The Irish Game Fair & Country Lifestyle Festival

The Irish Game Fair is being held this year at Shanes Castle Co. Antrim in Northern Ireland on the 27th – 28th June 2009. The popular Fair has included more angling events this year, along with angling trade stands. There will be Fly Casting and Fly Tying Demonstrations with some of Irelands best known Fly Casters and Fly Dressers, free Fly Casting and Fly Tying workshops with Game Angling instrctors from APGAI Ieland and Fly Casting competitions with top prizes. For more informationon this event contact Hardy & Greys Academy Member, Stevie Munn .

Posted on April 22, 2009 Filed Under Fish, Fishing | Leave a Comment

Quitting smoking finaly pays off

I’ve been a smoker for most of my adult life now. I always knew one day I’d give it up but I’ve dreaded it. I have not been blessed with good willpower at all. Fortunately i was able to combine two of my major life goals; quit smoking and owning a Hardy demon reel . I have lusted after this reel since it’s release two years ago, the only problem being that i couldn’t justify owning one, the price of the reel was pretty much the same price as my current whole outfit. This is where the big quit came in. I had only been dimly aware of the amount i spent on tobacco, for as long as i can remember the cost of my habit was borne as would bare the cost of food, utilities and petrol. Once the connection was made between not smoking and owning this object of desire, the rest was easy. A couple of months later and I’m now the proud owner of a Hardy Demon Outfit and after a fly fishing packed Easter weekend, the sacrifice has definitely been worth it. I plumbed for the Hardy demon 9’6” 7wt rod as i would mainly fish small stillwaters and was looking for a rod that would allow me to cast into a decent headwind and yet still be subtle enough to present a couple of dries. The rod excels at both, i wouldn’t be a great caster but the rod is definitely alot more forgiving than my previous Greys GRX one. The smaller Demon 5000 reel was chosen as i would rarely need to go into the backing and I just thought it looked prettier more balanced. The drag is fantastic and the cartridges are easy to change. the only don side is that a rubber ring is used the cushion between the cartridge and the locking ring and I’ve almost lost this once already. I matched the outfit up with a WF floating two tone hardy fly line. This final extravagance was the sweetener on the deal I got from the tackle shop and I’m really pleased with it. There is very little memory, you can easily tell when the running line starts and it picks up off the water brilliant. So far I’ve managed to bring it out to two fisheries Woodford and Murloc both times there were active fish near the surface that were responding well to buzzers. The rod and reel have preformed admirably and whilst i struggle to justify the expense I am glad I went the extra distance and bought something i know I’ll use and cherish for the next decade or so

Posted on April 18, 2009 Filed Under Fish, Fishing, Fishing Diary | Leave a Comment

On The Sedge

It was the last day of my extended Bank Holiday I had an extra day, When Melanie said why don’t you have a few hours to round the break off I could not turn it down. A quick dash to the Ribble was what a decided on while in the car park putting on the waders a sedge landed, interesting ….. I got to the river and was met with a large hatch. More importantly fish were switched on and a good rise was taking place . I put on my closest imitation which on the water looked pretty good and made my way down stream to the furthest fish . My thoughts were on not spooking them I crawled down the bank and got within an easy cast of the first fish . My first cast brought a confident take ….wish I Could say the same of the hook up 1-0 to the fish .The next did the same and so on I even checked the hook thinking it must be broke . Finally I hit one a nice fish 12in . It was stuffed with Sedge . I carried on much the same tempted enough fish to keep me happy but missed more than for a very long time. Finally my ineptitude put the heads down and the chance was gone. I made my way down stream but the rivers low clear condition made the fishing hard. Time for a few snaps with the camera. A lovely Primrose was first when I got home I read a little about them……..The primrose has many uses – beautiful and glorious they are to look at, but did you know that the leaves can be used as a salve for wounds, or that the petals can be used to make wine! Turning over a few stones always brings out something of interest look like mini monsters . I found a fast crease and after a few plucks on the wet I finally got a little Parr . I enjoyed the evening but again my fishing wasn’t the best if I had hit half of the fish I could have had half a dozen at least it ended around 14-2 to the fish tonight but I can live with it.

