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Does anyone fly fish?
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Posts: 12814

Goose

Old Thread

#39 11 Dec 2024 at 9.50pm

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I've been fly fishing for bass and seatrout since the mid eighties and had used the same rod and reel till three years ago when I broke the rod and ended up replacing both and I do have a lite trout rod and reel for small rivers .

Posts: 73

bobstains

Old Thread

#38 30 Jul 2024 at 10.20pm

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In reply to Post #1
Hello,

I enjoy a fluff chuck for both Salmon and Trout, I have recently moved and have both on my doorstep.

Not been too successful with the salmon, but had a few nice brownies.

I try not to get to technical with my fly fishing, I just enjoy standing in the river or loch targeting rising fish.

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#37 8 Jul 2024 at 3.50pm

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In reply to Post #36
I'm struggling to load the rod up enough on the forward cast and release the line at the right time (generally letting the rod fall too far forward before letting the line go, but I may catch something my tw*tting the fish on the head with the line at speed!!)

Hi mate, good to hear someone else is learning, it's fun mostly, congrats on the 1st fish

Yep, I've done that, another of mine, not letting the rod down as the line straightens, ie, follow the line...doh. That video linked below, I was interested in him saying all wrist, all forearm, find your own combo. I broke my scaphoid doing martial arts 30 years ago and it means I have a semi weak wrist, I'm wondering if that's hindering me loading the rod, might have to have a play with that!

I bought a vest, Greys Tail and it just feels wierd

everythings so close I can't even focus on it and I'm not sure I like the pockets near my armpits. I guess it's somehing I'll have to get used to, and all those pockets, I can't see me filling them. I watched a video with Tom Rosenbauer on small stream fishing and another somewhere else, quite like the pack he was wearing further down on his waist,

Posts: 284

964rh

Old Thread

#36 8 Jul 2024 at 9.06am

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In reply to Post #35
Hi Vossy

Good to read that your lesson went well.
I had a short session on Rutland last week from the shore and my casting was a little improved just by taking my time.

I'm struggling to load the rod up enough on the forward cast and release the line at the right time (generally letting the rod fall too far forward before letting the line go, but I may catch something my tw*tting the fish on the head with the line at speed!!)

I did however get my first fish, a fairly small rainbow but it gave a good fight on my lightish kit. Like being a kid again!

I wear a vest even when I wading, it fits high up on the torso (almost to the top of my carp waders) so doesn't get too wet, its only a cheapo one I was bought along with the rest of my kit from Maxcatch so haven't tried a waist pack - https://www.maxcatchfishing.com/packs-vests/403-g-mesh-fly-fishing-outdoor-vest.html

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#35 6 Jul 2024 at 12.42pm

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In reply to Post #33
Strewth, I didn't have time to finish the last post. Thank you once again, I will try and see how I get on. I've spent a few days looking at videos on youtube and there's 1 which stood out as it basically followed everything my instructor di, and in order, it's like it's standardised in the industry (probably is). Anyhow, even the Mrs watched this one and at the end of it she said, 'you struggled to do that, I'll show you, it's not hard'

and that's coming from someone who's only interest in fishing is seeing pretty fish! I'm going to take her out and see, she's got good timing so maybe she's right who knows.

Another Q for any fly fishers reading, do you have a pref, vest v say waist pack?

EDIT, said fly casting video, click here

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#34 2 Jul 2024 at 7.37am

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In reply to Post #33
Edited post

Posts: 376

Carew

Old Thread

#33 2 Jul 2024 at 0.16am

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In reply to Post #32
Seems like a good session if you got that kind of distance on your second go. Glad the sideways stance helped you as much as it does me. A variation on the sideways stance is to close your eyes on the back cast and open them when you think the line is straight out behind you. When it works, it helps me to feel how the rod is loading, which helps with timing the forward cast.

If you release line on the backward cast then the rod will not load. You can still cast out a long way if your timing is good, but you will be dragging line rather than tapping forward crisply. You will also increase your chances of hitting bushes and fences behind you. I started off doing that, it took ages to unlearn.

