The Cobbie

My latest flytying video. Hope you like it! The Cobbie

The Clan Chief

Ive been asked by a flytying club in Shropshire England to do a flytying  demonstration via the social media platrorm of zoom next month.

Ive never did such a thing before but I accepted the invite and very much look forward to the experience 

By way of a trial I'm going to be uploading a few tying videos to You tube over tfe next few weeks to test out my equipment etc. 

Find attached a link to a video I uploaded today: I hope you like it.

Click the link below.

The Clan Chief

My Angling Library

As an enthusiastic Flyfisher, Flytyer and book collector of the aforementioned pastimes, I often find myself immersed in the vast world of angling literature. 

Over the years, my collection has grown to include a wide range of angling novels, essays, reference guides and a few how - to books. However, despite the assumption of some people that I've read every page of every book in my library, the reality is quite different.

Many people are surprised at this  and some may even question, why not?

But to truly understand the essence of my passion for angling literature, one must grasp the multifaceted nature of this genre.

First and foremost, my collection serves as a valuable resource of knowledge and inspiration for me.

My library also serves as practical guide that I can refer to whenever I encounter a new challenge.

Moreover, angling literature encompasses more than just instructional manuals. It delves into the rich history, culture and traditions surrounding flyfishing and flytying. 

From the timeless wisdom of legendary anglers to the captivating narratives of fishing adventures, angling novels offer a unique glimpse into the soul of the angler.

While I may not have read every  book in the how - too section from cover to cover, each one holds significance in its own right.

Some books even serve as cherished mementos of past fishing trips, others represent a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the rich social history and traditions of angling.

For those who question why I collect books I haven't read, they fail to grasp the true essence of my passion.

It's not just about consuming every word on every page; it's about embracing the diversity and depth of the angling experience. Whether it's discovering old and new fly patterns, learning new techniques, gaining insight into the history of the sport, or simply finding inspiration in the words of fellow anglers, each book in my collection adds value in its own unique way.

Understanding why I collect angling books goes beyond just reading; it's about experiencing the journey and inspiration they offer me one page at a time.

Fishing a Perthshire Loch

Situated within the picturesque grounds of Drummond Castle, south of Crieff in Perthshire, lies the scenic Drummond Loch. This small freshwater loch has a rich history and offers a very attractive environment in which to fish for trout. Drummond Loch’s origins trace back to the aftermath of the Jacobite uprising with the flooding of an area which was planned for the site and construction of a village to house veterans and their families who had supported the Government during the uprising. Over time, the loch has evolved into a haven for wildlife and is now designated as a site of special scientific interest, showcasing its ecological significance. Managed by the Crieff Angling Club, the loch attracts anglers drawn to its trout fishing and lovely surroundings. I've had the pleasure of visiting Drummond several times in recent years. The loch's shallow waters hold numerous brown trout, presenting anglers with a delightful challenge. These trout come in various hues, from buttery yellow to a shimmering silver, hinting at their diverse origins. I was informed by the Club Secretary that the silvery trout date back to a stocking over 30 years ago of Loch Leven trout.

The club are always happy to hear from you if you encounter any of these as they like to know that this strain continue to thrive in the loch. During a recent visit to Drummond Loch with three fellow anglers, we were greeted by a brisk north-easterly wind, less than ideal for fishing. However, after patiently making various drifts in various areas, we discovered an area where the trout were very obliging. Between the four of us a good number of trout were caught, missed and lost, all fooled by various traditional wet fly patterns. Despite the chilly weather and the  looming threat of rain it was a grand day to be out drifting around in a boat fooling trout. In closing I have one slight criticism of Drummond Loch and Crieff Angling Club and that is that it’s getting rather pricy to fish the loch. As fees increase, there's a risk of alienating anglers. It's essential to strike a balance between maintaining the loch's conservation efforts and ensuring that its affordable for all anglers.

