuit tied from deer hair, I know its not strictly a true "fly" but with only a couple of hours light left it was fair game. Starting well away from any of the Course anglers a few free dog biscuits were scattered near the Lilly pads and the wait was on.

We didn't have to wait for long as a big pair of lips came up and slurped in the biscuits, action stations and I was in with the imitation. A swirl or two under it, wait , wait , agony as the carp took in another free offering. Then all hell broke loose as another fish had come in from the blind side and wallop the fly rod was being given a run for its money.........hold on. A cracking scrap and a lovely common hitting the net.

First ever Carp On the Fly!!- The Grin says it all

Its was Dads turn and after a few more biscuits going in, the interest was still there, it was in again and as soon as the imitation hit the water a fish smashed into it, not a Carp but a Chub, a nice fish and one neither of us had ever caught on the fly.

Lovely Chubly...

A couple of the course anglers noticed what was going on and came over to have a chat as I hooked into my second carp of the evening, with three fish in the first forty or so minutes the course boys really wanted to find out more about this Fly Fishing lark, a few converts in the making I think?!!.

Three carp for myself, a nice common and chub for my dad was the sum total of the evening, the number we had missed was unbelievable, and just watching and waiting for theses fish to suck in your fly is unbearable at times. Well worth a go if you get the chance, I'll certainly be doing it all again very soon.

Dads nice common.

A nice Mirror

Until Next Time...........Tight Lines

Dovedale Scorcher - Sunday 26th June 2011

2011-06-27T21:42:00.000+01:00

Today was a hot one, temperatures the hottest of the year so far and with recent rain this had put out the Welsh rivers. So to the Dove at Dovedale we headed, today I had the pleasure of being joined by my other half, with drink & sandwiches packed the day was to be a mix of fishing.......well mostly fishing and relaxing for a bite to eat along the river taking in the glorious countryside.

On a weekend like this Dovedale is really busy and as long as you don't mind casting in between dogs dipping in the river then your fine, I chose to fish a section down river only available to LTDFFA, allot more peaceful on days like today. The river was more coloured than usual but I still give it a go, swapping between dry and nymphs and fishing to the odd rising fish. I managed a small trout taking a 20s F Fly. The main bulk of the day was trying the pools here and their with a couple of nymphs.

A welcome cool down in the river followed by a bite to eat was just great, Bev (the other half) particularly enjoyed the chilled wine breaks. Wondering for most of the afternoon the last run produced a small Grayling and the best trout of the day, my nymphs following in the footsteps of a Golden Retriever, the fish didn't seem to mind though.

We finished the day with a great bite to eat at the Izaac Walton hotel, I can recommend the spicy lamb burger if you ever get there. We had a great day out and it was just fantastic to share the day and at least show Bev why I am so addicted to this sport. It must have worked as I was asked on the way home "Can we do this again?", a new covert to the sport ? you never know............

A nice Trout neraly there.....

It hits the Net

Quick Pic then away....

Until Next Time...............................Tight Lines

Grayling Season Starts 16/06 - Join The Fly Fishing Grayling Forum

2011-06-15T18:53:00.001+01:00

June 16th is the start of the Grayling Season, you can share your pictures,stories, flies and tactics on the only site dedicated to Fly Fishing for Grayling.

The site already has an established membership so to become part of it click HERE.

See you there.
Cheers
Phil

Living The Dream on The Dove - Monday 13th June 2011

2011-06-13T21:44:00.000+01:00

I took a trip to the Dove today to fish on our syndicate water at Dovedale, with the heavy rain yesterday the Dee and the Severn were up so I headed to Derbyshire. It had been sometime since I had visited this water and still plenty to learn about the river. Early signs were good and a nice fish lost on a small nymph set up.

The day warmed up and I thought the bulk of the Mayfly had passed us by, but I was wrong as many were present and being nailed by the trout and the ducks were having a banquet. Its just a pity the Trout were more selective but none the less I managed to winkle a number out. Nothing of any decent size but all the same great sport when there on it. The size of the Mayfly on this river is something else, they are just huge and no wonder the water holds some big fish.

