The Fly Fisher’s Free Emagazine

Issue 10

December 2013

Grayling Fishing the River Clyde Aberdares Trout at 10,000 ft on the Equator

Tackle Reviews Fishing Reports

Kingfisher Fishing Help for Heroes Competition

Back in Patagonia A Trout’s Eye View

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Welcome to the December issue of “The Flyfisher” the free Emagazine by keen fly fishers for keen fly fishers throughout the UK and Abroad. To advertise within the magazine or the website http://theflyfisher.webs.com please email ukflyfisher@gmail.com for an advertising rates quote Parent website: www.flyfishingdirectory.co.uk Sister website: http://theflyfisher.webs.com If you would like to contribute a free story, a fishing report along with Photographs; please email them to ukflyfisher@gmail.com Please include a bio about yourself so that it can be added to your article.

Robin Lambert: Editor “The Flyfisher” Email: ukflyfisher@gmail.com . Contents Grayling Fishing on the River Clyde: Page 6 Fly of the Month: Page 8 Tackle Reviews: Page 9 Recipe of the Month: Page 10 Aberdares Trout at 10,000 ft on the Equator by Johnny Onslow: Page 11 Gone Fishing Kenya Limited: Page 14 Fishing Reports: Page 18 Kingfisher Fishing: Page 24 Help for Heroes Open Individual Fly Fishing Competition: Page 25 Turneffe Flats Fishing – Belize: Page 28 Back in Patagonia by Justin Witt: Page 29

A Trout’s Eye View: Page 30

Are you searching for a great family holiday with some fantastic fishing?

Do you want the very best accommodation coupled with fantastic fishing?

If your answer is yes then your search ends here. Check out the parent website for some fantastic fishing holidays around the world.

http://theflyfisher.webs.com/fishing-around-the-world

© The Flyfisher

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Grayling Fishing on the River Clyde

The River Clyde rises in the borders hills near Moffat and offers exceptional trout and grayling fishing in gin clear water. The ongoing rehabilitation and clean up of the lower Clyde, which was until recently extremely polluted, has now made it possible for salmon and sea trout to re-establish within the river.

The river flows 106 miles from its source near Beattock Summit to the Firth of Clyde firstly through open countryside in the upper Clyde valley then the populated urban areas south of Glasgow and the city centre. The Clyde begins as the Daer Water which flows north from Daer Reservoir in the Lowther Hills of South Lanarkshire. A number of small streams, the Potrail Water and Clydes Burn run into the Daer above Elvanfoot to become the River Clyde. On its course the river flows past the villages of Crawford, Abington and Libberton where the Medwin Water enters the Clyde from the west at The Meetings. Below this junction the river flows west, then southwest to Hyndford Bridge. Downstream of the bridge the Douglas Water joins the river which then flows northwest to Bonnington Linn and Corra Linn known as the Falls of Clyde. Below Corra Linn the Stonebyers Falls west of Kirkfieldbank bar the passage of migratory fish to the upper river, however trout and grayling fishing above the falls is excellent. Downstream of the falls the river flows northwest to be joined by the River Nethan just below Crossford at Nethanfoot. It then flows past the towns of Wishaw and Motherwell where the Avon Water joins the river at Ross House, then follows a circuitous route alongside Strathclyde Loch, past Bothwell and Uddingston enter the Clyde Estuary west of Glasgow. As with all major rivers in Scotland the Clyde is covered by a Protection Order under the Freshwater and Fisheries Act. Because of the pollution problem salmon had been excluded from the Clyde for over two centuries, as a result the Clyde became renowned as a trout and grayling water and the effect of the Protection Order has been to enhance access to fishing as there were no conflicts with salmon interests. Fishing permits are available along the length of the river from Angling Clubs, Post Offices, shops and hotels There are a number of angling associations that offer season and day ticket fishing for salmon, sea trout, brown trout and grayling. Upstream of the tidal limits the Mid Clyde A.A. has 8 miles of water/fishing between Rutherglen and Hamilton. Fresh off the tide salmon and sea trout are regularly caught in the area. The United Clyde Angling Protective Association have approximately 40 miles of water/fishing from Motherwell Bridge to Stonebyres Falls on the lower river and Carstairs to Thankerton and Roberton to the headwaters on the upper river. The Hozier A.C has fishing between Stonebyres and Carstairs. On the upper river the Lamington and District A.A. has 9 miles of excellent trout water Between Thankerton and Roberton The best technique and nothing more rewarding nor effective a method in cold weather is using the Czech nymph, a modern variation of the more traditional ‘upstream nymph’ technique of fly fishing. Czech nymphing was originally designed to be used on larger rivers, where an angler would ordinarily be waded in, casting a heavily weighted nymph on a fairly short line a few yards slightly upstream, allowing it to drift down as the fly sinks to a point about 45 degrees downstream. While retrieving line to stay in contact with the nymph, you watch for movement on the end of the fly line that indicates a taking fish, with this almost invariably being seen rather than felt! Due to the size of the Clyde, in most places this technique can be employed from the bank, and there is no need to wade too deeply in the water, a fly rod of 8 or 9 feet combined with a number 6 or 7 floating line is all that’s required.

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A short cast of about ten yards made either directly or obliquely upstream is the best approach, with the line allowed to drift back towards you while recovering and watching it carefully for any tell-tale pulls against or across the current. The leader does not have to be any longer than about six feet of 3lb line, the weighted nymph being the point fly and any dropper being tied on about eighteen inches higher up. Depending on the weight of the nymph used, the point fly will cause the line to sink in proportion to the strength of the current. A stronger current will demand a heavier nymph, as grayling are nearly always found near the bottom, too a light a fly will cause the flies to drift ineffectively over their heads. On the other hand, too heavy a nymph in a light a current will cause the point fly to sink too quickly. Like with all good fly fishing methods, correct balance of flies and line is the key! While Czech nymphs and various heavily weighted shrimp patterns are often favoured for grayling fishing in winter, in lighter flows traditional weighted patterns like the GBHE and Pheasant Tail can be just as effective, if not more so. Remember to always make your cast upstream and not across the river as the pressure of the rod and current will cause the flies to rise up in the water and past the fish. Remember that the grayling are mostly always bottom feeders so don’t fish your flies too high in the water. As with most fishing flies, Polish woven nymphs and the angling techniques used to fish them evolved to solve certain problems, not the least of which was the fact that these were immensely popular in match fishing competitions where no weight was allowed on the leader. Combine the no-split-shot rule and the swift currents common in that area of Europe, the anglers devised a way to get their flies down to the fish quickly and effectively. Thus - Polish nymphing and Polish woven nymphs. As with any style, change the materials to suit your needs. Some authentic (i.e. tied in the Czech Republic) nymphs sport such diverse materials as latex taken from surgical gloves, eel skin, and even sausage casings. Once again, we see where fly tiers are an inventive, if odd, bunch of folks. Don't believe me? Check out some of the cat gut nymphs on the web. Given that, all Czech nymphs adhere to a few simple principles: They are heavy They are slim They sport some sort of shellback, usually darker in colour than the abdomen They are tied on a curved "grub" style hook Grayling flies are most famously based along the Red Tag family, a red wool tail, peacock herl body and a ginger hackle. The red tag being a fly from Worcestershire made famous by a well known Yorkshire angler Walbran. Variants having various coloured tags or hackles. Lady Grayling will take many flies as does the Trout. Having a low mouth they are mainly bottom feeders though can give great sport on the dry fly. Now many fishers use heavy weighted flies such as bugs or shrimps, though your Clyde flies will catch equally as well, Typical Clyde flies:- Grayling Witch; Red Rag; Terry’s Terror; Woven Nymph; Honey Dun Bumble; Grayling Steel Blue; Gold Head Nymph; Black Magic; Claret Shrimp and Gold Head Hares Era Shrimp.

