For a special and original gift this Christmas why not by a friend or loved one a fly fishing gift voucher usable from spring 2014. Choose from either a beginners or improvers session or a day out at a local trout fishery accompanied and organised by myself.  More information, details and how to pay can be found on the  booking page of this website or simply contact me by email howie@flyfishingsussex.com to arrange an e-voucher to be sent out for you to print off.
Wishing you all a peaceful and happy Christmas. “Tight Lines” Howie

My new rod arrived today from http://www.worldseafishing.com . They have a sale on at the moment and I could not resist buying one of these as a spare or an extra client rod. At £24 it is great value and  very nicely finished.

 http://store.worldseafishing.com/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?WD=atlantis%20shakespeare&PN=Saltwater%2dFly%2dRods%2ehtml#aSKP_2e1155385

I had a free day today and as the fridge required topping up with trout I decided to visit Chalk Springs fishery. On arrival I was pleasantly  surprised to find they have dropped their prices and now a 4 fish ticket costs £36. However they are now stocking with smaller fish. The morning started with thick cloud overhead and managed to bag 3 nice rainbows by lunch. Then bright sun in the afternoon and the trout became shy to the fly. I did eventually find a lucky fly (a large Minky) and nice 3.5lb brown trout engulfed it right under the rod then tore off across the lake and put up a fine scrap.

 

The south east’s only fly fishing event. This will be a great day and well worth a visit. There will be casting and fly tying demonstrations, free clinics and much more. For full info and what’s on check out http://www.iFish.org.uk and http://www.sussexflydressers.org.uk

Yesterday was the start of the Shoreham airshow. I was fly fishing near the railway bridge and so had a great view of the aerial display. With all the noise from the planes I did not really expect to catch but despite the incredible power and noise displayed by the Eurofighter Typhoon I was able to land a couple of schoolies and several more had a snatch at the fly. Gonna have to get down there again today. Afterall it’s not everyday you get the chance to watch and remember the Battle of Britain and fly fish at the same time. 

The Summer goes on and the river Adur is running really clear. I’ve lived in Shoreham now for 17 years and have never seen the river so clear. Along with the really bright weather I’m sure this is making the fishing more difficult. But I just love fly fishing in a clear running river and It’s great to see the mullet and young bait fish cruising around. In turn the fish can also see us waving our rods around too so they are easily spooked so stealth is paramount. At low tide this is a great time to walk the river with a good pair of polarized sun glasses and study the river’s structure as holes,rocks and potential ambushing lies for bass are clearly visible. To say nothing of shopping trolleys and bicycles lying under the norfolk bridge.

On my last trip to India I purchased a traditional cast net. The fisherman who sold me the net gave me a few throwing lessons and tips. Today all my practicing paid off when I caught a 6.5 lb mullet from the river Adur. Which I have now converted into 7 steaks and 2 lovely fillets. Far from fly fishing tactics I know but hey!?

 

It’s that time of year again for carp on the fly. Together with fellow members of the Fly Dressers Guild we fish Jennys Lake and Passies Pond. Here are a few photos from this year’s catch. 1 fish touching 18 lbs. These beauties really test your tackle and forearm. Most popular flies are of course dog biscuit patterns. I like to use imitative patterns like Pond Beetle flies which work just as well if not better as the fish can be very selective.  

Another fantastic evening and a river full of fish. This one was 2lb plus.

Click on the link to see how.

– The Ultimate Leader To Line Connection by Stuart Minnikin