I had a cracking day and although I had not been present in May when the clouds of Mayfly are on the river I was pleased at least to see the tail end of them. A few nice Grayling also obliged today and a cracking trip to the Dove. Leaving the car park I bumped into Mr Living The Dream himself .....Glen Pointon, always good to catch up with my mucka, who was going to the river to catch the evening rise and Live the Dream
. See you All Saturday at BFFI 2011

Until Next Time.......Tight Lines
Phil

A River On My Doorstep - Part I ........16th May 2011

2011-05-16T22:08:00.000+01:00

I must have passed it a thousand times or more on my way to the motorway each day, it looked fishy, very fishy and finally I joined the local club which has access to this river. Not a great expense but an opportunity on my doorstep not to be ignored for much longer.

I had heard good things about the river and armed with my 7ft 3wt Hardy Featherweight I was ready to give it a go. Trout reside here and the river "stories" suggest big browns lurk in the holes that are along the section. How was I to approach it? Nymph ? Dry? to be honest nothing was coming off and no visable signs that fish were feeding. I was very much out of my comfort zone and tried a variety of methods, a small river that I had no idea about and what to expect. It certainly wasnt the Dee, Severn or Dove that I have become used to.

A few hours prospecting the river was very enjoyable, new rivers keep you on your toes and a new avenue opens. Ill keep you posted of my future exploits.

To Be continued.........................................................

Until Next Time.........Tight Lines

A Short Dee Session - 14th April 2011

2011-04-15T13:37:00.000+01:00

A couple of hours on the Dee proved to be good sport, the Grannom hatches have begun on the river and the Trout are wired onto them. I set out with a Grannom pattern developed from Paul Ainworth step by step guides, a member of the CADAC water I was fishing this evening. The evening was very still but a little on the cold side, the main hatch had come off in the day, I had been informed. Regardless, several Trout and a few out of season Grayling had there heads up and took the imitation. It doesnt get much better on a spring evening than this, a quality but short session on my return to the Welsh Dee.

Until Next Time..........Tight Lines

Shortage on The Severn - Sunday 10th April 2011

2011-04-11T17:19:00.004+01:00

We decided to take a trip to the Severn today, its been sometime since we had taken a trip out together. With one thing and another, mainly commitments with casting practice and GAIA events the fishing has taken a back seat. A fantastic spring day greeted us and the forecast for the day was warm and sunny, not the ideal I know for fishing, but who cares when your out in the fresh air chasing Trout. The day really seemed a far cry from the -15 that I was greeted with earlier in the year.

The river was crystal clear and low, not much showing so I set up with a couple of nymphs, experience has taught me in the past that when the river is low on this stretch its pays dividends to search the deep holes. We covered each run and likely looking spot without success, the river seemed devoid of any fish. A small trout and Grayling accounted for several hours of hard fishing and a variety of tactics.

It was hard going and in all the years we had fished this river, we have never seen it so low, I was amazed that a complete bend of running water had disappeared and was redirected into what can only be described as a brook and not the upper reaches of the UKs longest river. It was a concern, Clywedog reservoir normally keeps a head of water on but with the low rainfall this wasn't happening as regular.

Its was certainly having a big impact on the fishing today, but more worrying is the long term impact it will have on the Fishing?. With less and less holding pools and shallow levels, trying to evade capture from predators and anglers alike will be difficult. We desperately need rain, to bring the rivers up to "normal" levels and improve the sport. Drought conditions on the Severn in April have also been fuelled by large amounts of water being drawn off for consumption to supplement the reservoir supply.

This is having a knock on effect in the upper reaches of the river and is evident in the above photos. The day concluded on the Servern with an hour or so Spey casting practice and then a long drive home. Reflecting on the day and conditions of the river and possible long term effects. Time for a rain dance in Powys !!!