Posted on April 15, 2009 Filed Under Fish, Fishing, Fishing Diary | Leave a Comment

Killyleagh Fly Fair 2009

Several members of the Hardy & Greys Game Academy will be attending one of the best events in the Irish angling calendar of 2009. This year’s Killyleagh Fly Fair is the second event run by the Dibney Conservation Trust and will be held in the Village of Dibney on Saturday 4 th and Sunday 5 th July 2009. The event marks the celebration of the art of Fly Tying and Casting with world renowned Fly Tyers and casters including Hardy & Greys Game Product Manager, Howard Croston, Territory Sales Managers Steve Peterson and Tom Doc’ Sullivan, as well as Game Academy members including Stephen Kennedy , Stevie Munn , Willie Holmes and Pat Mulholland . The Fly Fair will include nonstop casting demonstrations, workshops run by AAPGAI members, river forums and discussions as well as tying demo’s. The Fair will be open from 10.30am on both days. For further information contact strangfordguidingco@btinternet.com

Posted on April 14, 2009 Filed Under Fish, Fishing | Leave a Comment

Carp Fishing – Winter Carping Pt6

I can’t believe just how cold its been over Christmas and new year!. Prior to this fishing session I’m writing about now, which took place on Saturday 17th January, my last winter carp session was on boxing day !. With the lakes iced over for a few weeks I eventually decided to make a start on reviewing some of the fishing gear I use and my first review was on kryston silkworm braid, a hooklength material I’ve been using for over 15 years now. As I’ve used this material for so long it seemed logical to review one of my favourites first. I’ve also added a few new links to this blog, notably Mo’s Co Pva , mo has been supplying carp anglers with pva for years and I use his gear myself, you’ll find a link to mo’s ebay shop in the right hand navigation under ‘recommended sites’. Also added to this section are a few north west based ebay shops, northern monkeys owner Julian Grattidge has a new ebay shop called ‘ Darkside Tackle ’, Trafford Angling Supplies and the Cheshire based Koala Products . Ebay is a great source of cheap fishing tackle and these guys are local to the north west area so give them your support!. Saturday 17th January was a cold day, if it wasn’t for the fact that we’d had wind and rain prior to the weekend I wouldn’t have bothered going but I suspected the lakes would be ice free and as I pulled into the car park my thoughts were proved right, the water was bendy and that was enough for me. I wasn’t alone on this session, there was another carp angler on the water and he had beaten me to the fish. The carp were stacked up at the entrance to the bay and he was just about on them, I couldn’t really drop in on his left hand side as my own angling etiquette wouldn’t allow it, I wouldn’t have been happy if it was done to me so I wasn’t going to do it to someone else!. I had very little choice but to set up in the main area of the lake, this at least gave me access to my faithful hotspot so I covered this area with one rig and I put the other just off to one side, both rods were just fished with pellet hookbaits and a small pva mesh bag. I was in for a struggle today, the other guy had the fish covered and he was first into a carp, he was also second and third into the carp as well as he picked them off from the bay entrance. My swim remained quiet, nothing showed in front or on my right but I had the hotspot covered and this spot has very rarely failed to produce at least one carp on each winter session!. The first few hours of my 6th winter session had been quiet, I was sitting watching the water when I had a single bleep came from the delkim . I sat and watched but nothing happened for a few seconds, I wasn’t sure if it was a carp or not as it was quite windy by this time, I glanced at my watch and it was 1.30pm, as I looked back up at the water my delkim started a very slow run and as I went to grab the rod I watched my monkey climber slowly pull up. I hit it and sure enough I found myself attached to my first carp of 2009. I was pleased to be into a fish, I’d have hated to start the new year with a blank!. The fish didn’t do much, it just kited from side to side all the way in and after a few minutes in the margins I eventually slipped the net under an ‘average for the water’ common carp. That’ll do me I thought, I gathered my unhooking mat and scales , set up the camera and got on with weighing and photographing the fish. The common turned the scales to 14lb 6oz, not a small fish and not a big one either but it was my first fish of 2009 so I was happy to at least get myself ‘off the mark’ so to speak. First winter carp of 2009, a common of 14lb 6oz I covered the hotspot again, 1.30pm was an hour earlier than my boxing day capture from the same spot so I had a bit longer left this time and I was hopeful of another fish. Once I was settled down it was back to the waiting, I was slowly getting more and more restless as time ticked by. My reason for this was that evening time is usually regarded as the best time on my winter carp water and I was convinced a second run would come. I held on and held on in the hope that the hotspot would give up a second fish but it never did. I even stayed an extra 15 minutes until 16.45pm but it was all in vain and I couldn’t add another carp to my now running 2009 tally. I even left the rods as late as possible before spodding in some pellets ready for next week, doing this put me at risk of getting wet as the rainy clouds where looming in the distance. I managed to get my gear in the car just in time and as I pulled out of the car park the heavens opened and it lashed down!. Despite only catching one fish I left feeling lucky I was still dry!

