tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66414103611286878882024-03-06T06:43:08.992+00:00Finally FishingCraig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-12554720877560102622014-01-18T15:46:00.000+00:002014-01-18T15:46:34.503+00:00A Busy Day at Garnffrwd Just before Christmas I was present at one of the most badly organised competitions I have ever seen (I wont go into any more details, unless I get a very good bribe). Since then I have been going crazy not getting the chance to fish. With Christmas being such a busy time and every time I stepped foot outside, I immediately became wetter than an Otters pocket due to the constant torrential rain I haven't even been able to get on the river.<br />
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Having spoken to a friend who was arranging a trip to Garnffrwd, initially I was unable to go, leaving me in a very sour mood. Thursday arrived, things changed and I had the time to go. A quick phone around and the trip was set. Myself and a good group of lads:<br />
Lee, who got me back into fishing who along with Dan are the 2 people I constantly hassle for advice. Also on the trip was Tom and Mark. A good trip can usually be improved just with your company.<br />
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We agreed to meet early, 6:15 and I travelled down with Dan and Lee with the aim to be at the fishery by first light as the predicted weather conditions indicated it could get busy bankside.<br />
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Having arrived by about 7:30, there was already a couple of anglers there. We made our way down to the lake and tackled up - very difficult to do this in the dark! As the morning broke and the skies lightened, it got a little easier. I tackled up 2 rods. My 6wt Flextec rod was tackled up with matching Airflo Super-dri line and a Bloodworm suspended underneath a strike indicator. This setup had been working well recently. On my 6wt Greys GRXi+ i set up my Cortland floating line and one of my own Damsel patterns with a Kingfisher blue hackle, this would be my stripping rod for the day.<br />
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We met with Jamie (the fishery owner) and after a quick chat, purchased our tickets we went fishing.<br />
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Already by this time the lake was getting busy but I managed to find a decent spot (peg 10) where i had caught fish before. I always start by fishing a lure, I cast out my Damsel and searched the margins first. Without any takes I started fan casting and covering the occasional fish that was turning in the surface. After a half hour or so, I started to get some tail nips directly out in front of me. The location was in the slightly shallower water near the far bank, which was beneath some good bankside trees and vegetation. I carried on targeting this spot, changing my retrieve until I finally got a take on a very slow steady retrieve. A feisty little Rainbow of 1 1/2lb graced the net after some acrobatics and a very spirited fight.<br />
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The sun by now was high in the sky and penetrating the clear water, I can only assume this is why I had no more action on my lure in the top few feet of the water. Having changed a couple of time to a Cats Whisker and a Black Zonker (to name just two) I decided to cast out my bloodworm. For quite a while I didn't have anything hit my fly with any seriousness. A couple of times my indicator twitched but my strike met with nothing. In the clearer water I could see the fish nosing the indicator itself. The order of the day was very shy fish, not wiling to take anything readily.<br />
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Casting over a relatively shallow section of the lake, near a bridge my indicator twitched then shot under. Initially, I was able to pull in plenty of line thinking the fish was small then it decided to turn and run and managed to take back all the line I had just taken. The fish didn't jump or run constantly I just seemed to resist ever time I tried to bring in. I finally got its head up and landed a lovely fat Rainbow estimated around the 3lb mark.<br />
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It was whilst fishing this spot that I noticed a big Rainbow just cruising the margins - unfortunately I could catch it!<br />
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The wind was cold and we were hungry, so we headed up to Christine's Cafe for a fantastic full breakfast about 10:30. Looking back out on the lake we could clearly see how popular this lake is as practically every peg was occupied. Luckily there were other anglers in need of sustenance and as they settled down to eat we all managed to slip into some good spots to carry on fishing - a few anglers left their kit on the pegs when they went for food. Something which really riles me. However, on discussion with Jamie before we left he clearly feels the same and said next time to move it out of the way and continue to fish. Anyone with an issue on this can be directed back to him. Always nice when there is an approachable owner, who has the same views as you do (obviously these views don't run true for all anglers but I think in this case we are right).<br />
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I was quite keen to try some stalking for the afternoon. I stripped down my Flextec setup and tying on some 4lb G3 fluorocarbon and with various size 14/16 flies, spent a lot of time sight fishing off a small walkway. I missed a few takes as the glare from the sun was making visibility difficult. However, some welcome tips from Lee means next time I will be more prepared to catch - he obviously had to show me up by landing one of the fish I couldn't!<br />
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With a couple of hours fishing left I decided to have a walk about the fishery. Having changed to an intermediate line on my GRXi+, I fished deep and slow hoping to tempted one of the bigger Brownies skulking on the bottom. Casting out and counting down 10/15/20 seconds, I had almost constant follows on a Gold Head Damsel but I just couldn't get a fish to take. On a couple of occasions the fish actually followed my braided loop in! I changed fly to an unweighted Damsel and first cast I hit a small Rainbow, which turned out to be the last of the day for me.<br />
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It was on this last platform that I heard what can only be described as 'hoopin and a hollerin' from across the lake. It was Dan, with a big Brownie. Having not caught for most of the afternoon session he put on an experimental bright pink lure and managed this 7/8lb Brownie off the Dam! Think I must be Dan's lucky charm as last time we fished here together, he took an 8lb Brownie from the Inlet.<br />
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And here is the fly - shocking isn't it! We tried to tell him the fish didn't count as any self respecting angler wouldn't even tie in on their cast. He didn't listen.....and I'll be sure to have a couple in my box for next time!<br />
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Chatting with Jamie as we tackled down, we learnt quite how busy the day was. 31 anglers fishing with another 25 or so turned away! This is even more incredible given that I only heard of 2 anglers who blanked. Considering the amount of flies that the fish would have seen, its testament to the fishery that so many people could carry on catching quality fish throughout the day.<br />
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If you haven't been, you must - <a href="http://www.garnffrwdflyfishing.co.uk/">www.garnffrwdflyfishing.co.uk</a>, we will be heading back very soon.<br />
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On the day, Lee managed 8 fish, Dan 5, Tom and myself 3 a piece. Unfortunately Mark didn't catch, but he wants to go back so i think that speaks volumes.<br />
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In all, it was a great day at a great fishery and in great company. Can you ask for more? Wonder if Christine will delivery the breakfast to the pegs???<br />
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Until next time...Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-4834652937129446872013-12-06T13:22:00.001+00:002016-02-24T13:23:30.666+00:002013 ReviewWith 2013 almost over and the Christmas festivities just around the corner, the chance of fishing will be rather limited unfortunately. I have therefore decided to do a look back over the year and show some of the fish I have been lucky enough to catch.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">River Wye</span></b><br />
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My year started off pretty well. An early season Nymphing session landed me a lovely wild OOS Brownie. A fish that actually won me Total FlyFisher’s fish of the month.<br />
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River fishing was a bit hit and miss over the summer on the Wye, mainly due to the very hot weather we have had. The cooler months have definitely seen the best fishing. Despite a few good sessions with the dry fly, this year has been all about the nymphs. The majority of fish I have caught on the river have been on small (size 14/16) gold head PTN’s using the Duo method – both Grayling and Trout, and the odd Dace, have taken a big liking to this pattern this year. When the fish have been switched onto the dries, I've had luck with The Grey Duster (on of my favourite patterns), light brown sedges and the ever successful Para Adams.</div>
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There have been a couple of firsts on the Wye this year; the first Salmon I’ve ever seen landed, 18lb (However, if was with a plug lure whilst fishing for Pike); but more significantly, Mary Bradbury became the first woman (on record) to hook and land a Salmon on my club waters - a great achievement.</div>
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There were also a large number of Goosander, Cormorants and Otters around this year - more so than usual where the otters are concerned, they certainly made the most of the Shads yearly visit (see pic below). You cannot fish for Shad but I hooked one whilst fishing the duo - they don't half run, put a serious bend in my 4wt.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">River Irfon</span></b><br />
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Similar to the Wye, the Irfon suffered heavily with the hot weather. As the river runs much shallower anyway, there were times you could almost step across it. The shallow warmer water however did see large Chub move in. I offered them the odd nymph but I think ledgering luncheon meat would have been more successful. The cold weather was again the best time to catch. Nymphs again the ordered of the season, with shrimp patterns landing me some bigger fish this winter.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My biggest Grayling of the year - 2lb est</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.rhayaderangling.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Llyngwyn Lake (Rhayader and Elan Valley Angling Association)</span></b></a><br />
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Having took up a summer permit at Llyngwyn I fish there a lot. Hot weather pushed the fish down, and as the depths are up to 55ft, it was very difficult to catch on times. I did enjoy some excellent sessions, with the pick of the bunch being myself and Dan Graham landing 30+ fish between us in one of the most hectic afternoons of fishing I have had. I also managed a full house at the lake (Wild Brown, which was returned, Blue and Rainbow Trout).<br />
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I mainly caught on lures, Damsels, Montana’s and Cats Whiskers but on the last day on my permit I took a trip there and landed 7 fish, all on a Klinkhammer off the top including the biggest fish on the season for me a 4lb+ rainbow.<br />
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<a href="http://www.garnffrwdflyfishing.co.uk/#" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Garnffrwd Fly Fishery</span></b></a><br />
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A couple of trips to the excellent Garnffrwd saw some really nice fish caught, made even better by visiting Christine’s Café for a warm and some food. But like everywhere else, the weather played a big part in the number fish being caught.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMPvx855n7JGSj-l_6KB2lalaje6C7zA2v2jXKhl54mIszjcwvKxaLdwf9yAcccVBuiPDUJ9oMwv0DrxmRIfP7doP3EVrLDI3o9bhR_RD7aJUnbgIRsqL0nUje_KJs8rvp98fRZYoOmI/s1600/BrownColour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMPvx855n7JGSj-l_6KB2lalaje6C7zA2v2jXKhl54mIszjcwvKxaLdwf9yAcccVBuiPDUJ9oMwv0DrxmRIfP7doP3EVrLDI3o9bhR_RD7aJUnbgIRsqL0nUje_KJs8rvp98fRZYoOmI/s320/BrownColour.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was fishing a Garnffrwd where my mate Dan landed his PB Brown of 8lb. I helped him net it and it was a lump!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXdpkBsf3GTCbTZPfGywc_1l3jNr5fSvt_PZCUaUXJwZSrV6Rfa2PA5kDL_0vpW70P5IUe1q9ht_DizRar3BIPTAWhbN451fW60HR1eb5F66TkCnXqd8b0QZlgHtEsezyH7DVs7sScz0/s1600/BigBrown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXdpkBsf3GTCbTZPfGywc_1l3jNr5fSvt_PZCUaUXJwZSrV6Rfa2PA5kDL_0vpW70P5IUe1q9ht_DizRar3BIPTAWhbN451fW60HR1eb5F66TkCnXqd8b0QZlgHtEsezyH7DVs7sScz0/s320/BigBrown.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.chirkfishery.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Chirk Trout Fishery</span></b></a><br />
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One of the most fun days I had fishing this year was a Chirk Fishery. Having never caught a Brook Trout before, I came from there having landing more than 20. The aggression these fish showed was incredible. Any lure that passed them by was attacked. Not massive fish but I was very tired by the time I got from there!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ko7n5fJPahU/UpespUJwtYI/AAAAAAAACck/f7MQU5isu38/s1600/IMG_20130804_201047." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ko7n5fJPahU/UpespUJwtYI/AAAAAAAACck/f7MQU5isu38/s320/IMG_20130804_201047." width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope for much of the same when it comes to the actual fishing. I intend on fishing all my usual haunts as well as some new places - River X on my uncles’ farm and hopefully an early season trip to Ellerdine.</div>
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The only thing in my diary for the remainder of the year is the annual 'Fur and Feathers' at Llyngwyn on 22nd December. This will be my first timing fishing this comp and only my second ever competition. From friends accounts, its a light hearted competition and just a bit of fun really - something I'm quite looking forward too.</div>
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I'll leave you with a few more pics from the year and wish you all tight lines and a very Merry Christmas!</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2HJHOXUB48/Uperpo2bmII/AAAAAAAACY0/IGh5ESffaYs/s1600/Red-Kite-5_20130413143928341" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2HJHOXUB48/Uperpo2bmII/AAAAAAAACY0/IGh5ESffaYs/s320/Red-Kite-5_20130413143928341" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favourite pictures of the year - Red Kite in Flight</td></tr>
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Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-61841104496387330222013-10-17T13:32:00.000+01:002013-10-17T13:32:59.082+01:00Fishtec BlogAs well as this blog, I write an occaisional post for the Fishtec Blog. Check out my posts and let me know what you think:<br />
