UK's Premier Fly Fishing & Fly Tying Guide

Welcome To The UK's
Premier Fly Fishing & Fly Tying Site
• THE SITE DEDICATED TO FLY FISHING AND FLY TYING •
by Dave Fink
Flint, Flintshire, N. Wales

Site Features Include

	Fly Casting Techniques		Fly Fishing Strategy
	Fly Fishing Tactics on Stillwaters		Fly Tying Techniques & Patterns
	Fly Fisheries & Venues		Fly Fishing Tackle Retailers
	Fishing Tackle Manufacturers		Recipes for cooking your trout !

What I am attempting to do via this website is to shed a bit of light about the delights of fly fishing. I hope to guide you in the right direction around some of the pitfalls which might befall the new fly fisherman.

The most important advice to begin with is... Don't rush out and buy a load of tackle which may be of little use to you. Start by getting some lessons from your local APGAI instructor before parting with any of your hard earned cash.

The reason for this is simple - you may not take to the sport (which I seriously doubt...) but, more than likely, you will buy the wrong equipment for where you intend to fish. A couple of hours with a qualified instructor will give you the basic technique on how to cast.

Your APGAI instructor will ask you a few questions, such as where you intend to fish, and from your answers, he will be able to advise you on what AFTM rating rod you will need, the type of fly line and other essential equipment.

I have listed below some of the pages I have put together in an attempt to start you off right in this wonderful sport. If there is something you don't find here, please feel free to email me with your questions - I will be pleased to help !

Fly Fishing and Fly Tying for Trout - an introduction to flyfishing and flytying for the learner using pictorial examples in step-by-step guides. Successful Stillwater Fly Fishing starts here!

Assembling your fly rod and line correctly, using the right knots, will aid your presentation and help your casting.

Fishing the buzzer and fishing the nymph can be mystifying at first - unravel the so-called mysteries and discover the techniques in this superb guide.

Recognition of Aquatic Insects plays a big part in fly-fishing for trout. Distinguish which flies are hatching on the stillwaters and which imitation to choose from your flybox.

The Guide to Tying Your Own Flies uses step-by-step pictures to ease you into the fascinating hobby of Fly Tying - the pastime to enjoy when not fly-fishing.

Flyfishers knot guide and Flyline knot guide clearly demonstrates the preferred knots to use when casting a fly to the waiting trout.

Choose your favourite recipe to cook your captured trout.

• Essentials for Bank Fishing •

Apart from the obvious, such as rods, reels and a selection of lines that all trout anglers need, there is also a whole range of other equipment that is needed for a successful day on any stillwater.

• CLOTHING •

Warm and weatherproof clothing is important, no matter where you enjoy your fishing. It's essential to be protected from the elements because you can be caught out, at any time, by a sudden storm while bank fishing miles from the nearest shelter. For cold weather, several layers, including a wind-stopping fleece, covered by a knee-length waterproof jacket is the best option, unless you intend wading when you would be wiser using the shorter version. If you intend doing much boat fishing, then a one-piece waterproof bib-and-brace suit is a good idea.

• SUNGLASSES •

Eyes are a precious commodity that must be protected at all costs. A fly travelling at speed can do very serious damage - never fish without them in place. A polarising pair also enables you to spot fish below the water.

• HATS •

Baseball type hats are ideal as the wide brim affords shading that enhances vision when used in conjunction with your polarising sunglasses. A hat also adds protection from those errant flies, shades you from the sun and keeps the top of your head warm.

• NETS •

Like everything else, there are several types of nets that you can choose from. If you are fishing from a boat, you will need the short handled variety that won't be so awkward in the close confines of your typical boat. On the other hand, bank fishermen are more comfortable with the longer handled sort that gives greater reachability. Some of these even have retractable spikes that can be pushed into the bank when not in use.

• BAGS •

Bank anglers nearly always opt for the smaller, lighter shoulder bags to keep their tackle in. Others stuff everything into their waistcoat pockets to make moving around the stillwater as easy as possible. The only criteria really is making sure that it is waterproof so that the contents are kept dry when the torrential rains start! Boat anglers are able to use bigger bags as once in the boat, there is no longer any need to carry it.

• HOOK SHARPENER •

This is one of the most used bits of tackle in my armament. I learnt many years ago of the detriment of a blunt hook in terms of missed trout. Make no mistake, a sharp hook means that more takes result in properly hooked trout.

• BASS BAG •

Catching a trout early in a hot summers session means that before you know it, your trout is nearly cooked! Put your trout in a damp bass bag and place it in the shade to keep it relatively fresh.

• FORCEPS •

I always carry a pair of long nosed forceps with me. They are ideal for retrieving the occassionly deep-hooked fly or if you accidently hook a pike.

• PRIEST •

Having caught your trout, you must despatch it quickly and efficiently by using the aptly-named Priest to deliver it's last rites!

• MARROWSPOON •

When you have caught your first trout, it makes sense to find out what it was feeding on. A marrowspoon is intended for just this purpose and soon helps you discover what it was they have been eating.

• ROD LICENCE •

Failure to provide a valid Environment Agency rod licence could result in prosecution (maximum fine £2,500). Rod fishing licences are available from:

Every Post Office in England and Wales.

The Telesales Service: 0870 1662 662 (for full and junior concessionary licences)

The Internet: (for full, junior concessions, 1 and 8-day licences)

Visitor Number

Web Designer & Owner: Dave Fink
Telephone: 044 • 01352 • 733907
Mobile: 07818 • 460 • 270
Postal address: 78 Halkyn Road, Flint, Flintshire, United Kingdom, CH6 5UJ
Electronic mail: davefink@btopenworld.com

Email Dave