Long term test - Hardy Swift Mk II 13' 8#

I thought it might be an idea to share my thought on some of the tackle I have been using over the years, I, like most of us, am susceptible to the effective marketing of the major tackle companies. Happily, I have not made any particularly bad purchases as of yet.

My 13' Hardy Swift Mk II has seen more abuse than any of my fly rods and has served me very well!

First casts on new water

Although cold and miserable, tonight was an evening that marks the start of a very exciting journey - I had my first casts on one of the new beats.

Bank Holiday Forays

I managed to get out over the bank holiday for a few hours to fish my usual beat on the river. Having seen a fish on a lower beat whilst walking along the banks hopes were high. The river looked perfect, it had dropped to an almost normal level and clarity was OK. There was just the right amount of water to fish the fly properly

Memories of Frome monsters

I recently Gave a presentation about Frome Salmon and Sea Trout fishing West Stafford Village hall. The night was attended by a number of keen anglers who fish the middle and upper river mainly for Brown Trout and Grayling. This first Talk was Given by Alan Frake and was about “Chalk streams, Past, Present and Future”. 

Potential new water and new opportunities

As ever, the start of the season is greeted with new plans and renewed optimism. This year, however, I may be taking a lease on another beat with a view to running it as a small syndicate with some limited day tickets.