"In case you haven't heard yet, the dates of June 14th and 15th should be well and truly etched into your diary because this is when you should be heading to Longleat Estate in Wiltshire for the inaugural running of their Fishing and Country Show...."

Also in this month's edition: Stevie Munn offers his top tips for Trout anglers fishing the Mayfly season, part 3 of Mark Roberts casting series and Andrew Herd on the life of Louis Bouglé and how the Bouglé reel came into development. All this and more! Don't miss it! Read this month's Fin & Fly now.

The competition saw the six-man team cumulatively catch 23 Rainbow Trout weighing in 44lb 6oz, to earn 59 points and take the coveted team trophy.

Hardy & Greys are pleased to support this event which raised funds for the charity, WaterAid.

Two of the team also took third and tenth individual places in the competition fished by more than 80 anglers at Llyn Brenig reservoir, Denbighshire, North Wales.

Peter Pattinson, from Newcastle, was third catching eight fish weighing 15lb 5oz and Don Coe, from Consett, was tenth with six fish weighing 9lb 15oz.

The other Northumbrian Water team mates were Andrew Scott, from St John's Chapel, Weardale; Brian Lillie from Gosforth; Kevin Pick from Hexham and Alistair Baker from Stanley. Peter Scott from Durham fished the reserve competition.

Team captain, Alistair Baker (pictured center), said:

"It was a brilliant team effort of which we are very proud. It is great to be representing Northumbrian Water which operates the biggest and most successful trout fishing business in Europe and now to have the leading fly fishing team in the industry as well.

"It's the first time a team has achieved back to back wins since 1995 and only the fourth time in the history of the competition."

The annual competition is open to teams from all of the ten major water companies in England and Wales, the Environment Agency regions and its head office and the Canal and Rivers Trusts and has been staged at fisheries throughout both countries for 34 years.

This year's event, hosted by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, was fished in cold and extremely windy challenging conditions with heavy rain and hail storms.

Just by changing the way you search the internet, you can automatically help raise important funds to support angling projects, without it costing you a penny.

The ATA has signed an agreement with Global Search Solutions Ltd (GSS) to supply a bespoke angling browser page that can be used by every angler.

Every time anyone uses this new page, it will activate a donation funded by a well-known internet giant. These repeated donations will be collected in the newly formed Angling Participation Fund (APF) and be used to support angling projects and allied good causes across the UK.

By visiting the Angling Participation Fund website and following the simple instructions, you can enjoy regular angling news updates whilst searching the internet, and help us raise money automatically at no cost to you whatsoever.

The search engine is powered by Yahoo, so you'll still get reliable search results.

Naidre Werner, ATA Chair said:

"By using this search engine page as their default, anglers will release vital funding every time they click. The more traffic this page receives and the more people who chose to use it, the greater the accumulated funds. All of the money will be devoted to charitable projects which directly benefit the whole sport of angling as the management of the scheme will be through voluntary effort."

The Angling Trades Association is the voice of the British angling industry and represents angling manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, fisheries, publishers and. Incorporated in 1973, and celebrating its 40th year, the ATA remains the only trade body representing the angling industry.

Find out more about the show

We all need this injection of optimism at the moment. For way too long the talk in the media has been all doom and gloom - it's as if the only news they want to highlight is bad news. Yet if you just glance at the programme of events for 2013 there is so much to look forward to, including potentially one of the best new events for many a year, the Longleat Fishing and Country Show to be held at Longleat Estate in Wiltshire on 14th and 15th June.

The organisers at Longleat only gave this show the green light as recently as mid-January, yet already there is a buzz about it. At the Roadford event on Saturday almost everyone I spoke to wanted to hear about it. All elements of the tackle trade have expressed support with exhibitors ranging from tackle manufacturers, retailers, destination holiday companies, trade bodies and guilds and even a Kayak manufacturer.

The emphasis of the Show is firmly centred upon showcasing our sport. It's also the first event of this kind where all elements of fishing will be involved and this is only possible because of the site layout at Longleat. The series of three lakes makes it ideal for the purpose, with the top lake being reserved for specimen Carp with fish up to 34 lbs, the middle lake for a mix of Carp and Coarse fishing, and the lower lake for fly and game. Visitors will not only be able to watch expert anglers in action throughout the show, but also they can take part themselves. Youngsters and beginners will be able to enjoy real fishing and they will have every chance of catching their very first fish at the event.

Whilst the hope is to attract many young people into the sport, there will be something for anglers of all levels of ability. Tutorials and demos will be a big feature, but so too will be the viewing areas, set out in such a way that you can settle down and watch every element of the ‘live' fishing. Top names in the game will be showing why they are so successful, including Bob Nudd, John Bailey, Charles Jardine and many more.