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Fly of The Month Czech Nymph

Step 1: Cut a strip of adhesive backed lead about 1/16th inch wide and about 3 inches long. Step 2: Strip the paper backing off the lead and start the wraps partially down the bend of the hooks. Wrap toward the eye in touching but not overlapping turns, much like you would do with tinsel. Step 3: Wrap a second layer of lead tape partially over the first - not extending all the way to either end. For larger hook sizes, a third layer of lead tape can be added without disturbing the fly's proportions. Step 4: Attach your thread and wrap over the lead under body. What you want is a weighted under body that is slim and tapers smoothly and evenly to the hook shank. Don't crowd the eye. Step 5: Trim a point in the end of a piece of shellback material so that, once tied in, the material straddles the hook with equal portions of the material on each side. Step 6: Wrap back over the shellback material deep into the bend of the hook. It helps to stretch the material as you go, again to keep the under body as slim as possible. Once again - try to maintain symmetry with respect to the hook shank. Step 7: Once the shellback material is tied in, you can tie in your ribbing material. Step 8: For most Czech nymphs, there are two ribs. One that is goes underneath the shellback, and one that goes over the shellback to create the segmentation. A bit of tippet material is the perfect choice, since it can be wrapped with strong pressure yet practically disappears in the final fly. Pick a size that is thin yet strong. 5x seems about right Step 9: Tie the monofilament rib on the far side of the hook. This will allow you to complete almost a ful turn before the ribbing crossed over the fly, allowing for a proportionally correct first segment. Step 10: All sorts of things can be used for the abdomen of a Czech nymph, as long as it supports the goal of a slim finished fly. In this case, you can use a bit of synthetic dubbing in a light olive colour. Step 11: Dub the abdomen such that 2/3's to 3/4's of the body is covered. Since the under body of the fly already has a tapered shape, there is not need to intentionally taper the dubbing amount on your thread. Try to maintain a consistent sparse amount of dubbing, avoiding lumps and bumps in the body. Step 12: For the thorax, a spiky dubbing that has a contrasting colour will not only help you create the illusion of movement and legs, but many caddis and other underwater critters are darker in the thorax/head area. In this case, I'm using a bit of dark olive squirrel, which dubs beautifully and lends itself to "picking". Step 13: No need for bulk. Wrap the thorax to approximately the same thickness as the abdomen, wrapping the dubbing right to the back of the hook eye. Step 14: Bring your ribbing tinsel forward in an open spiral. Take care not to space the wraps too closely. The rib is just an accent - a bit of sparkle and flash in an otherwise drab fly. Step 15: Bring the tinsel all the way to the hook eye and tie off. Step 16: Fold the shellback material forward over the back of the nymph, taking care to keep it centered. Stretch it enough such that it folks over the edge of the body, but not so much that it loses much of its width. Step 17: Tie off the shellback and check again for position before trimming off the tag ends. Once the tag ends are trimmed, it would be difficult to untie and correct a misaligned shellback. Slight adjustments are possible, but a wholesale re-do would be difficult. Step 18: Stretch the shellback material and clip off the tag end. By stretching, there is very little material left once trimmed and thus not much to cover with thread. Step 19: Begin to wind the monofilament ribbing forward, taking care to keep the wraps somewhat in the middle of the flat tinsel wraps. If you wrap softly then pull up strongly on the near side (assuming right handed tyer), there is less chance of shifting the shellback than if you wrapped over the shellback with high tension. Step 20: Tie off the monofilament securely. It is slippery stuff, so maintain tension on the ribbing and the thread as you are tying it off. Step 21: Wrap a neat head and whip finish. Step 22: With a bodkin or needle, pick at the thorax to free up some of the guard hairs, offering the illusion of legs

Hook: Partridge K4A, #8

Underbody: Adhesive backed lead tape

Thread: Danville Flymaster 6/0, White

Shellback: Olive scud back, trimmed to 1/8"

Ribbing: Flat gold holographic tinsel and 5x mono tippet

Abdomen: Scintilla dubbing, golden olive

Thorax: Squirrel dubbing, dark olive

Marking pen: Edding 142 (dark brown

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Tackle Reviews

This months tackle review is on the Hardwear Winter Boots All tackle reviews are impartial and honest reviews undertaken by the editor. If you want an honest and frank review of your fly fishing tackle please email me at ukflyfisher@gmail.com

Get ready for another long cold winter with these wonderfully cosy waterproof boots. With slip resistant soles, you'll be ready to go every morning, rain or snow. Comfortable enough to wear all day long these boots are perfect for walking the dog and simply enjoying the outdoors. I've been looking for some new boots for my Winter fly fishing on the river and at local fisheries.

I bought these boots last year as they were on offer from my local online tackle store - Fishtec. The service from them was brilliant, very fast and very helpful. So, to the boots, first impression was very good, well made and at a great price (£19.99) I've now worn them about 30 times throughout the year whilst out boat fishing on the great lochs of Scotland; standing on the edge of the river and fly fisheries on a wet cold day and can honestly say they are very very comfortable and exremely light to wear. Plus they kept my feet dry and warm, which isa bonus at my age when my feet get cold the toes start to hurt like mad and very uncomfortable walking the banks. The main downside I found for the boots is the ankle support, with them being so light there isn't very much support due to the softness of the leggings and whilst not a huge problem for me they might be for some people. It was very cold last winter with some heavy snow falls and I used them for walking back and forth to work through the snow and found they gripped really well and kept my feet warm. I did wear thicker winter socks during the colder snaps. I would recommend that you purchase a size bigger if you want to wear really thick socks or two pairs of socks inside your boots. You can obtain these boots from any good stockists. They should be £29.99 but you can get them from either Fishtec or from the Glasgow Angling Centre still at only £19.99. They might not be at the top end of the range and expensive, but they are well worth the investment.

RRP: £29.99

Now Only: £19.99 Rating 4*

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Recipe of the Month

Smoked Trout Pâté

This pâté is delicious on crackers or thinly sliced grilled toasts. If you prefer a smoked trout salad, keep the fish pieces larger and, rather than mixing the fish to break it up, gently fold it into just enough sauce to coat it INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup crème fraîche or sour cream

1 tablespoon drained and rinsed capers

1 tablespoon finely chopped chives

1 tablespoon finely chopped tarragon

1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika

Pinch cayenne pepper

Juice of 1 medium lime

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

10 ounces smoked trout meat (from about three 8-ounce whole Smoked Trout

Crackers or thinly sliced toasts, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium, nonreactive bowl, combine the crème fraîche or sour cream, capers, chives, tarragon, paprika, cayenne, and lime juice.

Season with salt and pepper.

Using your hands, break the trout into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones and skin. Add the fish to the crème fraîche mixture. Stir rapidly with a spoon, using the spoon to break up the fish, until the mixture is a spreadable consistency.

Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Serve on crackers or thinly sliced toasts

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Aberdares Trout at 10,000 ft on the Equator

By Johnny Onslow

It was clear that it had rained hard as we signed in at the National Park gate in the Aberdares in central Kenya. The verges of the track were white with hail, but the cloud was lifting and the sun beginning to reassert itself. There are five rivers that are easily accessible and all have a self-sustaining population of either brown or rainbow trout. Both species are thriving. We were a party of 15 and many had attended Pembroke House School in their youth and remained firm friends and keen fishermen ever since. Accommodation was in two fully equipped bandas. A friend had kindly agreed to organize the catering, so all we had to do was to ensure that we had an up to date trout license and get ourselves there.

