Flies are flies are flies – you may think. So untrue. I have recently found a very cheap place for flies on the interweb and invested in a great number of flies prior to the start of the season, based upon the fact that I had no time to tie up my own. At first glance they looked ok – albeit somewhat bulky, and yesterday it was so obvious that they were (generally) rubbish. Not a single fish was caught on a bought fly, instead they were all captured on creations of my own dear hands, in fact when I look back at the season, the majority of fish have been caught on flies of my own creation and not budget interweb flies.

I have to say (in defence of my own store) that all of the flies that I sell I consider to be of good quality, but as I cannot dip into my own stock I have to either buy or tie my own. Therefore like you I am constantly scouring the Internet for good affordable flies. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that generally there aren’t any (present company excepted of course). I rather pride myself in not selling sub-standard goods, whereas obviously my own standards aren’t met by other online retailers – which is a big shame. It may of course be simpler than that and in future I only use flies that i have tied myself that I know will work, but I doubt it as I only buy flies that I know ‘will work’ but unfortunately don’t (if you see what I mean).

Most flies are tied offshore in factories with conditions that lead a lot to be desired. I have no comment on that and I suggest that you make up your own views, however it is safe to say that quantity comes before quality in the majority of cases, which is one of the reasons why I am running down the stock and variety of flies that I sell as I would rather stock fewer quality flies that I have some control over as opposed to dozens of patterns shipped by the hundreds. I wish that other online retailers would stick to the same standards.

Another thing that I noticed yesterday was a propensity for the leader/line to tangle in the same places every time and in the same way, also the fly on many occasions didn’t turn over properly. Now I am not the most expert caster of a fly rod in the world, I wish that I was, however I can generally throw out a good line (the delights of the Snake Roll and the Snap-T still elude me), but I have noticed recently a propensity for problems. Of course the next time out I will look to break down my casting and repair any problems (or at least attempt to), but recently I have changed tapered leader and tippet materials. I have come to the conclusion that they also are problematic. The Frog Hair fluorocarbon tapered leaders seem to not be right, the connections with the tippet materials seem to be too bulky, and the 3lb fluoro is thicker than the tippet end. This of course is my fault, but why should the 3lb tippet be bulkier than the 3lb taper tip? Perhaps I now have to start looking closer at the ‘x’ categorisation of the lines other than weight, but why should there be such a marked difference in quality, even from the same manufacturer? Surely some sense should prevail?

So – before I venture out again I will sort out the terminal end of the line, and tie up some of the flies that I know that I need rather than buy some in – I may even end up invoicing myself and get some of my flies on the end of the line, you see quality matters at the end of the day, and you get what you pay for.

Regarding the casting – I may have to reinvest in some tuition and get the rough edges off my action too, but first I will attempt to sort myself out as I have an idea what’s wrong already – we shall have to see. Of course it’s not the workman but his tools – as we all know, I shall however put some money and time aside for the casting tuition – just in case I am the exception rather than the rule. (I wonder if Jim’s free?)

My life – I am so lucky in that I can take time off within reason and escape from the hubbub of humanity and disappear down to the river. Ok – when not in work the money isn’t forthcoming, but there’s far more to life than work and I intend to make the most of the time that I will have here.

My iPad – because I am a complete boys toys chappie and it makes life so easy just to switch it on, check my email and write this blog entry.

Mother Nature – without whom life would be so boring, stagnant and stale. It’s she that provides the spectacular backdrop to my life here in the Yorkshire Dales and it is she that provided such a glorious day without a breath of wind. Truly a marvellous late August day. Thankyou.

The Wonderful English Weather – because when it’s good it’s fantastic and probably the best place in the world. Ok we all hate it when it’s cold, wet, windy (and I’ve had a pop at it here before today) and we don’t like the evenings drawing in, but when it’s like it has been today on the 27th of August the year of Our Lord 2010 it is possibly perfect (ok its not a billion degrees but bits comfortable, still and the sun is shining. Perfect!

My Family – because they put up with me and my fixation on fishing and water. They all know by now that I’m a complete looney and they are used to finding my notes on the kitchen table which always read a variation of ‘Gone Fishing!’ – I have missed birthdays, wedding anniversaries (brave I know) and countless meals whilst I have disappeared to my watery world.

Water – well you know why. I am drawn to it whether it be rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs or the sea. It’s always fascinated me and of course it holds those elusive fish.

Life is good.

Things that I don’t like though are Simms Waders. They should be the best in the world, but the reality is that mine leak like tea bags. Another pair? Or a repair?

Picture courtesy of the gorgeous Sue Beerling

The Pakistanis have won the toss and England (of course) will bat first on a wet pitch and overcast skies – and we know that although the Pakistani batsmen have struggled – their seamers have been on form. England will be happy with 300, but they could collapse for less than that with some dubious batting from Kevin Pieterson, Cook, Strauss and Morgan who all seem to be out of form. We are suffering from the usual England malaise of no consistency and that makes for a very interesting Test Match.