Hope you are having fun with it. That is the main thing.

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#32 30 Jun 2024 at 9.05am

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In reply to Post #30
I went out yesterday, Carp fishing only for a few hours but gave myself a hour at the end to try your suggestion, my god, being able to see the line made all the difference. After 3 or 4 goes watching I turned away and the next few casts were spot on.
I ended up with 30' of line out at the end but my technique was faltering by then and I thought it best to stop as my instructor said try 30mins at a time no more. The 30' happened as I was took some line off the reel to try the release a meter at a time but the line slipped in my fingers and I thought just go with it and try it. On the next try false casting I took a load of line off the reel and let some out on the forward and back cast when it felt right and it just worked. I'm not sure if that's how youre meant to do it but it worked for me.

I can't get a lesson until August now, a bit long but plenty of time for pracice and to learn bad habits

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#31 27 Jun 2024 at 5.06pm

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In reply to Post #30
Thanks for the tip mate I'll try it

I did have the discussion that I didn't know what the line was doing, even mentioned watching Paul Whithouse doing what you say on tv. I guess it's all eperience. When 1st letting line out on the cast it really surprised me how much pressure the line was exerting between my fingers to the point it slipped slightly.

Watching Andy cast though, good god, effortless, totally silent, a pleasure just to see it.

Posts: 376

Carew

Old Thread

#30 27 Jun 2024 at 4.26pm

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In reply to Post #29
You got it right at the end there: it just takes time and 7/8 on your first go is high praise.

Can I pass on a tip that helped me? When your timing is getting ragged, turn sideways to the lake and just do single overheads for a while. You will then see and feel how long it takes for the back cast to straighten, and see your clock positions. I still do it when I know I’m not casting well.

I hope you enjoyed your day. Casting is only part of it.

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#29 27 Jun 2024 at 10.12am

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JIC there are a few reading who might be thinking about trying fly fishing, and I'm sure a few who have and think that's familiar.

The lesson went ahead, luckily there was some shade, the wind was a problem at times. Andy was very patient (he needed to be) I think he was a bit surprised when I said I'd not even cast my rod but it quickly became apparent. He was hoping to go through 4 stages of cast, standard over head single, multiple, letting a portion of line out, letting portions of line out on the cast, we only got to stage 3 in the time.
I was:-

bringing the back cast forward too soon, I think that stemmed from me thinking it will hit the ground if I wait to long.
trying to use too much power bringing the back cast forward
not imparting enough power to either forward and back.
clock face....not stopping where I was told to on the casts, power 10-1 stop, I was stopping at 2, Andy told me to stop at 12, problem solved, I needed calibrating

I tried various stances, R or L foot forward, straight on, I kept reverting back to L and I'm right handed. R foot forward did stop me trying to impart too much power, I still need to have a little play with that. Andy said my natural is L foot forward, can I learn to change it, should I try to change it, will not giving it too much welly on the forward come with practice?

I found 2 things very disconcerting and they actually put me off the cast from the moment I lifted the line. Line slap in the rings/rod if the line had slight slack in it, I'm not used to it, in my head I have a instant STOP. I can only compare that to when I Pike or course fish with a back knot, that sound going through the rings always has me on edge. 2nd, the leader kept sinking slightly so it was pulling the piece of wool under before it went airbourne, again with a wierd noise which put me off. We tried the last few casts on grass and they were better with less variance, I think this was because I could cast without 'that' noise.

It's all about timing & rytham, in my head, I'm going to have to practice a lot to get that right and I could also do with some vallium to relax me....lol. Andy said overall I was a 7/8 & at times a 9 for a absolute beginner, On coming home I should be happy with that, but I wasn't, I was quite disheartened. We could see I was learning to rectify errors and I was even doing it in cast, varying speed, but there was no consistancy, there would be a near perfect cast and the next a crumpled heap of leader due to too much power again.