Two of the party who had arrived early were in the stream when we arrived. Despite fishing perhaps some of the most fished water in the park, they managed a couple of pan sized browns for supper. As the light faded several bush buck and duiker appeared in the clearing around the houses grazing happily a few yards from us. In no time the temperature dropped below zero and we were huddled around a cheerful fire and swapping the usual unlikely tales. The only slight drawback was that a herd of elephant had recently been through and trampled the hot water boiler, so showers were distinctly chilly. The first tale was a true story; that had happened to a friend and his daughter a few weeks before on one of the rivers we planned to fish in the morning. Having tired of fishing she was sitting on a small bridge in the late afternoon while father was casting a fly a hundred yards up-stream. Aware of something snuffling her hair, she turned only to be faced with a wild dog sniffing at her. The rest of the pack was a few yards further back. There seemed no sense of danger, simply curiosity. Certainly most of us had encountered the odd buffalo or elephant while fishing, but not wild dog. Most of the party were up with the dawn, some seeking solace with panadol. We had decided to split up and visit three different rivers and report back at breakfast on the conditions. My brief was the Gikururu River, a small moorland stream which I had not fished before. At its widest it was about four yards, but with long slow deep sections interspersed with enticing runs from time to time. The access was easier than most rivers I had fished in that area, with open banks of tussocky grass and only limited thick giant heather to force a way through. It is these sections that always hold the potential of buffalo lurking and it is wise to make as much noise as possible. All we saw on this

occasion was a bushbuck doe bounding out of the heather.

Tackling up with frost on the grass. First cast of the day. The river was up and coloured from the rain the day before. We decided on some heavily weighted tungsten hares ear and pheasant tail nymphs and were rewarded with several fish that shied at the flies, but with no positive takes. Chris decided to change to some strange

concoction that yielded a nice breakfast sized brown.

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Chris with breakfast. One of the many enticing runs.

A bushbuck bounds through the tussocks.

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After breakfast the team decided to split and explore the Karuru River and some opted for sightseeing and walking. The story was much the same on the other rivers, high and coloured though everyone had landed fish and there was no shortage for breakfast.

The team relaxes outside one of the bandas.

There are four spectacular water falls that are easily accessible so the walking party were happy. The Karuru River also produced some attractive and productive water as it was not in flood and was clear. This river has rainbows and there were several fish of just under a pound that fell to the tungsten nymphs.

Karuru Falls Gura Falls In the afternoon it poured, which just about put paid to any further ideas of fishing. However we all left on the Sunday morning having felt we had cast enough flies to make the trip thoroughly worthwhile.

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Gone Fishing Kenya Limited

Gone Fishing Ltd started production informally in 2003 with a core of three tiers. Since then the business has expanded as more tiers have been trained with the input of professionals from the UK. The company now has a core of more than 85 experienced tiers and training is taking place all the time. Throughout the emphasis is on quality and attention to detail. Almost all our materials are imported which is the only way to ensure that the highest quality flies are being tied.

At Gone Fishing we specialise in supplying high-quality flies matched with an unusually reliable and accommodating quality of service. For almost a decade we have been supplying businesses and fly distributors all over the world with: A huge selection of over 3,000 high-quality flies; which we have developed over the years. We take great care to source the best materials importing genetic hackles from the US and specialist materials from the best suppliers in the UK. We also offer a worldwide money back guarantee if for whatever reason you’re dissatisfied with your order – but we’re confident you won’t be! We do ask that the flies are returned to us first at our cost. A highly attentive and personal service; where every order is dealt with individually, from start to finish. We believe in the importance of reliable and professional customer service, and we think it is refreshing to be able to talk to someone who will listen to you and take time to understand your needs. We are proud to have grown by a factor of twenty in just ten years because our clients value our service and tell all their friends about us.

The option to package, brand and distribute your order as you like. If you want to sell our flies on, we’re very happy to

help by dispatching them in units for you, printing and branding them with your logo, and sending them worldwide as and how your business demands. We don’t impose restrictive contracts nor insist on minimum order quantities or exclusivity deals. We are a locally-based business run from Rongai, in Kenya, by the director Johnny Onslow, who was born in Kenya, and his staff of 85 tiers.

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We employ Kenyans who can work quickly and reliably and have an eye for the detail, and, to give something back to the Community, every year we take on and train up a number of handicapped people.

From time to time we invite guest tiers based around the world to spend time with us training our team and bringing us up to date with the latest materials and techniques. By looking after our staff and focussing on what we know and do best, we can offer excellent prices

without compromising on quality.

What makes us unique? We listen to your needs. We handle every order individually, and are always happy to talk to you, offer advice, and answer any questions you have, however trivial. We understand our work. We were set up by fishermen and continue to be run by the same fishermen. We know our products inside out and source the very best materials for our factory. We don’t let you down. We take pride in providing an exceptional level of service. We don’t sell you things you don’t need, and we don’t mess you around. If our suppliers are delayed we keep you informed, and if for any reason you want to return your flies, we offer a worldwide money-back guarantee. Easy payment options. We offer a number of payment options depending on where you are located. These include PayPal or direct transfer to a UK or Kenyan bank account. Gone Fishing (Kenya Ltd) P O Box 60 Rongai (Near Nakuru) 20108 Kenya http://www.fishingfliesandlures.com E-mail: sales@fishingfliesandlures.com Phone: +254202130524 +254722687334

The Gone Fishing Running Team

If your over this way and fancy a race around the coutryside, we would be happy to organise a run with you.

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www.theessentialfly.com

The Essential Fly provides a one stop shop for the fly anglers needs. We cover both fly fishing and fly tying - from a vast range of trout, salmon and specialist flies, through to a massive range of tying materials for the most industrious tier. Our range of tackle includes gear and equipment from manufacturers like Snowbee, Umpqua, Sonik Sports, Wychwood & Airflo with many other manufacturers who enable us to supply fly rods & fly reels to fly lines, hooks, fly leaders for trout, salmon, grayling and all species of fish.

In our dedicated fly tying department we stock Semperfli, Veniard, Snowbee vices plus tying tools & a huge range of fly tying materials. Whether you are looking for the famous unbreakable tying thread Nano Silk, or would like to try the rare picric acid dyed natural materials, you can be assured of a great tying materials range to choose from at The Essential Fly.

There are thousands of different patterns of flies available to imitate natural insects and terrestrial life or patterns that simply stimulate a fish's predatory instinct. Every fisherman has their own preferred flies based upon the season, water colours, species of trout being targeted and the fly fishing techniques used, after all techniques like Czech nymphing, upstream nymphing and dapping all have their own requirements. The Essential Fly has over 1500 patterns available kept in stock and shipped world-wide. Proven killing patterns to suit, any style; environment and any weather condition. We are happy to help advise where necessary too - our specialists are on hand for you!

Give us a call or visit the online store and see why thousands of customers worldwide trust The Essential Fly for their fly fishing and tying needs. See for yourself how good our customer service is! Great products, top quality at the very best prices! What more could any angler ask for?

00 44 1757 333003 sales@theessentialfly.com

www.theessentialfly.com

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The Art of Fly Fishing Calendar 2014

Continuing the tradition of producing fine art calendars that capture the true spirit of angling, nzfishing.com is pleased to announce that the 2014 Art of Fly Fishing calendar is now available.

These calendars are only available at nzfishing.com.

NZ$25 per calendar (US$19.80) which includes postage and packaging to anywhere in the world

Click on the link below to order a copy

http://nzfishing.com/Other/Calendar/Calendar2014/Calendar2014.htm

It Could Only Happen To a Fisherman

By Robin Lambert

Hundreds of funny jokes, quotes; quips and ditties to make your day. Ideal Christmas stocking filler for yourself, a friend or your loved one. Available from www.lulu.com ether as a paperback or as an E-book. Paperback only £9.99 http://www.lulu.com/shop/robin-lambert/it-could-only-happen-to-a-fisherman/paperback/product-17580463.html E-book only £5.00 http://www.lulu.com/shop/robin-lambert/it-could-only-happen-to-a-fisherman/ebook/product-17364513.html

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UK & Irish Fishing Reports

Scotland Tel/Fax 01877 385664 www.menteith-fisheries.co.uk

COULAM 16 WHEELYBOAT LAUNCHED AT LAKE OF MENTEITH A wheelchair accessible Coulam 16 Wheelyboat specially designed for disabled anglers was formally launched at the Lake of Menteith on Friday, 25th October by the Rt Hon Anne McGuire MP (above right with Stirling angler Iain MacGregor on left). Anne McGuire is Shadow Minister for the disabled. The Wheelyboat is named ‘Christopher Robin’ in memory of the late Christopher Graves from Galloway whose legacy left to The Wheelyboat Trust funded the Wheelyboat. Mr Graves’ bequest is also marked with a plaque in the boat inscribed ‘in order that nobody be deprived of the joy of fishing’. The 700 acre Lake of Menteith is a SSSI and has a rich heritage and history. It is also one of Scotland’s finest trout fisheries. Its new Wheelyboat joins a fleet of 30 fishing boats and an older Mk II Wheelyboat.

