Turned up at the lakes this afternoon and began to tackle up only to discover I had brought along 3 spools of fly line but no reel. So, began to pack the bag and go home when a fellow member (Kev) suddenly showed and happened to have spare reel and line and saved the day. He said he’d already had several fish and what flies were working. After losing a couple lightly hooked fish the line tightened up proper and I was into this lovely blue trout which weighed in at 5.5lbs.  Then fished on and landed a couple more nice rainbows. So from a disastrous start it turned into an amazing couple of hours fishing.

I hope the bass fishing is not over yet. Vast amounts of land water run off still running down stream today like dark chocolate.  Alas, settled weather is forecast this week and we could see fish taking shelter and feeding over the mussel beds up stream in the Shoreham town stretch. This week should see the Adur clearing and hopefully see a late run of  fish and enjoy some  great Autumn fishing

Tight Lines Howie

Soooo happy to be invited and say yes to this trip. I’ve been lucky to fish some amazing locations in my life. Some by luck, some researched and this one by invitation. A hosted 7 days fishing trip with two guys from different walks of life. Being anglers we instantly got on but you never know how it’s gonna go? As my host Julian said “good things happen when you say yes” Thanks guys 

I was lucky to be the first angler on the water at Duncton Mill Fishery this morning. Being mid summer and water temperatures rising I decided to try Birch lake. Being very deep it tends to fish  well through the summer months. I tackled up with a fast sink line with weighted a black and white wooly bugger fly. First cast I was into a good fish which took the fly about 6-8ft down in the water but lost it at the net. The next cast and another hit the fly and got away. I checked the hook and saw it was barbless so that’s why they were shaking the hook and getting away. I persevered with the fly only this time when a fish took I really kept the pressure on so the hook did not slip out and landed my first fish. It was not long before I had 2 more hard fighting rainbows to the net. The total weight was 11 and a half pound for 3 fish. What lovely condition too. If you ever get the chance, Duncton Mill is a fabulous fishery with another 3 lakes to explore. Also a comfortable lodge with hot coffee and cake on the go. Check before going as this is a club water and not always open to none members. http://www.dunctonmillfishery.co.uk/

Congratulations Paul. After a short casting session we tried our luck at Chalk Springs fishery. On the hottest day of year we were not expecting great results. Then it started to really heat up and the damsels began to hatch which got the trout feeding off the top. The first fish took a dry daddy then two more trout went crazy for a home tied damsel. Well done Paul.

Just back from a trip to Dorset on the river Frome with an old fishing buddy. Being mid summer and warm we did not expect to catch much. It was a bit of a reconnaissance trip and have a short break. However the first day was good fishing catching browns up to 2lb. We stayed at a delightful bnb also with trout lakes at Tolpuddle a really lovely old English town. Thatched cottages and all.  The remaining 2 days where hard fishing but still had a few small browns and grayling. Defiantly planning a return next spring.

In spite of initial boat engine problems a fabulous day was had on beautiful Arlington reservoir with the guys from the Sussex Fly Dressers.  http://sussexflydressers.org.uk/ A very bright day put the fish well down and hardly any fish showing. Eventually found a shoal about 5mtr down near one of the aerators and ended the day with 6 fish totaling 13.5 lb. Biggest one (pictured) ready for filleting.

The best of 6 fish today including 2 brownies. And as many fish lost too. Buzzers working their magic again. I’m finding that 2 buzzers, 1 metre apart, hung from the bend of a big bushy dry fly really gets their attention. Specially when given a long, slow pull on the retrieve.