Today is another day and must learn to stop being so hard on myself, it's called the 'art of fly fishing' and I can see why, it takes time to train your brain so something becomes natural and timed well

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#28 25 Jun 2024 at 7.40am

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In reply to Post #27
few years before a fly coach stopped me and asked if he could show me how to do it properly because he was exhausted just watching me.

wasn't that good of them

Thanks, I'll try, forecast just changed to 27degc, I'm wondering if it'll be cancelled :-(

Posts: 376

Carew

Old Thread

#27 24 Jun 2024 at 10.41pm

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In reply to Post #26
It is very graceful, quite effortless, with good technique. My pal put me straight on to false casting with overpowered kit on my first go . I enjoyed it and carried on like that for a few years before a fly coach stopped me and asked if he could show me how to do it properly because he was exhausted just watching me. Have a great day when you go, and take your time.

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#26 24 Jun 2024 at 9.13pm

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In reply to Post #25
A year...blimey. It looks a genteel effort to cast, I hope so, it's forecast 26 deg

..at least the lines should be supple. I just hope the lines I picked up with the 2nd hand reel are good, guess I'll find out, they look o.k.

Posts: 376

Carew

Old Thread

#25 24 Jun 2024 at 7.45pm

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In reply to Post #24
You heard rightly. I was taught by a mate. Then I had a proper lesson. It took me a year to get back to where I was before the lesson, but then with a shorter, softer rod and about quarter the effort.

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#24 21 Jun 2024 at 2.33pm

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In reply to Post #23
I heard/read (rightly or wrongly) that once you learn bad habits they're quite difficult to shift so though it best not to develope any first

I'm sure the lesson will be a great learn for you too, I hope you have a great time, let us know how you get on.
Can't tell you how hard it's been not to try, my restraint for once has been impeccable.

Posts: 284

964rh

Old Thread

#23 21 Jun 2024 at 12.20pm

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In reply to Post #22
Good stuff Vossy

I'm planning a dedicated casting lesson in the next few weeks, I had a day at Rutland a couple of weeks ago (albeit interrupted by work calls, that'll teach me for WFTB) and my casting was ***** so hopefully by having a half day solely on casting it'll tidy up a bit

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#22 20 Jun 2024 at 6.26pm

2

It's not often I get excited about fishing nowadays but I am now

I will be mostly having my 1st fly casting lesson next Wednesday with Andy Taylor, so looking forward to it, might be fab weather for it too

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#21 13 Jun 2024 at 12.33pm

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In reply to Post #13
I got a #5 Clearwater, an absolute joy to use on the types of wild untouched rivers/brooks I fish.

That's makes 2 of us now

I've been umming and ahhing for near 2 years, then Farlows stopped sending me the 20% off your first order and I thought there goes my chance

but they sent me one yesterday and I couldn't resist

What would you say is the minimum normal cast Keith, I heard around 20' on the Trident review, would you agree?

I still like the look of the Hardy NSX SR, 8'6 #4 but I'd have to be properly into fly fishing for my Mrs not to murder me for it...and she's right

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#20 19 May 2024 at 8.40pm

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There's a tie off tomorrow night, 3 way, can't believe how few watch live. T&T have their takes on classics, C on the other hand is the wild card. Even the Mrs enjoys these 😃 often culminating in a wth is that 🤣

Posts: 367

Blonde_Tim

Old Thread

#19 19 May 2024 at 5.50pm

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I grew up in Hants and have fly fished occasionally all my life. Have never really got into Stillwater trout but try and treat myself to a day on a chalk stream once a year which I really love.

The one other facet of fly fishing is tropical sal****er…. Now that is something I would (probably) give up carpfishing for if it were as accessible! I’d put some photos up but they’re on my phone rather than links I can share.

On Orvis - I think their rods are really good. I have one Clearwater (#10) and two recons (#8 ) and think they are all fantastic at each price point.