The development of the Coulam 16 Wheelyboat by The Wheelyboat Trust and J M Coulam Boatbuilders stemmed from the fundamental desire of disabled anglers to have the same opportunities to fish that able-bodied anglers take for granted. It is based on an existing and popular reservoir fishing boat and has been adapted to provide disabled anglers with step free access on board via an external ramp onto a hydraulic platform located in the boat. The deck is open and level throughout and the disabled angler can sit at the bow or the stern and helm the boat as well if desired.

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The Lake of Menteith’s new Wheelyboat is proving very popular with disabled anglers. For bookings and enquiries contact the fishery on 01877 385664 or go to www.menteith-fisheries.co.uk. Bookings for next year will be taken at the start of November so to be sure of a boat it is best to book in advance – especially for weekends. Background The need for accessible boats is due to the inaccessible nature of reservoirs, lakes, ponds and rivers to wheelchair users and others with mobility problems: the banks are often steep and unmade and where there is access it may be limited and offer little opportunity for disabled anglers to fish the water effectively. Fluctuating water levels make the problems of access even worse. Standard boats have not been designed to accommodate wheelchair users and are very difficult to get into. Once on board the disabled angler is totally reliant on a boat partner. Whichever Wheelyboat model is preferred (there are four of them – two purpose-built fishing boats and two multi-purpose models including a 12 seater trip boat), Wheelyboats overcome all the difficulties. They make the entire water accessible, are simplicity itself to board and the flat deck provides access throughout thus giving the disabled user the dignity of their own independence. In short, Wheelyboats enable disabled people to participate in waterborne activities alongside and on equal terms with their able-bodied counterparts. Fishing has many charms and where suitable facilities are provided it is an activity that most disabled people can participate in very effectively. The Lake of Menteith’s 700 acres is set in the magnificent scenery of the Trossachs. Tuition for newcomers to fly fishing is available on site. The Wheelyboat Trust is a registered charity that promotes and provides wheelchair accessible Wheelyboats to fisheries and other waters all over the UK. It has supplied 157 Wheelyboats since it began work in 1985. Its role is to help and encourage venues open to the public acquire Wheelyboats for their disabled visitors and to help groups and organisations acquire Wheelyboats for their own use. The Wheelyboat Trust (reg charity no 292216) - Andy Beadsley, Director North Lodge, Burton Park, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0JT Telephone 01798 342222, 07860 650023 wheelyboattrust@btconnect.com, www.wheelyboats.org

Left to right: Jim Curry (Chairman of the Lame Ducks Angling Club, Danny Peet Wheelboat Trust Trustee (in chair), Douglas Fraser (Menteith Bailiff), Iain MacGregor (local agler), Anne McGuire (local UK MP and Shadow Minister for Disabled People), Ossie Smith (Lame Duck AC Member) Fraser Renwick (Secretary of the Scottish Disabled Fly Fishing Association).

Fishing News: This photo from Alan Dickson of Edinburgh says it all as the season at Menteith comes to an end.

It has been one of the best years for fishing and fish at the Lake and the mildness of October has meant fishing has been fun right to the end.

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Lake of Menteith 5th Nov 2013

A great end to the trout season at the Lake with some fine company, songs and some fishing. The Lake of Menteith Fishery Company again donated all the receipts from the fishing boat permits to the local Primary School and Kirk. The Pupils, Parent Council, Parents, Locals, Local businesses and anglers pitched in to provide soup, raffle, refreshments, entertainment and a BBQ. The Children sung their Lake of Menteith Song and “If it wasnae fir yir Wellies” and had their fishing fly designs judged - whilst not orbiting the fishery cabin. At the last count the total receipts for the day were £2760. Which means some people bought an awful lot of raffle tickets and had quite a few attempts at guessing the weight of the dumpling. You are a generous bunch!

Ian Scott even managed a fine looking troot of 5 ½ lbs (see picture below right). The day before had started ominously as this red sky in the morning dawn picture testifies. The old saying was extremely accurate and the

pike anglers concentrated on surviving the cold and windy

deluge rather than fishing…….

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Burnhouse Fishery, Burnhouse Farm, Bonnybridge Stirlingshire FK4 2HH Tel: 01324 840404 Mob : 07742 755737 Website: http://www.burnhouse-fishery.co.uk

After a mixed bag weather-wise the lochan has produced some excellent sport over this last week. With the water temperature sitting at a steady 8oC, even after some frost nights. Eddie Cannon (Camelon) had 3 fish for 10lb 3oz, 1 of his fish weighed in at 5lb 10oz, caught on a f..k -up –Willie! David Riddrie had 2 for 5lb 4oz on Yellow & Pink Dancer,

Richard Taylor (Brightons) had 22 fish over 3 visits on Grizzle Cat /Black Dancer. Ian Martin (Blackburn) had 2 for 5lb 2oz on a Yellow dancer, Archie McLaren (Banton) had 4 on c/r using an Ally McCoist, Bary Duffy senior and junior (Alva) had 14 on c/r using an Oky-doky, Jim McAllum (Falkirk) caught and released 3 on a Gold Cormorant, Archie Miller (Banknock) had 6 on c/r using a Black Fritz

Robert Bryson (Pollock) Thomas Houston (Glasgow) had 14 on a Red Bloadworm, Jeff Goodhall (Gasgow) had 2 for 4lb 4oz on a Back Dancer then went on to release another 2 really nice Rainbows. Allan Smith (Cumbernauld) had 2 on C/R with a Bloodworm and a Dancer, Richard Callanard (Camelon) had 5 on c/r using Hot Headed Damsel and Montana Nymph. With the weather cooling down the fish are feeding more aggressively so come along and give us a try - splendid surroundings, friendly staff, Red Deer on the hillside and Grade A stocked fish. Don’t forget - free tea and coffee!

Linlithgow Loch Tel: 01506 671 753; http://www.fafa-linlithgowloch.org.uk And so another season ends As I write, the lads are out on the Jetty armed with power hoses and deck scrubbers cleaning the boats before they go in to winter storage. Same old faces, same of die-hards who are always there when work needs to be done. It was a very unusual season. For the first time in living memory there was practically no weed growth, even in the heart of the very warm summer. This meant that there was no natural oxygenation from weed in the loch. This along with raised water temperatures gave us a problem with oxygen levels. The loch is now in very good condition and we leave a lot of fish to overwinter.

We can only hope that next year brings normal weed growth; normal oxygen levels and normal algal blooms We wish all our anglers all the very best and Tight Lines for 2014

2014 Advance Bookings please use booking form on website or email Janet. For further information or booking please phone the lodge on 01506 671 753

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England

Bellbrook Fishing Report week ending September 2013 A busy week, the cooler weather seems to not just stimulate the fish but eager anglers too! The Rover tickets, allowing individuals to fish on all the lakes, proved popular this week. David Hill from Ideford was the first fisherman of the week to catch a full bag on his Rover Classic. Other Rover fisherman who hit the mark were Shaun Friend from Ivybridge and local Glen Maxwell. A big favourite making a return this week was the Daddy Long Legs . . . on the surface, sub-surface and sunk! However this fly was being presented it certainly got the fish biting. Mark Turner from Plymouth was one of those catching with the Daddies. Any fly showing a bit of green or blue was doing the trick too and tempting the fish on all three normal lakes, Exmoor, Sedgemoor and Ottmoor.