<a href="http://blog.fishtec.co.uk/author/craigbufton">http://blog.fishtec.co.uk/author/craigbufton</a><br />
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With Trout season over and Salmon season coming to an end were heading full tilt into freezing temeratures and fighting fit Grayling. I wish you all the best and hope to have some new posts for you shortly.<br />
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Until next time...Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-57696466796590144312013-09-12T11:01:00.000+01:002013-09-12T11:01:25.882+01:00Minke Fishing Tool ReviewThe Minke Fishing Tool is probably the best looking piece of kit you will see this year and probably next!<br />
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<a href="http://www.designboom.com/wp-content/dbsub/377473/2013-08-30/img_1_1377859163_c4ca4238a0b923820dcc509a6f75849b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.designboom.com/wp-content/dbsub/377473/2013-08-30/img_1_1377859163_c4ca4238a0b923820dcc509a6f75849b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So what is it? Minke is an innovative, pocket sized, multi tool by Scottish company Meso-Design. The Minke allows the user to cut lines, clean hook eyes and probably most impressively allows you to thread hooks and tie clinch knots.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.squarespace.com/static/5208df36e4b0f3bf53b7021d/5208e743e4b04f935eeceb7a/520a59a7e4b03ad27aba8091/1378112857105/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://static.squarespace.com/static/5208df36e4b0f3bf53b7021d/5208e743e4b04f935eeceb7a/520a59a7e4b03ad27aba8091/1378112857105/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hook Eye cleaner and Snips</td></tr>
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I’m never one for buying products because I feel I should. When my friends are there with their Hardy rods and reels I’m more than happy with my Greys. If a products works for me then I’m happy, if it looks good at the same time then that is a bonus and this is exactly what you get from Meso Design’s new product.</div>
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I’ve fished with Minke both on the River and Stillwater and it has effortlessly cut Fluorocarbon from 2lb up to 10lb with easy. I’ve used it to attach flies from size 10-16 and it hangs nicely from my lanyard due to the built in lanyard loop. I also had many an interested look and inquisitive question all asking questions, each one commenting on how good it looked.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designboom.com/wp-content/dbsub/377473/2013-08-30/img_6_1377859163_e4da3b7fbbce2345d7772b0674a318d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.designboom.com/wp-content/dbsub/377473/2013-08-30/img_6_1377859163_e4da3b7fbbce2345d7772b0674a318d5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanyard loop</td></tr>
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The Clinch knot I used when catching the 2 fish below was tied using the Minke Tool so i'm pretty confident the process is solid.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2zREVQiB7Ws/UjGHoxSNVMI/AAAAAAAACVc/FHDZGj8sWcU/s1600/IMG-20130907-WA0009_20130912101901118" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2zREVQiB7Ws/UjGHoxSNVMI/AAAAAAAACVc/FHDZGj8sWcU/s320/IMG-20130907-WA0009_20130912101901118" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3lb Stillwater Rainbow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z-IV6MjjJU/UjGKIWBePPI/AAAAAAAACV4/wm4JXhRhsdc/s1600/DSC_0595" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z-IV6MjjJU/UjGKIWBePPI/AAAAAAAACV4/wm4JXhRhsdc/s320/DSC_0595" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1lb + River Wye Brown</td></tr>
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Now, you’re probably thinking how can it help tie a clinch knot? Well…it’s simple really. You slot the hook into the rubber section on the front of the tool, which holds the hook eye in place. A funnel on the top of the tool allows the line to be past straight through the hook eye. The clinch knot is formed by wrapping the line around two rings on the body of the product, and feeding the line back down a second funnel. Then by simply pulling the hook out of the device, the knot can be tightened and the hook secured.</div>
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<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/841/214/db0b3179f0f07c782cde3dc2e659ad6b_large.jpg?1376910882" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/841/214/db0b3179f0f07c782cde3dc2e659ad6b_large.jpg?1376910882" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://dailyxy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/minke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://dailyxy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/minke.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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When you consider the wet and windy conditions, people with poor eyesight or a disability, this product takes away potentially one of the most difficult (and frustrating) parts of fishing. Who knows, by removing the ‘need’ to tie a clinch knot by hand, it may even get more people into fishing.<br />
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Czech Nymphing the rivers of Mid Wales in the depth of winter as you can imagine gets pretty cold. The number of times i’ve tried to tie on that killer fly and my hands have been so cold I can hardly move, this year I will have the Minke tool to help.<br />
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Originally developed as a school project, Meso took this idea and went ahead with it. Through numerous prototypes and rigorous development they came up with an incredible looking product. I can’t see anyone not wanting one of these hanging from their jacket and I highly recommend you try it.<br />
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Plus the tool comes in a very attractive case, ideal for storing bits of tying gear!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XubOF0kh64/UjGKrXSwBTI/AAAAAAAACWA/tULPRVpQ1AY/s1600/DSC_0604_20130912103405497" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XubOF0kh64/UjGKrXSwBTI/AAAAAAAACWA/tULPRVpQ1AY/s200/DSC_0604_20130912103405497" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQrrnIJzkXU/UjGHrIwllZI/AAAAAAAACVk/J5hzNf3lO5s/s1600/DSC_0605" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQrrnIJzkXU/UjGHrIwllZI/AAAAAAAACVk/J5hzNf3lO5s/s200/DSC_0605" width="150" /></a></div>
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Check out the sites below for more information.<br />
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<a href="http://www.minkefishingtool.com/">www.minkefishingtool.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/534419381/minke-a-fishing-multi-tool">www.kickstarter.com/projects/534419381/minke-a-fishing-multi-tool</a><br />
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Until next time…<br />
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Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-28798012780342507842013-07-31T13:08:00.001+01:002013-07-31T13:08:41.720+01:00All the Gear...Some Idea<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It’s funny, whenever I buy new fishing gear I'm always quite nervous when I first use it. Whether is because the majority of kit we buy is expensive and I don’t want it to be a waste of money!</div>
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Anyway, I recently got hold of a new Airflo Super-Dri line. I had to wait longer than I hoped due but now I have it and it’s loaded onto my reel.</div>
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I went for the Elite line, WF5 in Lichen Green. I choose this colour because of its understatedness, not sure that is even a word but you get the picture! If felt it would be best when covering spooky WBT (especially given the waters around me are so low and clear at the moment). Although highly visible, the line isn’t bright and that appealed to me. I choose the WF5 to go with my Streamtec Nantec 4/5 wt, which I use on the river and also the Stillwater if needed.</div>
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Over the last few weeks it appears every man and his dog has reviewed these lines. Therefore im not going to go into too much detail on the manufacturing but how it feels and how it fishes:</div>
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However for anyone who wants to know here (in <span style="color: blue;">blue</span> to make it easier for you to skip) are the specifications and marketing spiel from Airflo - :</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Introducing the new Airflo super-DRI series, the Highest Floating and Slickest Fly Line Available!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Material advances from the science technicians at Airflo have given us the leg up in the floating fly line market. Once you feel, cast and fish one of the new super-DRI lines there's no going back.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Super-DRI Features & Benefits</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: blue;">Ultimate high floating PVC Free material</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Repels water better than any other material</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Repels dirt and surface scum with a vengeance</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Slides through the guides better, adding distance to every cast</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Permanently part of the line, not a coating that leaches out - migration is only good for birds!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Easily lifts off the waters surface, less disturbance adding stealth to every fishing situation</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Easy mending capabilities due to higher floating, adding length to drag free drifts</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Looped at both ends for easy leader changes</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Ridged for greater shoot ability and less tangles</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Power Core for ultra low stretch, extreme feel, and solid hook set</span></li>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Zone Technology</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">With new production technology come new designs. Zone technology allows us to use a different material configuration in every part of a fly line. Imagine a line that has a super high floating tip zone, a supple belly zone that throws loops that are exceptionally tight. A haul zone strategically placed that incorporates harder material with less compression making double hauling effortless and extreme durability in a high wear area. And finally a slightly harder but friction free running line zone to make shooting and managing line more efficient. Also a colour change for quick zone reference. This future technology is available now on Airflo's new super-DRI series of fly lines.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">The Elite features our go to trout taper, the extremely popular impact taper. A modest front taper and standard head length, this line will do it all, great for all aspects of trout fishing, boat or bank, river, lake or small water. Available in three ideal colours, Lichen Green in WF 2-7, Sunrise Yellow in WF 3-7 and Lichen Green/Sunrise Yellow in a DT 3-6.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNFX2__foi41gd3PvZUF3_ashAljDpWMtsZ9UvJzCaVPhoJebAryHs_NG7nmnl43Z_U75Q7i1__dgFojCrkf0CLYNET0W0SfrcpFBt5uCPQKRblw9kImzdJkMJnuHeEp9SEZBWRe6fXs/s1600/Ridge_Super_Dri_Elite_Lichen_Green_5_20130723113346734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNFX2__foi41gd3PvZUF3_ashAljDpWMtsZ9UvJzCaVPhoJebAryHs_NG7nmnl43Z_U75Q7i1__dgFojCrkf0CLYNET0W0SfrcpFBt5uCPQKRblw9kImzdJkMJnuHeEp9SEZBWRe6fXs/s640/Ridge_Super_Dri_Elite_Lichen_Green_5_20130723113346734.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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Now that’s been covered the big question is; ‘is it any good?’</div>
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Well, in a word, Yes.</div>
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The first thing I noticed was the extra distance I immediately put on my casts with very little effort. The line simply glided through my rod rings – for me, this is a good thing!</div>
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Observing the line as it drifted down river and I was amazed as to high the line actually sat on the water. Rather than some of the lines I’ve used in the past, the line sat on top rather than in the surface film. Because of this I found it so easy to lift off the water and re-cast to a rising fish. There was very little disturbance on the top and hardly any drag/friction from the line pulling through the water.</div>
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The big test would be catching a fish! I saw a fish rising; I cast over it, initially without luck. I waited to see if the fish rose again and sure enough it did. I cast over it and there was a take. This is what impressed me most about the line, no sooner had the fish rose and I had struck into it the line was out of the water and I was hooked up. I'm never one for believing ‘the hype’ but this was quite noticeable. The fish (Grayling - pic below), wasn’t massive but any means, but the take had registered as soon as I struck. I read somewhere about the line that ‘<i>You'll know when a fish breathes anywhere near your fly</i>’ and to be honest I can understand the comment even if its rather tongue in check!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpcHKotfcT3YgALsAGxDCKD-Z0ruhu_mybAHwA74yZK8wCh1w6O5AcjkZpuFddimGJ-ELKcLGnJHZkZfZbI7mvrNEBSNfOpFVv3BM-jZVOY24Q1KBWBKXeluQkxBhgG_-t8TA_d77ES8/s320/DSC_0401.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wye Grayling</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpcHKotfcT3YgALsAGxDCKD-Z0ruhu_mybAHwA74yZK8wCh1w6O5AcjkZpuFddimGJ-ELKcLGnJHZkZfZbI7mvrNEBSNfOpFVv3BM-jZVOY24Q1KBWBKXeluQkxBhgG_-t8TA_d77ES8/s1600/DSC_0401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
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With positives, there must also be negatives. Given that these are the ‘Highest Floating Lines Available’ this is also where my only negative can be found. Fishing a dry fly when there was a strong down river wind, saw the line drift just a bit too fast (despite putting a mend in the line). With a strong upriver wind, the line almost didn't drift at all. Now I can’t see these negatives being a deal breaker and they are honestly the only flaws I’ve found so far.</div>
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Lets not be naïve here, these lines aren’t going to transform from an average angler into a great angler but I genuinely feel you will see a better hook up rate and fewer missed takes. With my previously line I'm convinced it was because it was holding almost under the water that I couldn’t strike into the fish effectively. Who knows, that increase in hook ups may well turn you into a great angler!</div>
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Overall I would highly recommend the lines, well this one at least. Admittedly I have only tried the Elite, which is described as the 'go-to' trout line. However, the technology looks solid and if Airflo have done such a good job with this then im sure the other lines are up to standard. I am hoping to pick up and Xceed line soon so I will put a piece together for that too.</div>