Posts: 4787

framey

Old Thread

#18 16 May 2024 at 3.57pm

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In reply to Post #16
I bought daiwa breathable waist waders with separates.
Good things but I think 2 sizes up would mean my feet don’t hurt after a days wearing

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#17 16 May 2024 at 10.54am

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In reply to Post #15
With me not just using them for fishing they would not be practical, I doubt they could take the punishment they would get put through.
I'm with you. TBH, I was looking at it from a POV of using them in my Carp and river fishing, guess I'll have to see. I'm not sure those more expensive pairs will like kneeling on gravel banks but I guess they must be designed to. There was a thread on here a while back about waders for fly somewhere iirc.

@Rob I struggled with the waders I used last week (instructor supplied) not due to sweating in last weeks moderate heat but due to the water pressure squeezing the life out of my feet to the point of them being numb after a fairly short time.

I'm thinking a separate boot/stocking foot wader but luckily the shop at the res will let you try before you buy as mentioned, they aren't the cheapest things in the world.

Interesting, never even thought about that, thank you. I'm a wide fit so very sceptical about buying before trying. I was in conversation with Rich @ Ollyskins about their waders just before xmas. I'd set my mind on a 'off the shelf' pair but know they do individual fit if req. Looks like it might be 2 pairs, or 3

Posts: 284

964rh

Old Thread

#16 16 May 2024 at 10.25am

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In reply to Post #14
I struggled with the waders I used last week (instructor supplied) not due to sweating in last weeks moderate heat but due to the water pressure squeezing the life out of my feet to the point of them being numb after a fairly short time.

I'm thinking a separate boot/stocking foot wader but luckily the shop at the res will let you try before you buy as mentioned, they aren't the cheapest things in the world.

Your fishing does sound ideal Keith, around me most of the trout fishing in reservoir based but I'm hoping to be able to get some river fishing in a some point as watching Whitehouse and Mortimer stand knee deep in a chalk stream/river is what got me looking at this style of fishing as a gap filler when I can't spend days/nights on the bank.

Defiant.one

Posts: 4330

Defiant.one

Old Thread

#15 16 May 2024 at 10.19am

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In reply to Post #14
You have it all on your door step as well JP, all the West Pennines is riddled with Brooks and small Rivers, most not fished - it's only a case of asking the landowner.

I know a few who wear the Simms, Orvis, Greys breathable's, to be honest I've never asked if they actually work

With me not just using them for fishing they would not be practical, I doubt they could take the punishment they would get put through.

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#14 16 May 2024 at 10.05am

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In reply to Post #13
I got a #5 Clearwater, an absolute joy to use on the types of wild untouched rivers/brooks I fish.
I think that all but seals it

Sounds like you've got a idyl to fish there Keith

Have you tried any of the so called breathable waders Keith, like the expensive ones purporting to stop sweating by breathability? They seem to be very popular if not pricey!

Defiant.one

Posts: 4330

Defiant.one

Old Thread

#13 16 May 2024 at 9.44am

1

In reply to Post #12
I got a #5 Clearwater, an absolute joy to use on the types of wild untouched rivers/brooks I fish.

It's crazy as I'm surrounded with large Reservoirs with most of them run as Trout fisheries, but I've no interest in them what so ever, it' fishing for Wild Brownies that appeals to me. It's constantly changing as well, what you learned prior the winter floods has now gone, and you have to start again- new deep grooves in gravel runs, banking's now undercut, fallen Tree's ripping sections of Banking's out and making new deep pools, constantly having to think about everything all the time.

Your right about waders in summer, even in the very cold flowing water you sweat like hell - I just fish an area for a bit then have a break, go and weed kill all the invasive species in that area (We all do it, as it's all SSSI - the site, banking's, ancient woods, even the River bed has SSSI status) and repeat as I move up-stream, so it's not that bad.

Reels only carry the line for you JP, think mines a Snowbee cassette type (As you have got) which is great as you have multiple options.