And finally . . . very well done to Geoff Surtees from Weston-Super-Mare who caught his first fish using a fly, Hares Ear No. 12 . . . I bet he'll be using that one again! There is still availability for those who want to pre-booked their half price Rover Classic ticket, a full day's fishing on all the lakes, 2 Specimens and 2 normals for £18 . . . what a bargain. Remember only one ticket allowed per day and only one per customer so important to phone and book your place.

Any questions about the fishery please call Chris on 01398 351292. http://www.bellbrookfishery.co.uk

South West Lakes Trout Fisheries (October/November) General: The cooler autumnal air temperatures, cold nights and rain throughout the month meant that the water temperatures continued to fall (surface temperatures are now under 10°C). This meant that generally the insect hatches tailed off during the month, and feeding fish tended to stay lower in the water column. Water levels have risen considerably over the past month, with most reservoirs at least 90% full. Bank fishing was extended throughout November on a number of the rainbow fisheries. Fishing: Kennick – the most productive areas towards the end of October continued to be at the north end of the water, with most fish being caught (from both boat and bank) off the Laployd and Smithacott banks as well as in the Narrows – bank fishing was more popular in October (the boats stopped operating in November). Buzzers, Diawl Bachs, and Damsels proved to be the most successful patterns, along with deeper fished Cats Whiskers and Boobies as the water cooled. Best fish included a 4lb Brown Trout caught(and released) by Mr Chapman (from Truro) fishing from the Lawns, and a 3lb 4oz rainbow caught by Mr. R. Harvey (from Kingskerswell), using a team of buzzers fished from the bank. Siblyback produced some excellent fishing at the end of October, with weekly rod averages of around three fish per angler, with plenty of fish topping three pounds. Stocky Bay and The Marshes proved to be the most productive areas. A number of fish were caught from the surface using a sedge pattern or a Black and Peacock Spider fished in the surface film, with Diawl Bachs, Montanas, and pulled Cats whiskers responsible for most of the deeper fish. The best fish of the month was a 4lb 2oz rainbow, caught by P.Garrett (from Darite), using a Cats Whisker fished from the bank at Stocky Bay. Mr Dolley (from Redruth) enjoyed some great sport, catching seventeen rainbows to 3lb and a brown trout of 2lb in four visits. Wimbleball – Bessoms and the Upton Arm continued to provide the best sport, with Buzzers and Damsels the most popular imitative patterns, as well as Fritz lures, Cats Whiskers, and Orange Boobies. Catches included 16 rainbows to 2¼lb and six browns to 2lb in three visits; Mr Shepherd (from Broadstairs) caught two rainbows to 3lb 4oz 9as well as two brown trout) using an olive tadpole in Sailing Club Bay. Maurice Woodward (from Dulverton) caught six rainbows from a boat, and Steve Harlow (from Croxley Green) caught three brownies to 2lb on a Daddy Longlegs. Wistlandpound – anglers continued to enjoy great sport, with stocked Rainbows and the natural brownies both feeding eagerly. Steve Harlow (from Croxley Green) returned three rainbows of 2lbs and four browns of 8oz using a Daddy Longlegs. Adrian Gill (from Sandford) caught two rainbows to 3lb 2oz and two browns to 1lb using Montana and sedge patterns at the top end of the lake. S Edmonds (from Barnstaple) caught four rainbows to 2lb fry bashing, using a Rabbit Zonker. Trout fishing for the 2013 season ceases on all South West Lakes Trust waters on 1 December. Chris Hall (November 2013)

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Wales

Cwm Hedd Lakes, Bassaleg, Newport

Contact Us on:- E:info@cwmhedd.co.uk T:01633 896854 M:07813143034

Many thanks to returning and new anglers who have supported us since re-opening. Your custom is very much appreciated. Anglers have been extremely successful in all weather conditions during the past week and on a range of flies and methods, with the majority of anglers retaining fish and recording high numbers of fish returned. The hard fighting fish from our excellent suppliers Exmoor Fisheries are in great condition and much enjoyment has been had by all. Hot spots were along the front of the lake nearest the lodge, the bay continuing around behind the large island to the far bank. Top anglers, taking one fish and returning 5 or 6+ were John Eynon (Newport), Roy Western, George Dickman, Steve Rowley and Chris Jago (Cardiff), Gareth West

(Cwmbran), Paul Embley and Mike Owen (Bridgend), Tom Collier (Caerleon), Rad Novakovich (Rhydfelin) and Stasys (Lisvane).Most popular flies were Montana and cats whiskers and various colour combinations of fritzes. A reminder to allthatall bags and boxes are being checked on any return to the car park and at the end of your visit – thanks for the co-operation and good humour shown in respect of this to date. Re-stocking will take place this week, to include a tag fish (£1 per entry in addition to fishing ticket; Cwm Hedd has started the pot with £15). Those on a catch and release ticket still to kill first fish. If the tag fish is subsequently caught, there will be no extra charge for that fish. Please remember: barbless hooks only. Hot and cold refreshments are available at the lodge on weekends, including cooked breakfasts from 9.30am – 1pm. Last orders for hot food on weekends: 1.30pm Light hot and cold refreshments are also available Wednesday-Friday from 10.15 am-1pm. We recommend that you bookcooked breakfasts on arrival at the weekend and are happy to ring you on the lakeside 5-10 minutes before it is ready. (Rest assured that time spent in the lodge will be added to the hours booked on your fly fishing ticket). Open Wednesday-Friday 8am-2pm; weekends 8am-5pm or dusk when daylight hours are shorter, with last admission on weekends 2pm. Tel 01633 896854; 07813 143 034 or visit www.cwmhedd.co.uk

Flyfishing Directory.co.uk Welcome to the Flyfishing Directory.co.uk website dedicated to the discerning fly fisherman/woman who is looking for that perfect location to enjoy a day’s fly fishing for either salmon, trout, sea trout and grayling. Or for the more adventerous ones flyfishing for bone fish in the sea. You will find fishing venues; tackle manufacturers and tackle distributors, holiday accommodation and fishing holidays locations within the UK and abroad. There are also some great info pages on the site including recipes (my favourite is the trout in Drambuie) All fly fishermen/woman love to fish and the feeling of getting out on the water to is so strong at times that you can’t help yourself. So out on the river or lake you go, the fly must be presented just perfectly for the fish to take your offering. Once the fish has taken, it is a matter of skill and belief in your fly fishing tackle to land the fish and hopefully one of your all time best. On the other hand, fly fishers are always looking for flies or equipment to better their chances of catching more fish, however they hate going out searching for it at the various tackle shops and outlets, or searching the internet for various tackle websites, they would rather be out fishing. So that is why I have developed this new website, it shows all the tackle manufacturers and distributors from around the world, you can browse and order your new equipment at your leisure after hopefully a good day on the water. Within the pages of the website there are many companies to choose from for the discerning fly fisherman/woman who is looking for that perfect fly fishing rod or the best flies to purchase. Each tackle manufacturer and tackle distributor has a great variety of selections for you and ranging in price to suit even the tightest budget. Included within the website you will also find information on fly fishing guides/instructors and fly fishing holidays around the world to further enhance your fly fishing experiences, whether it is on a small wild brown trout river or the raging salmon rivers of Scotland, Canada and Russia or a far flung sea shore casting for bone fish, you will find your ideal holiday here

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Kingfisher Fishing - Malindi