Two Days at Cobbinshaw

On Monday, March 18th, I embarked on my first day of the fishing season at Cobbinshaw Reservoir. 

As a new member, I was eager to get out and get to know Cobbie.

I had booked a four-hour slot on one of the excellent Coulam boats.

The wind proved to be a formidable opponent but despite my initial enthusiasm, the southwest wind and strong gusts made for challenging conditions. Positioned in the north-east corner of the reservoir, I found myself battling against the elements, struggling to maintain control of my drifting boat even with the drogue set up.

After a series of fruitless drifts, I made the decision to relocate to the south-west  part of the reservoir. 

Here I found refuge from the exposed main body of water and felt more at ease navigating the slower drifts. Equipped with my sink tip line, I fished deep in search of trout.

Throughout the day, I made various changes of flies. 

It wasn't until the final hour that I struck gold, or rather, lime green and black. Opting for a single, eye-catching lure proved to be the correct choice for fooling a trout.

As my time on the boat ended, I reflected on the day with a sense of satisfaction. 

Despite the challenges posed by the wind, my maiden voyage at Cobbinshaw Reservoir had been a good one.

With the promise of future outings on the horizon, I eagerly awaited the next opportunity to visit Cobbie.

Ten days later it was a little different at Cobbie.

Weather conditions were much better as the wind wasn't as strong.

My day is best described as sitting in a boat waving a stick at invisible trout whilst listening to an audio book titled “ Standing in a river waving a stick” by John Gierach.

It was a very enjoyable day all the same and it was good to meet  a couple of fellow anglers when I got back to base. Although they too found it a little tough they actually managed to catch a couple of trout. 

I'm already looking forward to my next day out at Cobbie.

The Sharp & Gentles Way.

I've recently been attending the Sharp & Gentles Flytying Club and thoroughly enjoy my visits there. Im already benefitting and learning from participating in the tying nights with others who share the same enthusiasm of keeping the traditions of Clydestyle fly patterns relevant and to the fore.

The Fly Tying Club was started in 1957 by Bert Sharp, author of " Let's fish the Clyde" and " Lets fish again", Bert ran his classes for many years, passing on his skills and patterns for his beloved Clydestyle Flies.

After his passing in 1983 his close friend and UCAPA colleague Bill Gentles took over the club, teaching numerious enthusiastic flytyers in the Lanarkshire area and beyond.

Since Bill's passing the club is now run by a committee, and has a healthy membership of enthusiastic fly-tyers and fly fishers.

In an age when modern innovations overshadow traditions,  the Sharp & Gentles Flytying Club is a place where the echoes of the past resonate with the aspirations of the future ensuring that the craft of Clydestyle flytying will endure.

The club meet every Thursday from 7.00pm to 9.00pm from September to Easter at the Whitehill Neighbourhood Centre in Hamilton.

This week we were tying the Blae & Ginger and after a few days of practice at the vice I Im really pleased with the progress Im making.

On this particular version Ive stayed pretty much true to the description in Bert's book.

Ive tied this with a size 14 Fulling Mill hook, yellow Uni 8/0 thread, two turns of gold tinsel, two turns of light ginger hen kacke and pairded slips of Snipe secondary covert feathers.

It's just a pity that next week will be the last week of the current session however I look forward to club reconvening again in September, it will be something to look forward to during the dark winter months.

In the meantime there is plenty of fishing to look forward to for the next eight or so months and of course a bit of flytying here and there too.

Fair Thee Well My Friend!

It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of longtime fishing friend Davie Graham who I oftened referred to on my blog  as the Hillend Veteran.

Davie left this earth for another place on the 15th of March, ironically the date of the start of the fishing season at Hillend.

Only last week Davie commented that he was sorry to hear that I had given up my membership at Hillend and said that i’d be missed. 

I told him I'd pop into the clubhouse to see him for a coffee and have a catch up with him now and again during the course of the fishing season.

Its such a shame we’ll never have that coffee.