On the Carp lake, bivvy sites will be set out so that you can watch real-time Carp fishing. You see the baiting process, tackle set up, casting techniques and (hopefully) fish handling. Demos will be much less formal than at other shows, with visitors encouraged to get up close and personal with the stars, to ensure they get maximum benefit from the experience

On the game lake, Trout will be stocked to give a very ‘real' fishing demo - they will involve fishing action instead of just casting shows. As well as a casting clinic there will be an advice centre run by Hardy & Greys and tutorials for anglers of all levels of casting ability. The rod test area will include specially built pontoons so that visitors can try and compare rods and reels before buying

The non-fishing visitors will also be very well catered for as there is a superb hospitality area with a host of catering options together with a lakeside picnic area. Then there's a food village with all kinds of food and drink from local and international producers. There will also be a 4X4 area where you can experience off-road driving on the specially designed course through the woods.

Bringing this show together represents a big investment and a massive undertaking for Longleat Estate and it's also a huge statement of confidence in the sport of fishing. As most of the big shows are midlands based, people living south of the M4 corridor have felt rather left-out over the years. This is a chance to put things right and the hope is that both the public and the fishing trade will support the venture. It's a unique show with ‘live fishing' and it will have an atmosphere that is totally different from anything seen before. As such it deserves the support of anyone with a vested interest in the future of fishing.

All the other attractions at Longleat will of course be available including the house itself, the safari park, birds of prey centre and much more. The staff at Longleat pride themselves that their visitor handling systems will ensure that there will be no delays on entry or exit and there will be none of the queues or frustration associated with some other country events. With an established hard road system around the site the show is also ‘weatherproof' so even if it rains your wellies are an option rather than an essential.

Tickets are very competitively priced at £17 for adults and £7 for children, with a special family of four ticket at just £40. Looking at what's on offer this is fantastic value for money. Tickets are available now from: www.longleat.co.uk

Chris Ogborne

Andrew was fishing from below the weir on a long cast with a Wilson Skittle tube on a 14'9" Hardy Zenith Rod, Ultralite 9000DD reel and a #9/10 Hardy Mach Multi Tip Spey line with a Wet 2 head.

The fish fought well with a number of surging runs, weighed in at 12lb and swam off well after picture taken, appearing non the worse for its poor judgement.

This is the 2nd time Andrew has had the 1st fly caught fish off the Tyne at the beginning of a season: on Feb 1st 1992, Andrew caught the first fish from the Federation water on the Tyne, that time on a 2" comet tube.

The Tyne has had a slow start this year with 3 fish, in comparison, over 130 salmon have been caught to date off the Tweed in the same period.

Andrew Sowerby is Hardy & Greys International Sales & Events Manager, and a regular angler and well known face on the Tyne.

Run in conjuction with the Salmon & Trout Association, the sessions will cover different aspects of fly fishing and will include the following: tackle and "tackling up", common anglers' knots, the Roll Cast, the Overhead Cast, fly tying, pond dipping and of course fly fishing.

Places are limited so please ring Marton Heath Trout Pools on 01260 224 231 to reserve your place.

The cost of each session is £10 and this includes all instruction, tackle hire and fishing costs. This fee is payable on booking.

Dates are as follows:

Wednesday 10th April 9.00am - 12.00pm
Wednesday 21st August 9.00am - 12.00pm
Wednesday 30th October 9.00am - 12.00pm

The courses will consist of a mix of short theory sessions in the lodge, followed by, practical sessions at the Waterside to allow you the chance to put the theory into practice. During the casting and fishing sessions you will be guided by members of The Salmon and Trout Association.

Please come suitably dressed for the weather, this may mean a fleece, wellies and waterproofs! Please ensure that you bring a hat and glasses. It is also advisable to bring a snack and a drink.

We hope that you will learn a little, catch a fish or two and hopefully... take up the fascinating art of Fly Fishing.

For further details please contact Andy Taylor:
tel. 07736 453873
andy_g_taylor@yahoo.co.uk

'Go Fishing' includes a guide to each of the Northumbria Water fishing venues, competition dates for 2013 and details of their popular learn to fish schemes. Look out for an article on the History of the Hardy Perfect on page 20.

The exciting news for anglers this year is that Northumbrian Water are reducing the cost of permits and boat hire for the coming season. Opening day is 16 March - see you on the bank!

Northumbrian Water trout fisheries in the north east of England have built up a well deserved reputation for offering top quality fishing. They are proud to offer angling opportunities for everyone with bait or fly trout fishing at their premier trout fisheries, wild brown trout fishing in Upper Teesdale and coarse fishing at Whittle Dene and in a designated 'pegged section' for roach at Derwent Reservoir. Northumbrian Water's premier trout fisheries in the north east of England are regularly stocked with top quality rainbow trout. Find out more at www.nwl.com/gofishing

You will stay in the charming Friars Carse Hotel, on the banks of the Nith, around 7 miles north of Dumfries.

The event, which is being held on Saturday 27th April will see anglers take part in a friendly competition at Chatton Trout Fishery in Northumberland. Registration is from 12 and fishing, 1-5pm. Anglers can keep two fish and a hog roast, auction and raffle will follow the event. Entry is £25. Anglers will also be able to see all of the new products from Hardy & Greys including Hardy Zenith Rods, Ultralite Reels, Greys XF2 Rods and GX500 Reel. 