Until Next Time...........................Tight Lines

Phil Ratcliffe Fly Fishing on Facebook

2011-04-06T18:20:00.003+01:00

Phil Ratcliffe Fly Fishing is now on Facebook, stay intouch with whats happening with GAIA events, various Instruction days at Game Angling shows and book a day with me for a casting lesson or a day out on the river.

Living The Dream on The Dove with Pointon - Sunday 6th March 2011

2011-03-07T12:44:00.004Z

I have been lucky enough to be asked and Join a very special syndicate. LTDFFA (Living The Dream Fly Fishing Association) this small syndicate has around thirty members and some top draw anglers amongst them. This River Dove is a bit special and very different from the big rivers I normally fish such as the Welsh Dee & Severn, a great opportunity to learn new tactics for such a water.

The date had been in our diaries for some time and it had been just over twelve months since we last fished together, the last time saw personal best Grayling being caught on the Severn. Being new to the river I really wanted to seek some local knowledge and fish with someone who knows this river well, I'm talking about no other than Glen Pointon, a top bloke, great angler and your guaranteed a good bit of banter from the day.

LTD with Pointon

I arrived early on the river, with Glen to meet up with me in the afternoon, the morning session was a tough one and fishing up in the peaks the cold temperature and easterly were most definatly putting the Grayling off feed. Gin clear water and fishing with small nymphs through the pools that had produced on my last visit, not even a pluck this time.......I was struggling and no sign of it warming I slowly started fishing my way back up. Then a shout across the river "Ay up Manc Lad", Pointon had arrived.

Glen picked up my spirits along with the sun breaking through for the first time, we set out a plan of action and he suggested we have a rod share and tackle each pool again. One rod between two is great and allot more social than going your separate ways, this worked well and gave us both a chance to learn new ideas and picking up tips and tricks off one another.

Glens knowledge of this river is top draw and it wasn't long before we were into our first Grayling, the sun had warmed the day up and a hatch of Large Dark Olives were to been seen, although nothing looking up for them so we stuck to the small nymphs.

Pointon LTD

A final Grayling before the season closes.

Fishing through the runs in the afternoon I winkled out a nice Grayling, thanks to Glen for putting me onto it first but the best was saved until last.........nearly. We fished through a quality looking pool which produced a fish earlier for me and now Glen had the rod, fishing the nymphs Czech style they were going through just nice. The line stopped and we instantly said "snagged on the bottom" not a chance !!!! it moved slowly and sluggish up river taking off line and we knew this was a good fish, Glen spotted its dorsal and confirmed it was a B***** huge fish.

It was putting up a great fight and a fish of some quality and a guesstimate would put it near a 3'lb fish, then for no reason only us anglers can experience this disappointment but a small 12oz stockie came to the net?? Confused we were and could only think that the Grayling came off when this small stockie took a shine to the dropper.

We decided to call it a day and put on the Kelly Kettle and reflect on the afternoon, A superb day with good company on the new water and just the start of Living The Dream. Cheers Glen for a top day.

Until Next Time..........................Tight Lines
Phil

European Nymphing - Techniques & Fly Tying Trailer

2011-02-25T14:46:00.000Z

Fly Fishing Grayling Forum Has Now Moved

2011-02-06T16:04:00.000Z

The forum has now moved to a more 'user friendly' platform. This is as much your forum as well as mine and its easy to become a member just click register. Any problems let me know.

This is the only dedicated Grayling forum for Fly Fishers, it doesn't have the distractions of other species threads or links to clubs / trade adverts etc. Its 100% Grayling, a one stop shop for the Lady of the Stream.

I look forward to reading your posts & new threads, all input is welcomed and feel free to post Blog reports on the forum and most of all tell your mates about it.

Many Thanks

Phil

Determination Pays Off !! - Sunday 23rd January 2011

2011-01-24T15:54:00.000Z

The first days fishing of the new year were on the cards and after a few phone calls to the bailiff to enquire about the condition of the river my fishing buddy and I were looking forward to the day ahead. A few of the others guys that we had planned to fish with unfortunately couldn't make it so we packed our fishing tackle and made are way at the crack of dawn into Wales.

