Another budding and happy fly fisher

Posted on by Howie

Tom came to me for a lesson and also took away a fly fishing kit that I supplied him with. Then recieved this lovely feedback……

Hi Howie,

Firstly, thanks for the tip – everything hosed down responsibly and ready to go again. Gear all seems brilliant. Can’t wait to get back out and use it, even if only to practice my casting.

Just wanted to say thanks again for an incredibly enjoyable and useful session – I wasn’t sure what to expect going in but couldn’t have hoped for a better teacher. The personaIised tips and patient instructions were so useful to figure out what my quirks/strengths/weaknesses are, which now means I can work on them in my own time. I feel ready to get out there and fish, and I’ve definitely got the bug!

I can already tell that fly fishing is not a hobby for the half-hearted. I’m planning my next sessions already and have been enjoying some books about the intersection between fly fishing, wellbeing, and life in general: The Optimist by David Coggins has been a fun read so far. I’ve even gone right back to the beginning and started Walton’s The Compleat Angler! I hear good things about A River Runs Through It  by Norman MacLean too.

I think a fishing weekend on Bunty might be in my near future, as well as a trip on Robin’s boat, perhaps after a few more practices…

Please don’t feel the need to reply to this message, which is just intended as a note of thanks. I’ll make sure to keep in touch with the inevitable questions that I have (though not too many, I promise)!

Tight lines, and with many sincere thanks again for the introduction to this wonderful pursuit,

Tom

Not only for Salmon and trout

Posted on by Howie

Their is a school of thought that fly fishing is strictly for salmon and trout. I tend to target all species with my fly gear. I find it a more natural approach to fishing, using flies and lures that resemble their natural food. This lovely carp took a home tide pond beetle imitation.

2024 bookings

Posted on by Howie

Hi all, now taking fly fishing lesson/bookings for the spring (if it ever arrives?) and summer season. No need to panic. Probably due to the weather, my books are totally free at the minute. Hopefully April will allow us some decent weather to get out on the water again. See my Tuition, booking and price info page for info. “Tight Lines” Howie

Neil and son, Sam

Posted on by Howie

Dear Howie,
I wanted to thank you for the fantastic afternoon that me and my son Sam spent with you learning fly fishing.
I’ve been really keen to learn since receiving a fly rod for my birthday but I had no idea where to go for lessons.
Your common sense approach to teaching, covering the basic casting techniques and an hour down on the river has given us both the confidence to have a go, Sam is already looking at buying the basic set up.
My mate who bought me the rod is already planning a couple of days in Wales for us!
Brilliant afternoon, I’d highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking of taking this up as a hobby.

Many thanks
Neil Acford

Now taking bookings for spring and summer 2023

Posted on by Howie

Now taking bookings for fly fishing lessons in readyness for the spring and summer. My 3 hour sessions are designed to get the absolute beginner/improver started and ready to fish right away. All gear supplied. Go on, treat yourself or a friend. Two learners get a discounted rate. Checkout the Booking page for more info, pricing and what to expect from the first lesson. Improvers can also book to hone their skills, learn new tricks, get more distance, casting techniques for windy days or anything you’d like to work on.

Grey Mullet on the fly

Posted on by Howie

When the heat is on and the summer drought continues then one can turn to the salt. There are always plenty of grey mullet in the estuarys. They like to feed in the shallows and margins which can make for some great sight fishing opportunities. And if you can find a regular feeding ground then you’re in for a good chance of a fish or two. Flies that worked this weekend were the jelly shrimp, flexi and sili worm patterns.

Flexi blood worm
Jelly shrimp (by Selectafly)