Fishing For Heroes was founded in 2009, a national charity based in Derby they help forces personnel who are suffering from emotional issues after the horrors of active service.

Anyone interested in attending this event can contact Hardy & Greys Marketing Executive, Lucy Bowden. More details can be found on the Fishing For Heroes website. 

"Most stillwater anglers cast directly out from the bank to the middle of the water. Most fish, when not disturbed, swim closer to the bank looking for food. As a result you can imitate natural insect behaviour that appears more natural to a fish. This is an alternative way to fish the fly from the same position. It allows the fly to move out from the bank towards the middle of the water appearing to act different to all the other flies the fish may have seen before and so appearing more natural."

Also in this month's edition: Andrew Herd on the history of Zane Grey and the Zane Saltwater Reel, Chris Ogborne on the problems facing small stillwaters and Stevie Munn on his top three flies for migratory Trout. All this and more! Don't miss it!

Sign up to receive Fin & Fly.

Fishing got off to a good start with Woodford's Gareth Morris netting the 1st fish with-in seconds of the start, using floating line and nymphs. It was not long before Shamrock Fly got onto the score cards, with Terry Kelly banking a fish using sinking line and lures. Best fish of the morning fell to a CDC dry fly fished by Woodford representative Harry McAteer Jr, a nice silvered fish of 50+cm.

At lunch Woodford had a slender 11 fish lead but this could all change with 2 of Shamrock's team, Hubert Smith and John Kellegher (who are also regular visitors to Woodford), moving onto the hot pegs in the afternoon

After lunch Woodford had to make a substitution, Kenneth Ferguson had to leave and was replaced by Joe Hughes, who went straight into action catching 5 fish in 15 minutes, using an intermediate line and lures. Both Hubert and John picked up 3 fish each from the hot pegs using intermediate lines and a fly they called Dave!!

Shamrock's Brendan Rice was enjoying his 1st visit to Woodford, catching the best fish of the afternoon, a nice fish of around 5lb, using an intermediate line and lures. Woodford's Huw Morris was in good form banking a fish from each of his 5 pegs, switching between floating and intermediate lines with nymph or lure combinations. Last fish of the day was caught right at the final whistle falling for a lure fished on an intermediate line to John Kellegher, Shamrock Fly.

The score cards where tallied up by Paul Woods, Shamrock Fly and Campbell Baird, Woodford Fly with Woodford's Darren Wallace casting his eye over proceedings. Team Woodford Fly had beat Team Shamrock Fly 46 to 26, a great effort form both teams with no one blanking on the day, Team Shamrock Fly could leave Woodford with their heads held high in the knowledge that they had all given it their best.

A Big Thank You from all involved with Team Woodford Fly to Paul Woods of Shamrock Baits for all his efforts in putting this Challenge Match together!

We will look forward to the Summer Challenge Match!

Pictured:

Paul Woods of Team Shamrock presents Team Woodford's Darren Wallace with the Challenge Shield

Team Shamrock Fly and Team Woodford Fly line up before the Challenge Match

Lunch brought a welcomed break from the harsh conditions with a drop of Mum's ham and lentil soup and Carol's fresh sandwiches everyone was ready to get back at it for the last 2 hours.

Owen Murray had two fish at lunch but with-in 15 minutes of the restart he had bagged up, again the lures were working. Across the Lake from Owen, Kenneth Ferguson and Jonny Hoad were also going well using floating line's and nymph's to bank their fish, with Jonny just edging Kenny 5 fish to 4 fish. Competition first timer Neil Hall netted his 1st fish, a nice rainbow just under the 40cm mark.

Into the last hour and Irish Ladies International Julie Gerry was enjoying a welcomed return to Woodford, netting 3 fish in quick succession to complete her 5 fish bag, using intermediate line and lures. Last fish of the day fell to Dundalk man and Woodford member Hubert Smith, earning him a nice wee spot prize.

The final whistle a 3.30pm brought a close the this years Christmas Competition, a good effort had been put in from everyone that took part with 4 bag-ups and only 5 blanks in such hard conditions. Man of the minute Jonny Hoad had claimed top prize of £150 and 2 spot prizes for 1st fish and best fish but with the one person one prize rule he was more than happy to relinquish the 2 spot prizes; 2nd place and £100 went to Julie Gerry, a great result for Julie who's son Joe is on the long road to recovery! 3rd place and £50 winner was Owen Murray, who only started competition fishing with this year's Winter League. Spot Prizes went to Chris Spence (Last Fish); Mark Carlisle (Best Fish) and Huberto Smith (Last Fish).