The river looked in great condition albeit a little coloured and pushing through somewhat, undeterred we tackled up and set out after the Grayling, both opting for heavier nymphs fished Czech style, changing the point fly dependent on current speed & depth just making sure on each run through that we were bouncing along the river bed.

At this time of year we were treated to a modest 4 Celsius and was almost tropical in comparison to previous weeks, but ice was still evident along the river and the water extremely cold. The likely looking spots we knew were covered without as much as a take, no sign of the Grayling shoaling anywhere which is unusual for this time of year, as they tend to become very densely packed?, Grayling also being a very nomadic species we had it all on to winkle one out.

Played to perfection !!!

It was mid afternoon and after umpteen changes of fly, my fishing buddy cried "I've got one on ere lad!!", judging by the bend in his rod he wasn't wrong. A decent scrap and the fish hit the net a decent fish pushing 2lbs if not more. The point fly doing the business a GRHE (with orange tungsten bead). A well deserved fish after so many hours, I unfortunately at this stage was on the verge of being presented with a blankety blank chequebook & pen.

With several miles covered and a wonder towards a known pool that we have nicknamed "The nursery pool" aptly named because my buddy's first fish on the Czech nymph method was caught here, after being a purist for all these years he had to give it a go, now the lad is showing me the ropes. Well he was until on the first run through I connected with a beauty of a fish, close to the 2lb mark and if you wish to see it check it out HERE

After that, we continued to walk back up the river fishing the runs as we went, reflecting on a difficult day, when the water was ice cold (probably putting them off feed) , it was our determination that finally payed off resulting in two stunning fish. The day was brought to a close after an hour or so casting session on speys & jump rolls. A great day to be out on the river and were looking forward to the next visit, hopefully a little more productive.

Until Next Time.......................Tight Lines

Welcome 2011 - The Year Ahead

2011-01-02T19:22:00.000Z

After the disappointment of a cancelled holiday and a chance to go fly fishing in Sydney Harbour I ended the year on one of my favorite rivers, Snow melt was evident and the river was running high, but I still managed to winkle out the odd Grayling fishing Czech style with the heavy tungsten. A great way to end the year one of which had seen few fishing outings due to my commitment on becoming a Fly Fishing Instructor and this was achieved in November at Caer Beris.

All the Very best for 2011 to all of my fishing friends and diary readers !!.

So onto 2011 and what a year we have in store, I am really looking forward to getting out and fishing on my beloved Welsh rivers and beyond.

What can You expect from Phils Fishing Diary in 2011

Fishing posts throughout the season following my exploits.
Fishtec Guesting Blogs - As a Fishtec endorsed blogger, I will have a chance to write a guest blog and review various Fly Fishing tackle throughout the year.
Launch of my New Fly Fishing Web Site

Phil Ratcliffe Fly Fishing

My New Fly fishing Web site is dedicated to Fly Fishing Instruction, here you will be able to book a guided day on a river or improve your casting techniques by booking a casting session, whatever your requirements please feel free to Contact Me. The site will cover all news and developments as a qualified Instructor and my Continued Professional Personal Development (CPPD) within the GAIA organisation.

This year will see attendance at various events so just for starters here are a few dates for your Diary :-

February 26th & 27th 2011

May 7th & 8th CPPD Workshops - Open Weekend

June 18th & 19th - New Venue (Staffordshire County Showground)

July 22 - 24th Blenheim Place

I am looking forward to 2011 and so should you, we have many events to attend and I will keep you posted of many more up and coming Game fairs that I will be attending with GAIA. Come and have a chat if you get a chance at any of the shows or even grab a lesson at the CLA with the multitude of instructors on offer.

But for now get out there and catch some Grayling, its prime time.

Until Next Time.....................Tight Lines Phil

Christmas is Officially Cancelled - 20th December 2010

2010-12-20T20:06:00.000Z

After two days in Heathrow Airport our flight to Australia has been cancelled and no chance of another flight until the new year. All we had planned is no longer and to say we are Gutted is an understatement. I can now confirm Christmas is officially Cancelled.

