It is probably better to have instruction with your own fishing tackle. However, if you do not have your own, do not rush out and buy any until you have had a lesson or two. I am quite happy to discuss fly tackle with beginners as anyone starting up on their own may be bewildered by the various descriptive numbers and letters that fishermen  take for granted. For example one couldn’t expect a novice to have the faintest idea what it means if they are told that they might need, “ a 9ft 6wt 4 piece mid/tip actioned rod with an u/l reel seat and with a large stripper guide, a DT#6F, aWF#6S Di-3 and a L/A reel + spool.” It is quite simple when you have been taught. I can also advise the beginner where to purchase the best tackle at the best price. So if you don’t have your own, don’t worry, I can supply well balanced tackle at no extra charge.

Rates

“My casting is rubbish but I catch loads of fish!”  How many times have I heard that? There’s nothing at all wrong with this statement but just suppose you finally treat yourself to that dream holiday saltwater destination. What happens when you just get one shot to place your fly quickly in front of a feeding fish, at a fair range, with a tricky wind? Or you have saved up for a day on the Test and you just can not catch that trophy fish as your fly keeps dragging. What a waste of money if you can’t make that special cast!

For a one to one session:-
                                              1 hour   £35 / 1 day £150
                         
                  
                           
 
As you can see from the scale of charges, I don’t instruct for the money!
There may be fishing permit charges at some venues.
I can come to you but there may be travelling costs.
Tackle supplied free.

Good casting technique will help you cover more water. You will be able to cast for longer with less fatigue and cast your fly into really tight spots that others have walked past. This may well add up to more fish. At the same time we must not get carried away with the idea of always “bagging up”, as good casting is an art form that is both a delight to execute and to watch.

There are many aspects of fly fishing that I cover, for example:-Selecting tackle
Retrieves and striking
Playing and landing
Correct catch and release
Essential knots
Watercraft
Basic entomology
Fishing techniques
Safety,

Casting :-
For beginners we would probably look at:-
The Roll cast
The Overhead cast
False casting
Shooting line
(Bait casting)

Then the next level:-
Both single haul casts
Changing direction
Into wind
Reach casts
Backhand casts
Side casts
Catapult casts

Then the next level:-
The Double haul
Slack line casts, eg wiggle cast, parachute cast
Up/downstream mend casts
Belgium cast
Snake roll
Jump roll
Hook casts
Spey casts
and Tournament/distance casting.

However, the above list is only a guide. A newcomer would probably start with the first two casts so that they get an understanding of the basic mechanics. They may then wish to have some follow up lessons outlining tackle or entomology etc., before returning to some more casting tuition. Let’s face it, what a beginner really wants to do is catch a fish!

A more experienced caster may wish to learn some new tricks or just have a refresher course in case some minor bad habits have crept in. Or, an experienced fisherman may wish to learn to cast extreme distances. There are very few qualified instructors who can, and know how to cast over 65 yards with a single handed rod.

My aim is to boost confidence and build on performance so that the client can develop their skills quickly. I believe that the best results are achieved with enthusiasm, sensitivity and fun.