Happy New Year and Tightlines from all at Woodford Fly Fishery

Pictured:
1. Winner, Jonny Hoad
2. Runner up, Julie Gerry
3. Third Place, Owen Murray
4. Spot Prize winner, Huberto Smith

1. How often do you fish and what do you fish for?

How often do I fish? An interesting one that. When I was a Crabtree kid, I just went fishing and revelled in it every single moment I could. It's the same today but with a difference. Most of the time I'm fishing, it's because I'm filming, involved in a photoshoot, product testing or guiding clients, perhaps teaching them a skill or taking them to a special water. What I don't really do much anymore is simply fish on my own, for fun like I did decades back. Does this matter? Not really. My fishing still means absolutely as much as it ever did but with a slightly different emphasis. I'm now giving back and passing on what knowledge I've accrued over the years, so that is absolutely great for me.

And what do I fish for?

Well, absolutely everything. What I will say, though, that my passion really is wild fish. I don't care if it's a natural born river Roach, a Pike, a Sea Bass, a wild Brown Trout or whatever. What I don't really have interest in anymore are fish that are stocked routinely. It's the challenges of wild fish of any type pursued with any method that really turns me on. And, strangely, in my veteran phase, I've gone back to loving really big fish. The sight of a two pound Roach, seven pound Chub, four pound wild Brownie or whatever really is a turn on again.

2. What are your earliest fishing memories? Who taught you?

My earliest memories are very, very vivid indeed. It possibly helps because I still have my fishing diaries back from the very late 50's so I can actually remember times, places, catches, swims and methods... though they were pretty primitive then. Not that I've changed! What the pages do reinforce, though, is that fishing was always the most magical part of my life - and that even comes from the mouth of a Man United crazy kid brought up in the northwest! Fishing was my big, all-consuming adventure and it still is.

Who taught me? Well, my Nanny took me out once or twice but she was in her seventies then and a bit frail. Mostly it was ordinary guys in old vans, three-wheelers and the rest who worked in the factories and the mills of the north. They were good as gold and without them, I wouldn't really have progressed up the ladder at all. Of course, I had Mr Crabtree Goes Fishing but these guys put the flesh on the bones for me and I will be forever in their debt. I guess most of them are departed now but they live on in my memory.

3. When you are not fishing, how do you relax?

I love reading, running, hill climbing, birdwatching, walking, photography and, of course, football! I only really gave up soccer a few years back and, of course, was privileged to play in the Celtic/Man United Legends Game at Celtic Park a year back. I still play on Astroturf from time to time and turn out for local teams if they're desperately short. Do you know, I thought about retiring thirty years back! I never thought I'd still have a pair of boots always at the ready.

4. How influential has Mr Crabtree been in your angling life?

Colossally, simple as that. I think that the power of the Crabtree cartoons blew me away when I was a kid and they're still with me now when I go fishing. For example, if I hook a barbel, in my mind's eye I'm looking at that Crabtree cartoon as the fish sweeps away with the imperious power of its tail fin beating against the current. But perhaps above all, it's the ethics of Mr Crabtree I try to carry with me at all times. Love of the countryside. Protection of the countryside. The love of sharing. The joy in teaching. The majesty of the fish. The sheer breathtaking wonder of our waterways.

5. Anything you would like to do in fishing that you haven't yet?

I must be the luckiest guy around. I've fished all my life, caught some amazing fish, fished in some amazing places and met some amazing fishing people. I've fished in well over sixty countries and caught well over a hundred species. I'd probably still to repeat my trips for Amur pike and I'd love to go back to Paradise Valley in Greenland. I still want to catch big roach on the float and big chub and pike and more big grayling and wild browns. Beyond that, I just want to help protect the fishing that we have got and p ass on the wonder of fishing to more and more people both young and old.

6. Being an original Crabtree kid what's it like now to present the series?

A humbling experience. And enormous privilege. Of course, I'm my own severest critic, I promise you that and I know we haven't really got everything right this first series. What I'm praying for is the opportunity for succeeding commissions so we really can nail this one. Believe me, we honestly did our best but it's surprising how many unforeseen problems crop up when you actually get out there with a ‘Peter' and a film crew. Remember we only had twelve days or so actually filming so we really were running before we could walk as it were. Crabtree resonates throughout my entire being and I really, really want to get this right.

7. Fishing heroes?

Well, I'm obviously going to say Bernard Venables because that's true. I met him in his older age and he was a charming and charismatic figure in every single way. I remain a great fan of Richard Walker's, even though he and Bernard didn't always see eye to eye. I think the one great angler still living today is Fred Buller. For me he has been the goliath of the last twenty years. I retain a great affection for my old mate John Wilson and I cherish every word that Chris Yates gets round to writing! I'm lucky that I have scores of great angling mates, many of whom are fabulous fishermen although largely under the radar. I have to make special mention of Rob Olsen, though. In every way, as angler, artist and human being, he's the tops.

8. Lessons you would pass onto youngsters getting into angling?

Love fishing. Cherish your fish. Learn watercraft first, certainly above fancy baits and fancy techniques. Be realistic. Don't always set out to catch the biggest fish that swims. Enjoy your relationships within fishing and don't give up fishing when girls (or boys!) come into your life.