Posted on April 12, 2009 Filed Under Fish, Fishing, Fishing Report | Leave a Comment

On Golden Pond

Mike mentioned that he may get a few hours out and fancied a local pond it was one my Dad took me in my early fishing days. Mike rang to say he was catching but I had only just got home, the rain was falling and I rated my chances as low but as you may guess a couple of hours later I was by the waters edge Mike was into a nice fish within moments of my arrival , he had only caught smallish ones until then. It turned out to be a nice Tench. My first put in brought me a nice Roach on worm, this continued good steady fishing. A few missed bites and I Said to Mike I think Skimmer Bream have arrived the next fish confirmed my suspicions Mike gave me some pinkies I soon realised why he was using pellets!! Mike was into another fish it circled around Crucian carp was what we guessed at. We guessed rite a lovely little fish . I may now get to take my Dad fishing for the first time in four years just need a little warm weather he will be happy to catch fish like the one Mike had. I remember him sitting for hours in the same spot as Mike fished over thirty years ago catching the same sort of fish.

Posted on April 11, 2009 Filed Under Fish, Fishing, Fishing Trips | Leave a Comment

Helford Estuary fishing – for Mick

I have recently had this question sent to me via email. I enjoy answering questions and helping people out, it also gives me inspiration to write and think of other articles. So please fire some questions at me. Anyway, Mick has asked – Hi, i am staying in a cottage which has access to the above river. This is in May, if possible i would like to know what fish are in the river and tips on how to catch them. Also do i need a licence to fish the river. To answer your question Mick in revers order. As I understand it a Rod Licence is required when fishing for freshwater fish, eels, Salmon or Sea Trout anywhere in England or Wales as well as out to sea for up to 6 miles. So unless you are seeking these species you are in the clear, fishing the estuary (up to the region were tide still has an effect). There are some tips regarding species and technique here in the beginners guide – Here is the most pertinent Estuary fishing also you might want to check out Kayaking fishing in the Helford . There is also another article here for Mullet fishing in the Helford Okay a quick resume here for you, Mullet – light float fishing / spinning gear – bread for bait, ground bait with pilchard and bread mash. Mackerel – Spinning gear, small lures – best in warm conditions nearer the mouth of the estuary. Bream – light tackle – float fish but near the bottom – shell fish as bait, prawns, mussel etc Bass – DO NOT CATCH & KEEP – the Helford is a Bass nursery!! Pollock – beach casting, lures, floats – Generally smaller specimens – fish nearer the mouth. Wrasse – Light gear for best sport – Rag worm, near the rocks, again closer to the mouth. Dog fish, Ray, Flatties and Conger can all be caught with heavier beach casting gear and rigs. So, I hope this helps. Please comment if I have missed something or you would like to add something. Related Posts: Mullet fishing in the Helford River Fishing tips for beginners part 9 The Estuary Mullet Fishing Kayak fishing reconnaissance and I was ambushed Westbay in September, Bass, Mullet, Mackerel and Garfish

Posted on April 9, 2009 Filed Under Fish, Fishing, Fishing Trips, Lake Fishing, Sea Fishing, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Sheltons Celebrate with an Open Weekend

Sheltons of Peterborough are celebrating the opening of their new store with an open weekend. The weekend will take place over Easter on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th April. Come and see all of the new products from Greysincluding the new Torsion rod range and Bivvy . Free parking for the event is available. For more information on the open day visit www.sheltonsfishing.co.uk