Everyone’s a winner, that’s for sure October has been a busy time for us and hails the start of competition’s here in Malindi. Starting with the Churchill Trophy on Friday 18th. This competition is light tackle only and brought out some of our younger fishermen, which we encourage. Spread the word we say. A fantastic day for all and Tarka emerged the winner, catching 2 Sailfish on 6kg line, earning them 1334 points. Dawn on Saturday 19th announced the start of the Malindi International Festival. This is the only IGFA competition in Kenya, which affords the winners an invitation to compete at the Offshore World Championships in April 2014. Well supported with a fleet of 12 boats, it was game on. Day 1 ended with Tarka, releasing 2 Sailfish in the lead, followed by Clueless and Alleycat. After much discussion and reviewing of tactics, day 2 brought out the competitive spirit in everyone and after another fantastic day out, our very own Neptune landed top prize with a total score of 515.5 points. Thanks to Gaetano, Royan and Richard who made this possible. Top Angler award went to Angus for his 2 Sailfish. Overall, the 3 days produced some very good looking Cobia, many Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Kingfish and Sailfish. Thankfully, Monday 21st was a quiet one for everyone. Many a hangover needed nursing after a good party and everyone kept a very low profile. Fishing out of Watamu on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th, Angus and the crew on Neptune did very well to win yet again. Fishing with father & son team from Dubai, Chris and Tony Deane, they won with 4 tagged Sailfish and 3 Yellowfin Tuna. Arranged by our fellow African residents in Zambia, thanks go out to them and to Peter Darnborough for including us…and of course congratulations to Angus.

It’s at this time that we all take a moment to remember our friend, father and companion Herbie Paul. It would have been his birthday on Sunday 20th and we were honored to award the Herbie Paul Memorial Trophy to our friends from Watamu and all girls team fishing on Unreel. Well done to Karen, Tania, Tina and Chiara for epitomizing the ‘Spirit of Fishing’. As Vanessa so rightly said, ‘Dad would be delighted a team of such special beautiful ladies won this trophy!’ Starting off slowly, we eased into the second week with a 7 day fishing safari for Neptune. Eric, Boris and Justin joined Angus and crew on Neptune and headed up north of Malindi to fish the waters of Kiwayu and Lamu. It proved to be an exciting trip, with Eric bringing his contagious sense of humor with him. Under the shadow of huge groups of birds, between them over the 7 days, the group landed more Yellowfin Tuna than they could carry, many Kingfish, even a model 35kg Wahoo and 20+ Sailfish.

It’s good to know there are fish out there and we eagerly await their arrival into our waters…

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Help for Heroes

Open Individual Fly Fishing Challenge Saturday 12 April 2014

Linlithgow Loch Linlithgow

Format: Each competitor will be paired up on a first come first served basis and fishing will be to the fishery rules.

Costs: Entry to the challenge is £30 plus as much sponsorship money raised on behalf of Help for Heroes.

Prizes: 1st Place - £150.00 Glasgow Angling Centre Vouchers 2nd Place - £100.00 Glasgow Angling Centre Vouchers 3rd Place - £50.00 Glasgow Angling Centre Vouchers

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Entry Form

Name of Entrant…………………………………………… Telephone No…………………………............………

Email Address ……………………............…………………………………………………………………………

Contact Address………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Signature: -

TOTAL £ .............

Organising an event of this nature places a significant strain on the Charity’s resources. We would ask that if you are entering you remit the full amount you have raised on the day of the competition, either in cash or cheque. Cheques must be made payable to “Wateraid Flyfishers”. Completed form along with entry fee to be returned to Robin Lambert, Help for Heroes Fly Fishing Challenge, Scottish Water, 55 Buckstone Terrace, Edinburgh, EH10 6XH

Closing date for receipt of entry form is Friday 28 March 2014

Event Sponsors and Raffle Prizes required for the event, please contact Robin Lambert directly at Robin.lambert@scottishwater.co.uk with your sponsorship or raffle prize pledge

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The Small Print

1 The Linlithgow Loch Fishery Safety and Fishery Rules will apply for The Challenge. The Linlithgow Loch Fishery Rules can be obtained from the fishery office. All competitors will fish at their own risk and the Organising Team can take no responsibility for the safety and welfare of participants during The Challenge. 2 100% of all monies received, by the Organising Team on behalf of Help for Heroes, after all payments necessary for the organisation of The Challenge have been made, will go to Help for Heroes. The Entry Fee covers the cost of Boat Hire, other Challenge Costs such as Prizes etc. 3 In the event of The Challenge being over-subscribed any competitor failing to secure a place will have their Entry Fee refunded. Any additional donation will be refunded at the discretion of the competitor. 4 In the event of the event being cancelled, the Entry Fee will be refunded for the amount of the balance remaining after any non-refundable payments have been made, for The Challenge, by the Organising Team on behalf of Help for Heroes. Any additional donation will be refunded at the discretion of the competitor. 5 In the event of an entrant cancelling its entry to The Challenge neither the Entry Fee nor any additional donation will be refunded. The Organising Team recommends that the competitor finds a replacement competitor for their entry.

Help for Heroes

Individual Open Fly Fishing Challenge Saturday 12 April 2014

Programme of Events

08:00 – 08:45 Registration at Fishing Lodge 08:45 Briefing at Fishing Lodge 09:00 Fishing Starts (Boats leave Harbour)

16:00 16.00 Fishing Stops (Boats return to Harbour – please allow enough time to return to Fishing Lodge by 16.00) 16:15 Weigh in at Fishing Lodge 16.30 Presentation of Prizes Raffle Prize Draw

Challenge Bag Limit

Bag Limit 6 fish per person 6 Fish Catch and release after limit; 2lb bonus per fish caught during catch & release. Barbless hooks must be used during catch and release. Fish must be landed in the net then released to count. Catch & Release form must be signed by boat partner.

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Help for Heroes Fly Fishing Challenge 2014

Raffle Prize Wish List

Note; please provide an indication to Robin Lambert (Robin.lambert@scottishwater.co.uk) of what you would like to contribute.

Items will be required before the 31 March 2014 to allow them to be organised.

Item Who Contact Secured Sponsorship of event prizes Fishing Related Raffle Prizes Fly Fishing Rod Fly Fishing Reel Fly Lines Boat Seat Fly Tying Tool Kit Fishing Vest / Life Jacket Fishing Holiday Annual Subscription to Fishing Magazine Days Salmon Fishing Fly Fishing Clothing Fly Boxes Fishing Bag Non Fishing Related Raffle Prizes Car Hire Gift Vouchers Digital Camera Digital TV Computer Tablet Bottles of Whisky Bottles of Champagne Case of Wine (White or Red or Both) Luxury Hamper Meal Out Weekend Break Helicopter Ride Annual Subscription to Magazine Fleeces Cash Donations All cheques must be made out to:-Wateraid Flyfishers

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For more than two decades, Turneffe Flats has been known as one of the world's premier flats fishing destinations combining a remarkable fishery with excellent English-speaking guides, top-notch equipment and superior service. The ability to sight-fish for BONEFISH, PERMIT and TARPON on any given day makes Turneffe one of the few places where a Grand Slam is always a possibility. Turneffe Atoll is the largest of only four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere, and is best-known for its variety of saltwater fishing. Turneffe Flats is located on a picturesque point with white sand beach and coconut palms. The coral reef is a stone's throw away and a large bonefish flat is right outside the front door.

Bonefishing Bonefishing has been the mainstay of our fishing for decades with Turneffe Atoll's miles of crystal clear, wadeable flats. While wading Turneffe's extensive turtle grass flats, you will sight-fish to large schools of bonefish as well as smaller groups and singles. Bonefishing remains consistently good throughout the year. Permit Fishing Increasing numbers of saltwater anglers have developed a serious interest in permit fishing. Turneffe Flats is one of a select group of saltwater destinations where you can regularly experience the excitement of flats fishing for tailing permit. Good permit fishing is available throughout the year. Tarpon Fishing Because tarpon are migratory, they are, by nature, seasonal. Although some tarpon are around throughout the year, our prime season generally begins in mid-to-late April and continues to mid- October with June, July and August generally being our best months. Most of our migratory tarpon are in the 70-90 pound range, but we see some 150-200 pound monsters each year. As a matter of policy to ensure privacy, Turneffe Flats does not use last names of guests in our reports.