9. Your favourite Crabtree moment?

I'm going to assume that we're talking about the highlights of the filming process here. There were half a dozen of at least equal intensity and they all involved the faces of my ‘Peters' lighting up like the sun. Sometimes the excitement was almost impossible to contain. Like the moment little Tadhg caught h is whopping Wensum roach and simply jabbered with ecstasy! Or the moment little Henry got his massive tench. Or when Sam landed that nine pound tench on his own. I'll never forget the look on James's face when he caught his big perch. And netting a fabulous Wye barbel in the morning mist for my dear, dear Janie was a wonderful moment, too. These were the times when I just knew fishing is the most fabulous sport of all. One look at their beaming faces and you couldn't doubt it.

10. What do you hope a new Crabtree will bring to today's generation?

Simple. Get more people fishing. Get more people understanding, loving and protecting fish and where they live. If we can make fishing truly mainstream and cool then support for it will grow massively and that can only be extremely good for our aquatic landscape. Unlike so many other sports, fishing has just so much to offer. It's physical and it's mental and it's spiritual, too, and I'd like the new generation to experience this amazing Crabtree 3-D effect!

Gareth Morris was the 1st competitor to complete his 5 fish bag (for the 2nd month in a row), catching all his fish in the 2nd hour fishing a floating line and indicator, good angling from the young Ballynahinch angler. Irish Youth International, Francis Rafferty got off to a good start, netting 2 fish for lunch time, using an intermediate line and lures.

After lunch the lower numbered pegs started to produce more fish, bringing a welcomed relief and a fifth fish for Belfast's Mark Carlisle, who had missed a few fish during the morning, Mark had stuck with the floating line and nymphs to catch his fish. Newtownabbey angler Joe Hughes was having a steady round, catching fish from three of his 1st four pegs and completing his 5 fish bag limit with a nice silvered fish of 49cm, using a sinking line and lures. Brian Kerr had the upper hand of 4 fish to 1 on partner Linda Straghan, but with just over an hour to go Linda lifted 3 fish on the trot to bring them level for the last peg, 10 minutes in and Linda had her fifth fish in the net fishing a floating line, putting the pressure on Brian with the prospect of making dinner when they got home. Alan Moorhead was enjoying the better fishing conditions netting 2 nice fish of 40cm+, greatly improving on his round 1 standing.

The competition was well into the last hour when Huw Morris found his form, netting 3 fish and missing a few more in a 15 minute period, using floating line and indicator tactics. Carrick angler Jonny Hoad nearly left it too late, netting his fifth fish with only minutes left on the clock, keeping him in the running.

Top spot in round 2 went to Irish Ladies International, Linda Straghan, with 5 fish for 202pts, 2nd Michael Bruton 5 fish 199pts (41cm), 3rd Jonny Hoad 5 fish 199pts (40cm), 4th Darren Haggan 5 fish 196pts, 5th Joe Hughes 5 fish 193 pts, 6th Mark Carlisle 5 fish 184 pts, 7th Gareth Morris 5 fish 175pts.

League Top Positions after round 2: 1st Michael Bruton 10 fish 392pts; 2nd Jonny Hoad 10 fish 381pts; Gareth Morris 10 fish 354pts; 4th Brian Kerr 9 fish 347pts; 5th John Kellegher 8 fish 307pts; 6th Huw Morris 8 fish 298pts; 7th Joe Hughes 8 fish 298pts; 8th Roger Fowler 8 fish 283pts; 9th Linda Straghan 7 fish 288pts; 10th Mark Carlisle 7 fish 263pts.

Conditions for round 1 weren't great with a strong westerly wind and heavy rain making the lower peg numbers very uncomfortable to fish. This year would also see a total catch and release competition with the anglers using de-barbed flies and the fish being measured by a team of adjudicators.

Sunday's competition had 26 anglers signed in and ready to go for the 10am start. First 2 fish of the day were caught within minutes of the start, with Gareth Morris (2011/12 Winter League Champion) and Kenny Ferguson both netting fish at the same time. Gareth went on to record the 1st five fish bag on just over the hour mark, using a sinking line and lures to great effect. Local angler Martin Robinson caught the best fish of the morning, fishing size 16 cdc buzzers to temp a nice rainbow trout measuring 50cm+. Tipperary competitor Nicholas Madden and competition newbie Owen Murray got off to a great start catching 3 fish each from their 1st pegs and Owen completed his bag of 5 from his 2nd peg, fishing blobs on an intermediate line.

On the other side of the lake two competitors Huw Morris and Jonny Hoad were putting their hard practice to good use going fish for fish and bagging their 5th fish within seconds of each other, using nymphs and bloodworm patterns on floating lines, with Huw's 5th fish weighing an estimated 6lb+. Woodford regular Michael Bruton decided to swap his usual job as adjudicator to be a competitor this year and wasn't disappointed bagging up his 5 fish just before lunch, fishing a mixture of lures on an intermediate line and nymphs on a floater. Irish Youth International, Francis Rafferty Jr was enjoying his first time at the Winter League netting 3 fish for lunchtime all on lures fished on an intermediate line.