I say get out there JP, take advantage of hardly needing anything with you, 2-3 hours in an evening or early morning is no issue.
When ever I call at a Engineering Company a mate has sometimes to pick parts up at dinner time, it would be criminal not to throw a rope over the side of the bridge adjacent to their Car park, and climb down and spend a hour fluff chucking in the River below

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#12 16 May 2024 at 7.30am

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In reply to Post #8
What weight Clearwater did you go for Keith, I'm wondering if there's a sweet spot in the range, so to speak. There's a great review online, a blind fold test, the CW was holding it's own with rods 4 times the price. The 9'#5 seems to be a great choice for anything over close (20') distances by the looks of it.

@964rh Waders, to be quite honest the choice is mind boggling and so are some of the prices. I think there's some cross over in colder weather re Carp type waders, maybe also for short sessions, but I can't imagine using them in warm conditions, be more water in them than out.

Flies, I quite fancy tying my own, I can see it as something I'd do when I don't fancy going out. I've bought a few of the pre prepped packs, seems like a good start to me. I also bought a few of the selection packs from Garry Evans, they sometimes do offers like 6 cards for £30. So land based fishing, tippets, leaders and associated dressings and I'm ready really. I like the fly tie offs as it shows you there's no 'right or wrong' which Ithink is quite important for a beginner as it's quite easy to get lost thinking you must have this or that and must match the hatch.

I was lucky enough to drop on a Airflow Switch reel loaded with unused top lines for good money so that was half the battle won, crikey some of those lines are expensive. Mike at Barrio seems well regarded and love or hate, Maxcatch too!

Yes, seen that one Keith. I like to take myself away with the far reach episodes, there's a big world out there, some of the scenery.

Posts: 4787

framey

Old Thread

#11 15 May 2024 at 7.33pm

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In reply to Post #10
I used to teach the newbies at the Herts FDG but I think it was because I was left handed so it made it easier for them to copy lol.
Did that for a couple of years then got disgruntled with the main guild it’s self. they did go through a rocky patch so left as couldn’t belong to a branch and not the main.

Defiant.one

Posts: 4330

Defiant.one

Old Thread

#10 15 May 2024 at 7.26pm

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In reply to Post #9
Flies are the only thing I don’t have at the minute but planning on a day out to Rutland water next week so will ask at the tackle shop there, have no intention/time to try and tie my own, my rigs are bad enough

I'm totally with you on that one

I've mates who and tie any pattern at will, not for me - I've engineer's hands, I'll leave it to the experts.

Go have a look at https://www.troutflies.co.uk/

Posts: 284

964rh

Old Thread

#9 15 May 2024 at 7.19pm

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In reply to Post #7
In the same position with waders, have a pair I’ve used carp fishing but I wouldn’t want to stand up in them all day so looking around at what to get now

My wife bought me as a surprise a nice rod, reel, net and waistcoat for my birthday, just a Maxcatch setup but comes highly recommended from a few Fly Forum

Flies are the only thing I don’t have at the minute but planning on a day out to Rutland water next week so will ask at the tackle shop there, have no intention/time to try and tie my own, my rigs are bad enough

Defiant.one

Posts: 4330

Defiant.one

Old Thread

#8 15 May 2024 at 7.14pm

0

In reply to Post #7
My only regret in over 55 years of fishing JP is I did not take up Fluff Chucking a lot sooner

You will notice the difference between a cheap Rod and a more expensive Fly Rod, Orvis Clearwater - I have not got a clue how they can make such an excellent Rod for the price, I have one in my bag all the time.

Sometime I take a 1950's era 8ft 6" Edgar Sealy Split Cane "Octofly" at a guess around #4, you soon appreciate how good modern Rods are and oh so easy to use in comparison.

Waders: I only fish for wild Brown Trout in the many Brooks and small Rivers that surround me, I used all types of waders - the wall in the beat cabin is full of them, but with all the many Rocks, Boulders, underwater rock features I've found thick PVC chest waders seem to last Snowbee Granite I'm using.