November 2013 Weather Conditions Air Temp: 81 Water Temp: 81 - 83 Wind: The week started with winds out of the N-NW at 12-15 MPH with gusts into the 20s. By Mon., the winds had started to return to normal and begun shifting E and S before returning to our normal ESE winds at 7-12 MPH on Thursday. Tides: The week started with high tide at 3:40 p.m. and progressed to 8:49 p.m. by week’s end. Moon Phase: Last Quarter on Oct. 26 The week started with our first official cold front of the year. It is not often we celebrate a cold front, but we sure did this last week. Cold fronts generally mark the end of the hurricane season and we were happy to see the arrival of this one. It was an absolutely beautiful “storm season” here on Turneffe, we had spectacular weather throughout Sept. and Oct., which provided great fishing and diving conditions. We had the pleasure of hosting Katie, Tucker, and Tim G. from Pittsburgh, Penn. along with their longtime friend John H. from Bend, Ore. the past week. These anglers pursued bonefish and permit throughout the week and were met with success by week’s end. Katie and Tucker had one of their best days on record bonefishing with multiple fish landed, plenty more hooked and lost, and quite a few healthy sized bonefish as well. Tim and John, who spent their week fishing with guide Dion, targeted bonefish to start the week and then turned their focus towards permit. Even after a full day of fishing Tim could be seen wading the flats in the afternoon and/or snorkeling before dinner; after dinner you could find him trying his luck off the dock. By week’s end these two anglers had racked up some decent number of bonefish, but the highlight came on Thurs. Both Tim and John were successful in landing permit. As these two anglers would say, “It’s all in the presentation.” Just in case you wondered, the answer is yes, we do turkey dinner for our guests on Thanksgiving. Nov. traditionally provides great tides, light breezes and excellent fishing. Consider a week of wading the tropical flats while the leaves at home are falling. Very limited availability during the holidays. Phone toll-free (888) 512-8812 or visit www.tflats.com for fishing, diving and Atoll Adventure brochures or just to see what’s happening.

For upcoming tides and moon phases, go to http://destinationsbelize.com/belize-ti ... t-year.htm. They are for Belize City, but pretty close to what we get on the atoll.

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Back in Patagonia, from the Bahamas

By Justin Witt

Hi Folks! Back in Patagonia now and enjoying the most unbelievably beautiful spring weather. I’m just home from the Boca of the Corcovado and my usual start of the season fishing there with Paulino and the rest of the gang, where we had better than average water levels combined with really great catching all the way from the mouth of the river down to the border of Estancia Tecka.

Our snowpack on the mountains is a lot better this spring than it was last year, and that means those water levels will get maintained on through the summer as well, which is great news for the fish. The season is also booking out nicely in terms of our client calendar, and I have been informed that my two assistant guides, Gustavo Segovia and Hernan Salvay, have both been approved to receive their own guide licenses after passing the provincial exam a few weeks ago. In other words, everything is in place for another great season! And so – me voy! (I’m leaving) Yes, the exploration itch has come to tickle my fisherman’s soul yet again; so for this coming year I have accepted a position starting mid-January at one of the best lodges in the Bahamas to guide bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Operations will continue here in Patagonia as per normal though, and we’ve got just a few spots left to fill, so anyone interested in coming down go ahead and shoot me an email. Meanwhile – on to my personal plan. Flamingo Cay Rod & Gun Club is one of the oldest and most successful fly fishing operations in the Bahamas, and the only one on the entire remote West side of Andros Island, meaning that we have miles and miles of flats and canals surrounding us that more or less never see a skiff from

any other lodge. I visited there for a week to try the place out in late October, and found it to be a top-notch operation in every sense. Incredible fishing, excellent food and service, and one of the most accommodating and capable staffs I have encountered anywhere in my travels. From the Lodge’s own introduction letter: “The Cay was acquired by the Bethell family in the 1920s. Charles W.F. Bethell maintained the property for waterfowl shooting in the 1950s and was host to The Duke of Windsor and other celebrities. Grandson Charles B.M. Bethell III restored the existing camp and has developed a first class and unique sporting destination for flats-fishing enthusiasts with a high regard for conservation and the protection of the fishery.” And when they say high regard for conservation and protection of the fishery, they’re not kidding. I have never seen an operation more dedicated to protecting its primary resource – the fish! Don’t expect to see a spread of grip n’ grins in this post folks; at Flamingo Cay, we don’t even take the fish out of the water before we release them. My guess is that this attitude, adopted and developed by lodge owner Charles Bethel since the beginning of commercial operations there, has been the main reason that the lodge has maintained both the level of bookings and the excellent culture of clientele that they have enjoyed over all these years. Which is why it is not surprising; that for this year there are only two spots currently left open on the calendar! Anyone interested in a 5night/4day package for November 19th – 24th, or December 15th – 20th get in touch with me right away; I won’t be up there yet since I’ve got groups I’ll be guiding here in Patagonia through mid-January, but I promise you won’t regret it! All of the photos below in this post are from my recent trip, and I am looking forward to getting back to the island in a few months to continue exploring the flats. Now everybody send me an email; I look forward to hearing from you soon! Justin Witt Patagonia Unlimited Skype ID = justin.c.witt USA Office 1-404-783-2114 Argentina Office 011-549-2945686798 (dialed from the United States) (02945) 15 686798 (dialed from within Argentina) www.patagoniaunlimited.net www.justanotherdayinpatagonia.com Email: jwitt@patagoniaunlimited.net

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A Trout’s Eye View

Vision is an important sensory system for most species of fish. Fish eyes are similar to terrestrial vertebrates like birds and mammals, but have a more spherical lens. Their retinas generally have both rod cells and cone cells (for scotopic and photopic vision), and most species have colour vision. Some fish can see ultraviolet and some can see polarized light. Amongst jawless fish, the lamprey has well-developed eyes, while the hagfish has only primitive eyespots. The ancestors of modern hagfish, thought to be the protovertebrate were evidently pushed to very deep, dark waters, where they were less vulnerable to sighted predators, and where it is advantageous to have a convex eye-spot, which gathers more light than a flat or concave one. Unlike humans, fish normally adjust focus by moving the lens closer to or further from the retina. Fish and other aquatic animals live in a different light environment than terrestrial species. Water absorbs light so that with increasing depth the amount of light available decreases quickly. The optic properties of water also lead to different wavelengths of light being absorbed to different degrees, for example light of long wavelengths (e.g. red, orange) is absorbed quite quickly compared to light of short wavelengths (blue, violet), though ultraviolet light (even shorter wavelength than blue) is absorbed quite quickly as well. Besides these universal qualities of water, different bodies of water may absorb light of different wavelengths because of salts and other chemicals in the water.

Colour can play a major influence on trout and salmon flies without us really understanding why, just think for example we go out on a bright sunny day and wear sunglasses; whereby the trout don’t have eye lids and require to go deeper or into a shadow area to escape from the sun.

Trout have four receptors, and the four peaks are 600nm, 535nm, 440nm, 355nm. The second and third conform to the green and blue cones in humans. The first is similar to the human red, but its sensitivity range includes longer wavelengths than humans. The fourth is outside the band of wavelengths visible to humans and is referred to as "ultra-violet". However, the fourth class of cones disappears by the time a trout is two years old. It is thought the small fauna which feeds the immature trout, reflects the UV radiation and therefore the small fauna are more visible to the trout. It is also suggested that UV cones reappear annually in mature trout in time for spawning runs. It is also speculated that these UV cones are used to track polarized light as a means of navigating to the spawning locations. It is interesting to note that the long wave (red) cone response of the trout is peaked at a point where the human’s response of the "red" receptor is diminishing. This means that where humans see a dark reddish color, the trout sees a much brighter color and in a lower visible light condition. Researchers tell us that the trout's ability to discern small differences in shade is highest in blue, second but much lower in red and lowest in green. Therefore shades of green will be less important than the contrast of the body or thorax.