Until next Time............................Tight Lines one and all

Cheers
Phil

Fishtec Big Up Bloggers

2010-12-01T18:06:00.000Z

Fishtec the online fishing site has recently published on its blog the various sites and blog articles that we love to write for our followers.

The article "Fly fishing blogs to be reckoned with"has various links to all of our blog sites. We all have a big following and our blogs are a great source of information, I am sure we all pick up ideas and techniques from each other. Its great to see Fishtec also taking an interest.

Keep Blogging !!!!

Ice Cold In Powys- Sunday 29th November 2011

2010-11-29T12:17:00.000Z

Record temperatures hit the country over the weekend and mid Wales was no exception :-

"Mid Wales recorded the lowest temperatures in the UK on Saturday night as bitter cold continued to bite.
Llysdinam in Powys saw -17.3C (0.86F), which is both the lowest ever recorded in Wales in November, and the lowest in the UK during the month since 1985." - BBC News

My trip into mid Wales saw the temperature gauge hit -15 on arrival, I must be crazy or just a fishing junky?. It certainly didn't get much warmer throughout the day at best reaching -9 at its peak. The heavy metal was out in force and proved to be a success accounting for about half a dozen or so fighting fit Grayling. Constant attention to the rod rings was the order of the day literally freezing within minutes.

A spectacular place to be on such an extraordinary cold day, but well worth it. Hope you enjoy some of the pictures of the day.

44cm Lunker

Until Next Time.........................Tight Lines Phil

FlyFishingPoint

2010-11-24T18:19:00.000Z

Check out the ultimate flyfishing website FlyFishingPoint.net with Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Articles, Destinations, Photo Galleries, Movies, Flies and E-shop. All your favourite czechnymph.com products plus many more fly fishing and fly tying items.

On Cloud 9 at Caer Beris Manor - 11th - 14th November 2010

2010-11-15T11:28:00.000Z

GAIA @ Caer Beris Manor

Posts to my blog this year and fishing time have really been limited and apologies for that but normal service should resume and the chase for the Grayling is now on.  My time and efforts this year have been taken up with GAIA (Game Angling Instructors Association) and on Friday I passed my GAIC - Single handed assessment to finally become a Professional Game Angling Instructor.

This is however just the beginning and other qualifications are on the horizon of this incredible journey I have embarked on.

BFFI 2009 I approached a certain Mike Roden  and enquired about how to become a qualified Instructor and a date for the first casting lesson was set at Curlys Trout Fishery. At the end of the first session I was asked if I was up for giving it a go?, oh yes ! I confidently replied to Mike, not really knowing what lay ahead. Mike took me under his wing and with his array of knowledge & qualifications in the sport I knew I had a solid Mentor. Many Thanks Mike for your time and effort on helping me achieve my goal. Group mentoring sessions throughout the year and one to one sessions have dominated the past twelve months, coupled with my head in as many casting books and trawling through the net and closely watching casting dvds to gain as much information as possible. It has truly become an obsession and I wouldn't change it for the world !.

The year and numerous lessons were broken up with various stints at the Game Fairs which all helped in gaining valuable experience in teaching. CLA, Chatsworth and the Midland game fair these I relished and the GAIA instructors were always on hand to guide me through any issues or concerns.  This association really want you to succeed and is always evident from the free knowledge given by any individual you talk to, and its a credit to now be part of.

The year was full of many ups and downs and It would be rather remiss of me to not mention the people who I have become great friends with and have shared these ups and down. The lads from our mentoring group Mike Roden of course, my Dad, Richard,Mike L, Pat, Steve, Phil & Nigel. This group has been a solid base from which to bounce around ideas and plenty of Piss taking along the way to break up the graft. Cheers Gents for all your help and see you next week for another session.

Not only is it the the guys in the mentoring group that have helped me through but also many more, I have become friends with many other members and ones who have also embarked on this journey, so here goes the Roll Call :- Gareth Lewis (well done mate !), Chris Aldred (Awesome APGAI achievement), fancy going fishing now gents?the Instructors that put time in and put us through our paces whether on the river or at the shows Louis Noble, Mark Roberts, Frank Williams, Alun,Terry, Kevin,Rob,Steve J a big thank you to all.