There’s nothing like cricket both to watch and to listen to – and within that the Test Match is the pinnacle of skill, tactics and endurance, much misunderstood by the few, and much enjoyed by the many.

Such a great shame that cricket is in such a state!

When I was a child, summers were made up of watching cricket on TV and playing it on the street and in the park. Test matches were on the Beeb for all to see, 3-day county championships were similarly televised, and the John Player 40-over Sunday League was essential viewing when it was raining outside. Most kids that I knew watched and played cricket, understood the rules, had a bat and a ‘corky’ ball and were more than willing to have a game on the street (using a lamp-post with a chalk mark as a wicket) or down the park with real stumps. We grew up watching and playing cricket and the world was a good place to play in.

Now the privileged few with satellite sports channels watch it, omitting a vast majority of young boys and girls who could play; the 20Twenty game is making those that do watch it into sloggers; and the lack of parks and the intolerance towards kids prevents the sport from being played at weekends and school holidays. The ECB claim that the money from satellite TV is needed to feed the grass roots of cricket, what they fail to notice is that there are scant few grass roots to look after as kids simply aren’t interested any more. Successive Governments have seen fit to place concrete over the playing fields meaning that most cricket on grass is now ‘organised’ – what earthly good is that to a group of kids who decide that the sun’s shining so let’s have a game of cricket! Society now treats groups of kids with disdain – they must only be looking for or causing trouble, so if a street game started – you can guarantee that a moaning local would ensure that it was killed as soon as possible, and any regular offenders branded as yobs and put on an ASBO.

What’s the future of this sport that I and many know and love? Perhaps I’m out of tune with reality and it’s all fine in the country of Denmark, but I doubt it. Of course the answer will be a far-fetched new White Paper recommending a crazy new think tank and organisation to take it forwards and back to the masses (as has been done unsuccessfully with tennis), in which case I will take it all back and the world will be a better place! Perhaps we will all start playing baseball!

Testing Times indeed. Has the innings started yet? Who would know? I shall only find out when I get home and turn on the satellite and be met with the wine adverts on the pitch of Lords and the Coke ads on the whites of the teams. Progress? Nah!

The birds have been awake now for an hour and a half, and as the blackbirds are skipping in the dewy grass searching for the early worm you can almost hear the swallows starting to pack their winter suitcase before they start their annual exodus to Africa. It’s breathlessly still and I know that its going to be a great day.

The house is still asleep as I slip out of the front door and start the car. The windows are covered and need a blast from the demister and a swish of the wipers to clear them before I slip quietly down the road and head off down the road.

To work!
Normally I would throw in the towel and accept that I have to work to live and that it will be okay, but this morning it’s a bit different as I know that the rest of the week – and weekend – may be grim, also at least 2 of my evenings are taken up with other things – and the darker evenings are closing in. I should just forget it and accept the realities of life – but its very difficult as I head down the A59 with my head pointing to work and my heart pointing to the river.

Last week whilst out fishing I met a smashing chap who has recently retired and seems to be dedicating his new freedom to casting a fly wherever he can. I have to admit I am insanely jealous as I would love nothing more than for us to be able to live the life that we are accustomed to without the shackles of work, but I know that this won’t be a reality in my household for some years.

Off down the road, pushing all thoughts of fishing out of my mind so that I can concentrate on the day at work.

That is until I crossed the Ribble.
As if to taunt me there are a couple of anglers waded out into the river, each with a large gye net strapped to his back casting a salmon line across the water in the early morning sun. I know that the river is almost perfect and I reckon that their chances must be pretty good – everything looks fishy! They must have woken up as I did and as if reading my mind set out to make the most of the day.

In a way I’m sick as would love to be with them, but in another way I am glad that at least somebody is making the best of the idyllic English August morning. It was with mixed feelings that I turned on to the motorway and left them in the rear view mirror.

Good luck guys – I hope that the fish are running – but even if they aren’t I guarantee that you will have a fantastic morning on this beautiful day.

Perhaps Tuesday evening?

You may not have noticed but it’s been banging it down on and off for the past few weeks and of course the ground should be saturated and the rivers running sooooo high that the banks must be creaking under the weight of the water. Also it’s July and the height of summer so it will of course be scorching, nearly burning my eyes out of their sockets. So it was with no trepidation at all that I set off down the river to revel in the glory of the British summer.

Of course the telegraph pole was left in the sanctity of my home and I dusted off the trusty 2-weight magic wand and set off to the river with a spring in my step and the firm belief that it would be a glorious session.