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Airflo have been producing very technically advanced lines for years and with the Super-Dri they appear to have really raised their game with the floating lines. Stubourness aside, they should even impress some of the older generation who experienced some of the less desirable floating lines made by Airflo in the 90's!</div>
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So now im set. All the gear and no idea I hear you cry! Who cares when the scenery is so nice?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDRTLKnyF3p4VaJRhkMa8MPZHBTD8214UAeZdS8-pjJ9S3I4iuA-tM7wHu3El_42z6LAHqALrf2a1xgdOafVLhPTAPS3syncJ7BgLL2tZ-pHpWbjzbj_hfkJ6v2TKUylMOFTRW8j6HDY/s1600/IMG_20130718_214256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDRTLKnyF3p4VaJRhkMa8MPZHBTD8214UAeZdS8-pjJ9S3I4iuA-tM7wHu3El_42z6LAHqALrf2a1xgdOafVLhPTAPS3syncJ7BgLL2tZ-pHpWbjzbj_hfkJ6v2TKUylMOFTRW8j6HDY/s320/IMG_20130718_214256.jpg" width="320" /> </a> </div>
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Until next time…</div>
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Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-49665892057570031812013-07-01T12:29:00.001+01:002013-07-01T12:29:09.486+01:00What a Difference a Week Makes<div dir="ltr">
So you go out fishing with much expectation, but you blank. This happened to me last week, which was surprising given the conditions - warm weather, some cloud cover, river clear and level good.</div>
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What was the problem? Hard to say but it may have been the rain over the previous weekend, river did seem slightly colder and that must have been enough to slow the fish down. There was an abundance for fly life from Sedges to Olives but the fish weren't turned onto them. Even fishing a nymph proved fruitless!</div>
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But as the title suggests, it hasn't all been like that recently.</div>
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The week before, I was fortunate enough to have an afternoon free and went down the lower end of the clubs waters (Wye) on a nice glide above the 'Fly Run'. I managed to take a couple of fish on the top but observing the water there were lots of fish turning in the top of the water so I decided to tie on an extra length of flurocarbon to the bend of my dry hook and attach a nymph - fishing the duo, New Zeland style (possibly my favourite fishing method).</div>
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To start with I used a small size 16 Gold Head PTN. This is where the action really took off. In the next hour I took 8 fish, some small some over 1lb and all from the same place that I blanked recently.</div>
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I also visited this (sometimes) productive spot over the weekend when the wind and rain arrived and took 4 good size Grayling, again on a nymph - this time a pink body with red ribbing and a Silver Bead.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brownie on the dry</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brownie on the nymph</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOB16q5QIbr9L9YvJqqa4udAu1ARfmbElv1Gs6ZywsLv0MYv0BplY26jFmvTJ4cByfHg4XaQAmVKTCgmT605F66Vuz5F7BFsjgyV04H70zef6wzAaeDsLsfmBbxnonS_iyS_Av3FDqGo/s1600/DSC_0356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOB16q5QIbr9L9YvJqqa4udAu1ARfmbElv1Gs6ZywsLv0MYv0BplY26jFmvTJ4cByfHg4XaQAmVKTCgmT605F66Vuz5F7BFsjgyV04H70zef6wzAaeDsLsfmBbxnonS_iyS_Av3FDqGo/s320/DSC_0356.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salmon Parr</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aNBlTfSHjeJeDXMy35iCQObYMSDClF6euhzqZ92IGYlVXugc6LUDM8LqiaqzISh-JCDuRd95COJT14609bb735CHylXlgR1ZPkTJt3Csz95D2OEdL7g7juRd_aBtv2jsD-EiXWiWixA/s1600/DSC_0364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aNBlTfSHjeJeDXMy35iCQObYMSDClF6euhzqZ92IGYlVXugc6LUDM8LqiaqzISh-JCDuRd95COJT14609bb735CHylXlgR1ZPkTJt3Csz95D2OEdL7g7juRd_aBtv2jsD-EiXWiWixA/s320/DSC_0364.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best of the day - Grayling of 1lb+</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBHlN_ZKfbvNMrGcP3EWyxq-A0JuQAa7HNlUNR9C2GBCUTa6kGXjXGoIHKmxEakfOh7_saeEBsMyodokRXqvpFYNpgW_Cpcng4EHUmZJ8MQItDYEMCOxtz2VETbMd2207UVF1xGpEbTc/s1600/DSC_0379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBHlN_ZKfbvNMrGcP3EWyxq-A0JuQAa7HNlUNR9C2GBCUTa6kGXjXGoIHKmxEakfOh7_saeEBsMyodokRXqvpFYNpgW_Cpcng4EHUmZJ8MQItDYEMCOxtz2VETbMd2207UVF1xGpEbTc/s320/DSC_0379.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grayling with the pink fly in its top lip</td></tr>
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Yes fishing can be frustrating at times but just being out in the peace and quiet is often enough to relax the mind. I took a break from the lashing wind and rain and found shelter under a couple of trees. As the wind subsided and rain eased I sat there watching as a gorgeous Kingfisher took flight along the far bank, up and down the river several times before disappearing back into the bank. To be honest I enjoyed seeing the Kingfisher more than catching the fish that day!</div>
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One thing I was told when I first started fishing again was:<br /><em>Its called Fishing, if you caught a fish every time it would be called Catching.</em></div>
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A very simple statement but how true it is. Everyone loves to catch fish, it's why we fish. However, some people get hung up on catching and being better than everyone else (something which has resulted in a lot of discussion recently about Competition fishing - something I hope to talk about again). When these anglers realise there is much more pleasure to be taken from fishing than hooking a 6" 'monster', I think they will really see the benefits.</div>
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Until next time...</div>
Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-81878347009752777272013-06-12T13:04:00.000+01:002013-06-25T13:35:49.915+01:00Predation<div dir="ltr">
Is predation an issue for you?</div>
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This is a subject I've touched on with my newest Fishtec Blog post (<a href="http://blog.fishtec.co.uk/is-predation-spoiling-your-fly-fishing">http://blog.fishtec.co.uk/is-predation-spoiling-your-fly-fishing</a>). However its something I wanted to elaborate on a lot more.</div>
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Let me just summarise how this season is going:</div>
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On my private syndicate lake there were anything up to 6 Cormorants at one time and also Mink.</div>
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On the Rivers Wye and Irfon there are reports of a re-introduced family of five Otters. As well as Cormorants and Goosanders.</div>
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On my Angling Clubs (Builth Wells AC) newly redeveloped Coarse lake we have had to install electric fencing as the Otters (reintroduced to the river) had eaten the majority of fish - after significant loss and cost, the lake now restocked and we're preparing for opening soon.</div>
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Rhayader AC has a Cormorant/Goosander watch record sheet at Llyngwyn, which is regularly updated with sightings.</div>
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But what can be done? </div>
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I support the Angling Trusts campaign 'Action on Cormorants', which has called for Cormorants and Goosanders to be added to the General License (shoot/kill) making it legal to protect our fisheries. Currently you have to apply for a license, which isn't granted all that often - this takes time and money, something Angling Clubs and Fishery owners don't have. Check out the campaign <a href="http://www.anglingtrust.net/cormorants">www.anglingtrust.net/cormorants</a> </div>
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Otters on the other hand are a protected species under UK and European Law. Their conservation is paramount or they could be lost from the countryside, something that nearly happened in the early 1980's. </div>
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I don't support mindless culls of the birds but we need to be given an option. There are fine lines between conservation and control and you must look at them as one issue. Unfortunately if the Otters are there, there isn't much we can do. However, I was told recently it's better to have Otters than non-native inhabitants such as Mink. With native species, the 'circle of life' will settle down and the fish will thrive once more. Lets hope that's true.</div>
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Our rivers have been quiet, we put this mainly down to the Otters as they had been seen on the banks and basking in the sun on some of the exposed stone islands. Recently, the Shad arrived for their yearly spawn run - 8 of them were found dead on one of my favourite fishing spots not 2 days after they were first spotted. To confirm if it was in fact Otter predation, I sent this picture to our club Secretary Lance:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvAysAUULmP8mdlaQCr7xtZerQVehl1P0fQ5X7L9-PlpbKvdFR8WE2W3iJNawXOiT3QNWdMBOCxTEvWVlUP_0cu1tHVjuy_0bG96yu1Q9JDyiSa1_dVehvIO-RJbVBQ3vuii9wyIqXec/s1600/DSC_0210.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvAysAUULmP8mdlaQCr7xtZerQVehl1P0fQ5X7L9-PlpbKvdFR8WE2W3iJNawXOiT3QNWdMBOCxTEvWVlUP_0cu1tHVjuy_0bG96yu1Q9JDyiSa1_dVehvIO-RJbVBQ3vuii9wyIqXec/s400/DSC_0210.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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His response made me chuckle:</div>
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<em>The prosecution would like to sum up :-</em></div>
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<em>The slash along the side is consistent with an incision to gain access to the roe of the fish. I cannot think of any other animal other than an otter or a fish eagle which is capable of catching a Shad and inflicting such a wound. I believe that the presence of a fish eagle would have been noticed and commented upon and, in the absence of such observations, the weight of evidence supports the theory that an Otter, or Otters caused the mass fishicide. The little swines!</em></div>
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Despite the comical nature of his response, he was quite right!</div>
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But with fish stocks under threat and people's lively hood potentially under threat, it's doesn't look like there is anything 'legally' we can do. With bird numbers booming and Otter reintroduction seemingly apparent, what is the next step? I'm at a loss.</div>
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Despite these issues, I have been catching plenty of juvenile fish. </div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yALHzzXkPBmGoIPxVEw3tqinyNvLqMetGyBaImPZHsBxy9eft2PZtKVosCXNL8r91eN8c40nI69RtE6UY27TNH-TUH1dRWAun11riaaIN5GZlb-MOCkZFfxKmS3y3_I4AmhfiuB0Rfs/s400/DSC_0180.jpg" width="225" /></div>
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Could it be they are simply too small for the predators? Or are things not as bad as they seem? Only time will tell I think.</div>
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Until next time...</div>
Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-44461529905683581592013-04-28T20:35:00.001+01:002013-04-28T20:46:57.869+01:00The Airflo Story<p dir=ltr>Guest blog from Fishtec.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Take a look behind the scenes at Airflo. Be part of an 'on the water' and 'in the factory' tour explaining Airflo's patented materials and Fly line manufacturing process.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Its a very interesting video especially if you like to know what goes into making your favourite fishing gear.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Click to see <a href="http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=z66PBYgvaQ8&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dz66PBYgvaQ8%26feature%3Dyoutu.be">The Airflo Story</a></p>
<p dir=ltr>Until next time...</p>
Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-70958294908146022702013-04-22T13:39:00.000+01:002013-04-22T13:39:39.454+01:00If It's Not Broke<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the rivers not really satisfying my fishing hunger due to them being unusually quiet (due to the weather) and having picked up a summer permit at Llyngwyn I spent this past Sunday there. Having netted 15 fish on my last visit I was optimistic, you can see my previous last post (<a href="http://finallyfishing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/llyngwyn.html">http://finallyfishing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/llyngwyn.html</a>)<br />
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Tactics remained the same - Intermediate line, counted down 10 seconds, Cats Whisker , stripped back with a short sharp retrieve. This lead to 16 fish to the net and at least half a dozen more on an off. Plus I managed to catch a full compliment of trout species from the lake; Brown, Blue, Rainbow.</div>
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In this post I wont go into any more detail just give you some pictures, which hopefully you'll enjoy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7h5_szp0xVtH91upnuTnFmk7nb1g2whPuTKsRJl5ahFE071C7_XBW22_u_fr_v6_v9pxUPYrmnqsUiOhIG-RXBGJgO3Fcn4jYmOYwSjQmDxA8kVVBmjiWfJoXY6gU3ILDcafSmVOnTM/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7h5_szp0xVtH91upnuTnFmk7nb1g2whPuTKsRJl5ahFE071C7_XBW22_u_fr_v6_v9pxUPYrmnqsUiOhIG-RXBGJgO3Fcn4jYmOYwSjQmDxA8kVVBmjiWfJoXY6gU3ILDcafSmVOnTM/s640/DSC_0070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A panorama shot of the lake from the boat house bank<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUiuT0HTTNXds80fuy2qxPFm9YmYayR3SfhhMz11h7o0hsqpp1S_IWpXuDrmW90xT1A9TKq5-BOOIoq3_1UTdDM7Ax-Io3BpnWa6UnNmTnOUGm5pf1JuUqDzDOb-hI0Z6y3viclU_d7M/s1600/DSC_0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUiuT0HTTNXds80fuy2qxPFm9YmYayR3SfhhMz11h7o0hsqpp1S_IWpXuDrmW90xT1A9TKq5-BOOIoq3_1UTdDM7Ax-Io3BpnWa6UnNmTnOUGm5pf1JuUqDzDOb-hI0Z6y3viclU_d7M/s320/DSC_0080.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bay - BIG Carp live here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UvFHsMiphAvImkdhWESgvzxrdHuyysbmvWWBk5rAPTiJ9uyznynemoZ2Xvew-lSkhXypdpbVycUEi1v7axFZEdaz9OutLC-xt6j5EXAfyqc4fR-dDucDGLDmi1mLwuv8CylGxZEz9LI/s1600/DSC_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UvFHsMiphAvImkdhWESgvzxrdHuyysbmvWWBk5rAPTiJ9uyznynemoZ2Xvew-lSkhXypdpbVycUEi1v7axFZEdaz9OutLC-xt6j5EXAfyqc4fR-dDucDGLDmi1mLwuv8CylGxZEz9LI/s320/DSC_0068.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boat House</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE4oYwcNTnr9M6XZs5zuZmsN8SGGTpYqp_xHUUjq3qoaf_SRVVIxzZlh-fv0DDJ8OjxgRBO6c-laoSTVmCps0IfjRpZTBxDqyN4fhQjMcqitwGbkZfKUmNtYD3pscBDD4-awi3JRedxQ/s1600/DSC_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE4oYwcNTnr9M6XZs5zuZmsN8SGGTpYqp_xHUUjq3qoaf_SRVVIxzZlh-fv0DDJ8OjxgRBO6c-laoSTVmCps0IfjRpZTBxDqyN4fhQjMcqitwGbkZfKUmNtYD3pscBDD4-awi3JRedxQ/s320/DSC_0076.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Brownie - safely returned </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvLdTN7kNwC66GcHfpSfCB4vsBUKbpcO9sNtVrXq8Mmu8VV-OMemtmR3PNmlFBohe1xYzQyA1FH-OuLuampNfYRiBpaXOChGAF_VQWfQ2jUpjdFTueml0_scmQ0t_CPrJE879VqBvcek/s1600/DSC_0062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvLdTN7kNwC66GcHfpSfCB4vsBUKbpcO9sNtVrXq8Mmu8VV-OMemtmR3PNmlFBohe1xYzQyA1FH-OuLuampNfYRiBpaXOChGAF_VQWfQ2jUpjdFTueml0_scmQ0t_CPrJE879VqBvcek/s320/DSC_0062.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrSkjE1ogmrcS5vZzZsjgaXZKHVwCpCafYKu54P45W50BY7Rqs3EdedKn-SozL2RuPPhdaC8lanWCmhlmqu7iMTLPtl5g4cC2kFCIeiFmQ3hgb1NEbz98fjCPG0gimJtDvLBTsDU4pio/s1600/DSC_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrSkjE1ogmrcS5vZzZsjgaXZKHVwCpCafYKu54P45W50BY7Rqs3EdedKn-SozL2RuPPhdaC8lanWCmhlmqu7iMTLPtl5g4cC2kFCIeiFmQ3hgb1NEbz98fjCPG0gimJtDvLBTsDU4pio/s320/DSC_0065.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdVhGXvJy3Ps6BIdm64HaWV3HyetKA5q8ySOq6dQ3FS9Y_OHlw02ScsNBYUVd4-qMV1UbUJSK5neWLOH_z3T8xmXu0pS0OBDKVtlrYB5uoGM5CZb3i7lBXJyrfydKuzUzSyIl2EG9ubE/s320/DSC_0060.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Island - a view from The Bay<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopz-b8e7uM0gF2l6x61NJwEPJUuvpfSLaMDAwuGyFOBJLYaJANzvFYLjbl1P0glGTL5g6uG6q4wgwchBAUETlYWBETHIep1D026RmmWVkCalvK-LfIJDTPU9LWOP6CuA3l5hxjU3fWZE/s320/DSC_0072.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Island - a view from the Boat House Bank</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFw8c0z-1tyWVp3sxo1amfDG_xL0G481IuvD3NfsJKgUfWmHZFTjLHphizCP4OZ-O-xujiMjrc-4j3JE2UO-OhnCWsc5AMLDpbZCXT3HYQzIqBysBdcQ-HB2fplLK4saY_kEKlhYjE4q0/s320/DSC_0064.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="180" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it's goodbye from him</td></tr>
