To trot or not to trot?

Generally I take a couple of months off fishing at this time of year. Last weekend in the deep hard frost we took a walk which brought us down the river Bradford.
We bought the book 'A River in Time' written by Christine Gregory, at a talk presented by the Wildlife Trust, Wye and Upper Derwent Group last Autumn. The book gives a deep and thorough picture of this beautiful river and its history.
We watched the river as we walked. Plenty of water, birdsong and a good flow of water. Lunch on the bench just up from the swimming area, sitting in the sunshine. Delightful.
Later that evening opening my emails I read a newsletter from GAIC. Going through the articles I read Louis Noble's description of trotting for grayling. Apart from his suggestion to use a worm, it intrigued me. I have an old Avon Crown centre pin reel of my father's. But I would need to buy a rod, braid, nylon, float and shot. Will it be worth it? I think I would prefer to use tied nymphs or shrimps rather than maggot or worm.  Do they work?
Priced up a J W Young 13' rod. But will it feel heavy?
Checked out on YouTube the Wallis cast required to launch float, shot, line and bait - seems reasonably easy from the comfort of my armchair! Would no doubt be creating a few birds’ nests at the river?
Can anyone advise? I dislike wading to any depth in the cold, cold water - besides, my wader’s leek at a point above my knee. So could I use this technique to fish further across the river?
Your tips and opinions please.
To trot or not to trot?

December 31st Last day of fishing for 2014

The sun was shining. Not too windy. But I blanked. I saw only one fish which swam off rapidly as I approached. Ah well, better luck next year. Happy new year!

Successful Womens Grayling Day on the Wye

Well our first day out river fishing as a group of women went extremely well. The weather was glorious, more like summer than October. There were just five of us to fish, with varied ability, but everyone caught fish.
Wye river keeper, Jan had set up rods and nets for the folk who didn't have suitable river rods and also supplied us with flies.

Peter Arfield of Bakewell fly fishing shop joined us to give some tuition and guidance. We also had Chris Worthy as well as Jan as support and guide for the day.
It has been great to have so much wise support and help freely given. Thank you to the three of you for making this such a good day on the river and thank you to Haddon estates for nurturing such a beautiful natural river.

The first grayling of the day was caught by Hilary. Hilary is an accomplished fisher who fishes in quite a few places around the world....... and thoroughly enjoys it. Her netsman here is Peter Arfield. The river fly diary page shows you just a few of the flies used on this very warm October day.

With support next year from a few of the local clubs we hope to have a few more days out fishing next trout season and hopefully with more anglers taking part?
Anyway spread the word that fly fishing is an elegant and wonderful sport for women and if you are thinking of trying fly fishing just do it!
Do start off with tuition though - from a trained person, not just someone you know who fishes. My first casting lessons were given to me as a Christmas present - it was a voucher from Bakewell Fly Fishing shop with AAPGAI qualified instructor Peter Arfield (see link above). Casting that fly onto the water requires more technique than effort!
Join us and we will try and get you enjoying some time at the river. 
Tight lines

Grayling winter talks in Bakewell November

The first of this autumns grayling talks takes place on November 12th at 7.30 in the Rutland Arms Hotel, The Square, Bakewell DE45 1BT
Charles Jardine,  “My personal journey with Grayling”
Charles will be talking of his experiences with Grayling fishing over the years, and may include some fly tying.
Check out his website Charles Jardine

Free day grayling fly fishing for women anglers on the Derbyshire Wye later in October 2014

If you are interested in a free day fly fishing for grayling on a beautiful river and you are a woman angler this could be an event to attend.

The Wye in Derbyshire, near Bakewell, is a river I regularly fish. It is clear, beautiful, easy access and full of fish. The wild rainbow trout will still be active, but clearly, we will be targeting the grayling. There is no wading in the river so a long handled landing net is a good idea.

Tuesday 28^th October 2014 is the day we have arranged. But if the weather is awful it will need to be rescheduled.

We are hoping for women fishers who are new to river fishing, able fishers or any stage in between. If you don’t have any equipment, let us know and we should be able to get you fishing.

Support and advice will be available. Though if you have not learnt to cast a line this may not be a day to learn, though you are welcome to come along and watch. You could have a go, casting safely without a hook on the line. Bring your Polaroid’s and a cap with a brim or peak.

If you intend fishing and don’t have an environment agency licence you can get one quite cheaply for the day. Check out ‘Licence to fish’ page to see how to proceed. You cannot fish a river without a licence.

Please pass on this message to anyone you know who might like to participate.

All enquiries and to book contact Irene

1womanflyfishing@gmail.com

Thanks

Free day fly fishing for grayling for women anglers on the Derbyshire Wye

Thanks for those of you who were able to attend our river walk on the Lathkill on the 9^th September 2014 with river keeper Jan.

We had perfect weather, Jan gave some very clear and informative thoughts on his work and the river and its environs.

As an added bonus he has also the offered Women anglers a free day fly fishing for grayling on the Derbyshire Wye.

We will do a weather check a few days before, but currently suggesting a day next week, depending on the take up. Tuesday 14th, Wed 15th or Thursday 16th October 2014. Please contact me if you would like to join us. You do not have to be a member of the group to attend. In fact we are not, as yet, any kind of formal group.

Email 1womanflyfishing@gmail.com with all the dates you can attend out of the three please, so I can select the most appropriate. Or post a response on this blog post to show an interest.

This is a river I regularly fish. It is clear, beautiful, easy access and full of fish. The wild rainbow trout will still be active, but clearly, we will be targeting the grayling. There is no wading in the river so a long handled landing net is a good idea.

We are hoping for women fishers who are new to river fishing, able fishers or any stage inbetween.

Support and advice will be available for all abilities. Though if you have not learnt to cast a line this will not be a day to learn, though you are welcome to come along and watch.

Please pass on this message to anyone you know who might like to participate.

All enquiries to me, 

Irene
1womanflyfishing@gmail.com

Thanks

 

 

Fishing club doubles number of women anglers!

Yes, its true - the Peacock Fishing Club doubled the number of women anglers this year.
Unfortunately that only makes two of us!
Why are there so few women fishing? I realise that it is probably a Marmite thing - you love it or hate it. But how many women have actually tried? How many young girls have actually paddled and fished? How do we get more women on the river fishing?
Please could I ask all of you (mainly men) who fish, buy a few casting lessons for a woman you know who might like to try it. I strongly suggest that you do not attempt to teach your partner yourself ....... that is really not a good idea. In fact in some respects, I consider myself fortunate that my husband does not fly fish - he still occasionally tries to suggest how I might improve my fishing though!
Now I must find the time to get to Peter's Bakewell fly fishing shop as he says he has the names of some potential female fly fishers. The problem then I face is - where do I take them to try wetting a fly - or initially a piece of wool. Then how do I keep them fishing - it not being that cheap an activity.
Any ideas? Offers from clubs?
Could be a call to Bernie Maher at Press Manor is required again. I am not a still water fisher, but we had a very good evening last year with free tuition from Peter Arfield. Contact the blog if you might like to join us or have some ideas of practice venues.
Thanks.
Oh and the picture above is a tip (from another fly fishing person of course) to use blades of grass to dull a new tippet. In fact I find it very good to smooth a tippet that has gone a bit twisty.
Tight lines