Davie was a valuable, committed member of Airdrie & District Angling Club, He often manned the clubhouse and cafe, was a member of committee and the minute secretary. 

He knew the loch like the back of his hand and was a wealth of information on every aspect of flyfishing at Hillend. He often complimented me on my fly dressing which he was a dab hand at himself too.

We shared a boat on Hillend many a time. He was a fantastic fly caster and always happy to share his knowledge of the fly life at Hillend.

Davie was originally from Dalmellington in East Ayrshire and would ofter regale me with his stories and experiences of fishing the local lochs in that area  as well as his many fishing expetiences all over Scotland.

He had a family caravan based  at Bettyhill  in Sutherland and loved  his time there fishing with family and friends especially on the River Naver.

It was Davie who encouraged me to try the salmon fishing up there and gave me all the advice I required which I was pleased to see come to fruition when I caught my first ever salmon on the Naver a number of years ago.

In his later days Davie was given honorary membership of Airdrie and District Angling Club and I know he was looking forward to the season ahead. Its so sad he never got to see it.

Fair thee well my friend, Fair thee well! You will be sorely missed!

 

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Heres' to better days ahead!

As the chill of winter fades and the days get longer and warmer, anglers everywhere are preparing for the start of the new trout fishing season. For me, this anticipation has been building for months, as I've been busy at the vice all winter and eagerly await he chance to wet my first line of the season.

Last week marked a significant milestone in my angling journey as I officially secured my membership with the Cobbinshaw Angling Association. After more than three decades as a member of the Airdrie and District Angling Club at Hillend, it was time for a change. The prospect of fishing at Cobbinshaw Reservoir in West Lothian fills me with excitement, and I can't wait to explore its waters from the comfort of a boat.

While the venue officially opened its doors on March 9th, my first outing won't be until the 18th so I couldn't resist attending the open day at GAC last weekend. It was a fantastic opportunity to mingle with fellow anglers and share in the collective excitement for the upcoming season.

One highlight of the day was chatting with the folks from Flyfishing and Flytying magazine and watching some impressive fly-tying demonstrations. Meeting Stephen Smalley, a talented Lancastrian fly-tyer with a passion for loch-style wets, was a particular treat. His skill and dedication were evident in the stunning fly boxes he had on display.

No trip to GAC is complete without a visit to the Cookshill fly-tying materials stall. Steve Cooper at Cookshill provided invaluable advice and helped me stock up with some of his impressive range of natural flytying materials 

With just three days left until the official opening day of the 2024 trout fishing season, excitement is reaching a fever pitch. I raise a glass to the promise of better days ahead on Cobbinshaw, the Clyde, and beyond. Here's to new adventures and unforgettable moments on the water.

Before I sign off, I'll leave you with a glimpse of the GAC open day, my new fishing venue, and some recent vicework. Get ready, fellow anglers – the season of trout fishing is almost upon us!

Regional Flytying

I have a great interest in the history and traditions of regional flytying and flyfishing. Therefore It was a great pleasure whilst at the recent BFFI 24 in Stafford to pick up a copy of JN Waton's very interesting book "The Forgotten flies of Roger Wooley" After reading this book it led me down a very interesting rabbit hole which has got me intrigued about rough water Devon style patterns. This in turn led me to a book from the 1800's about this regional style by HC Cutcliffe. However there is a more modern book available by Paul Gaskell telling the story of Cutcliffe and his flies. Included in this book is a collection of Cutcliffe fly patterns tied by Roger Wooley. It's a very important and authorative piece of flytying and flyfishing literary work. What I found most intriguing about these Devon flies is that although they have a fair bit in common with North Country Spiders the difference being is that although these are referenced as wet flies, they are tied with stiff cock hackles, which seems rather unusual. I must get a copy of this book. In the meantime please find below my interpretation of Cutcliffe's Exe- Fly which I presume is popular on Devon's River Exe. I'm really looking forward to finding out more about Cutcliffe's flies and getting my hands on Gaskell's book.