GAIA Workshops - Briefing

Caer Beris Manor - River Irfon

The Friday was topped off with one or two drinks and into a number of workshops held throughout the day on Saturday to continue on the learning curve, workshops ran by Lesley Holmes,Philip Maher who are both at the pinnacle of the casting world Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) Certified Master Fly Casting Instructors. A joy to watch and learn from, Frank Williams put new and existing instructors through a workshop 'How to identify the learning style of your clients and use different ways to “Get the message across”. Something that I will be concentrating on more over the next few months and years. The workshops were all day and invaluable experience at this early stage in my instructor journey.

Presentations on the Saturday were followed by one or two drinks in the evening, a great chance to practice your carpark casting with a rod tip section whilst consuming finest Irish malt or drinking a good Merlot. An awesome evening !!!. The weekend had been a great one and am looking forward to the next get together, this time a bit more relaxed.

The Journey has well and truly started and long may it continue........."Living the GAIA dream".

See you on the river.

Until next time ...............................Tight Lines
Phil

Not Such A Mundane Monday - October 18th 2010

2010-10-19T18:30:00.000+01:00

The Alarm was set early as usual for a Monday, but today I didn't hit the snooze button once or maybe several times is the norm as the weekend has gone like a flash and its back to work. Fighting traffic on the motorways and risking life and limb amongt the hussle and bustle of todays roads is normally the order of the day. But not today, fishing tackle was packed in double quick time and off to pick up me old man for a day on the river.

We headed into mid Wales for a crack at the Grayling on one of my favourite river retreats, yes I was once again on the motorway and buisy A roads, but took great pleasure in watching the queing traffic and frantic drivers heading to the office, knowing that in about an hour or so I would be knee deep in the river and not a care in the world.

Stunning Surroundings

The river today was in fine fettle, and the Grayling really obliged and we accounted for a dozen or so with the odd Trout taking a shine to the nymphs, once again the 10ft 3# Streamflex handling the fish and presenting the flies with ease.

Out on the river is truly a massive stress release and all the pressures that are normally associated with a Monday were long gone today. We walked several miles today with fish located in many of the runs and riffles we encountered. This was turning out to be anything but a mundane Monday.

Unfortunatly the day was over all too soon as the short days are really upon us now, but with a consolation that the best months for the Grayling are around the corner. It really was a cracking day, one to be repeated hopefully very soon.

'The Old man' - Fishing Through a likely looking Run

Peace and Quiet on a Monday !

Until Next Time...................Tight Lines

Welsh Dee - A Welcome Return & A test for the Streamflex - Monday 6th September 2010

2010-09-07T16:23:00.000+01:00

Having spent time on other exploits over the past few months, I haven't had the time to make it to the river but today I had a rare day off work and intended to take full advantage. Apologies to my diary readers for the lack of fishing updates but hopefully all will become clear mid November.

Not being out on the river for some time, I suppose the next best thing is to search the Internet and buy some new tackle for the next available outing. As some of you are aware I am a Grayling nut and love catching my favourite species Czech Nymph Style. This can take on a number of forms through the use of Braid and adopting a French leader set up for clear and low water conditions. The ideal rod is essential for the methods and a 10ft 3# was on the shopping list.

After a trawl through the net I came across a reasonably priced Greys Streamflex 10ft 3# and having read various reviews and seeking advice off other streamflex anglers the rod was on its way. Next problem a reel ! small and light enough as to not hamper the lightness of the rod but within my budget. All the light reels were way to expensive, lets face it the reel doesn't get much hammer whilst bugging, and to justify a big spend well I just couldn't.

You may be surprised at my choice but having checked them out at this years CLA I was quietly impressed, I plumped for the Sonik sk Lite 3/4 not my or many others anglers first choice brand but surprisingly a well made reel and one of the lightest around and just the job at £75, great delivery service and great customer service, give them a go I don't think you'll be disappointed.