Posted on April 8, 2009 Filed Under Fish, Fishing | Leave a Comment

Spring Time Fly Fishing Gear Tune-Up – Part 4 – Reels & Rods

Your rod and reel are the most important parts of your fly fishing gear. There are a few simple things you can do to make sure they give you years of great service. Reels There’s really not much to say about maintaining reels, other than … lubricate them as per the manufacturers’ instructions! As with anything that has moving parts, friction develops. The heat caused by excessive friction will cause wear and tear that did not have to happen if the part was properly lubricated. The best lubricant to use is lithium grease – don’t be trying to squirt 10W-30 inside your reel! For the most part, today’s reels require very little maintenance and you shouldn’t have to do to much to keep them in good shape. One thing that is very important, especially if you spend any time at all on saltwater is to rinse your reels completely and thoroughly in fresh water. It’s a good idea to give your reels a quick rinse after each fishing trip anyhow, to remove any dirt and grime. Check for bits of dirt between the spool and the reel. Today’s reels usually are constructed with very close tolerances, and a bit of grit can cause the reel to not perform well. You might also want to consider cleaning the cork drag system. Wipe it clean with a paper towel, being sure to remove any dirt or grit on the surface. Fly Rods Most anglers spend more money on their fly rods than any other piece of tackle. They also expect it to perform optimally all the time, yet many anglers forget that a fly rod is in fact a tool that is made from several different parts. If one of those parts is defective or worn, it could dramatically decrease the performance of the rod. Be sure to take a look at the following parts of your fly rod, and if you find anything that seems amiss, take it in to the closest competent repair shop, or contact the manufacturer to determine whether the problem is covered by warranty: Guides, or ‘eyes’ as they are sometimes referred to, ensure that your line is properly carried along the rod and is acted upon during the force of casting. There are different types of guides that are now used on fly rods, however traditionally, and probably still the most common, are what are known as ’snake’ guides. Most snake guides are made from hard chrome. One of the most important guides to take a good look at is the one at the very tip of your rod, known as the ‘tip top’. This guide bears the most pressure of all, and consequently, is the one most prone to wear and tear. If you are at all dubious about the amount of friction that a fly rod guide puts up with, try this experiment: Have someone hold a piece of fly line against some part of your body. Ask them to pull it back and forth over your skin with some force and speed. I guarantee that in a few moments, you will be asking them to stop as the heat builds up and your skin begins to wear off! With this experiment in mind, check that tip top for signs of grooving. As the tip top grooves, this causes even more friction against your lines as it travels through the guide. As well, small microscopic burrs can develop which in time will damage your fly lines and decrease their life. If your tip top has any signs of wear, have it replaced, or try replacing it yourself. If you have a professional repair done, you shouldn’t expect to pay anymore than $5.00 to $10.00 for a simple chrome tip top. The rest of your guides are actually held onto the rod with thread that has been wrapped around the guide feet. Modern rods have an epoxy coating over the thread wraps. Sometimes, the epoxy can develop cracks with the constant flexing of the rod. The cracks themselves are not unexpected nor will they cause any decrease in the performance of the rod. However, over time, the epoxy can weaken and the guides may loosen away from the blank. So, check the guides and ensure that there is no wiggling from them underneath their wraps. There is no need to use a great deal of pressure – just a very light tug to ensure they are still secure. Again, if you find one that needs attention, a good rod builder should be able to rewrap the guide for you. Better this than have the guide come loose all together and impede your casting performance! Ring type guides are becoming more popular on fly rods, rather than snake guides. The inner ring that contacts the fly line is usually made of Silicon Carbide (SiC), a very hard and smooth material that provides great heat disipation and less friction than chrome. These rings will not groove like chrome will, but you should still give them a quick check. For one thing, on guides that are not of the best quality, the inner ring can come loose from the guide frame. If this happens, you will want to ensure the complete guide is replaced. The next thing to check is the reel seat. There is the possibility that the bond between the reel seat and the rod blank has weakened and the reel seat is not solidly attached. This is more true with older rods but it is always a good idea to check anyhow. If you do find a reel seat that is need of repair, this is best done either by the manufacturer, who will probably replace the whole butt section, or by a competent rod builder, which could be a bit more costly. Some rods simply wouldn’t be worth it. Finally, why not give that cork handle a nice clean-up? You probably have forgotten how much brighter it looked when it was first new! Over time, cork can become very dirty, but this is easily removed with a good scrubbing using a damp, fine soap pad such as Scotch-BriteTM or an S.O.S.® pad. When you’re done scrubbing, give the handle a final rinse with water. You will be amazed at how good that cork handle will look. Now, that you’ve got your fly fishing equipment all tuned up, you’re ready for the season! Go catch some fish.

Posted on April 7, 2009 Filed Under Fish, Fishing, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Hart Flyshop Open Day

Nick Hart is holding a dedicated Fly Fishing Open Day at his West Country Store, Hart Flyshop on Saturday 2 nd May 2009 from 9.30am. Hardy & Greys Ltd Consultant and AAPGAI Instructor, Nick, along with qualified casting instructors will be performing demonstrations and providing distance and presentation casting tips. Pete Gibson, Hardy & Greys Ltd Territory Sales Manager will also be attending the event and demonstrating the very latest equipment from the world famous tackle manufacturer. Some of the new product on show will be the Angel 2 , Classic and X-Flite ranges. The event will also be supported by International Fly Fishing Specialist, Aardvark McLeod who will be offering expert advice on fishing across the globe. For further information visit www.hartflyfishing.blogspot.com .

Posted on April 7, 2009 Filed Under Fish, Fishing | Leave a Comment

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