Although trout have color vision similar to humans, there is some major differences due to the available light in their environment. Their vision is limited by the quality of light which enters the underwater world. The advantage of their 4-cone system can be realized only if the full spectrum of sunlight from infra-red to ultraviolet is available to them. In clear water, the short blue to ultraviolet wavelengths are dispersed causing the background appear blue. This is what occurs in the atmosphere causing the sky to appear blue and even bluer over water. Therefore when a trout sees the shiny scales of a fish, the image of the fish is blurred at short distances and invisible at longer distances.

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Directional sunlight passing through water will tend toward red and becoming redder with increased distance just as it does in the atmosphere at sunrise and sunset. However, water absorbs long light wavelengths; therefore, the energy of the longer wavelengths, corresponding to the red end of the spectrum, is absorbed and converted to heat. At longer range, the absorption of the long wavelengths and blurring of the image due to scattering become significant. For example, a red object seen through 12 feet of water has no wavelengths and will appear black.

However if the object is white and capable of reflecting all incident wavelengths, it would remain visible at longer ranges. So what! The flash of mirror like reflection from a shiny surface such as tinsel or the scales of a fish will be seen over a much greater distance than the body color of your fly. Fluorescence occurs where a surface has the property of absorbing ultraviolet radiation and converting its energy to be reflected as a lower wavelength within the visible range of the eye. This converted reflection is added to the reflection of normally visible light wavelengths, causing it to appear more intense than one would expect to be possible. Divers have noted that in tainted water fluorescent red, orange, and yellow are the most visible, and in clear water any fluorescent paint will do. At long distances or in deeper water, fluorescent yellow and green are more visible. Note that UV penetrates deeper than the visible blue wavelengths, so all fluorescent colors are visible to the UV limit, which is beyond the depth at which their natural color becomes invisible.

Fluoro Colour Light Colour Time Of Day

Scarlet Dull days - also use in peaty water

Effective at dawn dusk

Phosphor Yellow or Hot Orange

Best on bright coloured days

Green Coloured water and bad light

White Best 1 hour before dawn and deadly 1 hour before dusk

All day

However, in dark stained water often found in trout streams, the opposite is true. The UV wavelengths are filtered out first, but the distance affecting the red wavelengths is not affected by the stained water. Therefore, fluorescence is useless in stained water a short distance below the surface. However, near the surface where it receives UV rays, the red and orange fluorescence will be visible at a greater distance than the shorter wavelength colors of blue and green. An important feature of the trout's vision is that the rods and cones physically swap places at the start and end of daylight. In the evening the cones that need high light levels to operate and that provide the color response are withdrawn into the surface of the retina and the rods tend to rule. At dawn the reverse action occurs. This change is not instantaneous, but occurs over a period of time. Therefore, as night approaches, the color response in trout diminishes until at night a trout has no color response at all. Under these conditions, black and white is likely to be the most effective combination. Tinsel may have some value if the moonlight is significant.

Tv Tyr is the most functional, affordable piece of flytying furniture on the market. Designed by a flytyer, it has been meeting the needs of tyers worldwide for over 10 years. Every Tv Tyr is handcrafted, numbered, dated, signed, and it can be finished to match any decor. Tie anywhere with everything at your fingertips; no setup or teardown. Now available in the newly designed rolltop (3 sizes) and the original model (3 sizes). Each unit includes the tool holder, spool holder, lazy susan, and open top tray. Customizing can be done usually with no charge or a nominal fee. If you have ideas or needs that you would like to inquire about, call George. http://www.flytyingfurniture.com

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The underlying principles of innovation, product quality and service are the cornerstone of Sharpe's of Aberdeen who can trace a history dating back to 1920 when J S Sharpe set up his tackle business in John Street, Aberdeen. The Sharpe's of Aberdeen built a reputation for quality and innovation in the design and manufacture of split cane rods and this continues today with the award winning Gordon series of fly rods. This extensive range continues to receive excellent customer and trade feedback. Besides the Gordon series, they also have the beautifully finished Plus 3 fly rod series, with all the salmon rods manufactured in 6 pieces for ease of travelling. Telephone: 01466 794415 Opening Hours: Mon to Thu - 0900 to 1700 Fri - 0900 – 1500

Sales: sales@sharpes.net Info: info@sharpes.net web http://www.sharpes.net

The Gordon 4 - 9' 0" #8/9 Fly Rod

Sharpe's of Aberdeen is now located near Huntly, Aberdeenshire at Artloch Fishery adjacent to the River Deveron, both of which are a natural asset and thorough test ground for products in all weathers.

The Tibor series of reels were first introduced in 1995 and have

established themselves as the benchmark for custom-crafted fly reels.

After years of development and input from the likes of Lefty Kreh and

Flip Pallot, Ted was finally satisfied with a reel that truly has set a new

standard in fly fishing reel technology.

Once again, Tibor Reels sets the standard for quality, design and

innovation with the new Tibor Signature Series.

2011 marked the 35th Anniversary of Tibor Reel Corporation, and to

celebrate, Tibor introduced a revolutionary new line of reels that are the

pinnacle of 35 years of designing and manufacturing the world’s finest fly fishing reels.

Signed by Master reel designer and fly fisherman Ted “Tibor” Juracsik, the elegant and efficient design of �the Tibor Signature Series

consists of very few parts. It features a completely ventilated spool and frame that keeps the reel cool during long, smoking runs and

provides a robust incoming and outgoing clicker sound. Available in three sizes, the Tibor Signature Series delivers the same tough

standards that have earned Tibor over 750 world records – more than any other fly reel.

http://www.tiborreel.com

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http://www.goldenwitch.com/ Golden Witch Technologies, Inc . P.O. Box 159 Hopeland, PA 17533 USA

Phone: 717-738-7330 | Fax: 717-738-4957 | info@goldenwitch.com

We're a very small company dedicated to the art of tackle craft. We, Russ Gooding & Erica Cabrera, are the sole staffers, which will ensure that each of our valued clients receives personal attention from the owners of this little, niche company. Since we no longer have staff, we have essentially transitioned Golden Witch into an e-commerce/mail order company only. Please feel free to order through the web store, by fax, phone, or mail. If you call, you can leave a message and Erica will call you back (domestic calls only). Erica processes and ships all the orders. I answer tech questions by email at least once each day - usually very early in the AM. After that, I'll spend the day down at the rod shop making custom rods, blanks, guides, and so forth — plus teaching classes!

What makes a Golden Witch Split-cane Rod Unique?

CLASSIC ACT IONS FOR MODERN LINES We use time proven rod tapers, many originally designed by Lyle Dickerson and his contemporaries, that we have tweaked to work even better with modern lines. You’ll be delighted. We make our blanks in-house—a source of pride and the only way to ensure tight quality control. Our blank making facility rivals that of any modern maker.

• Two-Piece, Two-Tip Split Bamboo Fly Rod • 4/5 Weight, 7’

• Tiger-Striped Bamboo • Blued & Gold-Inlayed Nickel Silver Reel Seat with Circassian Walnut Insert

• Butt Cap Engraved • Owner’s Name Inked on Rod

• Slim-Ring Cigar Cork Grip with Antique Gold Tinted Adhesive • Blued & Gold Wire-Bezelled Red Agate Stripping Guide

• Antique Gold Wraps with Black Tipping • English Bronze Snake Guides

• Flannel Rod Sack • Engraved, Solid Brass-Capped Aluminum Rod Tube

• Custom Rod Tube Label • Blued Ferrules with Gold Half-Blind Pins, serving as Witness Marks

• Blued & Gold-inlayed Finial-Capped Ferrule Plug • Blued Hook Tender with Gold Ring

• Blued & Gold-Inlayed, Broad Winding Check

$4995.00