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Until next time...Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-88109825725451247842013-04-22T13:06:00.001+01:002013-04-22T13:06:27.610+01:00Llyngwyn<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Llyngwyn</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Lake, run by the Rhayader and <a href="http://www.rhayaderangling.co.uk/llyngwyn.htm" target="_blank">Elan Valley Angling Association.</a></st1:placetype></st1:place><br />
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This was the second time I visited Llyngwyn in the last couple of weeks (I have one post on the Fishtec blog), having now taken a summer permit to fish the lake I’ll be spending more time fishing there. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxwObtt63dZLZOxwlzfW6Wqyball1FMZBdk1Co29-DRow0sLaor_8gmGBw0Gvyd6K7u8P_1l0tsMAXE2LGzyLZm2-WXyAAoW_GXjUvqs-zOCrCT_vPTM5I1Vb2DqZ1A-NE7bVHEmFufM/s1600/llyngwyn%252B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxwObtt63dZLZOxwlzfW6Wqyball1FMZBdk1Co29-DRow0sLaor_8gmGBw0Gvyd6K7u8P_1l0tsMAXE2LGzyLZm2-WXyAAoW_GXjUvqs-zOCrCT_vPTM5I1Vb2DqZ1A-NE7bVHEmFufM/s320/llyngwyn%252B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Llyngwyn trough the trees (boat house side)</td></tr>
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Llyngwyn holds fond memories for me being the place I caught my first fish on the fly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The previous visit </span> was difficult, the wind was high and it was bitter cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time round it was a milder day and there was barely any wind, however, there was still a bite in the air.</div>
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I was fishing with a good friend Dan Graham, we met up by the lake and went to get Dan’s day ticket and also get the keys to take out a boat.</div>
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At the lake, as is common practise given the weather, I put on my Simms freestone waders, Guideline jacket and Buff. I tackled up 2 rods. A 6wt Flextec with an Airflo ridge intermediate line to pull the lures, I added 10ft 8lb G3 leader and a black Zonker. I also tackled up my 4/5wt Sreamtec Nantec rod with 15 ft 7lb G3, with a bloodworm on the point and 2 black buzzer imitations on the droppers. To be fished under a strike indicator.</div>
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We loaded the boat, and made out way from the boat house out into the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water was smooth as we set anchor about 30-40 ft from the boat house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was safe to say we weren’t the best boatmen! Having finally got ourselves sorted, we cast out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHCR7gM55sA_WP2IHyZTQL2-xW2BZElDo465wt5RgnKxfGtouI4d_jKXxLXcmWt4wE3l3S_ELAlB9hkglr6TIM304faDm_8pOQTDTj5jAfr_vjCzhSQ_W1bxw7ohS9KPKJE_dDDj1Pvc/s1600/IMG_20130421_150027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHCR7gM55sA_WP2IHyZTQL2-xW2BZElDo465wt5RgnKxfGtouI4d_jKXxLXcmWt4wE3l3S_ELAlB9hkglr6TIM304faDm_8pOQTDTj5jAfr_vjCzhSQ_W1bxw7ohS9KPKJE_dDDj1Pvc/s320/IMG_20130421_150027.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat House</td></tr>
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I was casting with the wind behind me, towards the bank whereas Dan was casting into the light wind out into the middle of the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All around us there were ripples on the surface, the fish were obviously up on the top and taking but we couldn’t work out what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even on close inspection of the water we were at a loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carried on with the lure, stripped back on a short, fast retrieve having given the fly only time to get wet once it hit the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before long I was in, a good rainbow of 2 ½ lbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Catching him was the easy bit, as neither me nor Dan had ever really fished from a boat, landing him was an issue – a bit of teamwork finally did the job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a couple more casts another fish, this time a blue trout (unfortunately the pic I took didn’t come out!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both fish were spooned but they were empty – didn’t really help us did it.</div>
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Having had 2 and Dan none, we switched places and Dan was soon into fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His 2<sup>nd</sup> of the day was this gorgeous blue trout.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGOc83gRXm1Zg-hKoguQMbpYccNPv9c0CBlk98sFIxTKyoc30Vvieq5emhyphenhyphenQEVKSqBrYWCx77qNhyj_ji_HvF7d4IvZfIYezbvw0SyCDiRdPsZdqbIkxzvYtq_cW7GkDCko24aZeXdk8/s1600/DSC_0052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGOc83gRXm1Zg-hKoguQMbpYccNPv9c0CBlk98sFIxTKyoc30Vvieq5emhyphenhyphenQEVKSqBrYWCx77qNhyj_ji_HvF7d4IvZfIYezbvw0SyCDiRdPsZdqbIkxzvYtq_cW7GkDCko24aZeXdk8/s320/DSC_0052.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In from that spot I had 2 and Dan had 4 before the wind really picked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the anchor being down, we kept drifting and drifting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We bobbed around on the boat until just after lunch when we decided to head back to dry land a fish from the bank.
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By the time we set up on the bank, most of the other anglers had left for the day having not been too successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided to fish the lure again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within minutes I was in, and again, and again! Things were going crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan moved up to where I was fishing and immediately caught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fish were probably relatively fresh stockies patrolling along the bank close to where they were put into the lake but I didn’t care… it was so much fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan casually asking how many I had caught, I was up to 6 (he was on 5), suddenly things turned into a friendly competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fish after fish after fish came to the net.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took this gorgeous 4lb rainbow, the pic doesn’t do him justice but he went back in to grace other anglers net.<br />
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We worked out the fish were moving in shoals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things went quiet for us both, then an angler at the one end of the bank had a fish, all of a sudden I was in and so was Dan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never had sport quite like it but it really was seriously good fun. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t care about having the biggest fish or the most I just really enjoy catching fish and as they were coming in so frequently it was bliss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you were wondering, I finished on 15, Dan 17.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now to some people, this may not seem like a huge amount of fish to be caught in a day but from Llyngwyn you don’t see these numbers coming out all that often, especially given that 15 had been caught but the other angler down the bank the same afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I don’t regularly take my bag limit of fish but due to the frequency of the stocking at Llyngwyn it is encouraged – here are the first 4 caught on the day. <br />
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<br />Not just the fishing but the wildlife is great too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOG5Bu2gfUXO8FeiPz3YngwP5Sex8W-rG5dH9iTafL1DDGtqeXDpwDVzAG-SWKcPRnX88arOGq-7dttfKQw-9LKPBEBM_OzQWPNMwvw3RqCap1pR6mVtlHmJWvlf5KB69LKKgQE6LBK8/s1600/Red-Kite-5_20130413143928341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOG5Bu2gfUXO8FeiPz3YngwP5Sex8W-rG5dH9iTafL1DDGtqeXDpwDVzAG-SWKcPRnX88arOGq-7dttfKQw-9LKPBEBM_OzQWPNMwvw3RqCap1pR6mVtlHmJWvlf5KB69LKKgQE6LBK8/s320/Red-Kite-5_20130413143928341.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Kite on the hunt</td></tr>
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Im definitely heading back soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bought myself an new 9’ 6wt Greys GRXI+ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and a Greys GX500 reel from Fishtec in the week and I’m waiting on the new Airflo Super-Dri lines to come into stock so I’ll get a review written for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m buying both a wf4 and wf6 line so I’ll review them from both the river and a <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Stillwater</st1:place></st1:city>.</div>
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Until next time…</div>
Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-72728180858807562382013-03-24T19:18:00.001+00:002013-03-24T19:19:10.524+00:00Garnffrwd Fishery<div style="text-align: center;">
13 March 2013</div>
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Having managed a few good sessions on the river lately, I decided a change of scenery was in order. My initial thoughts were a trip to Llyngwyn, run by <a href="http://www.rhayaderangling.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rhayader and Elan Valley Angling Association</a> or to <a href="http://www.garnffrwdflyfishing.co.uk/the-trout-fishery" target="_blank">Garnffrwd Fishery</a>. As I had a visit to Llyngwyn in the calendar for early April I got in touch with good mate Dan Graham to see if he fancied a trip down south. He did. We arranged some leave and the day was booked for 13/03/13.</div>
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Albeit rather cold, the weather report said the day was going to be dry and sunny. Wanting to make the most of the day, we set off early. We would have arrived at the lake sooner, heavy snow and dodgy roads over the Sugar Loaf meant we didn’t get there until about 9. The conditions on the way were not what was predicted and it did make us doubt our decision somewhat. However, on arrival it was a clear and crisp day with an occasional spot of rain. </div>
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Before heading down to the lake, we stopped to have a chat with the owner, Jamie Miller. We chatted about how the lake was fishing and if any methods were working well. We took time to talk about the 6 nations and how Wales would beat England in Cardiff and secure the championship (how right we were – apologies on any English readers for bringing that up again). With a chill I the air, Dan commented that all will be fine once we get a fry up at Christine’s Cafe to which Jamie replied ‘Christine doesn’t open Monday-Wednesday’. It was Wednesday and as you could imagine we were devastated!!! </div>
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With no food on board we could well have been staring a bonfire by the lake to cook our trout or possibly tucking into raw fish like Gollum off Lord of the Rings…..My Precious! </div>
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Down at the lodge, we tackled up in the marquee out of the rain; I set up 2 rods for the day. My first rod set up to strip the lures. An 8ft 6" 7wt Flextec Streamtec rod with a fast glass line to which I attached around 9ft G3 fluorocarbon to a home made Blank Zonker – this was my first ever attempt at a Zonker and wasn’t too pretty but it thought id give it a try. My second rod was my 8ft 5wt Airflo Sreamtec rod. On this I had a floating line where I set up a strike indicator, below that about 9ft to a bloodworm pattern on the point. I set a small black emerger to my dropper to fish about a foot or so blow the surface as there had been some fish near the top when we took an early inspection of the water. The water was holding a lot of colour, much below 1ft or so and the visibility dropped to about zero.</div>
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We started fishing to the left of the lodge a spot called ‘the meadow’. Dan quickly hooked into a lovely Rainbow but that was the only fish to the net in the first hour. I had had quite a few knocks on my Zonker but nothing to the net (was the tail too long?). That first hour did give us an indication that pulling lures was the way to go for the day.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When a Ninja goes fishing, he catches fish!</td></tr>
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A move from ‘the meadow’ round to ‘the finger’ saw a change of fortunes and a few fish to the net. By this time it was getting on for late morning when we started to land fish and it appeared we were the only ones doing so. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely little brown for Dan</td></tr>
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The method was one of Dan's black and yellow dancers with a Hanak silver bead (although any black lure with a silver bead was getting some interest). This fly, fished on a fast glass line near the bottom with short sharp pulls was the go to method for the day; a few casts with the strike indicator/buzzer had no action. A few people had asked Dan about hit pattern, which he was happy to share. One chap started to flap his gums and saying the fishery was poor. The comments returned to him was ‘there is nothing wrong with the fishery mate, take a look at your method and how you’re fishing it – were doing just fine!!!’</div>
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About midday, we had a break for ‘lunch’ and what a hearty meal it was - A Snickers a Wispa and a drop of pop!</div>
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Not to worry! Our spirits were lifted when was started the afternoon session as the sun came out and started to feel rather warm. We both decided we would start the afternoon fishing just past the bridge to the right of the lodge. I fished the out towards the dam whilst Dan fished towards the water inlet. Having had a couple of solid pulls, Dan was convinced there was a decent fish lurking…he wasn’t wrong. After a short while, I had a shout. From the tone in his voice I could tell Dan was into a good fish. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing the fish in some open water</td></tr>