Lunchtime brought a welcome break from the weather and a chance to get warmed with a bowl of home made stew and sandwiches.

Not long after lunch Maynooth angler Roger Fowler landed his 5th fish, using a floating line and bloodworms. Fly Fishing couple Linda Straghan and Brian Kerr had their usual side bet of loser makes dinner and after the first 3 pegs Linda was 2-1 up on Brian, but I the last 2 hours Brian found his form and took 4 fish in a row to including a 46cm fish to complete his bag. Brian was fishing an intermediate line and lures. Irish Ladies International, Julie Gerry was having a steady round picking up fish from 4 of her 5 pegs using lures on an intermediate line but just finished short of the bag limit with 4 fish. Dundalk man John Kellegher nearly left it too late with only 3 fish on his card and 15mins left on the clock he landed 2 fish one after the other using sinking line and his mate Hubert's mini lures to complete his bag limit.

Round 1 Winner was Brian Kerr with 5 fish for 204 points, 2nd Huw Morris 5 fish for 193 points including a 50cm+ fish, 3rd Michael Bruton 5 fish for 193 points including a 44cm fish.

4th John Kellegher 5 fish 189pts, 5th Jonny Hoad 5 fish 182pts, 6th Gareth Morris 5 fish 179pts, 7th Roger Fowler 5 fish 178pts, 8th Owen Murray 5 fish 177pts, 9th Nicholas Madden 4 fish 147pts, and 10th Julie Gerry 4 fish 146pts.

On Sunday 12th August a charity fly fishing event was held at Chatton Trout Fishery in Northumberland.

Organised by Marketing Executive and founder of the Fishing For Everyone Ladies Fishing Club, Lucy Bowden, the event saw over 40 anglers compete in a friendly competition to win some fantastic prizes.

Prizes were awarded to anglers with the heaviest fish (Ian Thornberry), heaviest bag (Deborah Ford), top lady rod (Tracey Tuck) and joint top junior rod (Johnny Scott and Alex Gommersall).

Event organiser, Lucy Bowden said:

"In times of recession it is often the small, local charities who suffer most from lack of funding. The decision to support the North Northumberland HospiceCare Trust was an easy one given the amazing work they do to provide personalised care and support to patients and their families.

"Unfortunately there are too many people to thank individually so I'd like to personally thank each and everyone who supported this event through raffle donations, buying raffle tickets or attending and fishing or volunteering on the day. I'd like to thank Hardy & Greys in particular for their prize donations and goody bags. We are very keen to make this event an annual occasion so look out for the 2013 date being announced soon!"

We've added a new page to our site, where you will find preview information and even videos on forthcoming Greys fly fishing tackle, and expected launch dates.

You can use the form to request a notification, and we'll send you a one off email when your chosen products come into stock.

Visit the Coming Soon page.

The fun casting competition gave all the industry "big guns" at the show the opportunity to see who can cast a 5-weight fly rod the furthest. The best caster is awarded the bragging rights for the 2012 Pond Hog Hero Caster!

Congratulations Howard!

More on the show here: http://www.theflyfishingexpo.com/show-features/pond-hog-hero

This month Andy Smith talks about combining your yearly family holiday with fishing:

"Ever get bored of the fourteen-day beach holiday in the Med? How about a holiday spending all the time you ever imagined with the family yet you still get to go fishing twice a day?"

Also in this month's edition: John Bailey on all things great and good, Andrew Herd explains the history of the Fortuna Reel, Chris Ogborne looks at issues in the countryside that affect and influence our sport and Howard Croston account on a fishing trip to Los Roques - just a taster of what this month has to offer!

Sign up here to receive Fin & Fly now.

Each year the contest is held at the Castskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum on the first weekend of August. The event includes workshops, instruction and a marketplace for traditional equipment enthusiasts. On the Saturday night there is a traditional pig roast and buffet that passes well into the night with lively discussions of all aspects of cane rod casting and fishing with cane.

The winner this year is Mike McFarland from Tyrone, PA. Mike is a master rod maker and worked with Chris Bogart to design a cane rod specific for the Hardy Cup. With two casts of 104' 4" and 106' 2" Mike bested the result of last year's competition and all comers this year.

Here is a list of the top three finishers and their prizes:

First place: Mike McFarland. Tyrone, PA. Total score 210' 6". Winner of a Hardy Cane rod of his choice.
Second place: Rick Miller. Roscoe, NY. Total score 199' 4". Winner of a Hardy Perfect reel of his choice.
Third place: Takatoshi Kumakiri. Kent, OH. Total score 193' 8". Winner of a Hardy St. George Reel of his choice.

In the Picture we have:

Mike McFarland (left) receiving the Hardy Cup from last year's winner, Masaki Takemoto of Niigata, Japan.