BANG! Reality bites! This is England! No matter how much rain has fallen the river is still running low and clear with the stones on the bed of the river coated with algae and barely any current except for the faster water. In fact you wouldn’t think that it had rained! Why?
I know that the Wharfe is famous for rising quickly and dropping just as quickly, but I also reckon that those hard-up farmers have too much leeway in running the water off the rivers to irrigate their precious crops. Now I may be an old cynic but I surmise that nobody gives a monkeys arse about rivers and fishermen, except of course fishermen, so we will have to accept that we will always be the poor man to the rest of civilisation – which Is surprising as its the biggest participant sport in the world, but hey ho!

Hot and summer swelters? No chance! It was cold, windy and downright horrible so I was amazed that I actually caught some trout and grayling, but it wasn’t pleasant!

Perhaps I should give up and just fish in the hot Gulf of Mexico and Bahamas for a week a year!

Dunno – I will sleep on it!

Today has been the brightest and warmest day of them all, which is amazing following Wednesday when the heavens opened. The river has risen 4 feet and then in 2 days dropped 5 leaving it vey low but very fishable.

This morning I had a plan for 5 fish each before the end of the day as I suspected that it would fish well. As reported earlier I was on the river for 6 am and (I am very pleased to say) did (by the end of the day) manage my 5, snagging the last 3lb grilse from the ‘saddle’ pool at 8pm before the invasion of the deadly Scottish midgies. All in all a good day, 4 grilse in total varying between 2 and 4 pound, with a good 6 pound salmon, making 8 fish in total for the week – not great but not bad. David managed 1 salmon and Paul didn’t get a fish.

Getting up early seems to pay off here as this morning I had my first fish at 7:15, second at 7:30 and third at 7:45, also by 8 I had another 3 takes but failed to hook them.

So – here I am with a glass of red wine completing the Findhorn blog. Tomorrow morning I will have a shower and try to be on the road by 6, with a vague hope to be home by 12.

Would I return to the Findhorn? To be honest I’m not sure. It’s been a strange week and it hasn’t exactly fished well but it has potential. What hasn’t really turned me on is that the majority of the fish are grilse with very few real salmon and no chance of hitting a big fish. The midges are the worst thing in the world and trash any enjoyment when they are out, whilst breeze, rain and cold are blessed as effectively they put the midges down. To say there’s almost 6 miles of river there are few spots with real fish potential, and the higher beats really need to be more accessible with some of the tracks downright dangerous. However, there are fish in the river, the lodge is superb and the countryside is spectacular. The company was excellent and therefore it should be spot on. But something still nags that its not right. I shall have to sleep on it though as regards next year.

9 o’clock and its time to put this down and tuck into the wine. From the Findhorn it’s goodnight and goodbye.

Its a strange thing but confidence breeds success, and I was very confident yesterday morning and the end result was 2 salmon banked, 1 lost and numerous wild Brown Trout. Today however I don’t have any warm glowing feeling about it but we shall have to wait and see. Saturday is the last day and is the Upper beat. If today brings few or no fish I may not be completely inclined to even fish the last day, but as I said we shall have to wait and see.

It’s been some time since I’ve been salmon fishing with my usual fishing buddy Johnny Beerling, and it will be some time again yet as JB has been rather laid up this week, in fact he’s currently laid up in Leeds General Infirmary having just been under the surgeons knife having no less that a Quadruple Heart Bypass. Now JB never does anything by half measures and I suppose that I’m surprised that he has not gone for the complete heart transplant, but he must be currently very uncomfortable and feeling sorry for himself. Although this place has no mobile phone signal I drove out on Wednesday until I could get one and rang Sue, Johns wife. Although he’s in Intensive Care he’s fine and they normally would be looking to send him home a week after the Op. I wouldn’t like to be Sue then as I bet that he will be as frustrated as hell until he can get around and do the things that he wants to do again. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s got a skiing trip pencilled in for later this year, and undoubtedly he will be planning a lecture cruise. When I get back to civilisation I will be trying to get over to LGI but may not make it until he’s home. The thought’s there though. So get well soon JB and perhaps next year you will be launching the salmon rod again.

6:00 now. Probably time to get up. An early breakfast and then perhaps away. We shall see. No less than 6 fish today is a failure.

I was on the river at 5:30 am, and by 7 (breakfast) had caught a small salmon of about 2 pounds. After breakfast, the same stretch brought me a fine 8 pound fish, 4 trout and the loss of another good salmon as it hit the fly but didn’t take it properly. I reckon that I could have had more but instead put Paul on the beat as he hasn’t yet had a fish. Meanwhile below the bridge David managed to hook and lose a big fish, and he never had another bite all day.

It’s 11:20 pm as I write this and I am very tired having fished constantly all day. I reckon if you are here to fish then fish – otherwise don’t pretend. Thankfully David and Rob are also here to fish so I am at last with like minded people.

Tomorrow is the penultimate day, fishing the lower beat, – hopefully the fish will be more obliging.

Truly an amazing sight to watch the water rise by about four feet in the space of a couple of hours.