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Dan trying to keep his fish away from the bridge</div>
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I quickly made my way to him eager to see the fish, after some very strong runs towards every structure in the lake we finally took sight of the fish, bigger than we both expected. After I helped to net the ‘slab’, which took a bit of lifting I might add, we took her up onto the grass for a quick pic before putting her back into the lake to grace other anglers net. A gorgeous 8lb Brownie.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8lb Garnffrwd Brownie</td></tr>
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After Big Brown, we moved around the fishery a bit and I even fished the dries a bit. Having seen a few fish on the top I searched my box for a dry fly. The only one I had was a Daddy Long Legs (why it was in with my lures I don’t know!). I stripped the setup down on my Airflo Streamtec rod and tied on the fly. A couple of fish rose but turned away last second. One solid take was followed by the fly catapulting back at me as the fish popped the hook – that was the end of the dry fly action for one day!</div>
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I next set up in front of the lodge again and fished the lures. I fished from peg 2 over towards peg 3 tight to the margins. I had a lot of interest and a couple of hook ups but I couldn't get any to the net. I did hook one rainbow right under the rod tip after watching him follow the fly in. Instead of turning and disappearing into the depths for me to pull him back, he shot straight towards me, before I could get the line straight and manoeuvre him he went right under the platform, around the water pipe and left me in a right old tangle!!!</div>
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A fish or two more came to the net over the course of the afternoon but as is often the case the fish were not taking as actively as they were. We finished about 5, packed up and decided to make our way for some food before home. Ravenous, cold, tired but having had a great day. We both remarked that it was probably the first time we had been there and taken more Brownies than Rainbows. I had 4 Browns and 2 Rainbows, Dan had 7 Brown and 2 Rainbows.</div>
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If you haven’t fished here before, I recommend you do – <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.garnffrwdflyfishing.co.uk/the-trout-fishery">http://www.garnffrwdflyfishing.co.uk/the-trout-fishery</a></span></u><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.garnffwdfishery.co.uk/"></a></u></span></div>
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A few more of my fish from the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look closely and you can see the killer fly - Black and Yellow Dancer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A well spirited Rainbow</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Brownie - this one had gorgeous orange spots</td></tr>
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Until next time…</div>
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Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-37007809610217807382013-03-01T13:15:00.001+00:002013-03-01T13:18:56.250+00:00Back on the River and Catching the LadiesThe weather had finally been kind (albeit cold). It was dry and the river levels were down to a good level and in parts were crystal clear (as you can see in the pic of Irfon Bridge below - river bed highly visible). If truth be told, the river was too clear for the section of water I decided to fish last Saturday (24/02/13).<br />
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Having been awake since 5! I decided to go out early and have a few hours before lunch. I stayed in town and went to one of my favorite summer time dry fly stretches of the river. A place where there are usually a good head of Grayling.<br />
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The stretch of river I fished was from Irfon bridge up towards 'Black Pool'. Making your way from the bridge up river, the water level changes from rapids to a long slow moving run of shallow (knee deep) water up to a very deep pool that forms off the back of a gorgeous water fall. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Kr_Xw7scS95k2SMVSJo0IoE_P0TX5w5dkKEikbKuWGAL_3rthJVzROSIc884NSOWK6h42aRkG1CoD8b7M8tUQZhifjdmMyZFojpVziOnZH2BMuDr-7aM4nF6lO1JpPKUVIHK3wyDwKU/s1600/P1030665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Irfon Bridge, River, Irfon, Builth Wells, Fly Fishing, Grayling" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Kr_Xw7scS95k2SMVSJo0IoE_P0TX5w5dkKEikbKuWGAL_3rthJVzROSIc884NSOWK6h42aRkG1CoD8b7M8tUQZhifjdmMyZFojpVziOnZH2BMuDr-7aM4nF6lO1JpPKUVIHK3wyDwKU/s400/P1030665.JPG" title="Irfon Bridge, Builth Wells" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irfon Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGACKiIW9Sx0S4WlO8sOCd5rlT83xjCpMMlnyLRRIkgExq8EPDmPvw1jKnFKMKpn1YjFCK0U2Gg8IFgZSHs1qSEhUNzBMYkOrppgVN6LTJD5Puw6UnKTPiTeYfit-nyyug0Ao5NnPPwKw/s1600/P1030664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Black Pool River, Irfon, Builth Wells, Fly Fishing, Grayling" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGACKiIW9Sx0S4WlO8sOCd5rlT83xjCpMMlnyLRRIkgExq8EPDmPvw1jKnFKMKpn1YjFCK0U2Gg8IFgZSHs1qSEhUNzBMYkOrppgVN6LTJD5Puw6UnKTPiTeYfit-nyyug0Ao5NnPPwKw/s400/P1030664.JPG" title="Black Pool" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Pool in the distance</td></tr>
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Having been sent some flies again by Dan Popp (<a href="http://smallstreamaddicts.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Small Stream Addicts</a>), I was eager to give them a go. I decided to fish one of my favorite methods, the Duo (Klink and Dink or whatever you like to call it). I set up my cast with an olive klinkhammer with a silver bead hot spot nymph about 3ft below. If anything this set up was a little long for the main stretch of river but was ideal for the main pool at the top of the run.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Fly Fishing" border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYZLgfSsqy2rVg1xJMZXpAP5b_y6sCQa-UpYpYMcth489xdZb-KvjX9WmpvoPcHkC16UG3dk1KWO-FR5zh_0vgDaceFQnN8Pe05N0i-1AGTaNvgmEVr0HbWnekPPtmVDk4qzVPDFWLNk/s200/photo.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Dan's Nymph" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan's Nymph</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQPPnr6PdJ9UQFwI5Rn0IcXAB_kPjCXT0Dl5jj_CFvjlJ3FQj-EvtRAf8Fe4ItQ1DhBZnMOHXw8deAKD4eXpOQpPNnTEKgHDbqbPSyapcXs0y1mW-APbsfe8MpaQb84-ep3AvcVKeG34/s1600/DSCF8008-2_zps582dd711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Fly Fishing" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQPPnr6PdJ9UQFwI5Rn0IcXAB_kPjCXT0Dl5jj_CFvjlJ3FQj-EvtRAf8Fe4ItQ1DhBZnMOHXw8deAKD4eXpOQpPNnTEKgHDbqbPSyapcXs0y1mW-APbsfe8MpaQb84-ep3AvcVKeG34/s320/DSCF8008-2_zps582dd711.jpg" title="Dan's Klinkhammers" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan's Klinkhammers</td></tr>
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It was cold, very cold! After being stood fishing against the far bank where the river does run a little deeper, I had had no luck and to top it all off it started snowing! Not only that but the wind was blowing straight up the river and I had no shelter what so ever. Despite the rather unsuccessful start to the day i made my way up to the pool.<br />
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After fishing for half hour or so I had still caught nothing. Then, the clouds broke and the sun shone for the first time all morning and boy was I grateful for the warmth. However, it wasn't just me that seemed buoyed by the sun as within 10 mins of the sun coming out I had my first fish of the day, a Grayling of about 1/2lb taken on the nymph. On the very next cast and as the nymph drifted through a channel formed by the big rocks, another small Grayling.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3jeiEkLvZvu4Rb8gaLJQ_CZ1DIIqLMmGNZTCQwXxPfkeaeeuPbSIWjLfK-YtXZOlLf74mD7jOu3hEZNw4boKFVZ-atA3Sgcjdw1o35WvonzqslbkVibDgH6guJvYdqmJV-_R0CAWI0s/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="River, Irfon, Builth Wells, Fly Fishing, Grayling" border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3jeiEkLvZvu4Rb8gaLJQ_CZ1DIIqLMmGNZTCQwXxPfkeaeeuPbSIWjLfK-YtXZOlLf74mD7jOu3hEZNw4boKFVZ-atA3Sgcjdw1o35WvonzqslbkVibDgH6guJvYdqmJV-_R0CAWI0s/s320/photo.JPG" title="Small Grayling" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the small Grayling</td></tr>
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After a couple more casts I hooked another fish, one that turned out to be biggest and last of the day. I netted a Grayling of just over a pound, lots of damage down the flanks (I assume from the Cormorants or Goosanders), but in the sunshine managed to get a lovely shot and the fish even played its part by raising fin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIQ5t-FF_Hrn90wvcWyBuD6LfogXgSamaMekt6kHKPuwiRAJ9o_1WAAX3RUYUoQbgsn7Bta_6eLnDBQNoVJWY35Jn0aP71R_u_-wwpbH9WrqlPurGPZLhu9CpiOcIVW5bua4lsRfzcjI/s1600/Grayling+fin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="River, Irfon, Builth Wells, Fly Fishing, Grayling" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIQ5t-FF_Hrn90wvcWyBuD6LfogXgSamaMekt6kHKPuwiRAJ9o_1WAAX3RUYUoQbgsn7Bta_6eLnDBQNoVJWY35Jn0aP71R_u_-wwpbH9WrqlPurGPZLhu9CpiOcIVW5bua4lsRfzcjI/s400/Grayling+fin.jpg" title="Biggest Grayling of the day" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biggest Grayling of the day</td></tr>
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Then it was like flicking a switch, nothing, and before long the sun had gone again. 3 fish in 10 minutes and all in the sunshine! With the sun gone and having just about lost the feeling in my face, hands and legs i decided to call it a day and head home for some dinner and a much needed thawing out!<br />
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Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-92124113859924220172013-02-28T19:48:00.000+00:002013-02-28T19:48:33.500+00:00Lack of Fishing<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Lack of fishing = More time tying flies</div>
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Firstly I must apologise for lack of posting recently. However. until the previous weekend where i managed to get on the river (new post to follow) I haven't been able to fish much of late. With family commitments, the weather being as it was (rain, snow, more rain), I have been turning my attentions to fly tying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever since I got back into my fishing, my goal was to tie my own flies.</div>
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When I first looked into tying, I have to say I was a little overwhelmed. Where exactly do you start? Hook size, hook type, tying thread, furs, feathers, beads and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite having guidance and help from friends and fellow anglers it took me a while to sit down and start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that I've started, I'm thoroughly enjoying it, even if I do need some more practice!</div>
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One of the things I found most difficult was gathering together all the materials I needed to create any one fly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not wanting to pay a fortune for a fly tying kit I stated off small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Lee gave me a vice and I picked up a decent pack of tying tools off eBay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having checked out some tying guides and, like most people I have talked too, Dave McPhail's tying videos on YouTube, I set about picking up some materials. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A basic variety of threads, some beads and a pile of pheasant tails from the boss (who is a keen huntsman). Oh and of course some hooks.</div>
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Naturally, with the materials I had, my first attempted flies were buzzers and PTNs. All of which were terrible and destined for the bin. Now, people say ‘Practice makes perfect’, I don’t agree! I say ‘Perfect practice makes perfect’, if you teach yourself or others the incorrect technique then they will only continue in the same vain……..incorrectly, not matter how much they practice it!</div>
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More visits to YouTube, and more, and more, followed by a snatched lesson here and there and I was finally comfortable enough to sit down and tie a decent selection of flies that I was confident of using on the water.</div>
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I tied up some PTNs and Buzzers and took them to the lake in Builth (before the conversion to a coarse fishery).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result, some lovely little brownies, caught on my very own PTN, fished under a strike indicator.</div>
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As my skills developed I tied more flies including Elk Hair Caddis and took these out on the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a day when I fished with 2 Welsh International Anglers, a very quiet day I must say, my Elk Hair Caddis out fished one of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must be doing something right?</div>
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I also tried one of my own flies at the Christmas Competition at Garnffrwd and managed to catch – incidentally, that competition back at the end of December was about the last time I fished properly!</div>
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One thing that still frustrates me a little is settling down to tie up some flies but when I comes down to the tying there always seems to be one 'ingredient' missing! The result, substituting for something I have – sometimes successful, sometimes not. However, I do feel this is where I can really get some enjoyment from tying. Following a pattern but making subtle changes and creating your own variation. Something I find quite satisfying there, especially if I manage to catch a fish on it.</div>
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Having seen my first snowdrop (in my opinion that is the first sign of spring), the weather is warming and the fishing should improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik_KL-k0I7K_COdJqEVKOV7LkLcWgZs8NvS7U07DxeyBskyv5MnBo-gm6BJQoghHuVZM5M5GsR_xrWGR_-MScAEHRpP24OObpZL3_RXQD8SmDqb_wZMmZGdR0MOhyphenhyphenO34dTViTAr1WfVQ/s1600/snowdrops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik_KL-k0I7K_COdJqEVKOV7LkLcWgZs8NvS7U07DxeyBskyv5MnBo-gm6BJQoghHuVZM5M5GsR_xrWGR_-MScAEHRpP24OObpZL3_RXQD8SmDqb_wZMmZGdR0MOhyphenhyphenO34dTViTAr1WfVQ/s320/snowdrops.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Drops next to the Wye</td></tr>
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I'm hopeful of getting down to Garnffrwd soon and have a trip planed to Llyngwyn in April - hopefully these trips will warrant a post or two, fingers crossed. However, before that I intend on spending plenty of time at the tying table and more time in the river (preferably catching fish).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fingers crossed.</div>