Randolph continues with the history of American Fly Fishing, commenting on the lack of competitive fishing which ultimately lead to no nymph fishing tuition existing before the 80s. Through changing times the birth of Jackson’s annual ‘One Fly’ competition in 1980 brought to life the Americans competitive spirit in the sport and suddenly they started competing all around the world, including in our own European competitions.

Randolph explains how the ‘Euro Nymphing’ technique is "now the standard of nymphing in the world of fly fishing" thanks to the instruction of Howard Croston.  

Here are some other snippets from the article: “His rods and rigs are the ticket to his success. The consist of the right Czech- (10 foot, 4-wgt.) and French-style (11-foot, 3-wgt.) nymphing rods (Hardy, of course), armed with speciality 12- to 16-foot custom-tapered leaders, with tippets to 6X...with a two-colored ‘striker’ built into the leader below the line/leader connection and with two droppers (where legal) off the leader.”

“Croston always wears soccer shank-length knee pads so he can kneel in approaching trout in shallow water and for deeper-water Czech or combined Czech/French, ‘Euro nymphing.’”

“His casts are upstream or across and slightly upstream and all his drifts are followed at the bottom of the swing with a slight hook-set, since many of his strikes occur there.”

“Getting the nymphs to drift without drag is the key to this fly presentation. Greasing the leader and curlicue to make both float properly is also a key to this presentation.”

To read the full article download the PDF

'Unlike conventional floater sticks which are made from balsa wood and need to be forced into your deadbait, Prowla Dead Bait Pop-up Floats feature a threaded point enabling you to easily screw them into thawed or even semi-frozen balls.'

Angler’s Mail Steve Lockett is a keen overseas angler who has conducted a trial of the Prodigy TX Rova plus to see if these travel rods provide convenience for travel as well as performing on the water.

Here are some snippets of what Steve had to say, ‘Weighing in at 284gr (around 9oz) and supplied with a strong tube, the rod fitted into my suitcase easily, being 26 in. long when packed. I could also, is needed, check it in as a piece of separate sports luggage, pretty safe in the knowledge that the Cordura covered tube would stand up to the abuse airline baggage routinely gets.’

‘I felt the Rova had plenty of power and, in fact, my main problem was how to stop the fish smashing my 6lb hook length.’

‘This is a great rod for a wide range of float and legering applications in an easy to carry package. It has replaced all my previous telescopic travel rods, and will probably last me a good few years to come.’

To read the full review download the PDF   

Dowload the PDF to view the review 

Sea Angler’s Paul French gets to grips with Greys new GRXS shore rod by testing it to the limit in Britain’s typical windy weather! Paul was unsure what to expect due to the vast variety of shore rods available, however he was pleasantly surprised when he, ‘got a lightweight, 13ft two-piece carbon shore rod that would suit any beach venue when fishing for the vast majority of species around our shores.’

Here’s what else Paul French had to say:

‘To give you a brief description of the rod, the butt section has a good grip in the form of Japanese shrink-wrap. Sitting on top of this is an adjustable screw-winch reel seat complete with a trigger-grip. That is a big tick in my like-box.’

‘The rod loaded smoothly and punched my sinker hard and high. My initial reaction to my first cast was pleasing. The tip is very fast but the load is progressive through the butt.’

‘To be honest for such a light rod, it oozes power but not so much that you cannot bend it.’

‘Now to the price, and you will like this a lot. Retailing at less that £110, I believe it is a fantastic value for anyone who is looking to step up the beach rod ladder.’  

Sky Sports covered the event where sixteen teams of four, including two teams of military veterans, helped raise over £20,000 for Fishing for Heroes, a charity which provides fly fishing courses to help veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Sir Ian Botham, Mike Atherton, David ‘Bumble' Lloyd, Glen Tipton (Judas Priest), Chris de Margary (Simply Red), Muriel Gray, Sam Thomas (Gold Cup winning jockey) and Adam Henson (BBC's Countryfile) were among the celebrities that helped make the day such a success.

The five sponsors; Hardy & Greys, Hunter, Jeep, Waitrose and Eley Hawk all helped make the day possible. We were pleased to donate some fantastic prizes and auctioned the very last available Queen's Hardy Jubilee Perfect Reel, one of only 250 made.

Jeep UK supplied a fleet of vehicles to drive the competitors to and from various sports activities. Waitrose supplied strawberries and cream for dessert at lunchtime, Hunter ensured the celebrities were all wearing Balmoral boots and Eley supplied the 4,000 cartridges needed for the clay pigeon shooting competition.

Adam Henson from ‘Adam's Farm' on Countryfile presented the prizes. The Hardy team won the fishing event and the Eley team won the shooting competition where ‘top gun', Gilbert Fenwick, of Gilsan Sports in North Yorkshire, impressively missed only once.

There was a wonderful range of silent and open auction prizes. Philip Serrell from ‘Bargain Hunt', and' Flog It!' rocked the crowd as auctioneer. The Jubilee Perfect raised £1,700 and a weekend Salmon fishing at Glenmore, with Chris de Margary as your ghillie, produced a thrilling bidding war!

