A GAME OF TWO HALVES
A full house at April’s CTD saw a fairly even split between beginner and experienced fly fishermen and women. The plan as usual was to concentrate on casting in the morning and fishing in the afternoon but dissension in the ranks meant that the advanced (and supposedly, better behaved) group put their flies on early. Deservedly, they all blanked!
We took a break around 12.30 and enjoyed as usual, an excellent light lunch courtesy of Shaun and Becky. Their daughter Jools who seems to be concentrating less on her waitressing skills and more on her artistic talents, gave us a spirited rendition of the ‘Skye Boat Song’ on the Cornet after first creating a picture entitled ‘A City at Night’.
For the afternoon session it was bright and breezy; the temperature was cool and the water was crystal clear. With only the odd fish rising, the anglers were challenged to fish unfamiliar flies and split into pairs to not only help each other but also add a slight element of competition. This would also allow the whole group to see which flies were working best and what would be the most successful fly choice for the remainder of the day. There were two clear winners. Damsel nymphs and Olive dries.
By the end of the day everybody had battled with fish and all but two had landed one!
Newcomer George Christened his wife’s new rod with a dazzling display of dry fly fishing aided and abetted by his mentor, Chiara. Prize winner Aaron had the days best rainbow and a good Perch. Jon D and ‘old Neil’ had 3 each and ‘new Neil’ scored late into his Chirk debut. John O’s ‘Disco Nymphs’ proved as irresistible to the Trout as they are to footballers. John M had a cracker in injury time and graciously (if not foolishly) allowed me to net it for him. It went well and my confidence is returning. Even Mr Daley got on the scoresheet in extra time.
Commiserations to Judith and Alan who both came close and had efforts cleared off the line… although on this occasion, not by me!
Well done all, We look forward to helping some of you transfer these skills to the river very soon.
Aarons cracking trout
George, Jools and fish
D.I.S.C.O…
… and a Perch for Aaron
Neils best
New Neil and his Chirk Debut.
Jon D, trout ninja!
Back of the net!
The student becomes the master!
First team recall
Mr Daley in extra time
Jools the artist
George and Jools work on their fish juggling act.