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With trout season starting on Sunday (3rd) and summer just around the corner I thought I'd share a couple of pictures from last year - lets hope of more the same, and some bigger!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwXXScMVKBuR5daspLLBZrA_71QWp8rlnK0_r80T-aLti_YpRoi-mbxfer1YoAKgMAA8KtkTXpkE561wZIFKWSQBcIFBD6wkurakkT1vcqcBxLn6LO6lJXp0vJvcDCcu_VnXUUwGfv5o/s640/blogger-image-943853028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwXXScMVKBuR5daspLLBZrA_71QWp8rlnK0_r80T-aLti_YpRoi-mbxfer1YoAKgMAA8KtkTXpkE561wZIFKWSQBcIFBD6wkurakkT1vcqcBxLn6LO6lJXp0vJvcDCcu_VnXUUwGfv5o/s320/blogger-image-943853028.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Mills with a lovely Chub</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYx2m1Y0Vzk-ZGP4uK_nckYxeH1aL34qlRTlHhHX4EC0su_Z6lNPC8PeTTI7lmPfl79Q32VHXWlMhry5aFG66xLPhj9NCvD9aib7OrPuQ2CnaSv6q050MiJujahhw3bAVmh0VZmh0xdX0/s640/blogger-image-222012213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYx2m1Y0Vzk-ZGP4uK_nckYxeH1aL34qlRTlHhHX4EC0su_Z6lNPC8PeTTI7lmPfl79Q32VHXWlMhry5aFG66xLPhj9NCvD9aib7OrPuQ2CnaSv6q050MiJujahhw3bAVmh0VZmh0xdX0/s320/blogger-image-222012213.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the few Dace I caught on the fly last year</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsNb3h-vmq-J5GOF2KZprYvLcWTbRy7Qpma0qpPHyBn6u_WfvLJNUguIgzM_nwfgNsGMLSrDUmInJ99k1CGDlS4ulbQvgrd_BmTOAMSNZgj3FVlM15NaVvmA7xCmc-i8I9y4DfMOCB6E/s1600/blogger-image--187886337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsNb3h-vmq-J5GOF2KZprYvLcWTbRy7Qpma0qpPHyBn6u_WfvLJNUguIgzM_nwfgNsGMLSrDUmInJ99k1CGDlS4ulbQvgrd_BmTOAMSNZgj3FVlM15NaVvmA7xCmc-i8I9y4DfMOCB6E/s320/blogger-image--187886337.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feisty Brown I caught down the 'Fly Run', Wye, last year</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiONN0wlhgqTJQUPptfUY-5IrnNS-QH717cXsa-GsGTYMTdev0Tskc4COU_8AUB0-hMBUkR3Z23Lwza_ZFSMJX4Ib1RohRMX24-gL_BUXc011XijfZ6nh6r8VsCnEFlkd3jSRG1xSsNs/s640/blogger-image--986853415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiONN0wlhgqTJQUPptfUY-5IrnNS-QH717cXsa-GsGTYMTdev0Tskc4COU_8AUB0-hMBUkR3Z23Lwza_ZFSMJX4Ib1RohRMX24-gL_BUXc011XijfZ6nh6r8VsCnEFlkd3jSRG1xSsNs/s320/blogger-image--986853415.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan Graham with an awesome Grayling taken above Builth bridge</td></tr>
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Until next time…</div>
Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-50823575787942435152013-01-04T20:00:00.000+00:002013-01-04T20:08:38.772+00:00Guideline Kispiox Jacket ReviewHope everyone has had a very merry Christmas and you've all been spoilt rotten by you loved ones......oh sorry by Santa!<br />
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Anyway, Santa was kind enough to bring me a Guideline Kispiox Jacket because I have been a very good boy - however, if I'd have eaten much more Turkey he may have had to come back with a bigger size.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvLAquDJY_DRokwAFFx1eXUQTQiYNe-_nDpf9pUSVd2tiHoNKftvuC9TtY1xgMlAmb90gDcDnDOBShgcNq5qhKiVeAoqZChc8tEXMrpIGGYiJb7bRxHZR4-KjXq3MdC3xsfs5lolFXWA/s1600/jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvLAquDJY_DRokwAFFx1eXUQTQiYNe-_nDpf9pUSVd2tiHoNKftvuC9TtY1xgMlAmb90gDcDnDOBShgcNq5qhKiVeAoqZChc8tEXMrpIGGYiJb7bRxHZR4-KjXq3MdC3xsfs5lolFXWA/s320/jacket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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First impressions are excellent. There are a couple of large pockets as well as having 2 completely waterproof pockets (orange zips in the pic above). Another feature, which is not present on a lot of the jackets in the same price range (and slightly more expensive) are two retractors for clippers and forceps - little things like this i find quite important.<br />
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<u>Tried and Tested</u><br />
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Having had <span style="background-color: white;">chance</span> to test it at the Christmas Competition down at Garnffrwd on Saturday (29th) I am happy to report that the jacket is excellent in the wind and rain. We had torrential rain in the morning followed by a biting cold wind throughout the day. However, I remained dry and warm (with only minimal layers on under the jacket.<br />
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The only thing I have to say is that there isn't really enough pockets (fly vests these days have pockets everywhere and I find them all useful). The large pockets a big enough to house 2 small fly boxes each, which may sound enough but when you factor in all the additional gear that you carry around it isn't nearly enough. The waterproof pockets are useful yet not big and the absence of pockets at the bottom of the jackets or internally leaves you 'stuffing things where they will go'. <br />
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Overall I would recommend the jacket and its well worth the price tag of <£150<br />
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Until next time...Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-52970605002653798032012-12-15T20:07:00.000+00:002012-12-15T20:07:11.816+00:00The Welsh Weather and Animal RescueSo.....have I intrigued you with that heading? <br />
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I met this past weeks freezing temperatures with great anticipation. The weather was cold, very cold but at the same time dry - something this part of Wales hadn't seen for a while.<br />
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Once again, I put plans in place to take Friday off work and try some Czech Nymphing. Thursday night came and once again so did the rain. It rained very very heavily and when I woke on Friday morning it was still raining. A quick walk down the river confirmed my fears, the river was running very high, very faster and had already managed to drag the mud from the upper reaches of the Wye and from the Ithon! I've certainly had enough of the rain, lets hope 2013 is kinder to us.<br />
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Another day spoilt???<br />
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When the rivers are out of condition, the next option is generally a stillwater. Too late to travel to <a href="http://www.garnffrwdflyfishing.co.uk/" target="_blank">Garnffrwd</a> or <a href="http://www.rhayaderangling.co.uk/llyngwyn.htm" target="_blank">Llyngwyn</a> so I thought I go for a drive up to my syndicate lake. The lake has not seen much fishing over the past six months as we have had a tremendous amount of trouble with Cormorants. However, having heard from my mate Lee (and Meg the dog) that the week before he had fished it and there were no signs of them pesky birds and even better he had taken a lovely little Wild Brownie on a Cats Whisker.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Brownie - keep an eye on things Meg</td></tr>
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Why have the Cormorants gone (not that were complaining)? Could it be that the cold weather has driven them into town? Don't know for sure, but having spoken to the lakes owner, I have been informed that he and his son have been up the regularly shooting the ducks. Maybe this is what has driven them away - shoot on boys, shoot on!<br />
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The rain was still coming down fairly heavy as I made my way to the lake, so parked up on the gravel track and tackled up. As always, it looked good up there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herbie</td></tr>
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One thing that caught my eye over in the shallows by the big tree where we've tied up our kayak was a Swan - who I have named Herbie. He wasn't really doing anything and as I approached he didn't move on, something wasn't right. As I got closer to the water I could see the problem, he was stuck in ice.</div>
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I managed to break some of the ice in the shallow margins and (continuing to break up some of the ice as I went) made my way out to him. The closer I got, the more he hissed and flapped his wings. How do you convince a Swan your there to help? Naturally I was weary! I broke up the ice and eventually broke enough for him to free his leg. On the plus side, wasn't much chance of an attack, especially when you saw him slip sliding across the ice to his mate! Have you ever seen a Swan stuck in the ice? He didnt even say thank you the cheeky frigga!<br />
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Checking around the lake I could see the extent of the freeze - the <strong><em>whole</em></strong> lake was frozen solid, a good two and half centimetres thick!<br />
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The only part that wasn't frozen was above the dam!<br />
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Once again, a fishing trip without a fish but once again I didn't care. I did my good deed for the day and managed to get a couple of nice pictures. Sure beats working!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herbie there in the background, free to roam</td></tr>
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Until next time...Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-23290069354750998802012-11-15T18:37:00.000+00:002013-09-18T15:04:44.729+01:00It's Not All About Catching Fish You Know!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As a fisherman, one of the most infuriating questions I'm asked is:</div>
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<em>What's the point in fishing if you don't catch any fish?</em></div>
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What follows is a cartoon style cut scene where I remove said offenders tongue and use it as dead bait before snapping back to reality and have to handle the matter in an adult way. It usually involves me getting up and making a cup of tea!</div>
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I digress. This blasphemy has got me thinking, or maybe reflecting is the appropriate term, on my fishing exploits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past Saturday was a prime example.</div>
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Before I start, I must say that I think Twitter is cursed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All week we have fine weather, which leads my fellow Twitterati to start talking about how and where to fish over the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only for it to pour down on Friday and ruin the rivers for the following day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of color, high, fast flowing water – known to non fishermen and my wife as excuses!</div>
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As was the case this past week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was chatting via Twitter to Daniel Popp (his blog is <a href="http://smallstreamaddicts.blogsot.com/" target="_blank">Small Stream Addicts</a> and its very good) who had kindly tied me some excellent looking flies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Said flies were to be my ammunition for fishing the River Wye on Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Friday came the rain and within the first 2 hours the Wye had risen by 22cm and continued to do so.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37Jt1u7nUR4kZkOTyycw0PyETx6ODW7oAaUqO7lYe-d066YyMJZMcMvx4iimpnhycJq7qLzjKaaQt4prGYpeLP267WeLFCtW6SPTMHn9M1vMnxFRzzh1xtBSFxLrmNN3cQIAFMw6Hm4c/s1600/Grayling+Bugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Grayling Bugs, Fly Tying, Fly Fishing" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37Jt1u7nUR4kZkOTyycw0PyETx6ODW7oAaUqO7lYe-d066YyMJZMcMvx4iimpnhycJq7qLzjKaaQt4prGYpeLP267WeLFCtW6SPTMHn9M1vMnxFRzzh1xtBSFxLrmNN3cQIAFMw6Hm4c/s320/Grayling+Bugs.jpg" title="Grayling bugs tied for me by Dan" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grayling Bugs tied by Dan</td></tr>
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I woke early on Saturday morning, fed the kids and turned my attentions to the fishing. Having checked the river levels I could see the Wye was up! As this would be the only opportunity I would get over the weekend I decided to go anyway.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuDhNg1vkDHeb9WCdTRMso8IDTUbbEWU64jH6hQwl_v9OUclczYFp6DVsCz-swe_TnT9-hsbc7cH0RUdF-VWut4jmyQc4D2nQ9rTH0rOpggJUYoh0YHOuDunWRJertqbJmgoDICFmvw8/s1600/IMG_0271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="River Wye, Builth Wells. Looking downstream inbetween Builth Bridge and Llanelwydd Church" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuDhNg1vkDHeb9WCdTRMso8IDTUbbEWU64jH6hQwl_v9OUclczYFp6DVsCz-swe_TnT9-hsbc7cH0RUdF-VWut4jmyQc4D2nQ9rTH0rOpggJUYoh0YHOuDunWRJertqbJmgoDICFmvw8/s320/IMG_0271.jpg" title="River Wye, Builth Wells" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Wye, Builth Wells</td></tr>
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As I had envisaged the fishing being slow given the conditions, I thought I’d try a stretch of river I had not really fished before – The stretch from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Builth</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bridge</st1:placetype></st1:place>, downstream to Church Pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was greeted with a cool crisp morning, the mist was down and the sun was breaking through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started with a pool at the top of the run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This pool starts just above <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Builth</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bridge</st1:placetype></st1:place> and a place I caught lots of fish on the dry fly over the summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLF571R887yQg2bJuuHc6wieGJ85qiQKP_DA7WyUUbx0A4U-1DHBKE3hjF7ctTcXFEz6GdvjnHxuqa8lzIT_sUYJ27cn5cVkZImdExSLD1Bn1Q11siHQK6r9rFnJMv1R3Uq9jF4mBY78/s1600/P1030580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="River Wye Builth Wells Fly Fishing" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLF571R887yQg2bJuuHc6wieGJ85qiQKP_DA7WyUUbx0A4U-1DHBKE3hjF7ctTcXFEz6GdvjnHxuqa8lzIT_sUYJ27cn5cVkZImdExSLD1Bn1Q11siHQK6r9rFnJMv1R3Uq9jF4mBY78/s320/P1030580.JPG" title="Looking towards the River Wye, Builth Wells" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLxxAKpUBrP8Y_H9aUSzJR7YAe2Zif0ZDOV5TBITSEZ7Cs2bPdOvH7z5IkzHiolH1nR0cMBbaqkrnXdOhZaOBw9pAq0XJRso4mVgkTHkRVt5gmjdiThDwTOBQvH74RdBUwF84rLBcXko/s1600/P1030579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="River Wye, Builth Wells, Fly Fishing" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLxxAKpUBrP8Y_H9aUSzJR7YAe2Zif0ZDOV5TBITSEZ7Cs2bPdOvH7z5IkzHiolH1nR0cMBbaqkrnXdOhZaOBw9pAq0XJRso4mVgkTHkRVt5gmjdiThDwTOBQvH74RdBUwF84rLBcXko/s320/P1030579.JPG" title="Looking towards the River Wye, Builth Wells" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVl4z2XynnS17st8Ywy588uHjwz5vIZ_UxOPe9FZ3abKfkx1kCv6TtOy9fu2hePATtN3JUdgPve48j8tz-op4dcD8FgKElour765bRJV1X9qszuDOEkUuiPB8I0sNig9M2-l6AASvT0Zk/s1600/P1030582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Road Bridge, Builth Wells, Fly Fishing" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVl4z2XynnS17st8Ywy588uHjwz5vIZ_UxOPe9FZ3abKfkx1kCv6TtOy9fu2hePATtN3JUdgPve48j8tz-op4dcD8FgKElour765bRJV1X9qszuDOEkUuiPB8I0sNig9M2-l6AASvT0Zk/s320/P1030582.JPG" title="Pool under Builth Bridge" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool under Builth Bridge</td></tr>