~ Have you seen the Orvis episode were Tom is at that restaurant and looks under the high decking over the small river, and see's a pod of Carp, legs it to his Car crosses a Bridge to the other Bank about 8ft up from the water, casts a fly over the top of the railings down to the river under the decking at the opposite bank - go watch it JP

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#7 15 May 2024 at 6.41pm

0

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated as always

Keith, I remember you saying to me about some must have flies and don't get trapped into collecting them ( can think of worse hobbies mind :-))

I was in the fortunate position to have a avid fly fishing neighbour, in his 80s quite known in Prince Albert. I had a agreement with him that when I'd recovered from my chemo he'd take me out and teach me. Unfortunately before I did he passed away in Nov :-(....all that knowledge gone.

I still need a few more things. I bought a cheap rod (but good reviews for budget but I keep thinking about A Orvis Clearwater 9' #5 or Hardy NSX SR 8' #3, both very well regarded.
I bought a good rod for Pike too, that'll be fun!

As Keith says the Orvis vids are great, Tom is a star, the fly tie offs are funny and well worth a watch. I like his advice on small stream rods, goes against the grain arguing 9' makes it easier to keep fish off rocks in small streams, casting ability being less important.

Waders are a bug bear of mine, what to get.

Edit, Fulling Mill do a great catalogue to your door free

Defiant.one

Posts: 4330

Defiant.one

Old Thread

#6 15 May 2024 at 6.20pm

0

In reply to Post #5
If you’re thinking of going for carp on the fly it’s worth learning roll casting in your lesson too because bank side foliage will foul back casts in many swims

Otter Fences are my ultimate annoyance, by chance - perfectly positioned to rule out over-head casts.

Posts: 376

Carew

Old Thread

#5 15 May 2024 at 6.02pm

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In reply to Post #2
I would recommend the fly casting lesson. I’m a half decent fly caster but make sure I have a short lesson at least once a year to stop errors becoming habits. A previous post mentions getting a decent distance without false casting by the end of his lesson and there is a clue there. Most self taught fly anglers put a huge amount of energy into false casting for no additional benefit in terms of distance, and with reduced accuracy to boot. You can still catch that way but it makes it hard work for a relaxing hobby. If you’re thinking of going for carp on the fly it’s worth learning roll casting in your lesson too because bank side foliage will foul back casts in many swims

Defiant.one

Posts: 4330

Defiant.one

Old Thread

#4 15 May 2024 at 6.00pm

0

In reply to Post #3
Probably my favourite form of fishing- I'll literally cast a fly for anything that swims if the opportunity presents itself to me, depending on the time of year. It's wild brown Trout and Carp that are on the radar at present, then when the coarse season on the Rivers open - Dace, Roach, Grayling and Pike.

(Using different set up I might add, from 7ft #3 Creek Rod, 9ft #5 weight, up to 9ft #10 Pike/Carp Fly Rod)

You did right getting casting lessons from the off, bad habits are last thing you want.

I suggest you go onto the Orvis website and have a watch of there excellent videos, Tom Rosenbauer I could watch all day

Posts: 284

964rh

Old Thread

#3 15 May 2024 at 5.05pm

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In reply to Post #2
I held off until my lesson to try it for that exact reason, the instructor told me the same as you think, it can be hard to shake off bad habits

My day was £125 and included an hour or so talking about the sport, what flies to use (still have no idea on that) and a bit about etiquette on the water the lunch then 4-5 hrs fishing from the bank (or chest deep), well worth it for me as I started off casting like a complete tit throwing the rod backwards and forewords like a maniac. By the end of the day, I was getting half decent distance without false casting thanks to the course

Posts: 6631

vossy1

Old Thread

#2 15 May 2024 at 3.29pm

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In reply to Post #1
There's quite a few mate

Personally I've been building the kit up for the last few years and I'm hoping to give it a try soon, not sure whether to opt for a local casting lesson or just DIY. I've heard it's hard to get rid of bad habits once they creep in, then again a lot of friends are self taught and they are happy enough in their lot.

Posts: 284

964rh

Old Thread

#1 15 May 2024 at 1.58pm

0

Does anyone on here fly fish?

I had a try last week at Grafham reservoir with an instructor and although very different to having a few nights on the bank carp fishing, found it really enjoyable.


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