We anglers are some of the nicest, most helpful and cheeriest people you could ever wish to meet by the waterside. Well most of us anyway! Once in a while one person stands head and shoulders above us all. Sadly, a few years ago we lost that character. Read More
What the Publishers Say First ever photographic and illustrated guide to the unusual and beautiful feathers used in salmon fly... Read More
Damsel flies usually appear between May to August when the nymphs can often provoke a rise as they swim towards any bank side vegetation to emerge as an adult. During the early part of the season the immature nymphs will be deeper in the water amongst the weed, well camouflaged from their predators. This is where the addition of a gold bead helps to get the fly a bit deeper and the glint of the gold head can act as an attractor. Read More
One of the greatest pleasures in my life is teaching people how to enjoy themselves. As a fly fishing and fly tying instructor I take folks out of their comfort zone.
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A double-team effort from Roger Beck (words) and Stephen Cheetham (fly-tying) this month which recounts the tale of how a Reverend Mother was whisked away from South Uist to be put to work at Bolton Abbey. Read More
Stephen Cheetham searches for his roots this month and comes up with a fly fishing ancestor that dates back to the late 16th century with a literary background and plenty of fishing tips and fly dressings! Read More
If you have ever tried to cast a large baitfish pattern or a Salmon Templedog made from all natural materials then you will appreciate that its hard work due to the amount of water retained by the fly. Read More
If only your faithful correspondent had a £ for every time he has been asked that, or a similar question…... Read More
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is not a common fly tying material these days explains Paul Davis, mainly thanks to it being a protected species and therefore not commercially available. But many old patterns prescribe its use and a dead bird can provide useful salvage material! Read More