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I fished the tail of the pool just under the bridge with a team of nymphs. No sooner had the flies hit the water were they back along side the bank or caught up in leave (so many leaves!!!). Despite all my efforts to control the flies the current was just too strong.<br />
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I remember thinking as I made my way down the river how nice it was to finally get on the river after weeks of rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It occurred to me that I didn’t care I hadn’t caught and didn’t care the conditions were not great I was just happy to be out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scenery was gorgeous and my head was clear.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-GGn3C4sx1_9wHPoJ9QhTetLbvbt-RWsQbzVP_E3VkTv750C7rse8LNKZLTalZO-5cSUNxzXK4gTn_NHzeoR50qMSC6-G0DkPww64FDIq6GmPsnMpLzpBbJZ7EZjVsqj2kRMJ0Aciho/s1600/P1030581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="River Wye, Builth Wells, Fly Fishing" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-GGn3C4sx1_9wHPoJ9QhTetLbvbt-RWsQbzVP_E3VkTv750C7rse8LNKZLTalZO-5cSUNxzXK4gTn_NHzeoR50qMSC6-G0DkPww64FDIq6GmPsnMpLzpBbJZ7EZjVsqj2kRMJ0Aciho/s320/P1030581.JPG" title="River Wye, Builth Wells" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River Wye, Builth Wells</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I spent the rest of the morning taking pictures of the scenery and anything that just looked nice. I strolled down the river, fishing any likely looking spots and exploring the sections of the river I knew little about.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">If nothing else, I have found some lovely spots and pools for my next outing.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaCL5d5itEQYCu7WNNUB7A8TafXhrZEHofECK2Xufn23o1mFgNTq6SNOUXimwUNMR6w8AKHNmqE-BBA8tkLwekwi8WZNGl-vi22F8B8B5rCGltjgQ6FQq3vA9dY4GSbAFKOzvuXR2wqw/s1600/IMG_0274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Llanelwydd Church, Builth Wells, Scenery, Fly Fishing" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaCL5d5itEQYCu7WNNUB7A8TafXhrZEHofECK2Xufn23o1mFgNTq6SNOUXimwUNMR6w8AKHNmqE-BBA8tkLwekwi8WZNGl-vi22F8B8B5rCGltjgQ6FQq3vA9dY4GSbAFKOzvuXR2wqw/s320/IMG_0274.jpg" title="Llanelwydd Church" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Llanelwydd Church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtt30Zd1ul0fTsIboCbApQ9LjCYqaBKIsGMIvC3C7QWmBpHq7kllxmgAXq3O2n2Quh_4gErb1TVYof9PJWraO2ihzLbe12SSnGjj_9XiJ0a3r0ITNZE2ixX1ynlTVFztG31X9L9J2VZY/s1600/P1030584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Woodland Walk, Llanelwydd, Builth Wells, Church Pool, Fly Fishing" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtt30Zd1ul0fTsIboCbApQ9LjCYqaBKIsGMIvC3C7QWmBpHq7kllxmgAXq3O2n2Quh_4gErb1TVYof9PJWraO2ihzLbe12SSnGjj_9XiJ0a3r0ITNZE2ixX1ynlTVFztG31X9L9J2VZY/s320/P1030584.JPG" title="Woodland Walk along side the River Wye, heading to Church Pool" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woodland Walk along side River Wye</td></tr>
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I made my way through the woodland path to the final pool I was going to fish, where I eventually managed 3 gorgeous Grayling. No PB's and no serious rod benders but that didn't matter one bit.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56xTJgqF7OX7eDIHN_nL8stR1Y-qSS_1Jpy6j1xAqvXeFqFG4pyXXXmYBgIiYZ28f5IXD6wSPpY_0OMAiTEbP10J6x6b9dPEyvf1snzBKFRPtt_VUt8a4dpGQaonqYQRfV7G8TLDLo1o/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Grayling caught on Church Pool. River Wye, Builth Wells" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56xTJgqF7OX7eDIHN_nL8stR1Y-qSS_1Jpy6j1xAqvXeFqFG4pyXXXmYBgIiYZ28f5IXD6wSPpY_0OMAiTEbP10J6x6b9dPEyvf1snzBKFRPtt_VUt8a4dpGQaonqYQRfV7G8TLDLo1o/s320/photo.JPG" title="Grayling caught on Church Pool. River Wye, Builth Wells" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best of the Grayling</td></tr>
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Too often do I go out fishing and immediately head to a place on the river that I know ell and where I’ll catch fish. If nothing else, this past Saturday has taught me to explore the water and try new things. It has definitely given me a fresh approach to fishing my home water. Next time you go out, try somewhere new – what have you got to lose?</div>
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To me it’s not just about catching fish but the whole fishing experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe if you haven’t fished you won’t understand! This outlook reminded me of a video I recently watched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two brothers from <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Montana</st1:place></st1:state> (Zack and Travis Broughton - <a href="http://www.montana-wild.com/" target="_blank">Montana Wild</a>) who take the fishing experience to a new level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They venture out into the wilds (proper wilds) to camp and fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To them it’s not about catching a fish but about the journey they are on, exploring new places in search of some elusive wild trout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their videos are certainly worth a watch, this one in particular.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WyjwWV1eZRo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">7 Miles Back - Montana Wild</span></div>
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Oh and to answer the question 'what is the point in fishing if you don’t catch fish' - Does it matter? Not to me, besides, if you caught fish every time it would be called catching and not fishing!</div>
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Until next time…</div>
Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-59615306845424680442012-10-19T20:28:00.001+01:002012-10-27T20:05:22.555+01:00The 2012 International Bank Fly Fishing Championships<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">October 2012 saw the Bank Championships come to </span><a href="http://www.garnffrwdflyfishing.co.uk/the-trout-fishery" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" target="_blank">Garnffrwd Fishery</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">. The championships is now in it's 3rd year and is growing from strength the strength. This year was no exception and the quality of angling on display was incredible - easy to see why these boys are competing for their respective countries.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7RckjIinh_Ak9ZjczOMH1SyjPJhWYLy13Z9a_ngGX12eKX_73lw08VN91D80-7_2vT4H2OKk9VjZxQmH_fkAG2VRvlftAQfpkQxkOyU93znZcUllKLqu7LnVQcUd9c6D2bYczjynBWQ/s1600/Bank+Champ+programme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Match programme from the 2012 International Bank Fly Fishing Championships at Garnfrwydd fishery" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7RckjIinh_Ak9ZjczOMH1SyjPJhWYLy13Z9a_ngGX12eKX_73lw08VN91D80-7_2vT4H2OKk9VjZxQmH_fkAG2VRvlftAQfpkQxkOyU93znZcUllKLqu7LnVQcUd9c6D2bYczjynBWQ/s320/Bank+Champ+programme.jpg" title="Match programme from the 2012 International Bank Fly Fishing Championships at Garnfrwydd fishery" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Souvenir Match Programme</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The teams arrived at the Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli on Sunday before 2 days of practice followed before the International on Wednesday 17th. Tactics and fly choice were very secretive over the practice sessions in order to gain that all important advantage over the other home nations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><u>The International</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As a good friend of mine, Lee Tatton was competing, I along with another friend Dan Graham (himself a capped Welsh International Angler) was asked to go down and control for the event. Something I was very much looking forward to. I met with Dan around 6:30 and having stocked up on supplies we set off. As I'd never controlled for an event I have to admit I was a little nervous but having talked it through with Dan on the journey down the nerves were soon replaced with eager anticipation. We arrived at Garnffrwd in plenty of time for the Controllers Briefing, which was to take place at 8:15.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">When we arrived at the car park, the teams were busy tackling up and preparing themselves for the event. The mood was relaxed and we chatted away with the Welsh boys and some of the other controllers. One of the other controllers was Chris Jones, himself desperately unlucky to miss out on the Welsh team. Having won the Garnffrwd spring league and the Airflo bank masters he suffered a torrid time at the Welsh trials only landing one fish and missed out on the team - having been the most consistent angler this year it would have been great to see him fishing the international.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Making our way down to the venue, Garnffrwd greeted us in its usual immaculate self and even the weather was looking fine, despite some heavy winds. We gathered for the parade before our Controllers Briefing.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwthQM6ua-5SkAwav82alf0C3KDGsKNisChYos3ZKaV8o5pg9enKJ4n9i-aA8fRPmsPy303Dlw3LmlBlNC8WI6vp4KMbSJOnAidOa7R3rEKKVo7qNRJzWqy3P_WiYPttjjziUS6HSk9fM/s1600/International+Parade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="All 4 home nations before the bank championships" border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwthQM6ua-5SkAwav82alf0C3KDGsKNisChYos3ZKaV8o5pg9enKJ4n9i-aA8fRPmsPy303Dlw3LmlBlNC8WI6vp4KMbSJOnAidOa7R3rEKKVo7qNRJzWqy3P_WiYPttjjziUS6HSk9fM/s320/International+Parade.jpg" title="All 4 home nations before the bank championships" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Home Nations before the International</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBusYG3md_Mt1IgimmqnGteb1yoYsw_G0M2Kug1PLGKrh0Rz3ejkWqMqZvN5czphIaTUsh40xHOylwgVVnm9Q1eo-qdwbyOx3-rIe-OOH6j8YxrcaaR7sMH4RlpAVLMPnBce6h5NQbvZA/s1600/Wales+-+parade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Welsh International Bank Fly Fishing Team 2012" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBusYG3md_Mt1IgimmqnGteb1yoYsw_G0M2Kug1PLGKrh0Rz3ejkWqMqZvN5czphIaTUsh40xHOylwgVVnm9Q1eo-qdwbyOx3-rIe-OOH6j8YxrcaaR7sMH4RlpAVLMPnBce6h5NQbvZA/s320/Wales+-+parade.jpg" title="Welsh International Bank Fly Fishing Team 2012" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welsh Team</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">We met for the Controllers Briefing where I was allocated peg 23 - one of the pegs on the dam. As usual hot spot for fish and a place where I'd previously caught my fist (and only to date) Tiger Trout. With the high winds blowing directly at us, casting would later prove troublesome on occasions.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvqfrw6PfPezI0qrkrrVPOlN1sf7BoRoHlVzKL4Vpxlrw9or-a4Zw8iPva_pHotjjmW4BVUzTBrS2kEoyZ3N1YFFTiFIdPXHDvu5KsgV88Asjbyon0Q3bV1fX_o1Ijrm6LcjLMPnwnis/s1600/Peg23+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Peg 23 - Garnfrwydd" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvqfrw6PfPezI0qrkrrVPOlN1sf7BoRoHlVzKL4Vpxlrw9or-a4Zw8iPva_pHotjjmW4BVUzTBrS2kEoyZ3N1YFFTiFIdPXHDvu5KsgV88Asjbyon0Q3bV1fX_o1Ijrm6LcjLMPnwnis/s320/Peg23+-+2.jpg" title="Peg 23 - Garnfrwydd" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Peg for the International</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">What a coincidence that the first angler on my peg that morning was Lee! Despite a number of follows on a Damsel fly tied with blue rubber legs (a tactic that was working very well during practice), he unfortunately blanked, along with the next angler Michael Drinan from Ireland. The next angler on my peg was Englishman Phil Dixon. Having heard many things about Phil I was looking forward seeing him fish. He didn’t disappoint, landing 2 very nice Rainbows of 44cm and 42cm respectively before missing a take on the last cast of his session. The first caught tight up against the bank on a lure at the end of the retrieve. A couple of follows lead to nothing before a couple of flicks of the rod tip gave the fly enough movement to entice a take from the patrolling piscine. The second caught on a rather usual (to me) technique, fishing a lightly weighted cats whisker fished under a strike indicator - a tactic, however, that worked well for the English boys all day. Last on my peg that morning was Scotsman Steven Corsar, another extremely accomplished angler but once again we saw a blank. Due to the quiet nature of my peg if found myself helping out on peg 22 where more fish were being taken.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenhxBa0N2hGw6EX0uwtE7wv-ykGLD2zK-ImXg11kw5weeRBAndO9Q6lzLnD_gCclaC8ZdiAN_cG-IBM9MmHkgOUjfpwHMGoHSCb7Tqn-l5IX02XbEWc6ayBJHzve1ywQSOxinv5zqknM/s1600/Lee+Fishing+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lee fishing in the International" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenhxBa0N2hGw6EX0uwtE7wv-ykGLD2zK-ImXg11kw5weeRBAndO9Q6lzLnD_gCclaC8ZdiAN_cG-IBM9MmHkgOUjfpwHMGoHSCb7Tqn-l5IX02XbEWc6ayBJHzve1ywQSOxinv5zqknM/s320/Lee+Fishing+3.jpg" title="Lee fishing in the International" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lee Fishing the International</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">At lunch we were all very well fed and watered at Christine Cafe. Having caught up with a few of the anglers, and after that much needed toilet break, we headed out for the afternoon session.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The afternoon session began with Welshman Keith Cadogan, who once again saw a blank. Irish angler Harry McAteer Jnr also blanked my rather uneventful peg. Next up was Englishman Jim Tuck, once again 2 more fish were landed for the English team, both again caught under the cats whisker/strike indicator tactic - one that I will certainly try when I fish there next. The fish were 40cm and 42cm, this time both gorgeous streamline Brownies. Jim also missed a couple of takes, admitting to me that he was busy watching what one of his fellow countrymen was up to on the peg across from us and not concentrating on the strike indicator dipping under the surface in front of him!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Last up for the day was Scotsman Keith Andrews. The winner of the Scottish National Stillwater Finals. It was lovely to see someone other than the English boys hook up on my peg - only problem is that the fish popped the hook. A wry smile and a chuckle from Keith followed by 'well, there we are then' ended the fishing action for the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The day finished at 3:55 and we headed back to the cafe for a chat with Jamie (the owner of the fishery), the anglers and fellow controllers. Once everyone had packed away, the teams made their way back to the hotel and we headed home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Throughout the day there was some fantastic angling on display despite the occasional very heavy wind. I managed to pick up quite a few tips and genuinely feel the experience of being in the presence of these guys will help my fishing. All the anglers were friendly and many ready for a laugh making the day much more enjoyable as a whole.