With new tackle at the ready its was bags packed and to the Welsh Dee on one of our club waters at Corwen, having not been out for a while I had fallen out of my routine and the trusty camera had been left at home, a school boy error, apologies for the lack of pictures.

The day was blustery and rain planned for later in the day, with the streamflex tackled up and a team of small nymphs two of them tied with a variety of tungsten beads down to 2.3mm. My fishing buddy started on the spiders and the traditional water hen bloa and partridge and orange were his choice for the session. It wasn't long before he hit into a small Grayling and that look over as if to say.."Czech Nymphing yeah ok?".

I wanted to christen my new rod and after a short time I was into my first fish, a small Grayling about 12", but it wasn't long before the rod was put to the test, on the trundle down a slow raise of the flies through the layers and bang !!, that heart stopping moment when you know you've hit into a good fish. The beauty was taking line and the rod bent into the fish just great and after a good scrap a fin perfect male beauty hit the net and pushing 2lbs. Not long after its mate took a shine to the top dropper and although slightly smaller a good fight none the less.

A cracking rod and reel set up put through its paces on my return to the Dee, it handled the job very well and I cant wait to give it another go. A change of beat for the afternoon and swapping tactics to the dry proved dividends with several Grayling treating themelves to an 18s Elk hair caddis. My buddy alternating from wets and drys to a couple of nymphs all taking fish, under such breezy conditions we landed well over two dozen Grayling, the pleasing thing that many were juveniles which bodes well for the future, only two lunkers on the day falling to the Czech Nymph method.......I'll leave that one with you Dad. ;-)

It was great to return to the Dee and hopefully back very soon.

Until Next Time.......................Tight Lines

Cheers
Phil

The Early Bird catches.............The Ladys - Sunday 4th July 2010

2010-07-04T17:59:00.000+01:00

After a casting session for three hours on the Saturday, I / We (The Misses) decided to have a travel into mid Wales and spend a night camping ?!!......yes camping, something which I hadn't done since my college days in the early nineties. Any way we packed the trusty Eurohike two disposable BBQs and four bottles of Vino,plus burgers & provisions for a fry up on Sunday......Bear Grylls taught us all we know.

The plan was to pitch the tent with permission on a farmers field near to the Dee, but we couldn't get permission from the farmers and I didn't fancy being at the wrong end of a twelve bore, so we looked for an official site.

It didn't take us to long to find one and pitch the tent twelve quid a night, sorted!. The site owner give us the run down and threw in 'We have a bit of fishing across the field' - Nice one its a good job I happened to pack my rod.

Before the first bottle of red was opened I decided to check out the stretch of river, walking through a field we were on it, Looking at the river upstream and its location it looked somewhat familiar. I couldn't believe my luck, it was a section of the Dee both my fishing buddy and I had fished on several occasions. Fishing this club water for many years I didn't have a clue the camp site was so close. It was ideal !.

I decided to hit the river in the early morning and enjoy a few glasses of red on the Saturday evening.

The alarm clock was set for 5.30 and I was down on the river for 6. A majestic place to be this early in the morning, a strong breeze had developed and this put the mockers on any surface action . Regardless I teamed up with three small 16's 18s nymphs fished Czech Style. The smaller flies with 2.3mm tungsten beads have been working well recently and accounted for many a fish.

It wasn't long until I had found my quarry a small Grayling about the pound mark coming to the net. The second trundle down produced this lunker pictured above, a cracking scrap !, the fish are fighting fit this time of year. Several hours passed with half a dozen or so Grayling to my tally ,most of them in the same class as the lunker.

For me its probably the best time to go fishing, especially when we have had such hot days and evenings, the fish were really responsive this morning, and its true what is said, 'The early bird does catch the worm'................or at least the Lady of the Stream!

A cracking few hours and my weekend fix was over as the strong wind gained momentum and the first signs of showers headed our way, so I headed back for Bacon and Sausages and a brew...

Until Next Time...............................Tight Lines