A journey to the heart of fly-tying: BFFI 2024

My much-anticipated pilgrimage to the British Fly Fair International in Stafford entailed a 500-mile roundtrip from Airdrie and an overnight stay at my brother's place in Penrith on Saturday 10th February. My brother George and I embarked on the journey further south early the next morning, arriving at the Staffordshire showground by mid-morning. The fair was a spectacle to behold, with trade stands offering a tempting array of fly-tying materials, tackle, books and many other flyfishing and fly-tying related items. Unable to resist the allure, I indulged in some essential additions to my materials and book collection. After browsing among the fly-tying eye candy, it was a great delight to make my way to the famous fly-tyres row, where I reunited with friends and fellow fly-tyers from across Britain and Europe. Amidst the bustling atmosphere, conversations flowed freely, fuelled by a shared passion for the art of fly-tying. Throughout the day, I had the opportunity to witness various master tyers in action, each demonstration offering a valuable insight and inspiration, reaffirming my love for the craft of fly-tying. It was fantastic to meet up with fellow former Hillender, Iain Drummond on Fly-tyers row who assisted at my angling club fly-tying nights, where I first learned the art of fly-tying many years ago. It was also a great pleasure to meet Peter McCallum and see his wondeful display of Clyde Flies and also meet up with Ed Ford who I met at the Scottish Game Fair last year. Two excellent Scottish fly-tyers. I really enjoyed watching Welsh Fly-tyer Sean Thomas at the “Fly-tying in Focus” theatre. This was the first time that Sean’s work had come to my attention and I was impressed with his style of tying and passion for winged wets. I later met Sean on fly-tyers row and had a very interesting chat about the tying and fishing of Loch style wets etc. However, the main highlight for me was meeting Donald Stewart and his team from the Sharps & Gentles Fly-tying Club who promote and continue to uphold the traditions of the unique Clyde Style Flies and fishing. It was an added pleasure to witness first-hand the display of Bert Sharp’s Clyde flies which feature in his famous and very much sought after book “Lets Fish the Clyde.” As the day drew to a close, I left the BFFI with a sense of fulfilment and renewed inspiration for fly-tying. Although my all-round journey had been long, the memories forged and the connections made were worth every mile travelled. Reflecting on the experience, I couldn't help but feel grateful for events like the British Fly Fair International, which celebrate the artistry and history of fly-tying.

Anticipating the New Trout Season

As January comes to a close, I can't help but feel the excitement building as the opening day of the trout season approaches. The anticipation is palpable, and I find myself eagerly awaiting news about my application to join a new fishing club for the upcoming season. In the meantime, my vice has been a busy companion, and I've meticulously crafted a box of small spiders and river flies. There's something satisfying about preparing for the season ahead, knowing that each tie holds the promise of a successful day on the water. My first fishing outing of 2024 took me to the Upper Clyde a couple of weeks ago in the pursuit of grayling. Although the Lady of the stream eluded me that day, the experience was invaluable. It felt great to be back on the river, reacquainting myself with its nuances and trying out my new fly line. After all, every day on the water, successful or not is something to be enjoyed. Looking forward, a trip to the BFFI at Stafford awaits me before the season kicks off. The prospect of meeting and chatting with fellow tyers, especially those I connected with at the Game Fair last year, adds another layer of excitement. Sharing stories, techniques, and tips with like-minded individuals is an integral part of the angling community's charm. As I eagerly await my Clyde permit, I'm left with the sweet anticipation of the adventures that lie ahead. Soon, I'll be back on the familiar waters of the Lochs and River I love, ready to immerse myself in the tranquility of nature and the thrill of the pursuit of trout. Before I go, heres a look of my recent vicework, a testament to the dedication and passion that fuels my love for fly fishing and fly tying. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds, and tight lines to all fellow anglers gearing up for what will hopefully be another memorable year on the water for all of us.