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As always, Garnffrwd was an excellent place to fish and the work that has been done there is second to none. One of the best fisheries in the UK (in my opinion), check it out </span><a href="http://www.garnffrwdflyfishing.co.uk/the-trout-fishery" style="background-color: transparent;">www.garnffrwdflyfishing.co.uk</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Team Results - Overall</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1st England - 76 Fish</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2nd Scotland - 51 Fish</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3rd Wales - 50 Fish</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">4th Ireland - 41 Fish</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Top Rods - Overall</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1st Terry Philips, England - 19 Fish</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2nd Dean Appleby, England - 17 Fish</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3rd Steven Corsar, Scotland - 13 Fish</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Top Rod for Wales was Matthew Jones who finished 5th with 13 Fish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Apologies for the quality but here are the final score sheets from the day:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIPvLppdQng51GytY0JidIGgG8cTSTA1JId5ULTqKSXvpk8Spl-NHLgEGLz7lcOMj9q2xoH3U3HSrTLuZzXqKD0Gd5jdlXfhYkG-T96YQRHPnwpldiEBGjH6AxVRwwva3Byqe8_UBqn8/s1600/Results+-+individual+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2012 International Bank Championships 2012 - Results" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIPvLppdQng51GytY0JidIGgG8cTSTA1JId5ULTqKSXvpk8Spl-NHLgEGLz7lcOMj9q2xoH3U3HSrTLuZzXqKD0Gd5jdlXfhYkG-T96YQRHPnwpldiEBGjH6AxVRwwva3Byqe8_UBqn8/s320/Results+-+individual+.jpg" title="2012 International Bank Championships 2012 - Results" width="263" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXYJAm-PniAyV7raFtNNhD2F5g84b387BAk7LXM5E09_IgmaxDxCMI8eEs8nGzC7lCBImCBwIc0jK1xTluGkJapIg5oUyMIAilI0ZMxvb4QlL1bPg6JEWsuNvJ5MX-ASVbOaFaZmO5eA/s1600/Results+-+team+overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="2012 International Bank Championships 2012 - Results" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXYJAm-PniAyV7raFtNNhD2F5g84b387BAk7LXM5E09_IgmaxDxCMI8eEs8nGzC7lCBImCBwIc0jK1xTluGkJapIg5oUyMIAilI0ZMxvb4QlL1bPg6JEWsuNvJ5MX-ASVbOaFaZmO5eA/s320/Results+-+team+overall.jpg" title="2012 International Bank Championships 2012 - Results" width="249" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">Having controlled the event, I'm</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"> looking forward to fishing Garnffrwd at the Colin Miller Memorial Cup but following the fishing display I witnessed (some of who will surely be competing), I will find it rather hard to finish in the top few. However, this is fishing and not catching and whose to say I don’t get a good draw and the fish are turned on to what flies/tactics I use on the day.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.garnffrwdflyfishing.co.uk/the-trout-fishery" target="_blank"><img alt="Garnfrwydd Fishery" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt-JXdqggoSdv-_FmfW-LzaFS3X1mpjrmKg8GbJwYOqhU_BRFxmKpqI9jqaKS9ZeAie3RVW5FREoBba_YQO4sWrAD_DEYYgf-NZq6yir9FDeBS6ZOWQYXn-HKg0TX7uKS96L1DtMDVHg/s320/Garnfrwydd+Aerial.jpg" title="Garnfrwydd Fishery" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.garnffrwdflyfishing.co.uk/the-trout-fishery" target="_blank">Garnffrwd</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">Until next time...</span></div>
Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-14886080202420472682012-10-13T11:18:00.001+01:002012-12-11T15:08:11.179+00:00Fly Fishing – The Rebirth<br />
I'm happily married to a great wife and Dad to three great girls and a fully fledged Fly Fishing addict!<br />
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Over the summer of 2011, my wife had arranged a night out with her friend Nic, who were both steadily getting drunk at our place. As I chatted with Nic, we spoke about her husband Lee, a friend of mine and a current Welsh International angler. She spoke how Lee was trying to put a syndicate together for a private tenancy on a lake near Builth Wells. After encouragement from Gem (my wife) and Nic, I rang Lee to find out what his plans were….the road to Fly Fishing addiction began.<br />
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After I had begged and borrowed a rod, reel, line and some flies from friends and family the next step was to fish. A week or so after putting my name forward for the syndicate and to get back into the swing of things, Lee took me for an evenings fishing on the river Ithon, Llandrindod Wells. After some simple tuition it all came flooding back to me, I was casting like I’d never been away. The reward for fishing a size 16 Adams dry fly just above a small set of rapids were small Brownies (so small that a couple would skip along the surface of the water as soon as you struck into the rise!). Their small size was no issue especially when compared to their immense beauty and those small fish made me yearn for more – a Fly Fishing addiction was setting in.<br />
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The remainder of the year consisted of buying new kit, fishing the river (although at the time I had no real clue of what I was doing). We also spent time developing the lake we had acquired the tenancy on. We were very lucky because although the lake had not been stocked or fished for nearly 20 years there were still Brownies present, one of around 3lb was caught soon after we started to fish. With the landlords permission we removed some of the trees to ensure we could cast and erected pontoons in places we felt the trees were best served where they were. Last job was to stock with Rainbows and we were set.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj7aT6AMABrKRsmn8XsISeK9v6xU-L3RKwiRvIcQFMejQaFxytbi4MX2QP2CUHR4MlMto-ZqJsRjPc4eSKQovcX89-NCrAJgoIvSO2FAYkgVgie_2BIaYy93J6Q1nuL0LOB8nEhNcuzw/s1600/Llyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My Lake" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj7aT6AMABrKRsmn8XsISeK9v6xU-L3RKwiRvIcQFMejQaFxytbi4MX2QP2CUHR4MlMto-ZqJsRjPc4eSKQovcX89-NCrAJgoIvSO2FAYkgVgie_2BIaYy93J6Q1nuL0LOB8nEhNcuzw/s320/Llyn.jpg" title="Picture of the Fly Fishing lake I have a private tenancy on" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Following me re-introduction into Fly Fishing the first trip I took on my own was to our lake, soon after stocking. Having checked out the water, there were few fish rising and no sign of a decent hatch. With my limited fly box at the time I decided to go with the first thing that caught my eye, a red Wooly Bugger. I cast out off the first pontoon and fished a fairly fast retrieve. Feeling a few bites I carried on, before too long I had hooked up. Once again I was almost over-come with excitement; it took me back to my very first fish caught on the boat with Uncle Ray 16 years or so earlier. A Rainbow of nearly 2lb plus was the prize, which I safely returned to be caught once again.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8C_tS3kdhuWx9_btPto4PmlHMBpVBFQf9p1tVKnZ_DUClA4T5obN2B_lDyt6rTFVaJ6v12kFTXxo0_0hEx59IbYZnPVT61MATkHr1c8wTofxcaOcGVbu1oenrJrFHX_1jFjOx8lkYY8/s1600/RBmylake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My first rainbow trout at my private lake" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8C_tS3kdhuWx9_btPto4PmlHMBpVBFQf9p1tVKnZ_DUClA4T5obN2B_lDyt6rTFVaJ6v12kFTXxo0_0hEx59IbYZnPVT61MATkHr1c8wTofxcaOcGVbu1oenrJrFHX_1jFjOx8lkYY8/s320/RBmylake.JPG" title="My first Rainbow trout at my private lake caught on a red wooly bugger fly fishing" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RB from the lake - ignore the line!</td></tr>
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The Fly Fishing rebirth was truly among us and to this day I’m sure I recall that fish was bigger than it was!<br />
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In 12 months I've come a long way. From not knowing how to fish the various waters and weather conditions to pretty much know what I’m doing, be it still water or rivers, wind rain or shine – being a native to Mid Wales, knowing how to fish I the rain is very important! I’m confident fishing dry flies, wet flies, buzzers and lures; fishing droppers and correct choice of rod, line and tippet. But lets not get started on fly tying, a skill I have recently attempted to learn but yet to master!<br />
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From fishing with a worm and rod/reel set that came to less than a tenner up until my reintroduction and development into and accomplished (I hope) Fly Fisherman, my journey into fishing has been a long and drawn out one. I have no regrets, if I had carried on fishing during my teens, who is to say that I would still be fishing now?<br />
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I urge everyone to try their hand at fishing no matter what type it is; my preference is simply with the fly. I still get excited every time I hook a fish, although now with a little more restrain, a feeling I hope never goes away and one that people should feel before dismissing this as a pastime. There is so much you can learn with Fly Fishing but at the same time you don’t need to know everything to be successful.<br />
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Until next time…Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641410361128687888.post-43374859897707244352012-10-06T21:55:00.000+01:002012-10-12T07:24:46.132+01:00The Beginning is the Most Important Part of the Work<br />
So I decided to write a blog about my fishing experiences but where exactly do I start, what should I write about for my first post??? Having drawn inspiration from the Greek Philosopher Plato, I decided to tell my story from the beginning - where better to start and who better a person to draw inspiration from?<br />
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My first experience of fly fishing was with my Uncle Ray Chaplin, I was about 13 years old. Back in them days I had silly hair and a pretty bad dress sense, some say things haven’t changed I’m only housing a few more greys.<br />
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Uncle Ray was a member of the <a href="http://rhayaderangling.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rhayader and Elan Valley Angling Association</a> and had fished for Wales on many occasions. He was one of the nicest, funniest people you could hope to meet. He was a Navy Veteran and always had a story to tell, especially if you offered him a rum or a white wine and soda in later life. Sadly, Uncle Ray passed away a few years back.<br />
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Having arranged a day to go fishing, a Saturday I recall, he picked me up and we headed to Llyngwyn - a lake that he fished regularly, often catching his limit and leaving a good size rainbow hanging on the front door for my Dad. Llyngwyn is a 16 acre spring fed natural lake controlled by the Rhayader and Elan Valley Angling Association that is regularly stocked with Rainbows upwards of 2lb. As you can imagine, I was very excited about the day ahead.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHTjpZzZabHUyscDzJPpQA-h-Ea_RBOLpVVm-wzhvHMPcpvC_77fPyci9cBXMr4I0tP1tOppkLFk65JKHPSzNdEx73XfgD1sLUEZnSryonSDbmB1h7-sDnNFRuUdEMz8kndNIKyXizko/s1600/llyngwyn+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Llyngwyn Lake - Fly Fishing Venue" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHTjpZzZabHUyscDzJPpQA-h-Ea_RBOLpVVm-wzhvHMPcpvC_77fPyci9cBXMr4I0tP1tOppkLFk65JKHPSzNdEx73XfgD1sLUEZnSryonSDbmB1h7-sDnNFRuUdEMz8kndNIKyXizko/s400/llyngwyn+1.jpg" title="Picture of Llyngwyn Lake - the fly fishing only lake run, which holds brown trout, rainbow trout, carp and is also stocked with rainbow trout upwards of 2lb" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Llyngwyn Lake</td></tr>
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When we arrived at the lake, the wind was up but the sky was clear – I remember it like it was yesterday! Being a complete beginner, we fished the bank on the opposite side to the boat house, plenty of room for a casting lesson and very few places to get caught up behind although I think I found each and every place there was to be caught in and on. However, before too long I was fishing and let loose on the unsuspecting Trout below – loved it.</div>
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The water that day was quiet; very few fishermen had caught anything that morning. Uncle Ray had hooked up once but the fish, which he told me was a monster, came off! The decision was made to take out one of the boats. We made our way to a quiet bay, out of the wind, sheltered by the large trees situated along side the bank. We cast out and fished some buzzers.<br />
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Things remained quiet, the BANG, my rod bent over and I was into my very first fish. I got so excited I nearly dropped the rod. A crash course in playing a fish soon followed and before too long the fish was in the net, a Rainbow of 1½lb. I didn't stop talking about it for weeks.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fMNjAH7evwyDvRWELCYeb3iTg_hR6ABVKXntCNdg3_Osaldx0gk5LdtYU07C6aX7BCrmNWmvlYoSAgqDM1neVeRUEytWmiKFXlz8x0P-Nj5arxC67pzmlVVy_sEPu-rULYlohF4VK5Y/s1600/1stFish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Me with my first fish - a rainbow trout" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fMNjAH7evwyDvRWELCYeb3iTg_hR6ABVKXntCNdg3_Osaldx0gk5LdtYU07C6aX7BCrmNWmvlYoSAgqDM1neVeRUEytWmiKFXlz8x0P-Nj5arxC67pzmlVVy_sEPu-rULYlohF4VK5Y/s400/1stFish.JPG" title="Me with my first fish ever caught fly fishing - a rainbow trout caught on a buzzer" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with my first fish</td></tr>
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I fished on occasions after that but as I didn't drive and my Dad didn't fish, my times were limited. Soon the draw of football and rugby began to take over a sadly my fishing days came to an abrupt end…….<br />
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…..until now!<br />
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A chance conversation in the summer of 2011 (which I’ll tell you about in the next post) got me back on the water and this time there is an addiction that needs to be fed! 12 months of fishing and were doing good. Now a member of the <a href="http://builthwellsangling.co.uk/" target="_blank">Groe Park and Irfon Angling Club</a> (GPIAC), Webmaster for the GPIAC website and as part of a small syndicate holding a private tenancy of a 2½ acre lake near Builth Wells the fishing is frequent and on times breath taking.<br />
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I often wonder where I would be today (in fishing terms) had I carried on from where Uncle Ray had taught me so very well. I also find myself thinking ‘would I be a better fisherman if he was here today?’ – Honestly, the answer is yes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHCku_cbudmfKG3wicJZmeVp-8FO1aaCjits9INjaQ2YzxWR6pR2BDKmEQ3bxX0LuVE6bHTMw2jSvQDZg2mQNuTF8LEeut0GablEyrXMJa5_N34715CzCe6j2qxmG9wqo8gdLcn0skxE/s1600/MeUncleRay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Me and Uncle Ray" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHCku_cbudmfKG3wicJZmeVp-8FO1aaCjits9INjaQ2YzxWR6pR2BDKmEQ3bxX0LuVE6bHTMw2jSvQDZg2mQNuTF8LEeut0GablEyrXMJa5_N34715CzCe6j2qxmG9wqo8gdLcn0skxE/s400/MeUncleRay.JPG" title="Me and Uncle Ray - trying to feed him the trout I caught fly fishing" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Rays dinner by the looks of things</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Until next time…Craig Buftonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11432941549181589061noreply@blogger.com2