The ‘Cast and Blast' for Fishing for Heroes could not have happened without the huge amount of help from the Meon springs team of Jamie, Keith, Roger, Tom, and Greg.

Watch the Sky Sports Tight Lines footage on our official Hardy YouTube channel.

This month Andrew Herd talks about the history of the Hardy Perfect, Chris Ogborne offers a preview of the CLA Game Fair, Stuart Minnikin on Marble Trout and Howard Croston reports on the recent World Championships - all this and much more.

"My first cast with my 9.6ft #8 Hardy Zenith and di5 40 plus with a dark olive damsel pattern tied by my good friend and former England team gold medal winner, Davy Parker was met with an instant take which I missed! When I started the retrieve on my second cast I was still cursing my mistake but that changed pretty quickly as half way back to the boat the line locked solid and a chunky Marble Trout went airborne trying to throw the barbless hook. Typically when you desperately want to land a fish it does everything it can to escape and the fight was overly long thanks to the nerves and apprehension of trying to get the all important blank avoiding first fish in the net - thankfully it stayed hooked and the blank was avoided 6 minutes into the session."

Subscribe to Fin & Fly email updates to never miss an issue (out on the 15th of every month) or read it online at Hardyfishing.com.

Flitcroft was looking for a rod that delivers a fly, or team of flies "accurately, softly and if necessary, quickly" and also needed the rod to roll cast effectively to help pick up. Most importantly, he was looking for rods that were easy to fish with.

Once again, the Hardy and Greys rods on test came out well, with both the Greys XF2 Streamflex and the Hardy Marksman2 gaining a 'Recommended' stamp from the reviewer. 

Comments on the Greys XF2 Streamflex:
"A lovely rod... it roll casts well and shoots line effortlessly. I would have no hesitation in recommending this rod to fishers of all abilities. It will be a delight with which to cast and play fish"

Comments on the Hardy Marksman2:
"Another great rod that offers superb feel. It roll casts very well and delivers a fly accurately and at distance, if needed. It is also very forgiving so it will suit all casting abilities... I would recommend it to anyone.

"Of the more expensive rods, I would recommend two models that really were outstanding, delivering flies accurately at all distances and with minimal effort - the good-looking Hardy Marksman2 (£429) and the wand-like Sage One (£655)."

Read the full review to find out more about why Flitcroft chooses to fish with a 5 weight, the full criteria for the test and of course to find out the full results for each of the 14 rods on test.

Download the PDF opposite, or pick up July's Trout & Salmon in all good newsagents. 

Heats are being held across the country with the finals at Westlow Mere, Congelton Cheshire on 6th and 7th October 2012.

Competition Secretary Fred Bainbridge commented:

Individuals

We will be holding a total of 16 Individual Heats. This will allow for 48 Individual Finalists. The top 3 anglers from each heat will qualify through to the Final. A minimum of twelve anglers per Individual heat.

The top six finishers from the Individual National Final will have their details forwarded to the TEFF for ratification on eligibility to form the 2013 England Bank Team along with seventh and eighth place who will make up the reserves.
Entry Fee £20 (excludes fishing fees).

Team Event

The Greys Team Championships have been well supported by Greys again this year with some great prizes to be won! We will run 16 Team Heats. Unless specified Team Heats will take place alongside Individual Heats.

Entry Fee per Team £60 (excludes fishing fees). Includes Team goody bag of over £120.

Northern Heats

For an application form for any of the Northern Heats please go to the TEFF website alternatively contact your chosen fishery, or competition secretary Fred Bainbridge.

Lockwood Beck... Individual & Team... 14th April.
http://www.lockwoodfishery.co.uk/

Bessy Beck Fishery... Individual... 16th April.
http://www.bessybecktrout.co.uk/

Chatton Fishery... Individual & Team Heat... 7th June
http://www.chattontroutfishery.com/

Higham Lakes... TBC
www.highamlakes.com

Aldin Grange...Individual Heat & Team Heat 13th May
http://www.aldingrangelakes.co.uk/

Langley Dam.... TBC

Stonebridge..... Individual Heat 5th August.. Team 12th August.
http://www.stonebridgefishinglakes.co.uk/

Bank House..... Individual Heat 9th June.
http://www.bankhouseflyfishery.co.uk/bankhouse.htm

Midland Heats

Ellerdine Lakes.....Individual & Team.. 10th April.
http://www.ellerdine-lakes.co.uk/

Elinor Trout Fishery...Individual & Team...14th April.
http://www.elinortf.co.uk/

Press Manor.....Individual & Team. ... 20th April.
http://www.pressmanorfishery.com/

Seighford Lakes...Individual & Team ...5th May.
http://www.seighfordlakes.com/

Southern Heats

All Team + Individual together unless specified
For an application for any of the Southern Heats please go to TEFF website, alternatively contact your chosen fishery, or our Southern Organizer Alan Tonge 

Innis Fishery... Sunday 12th Febuary
http://www.innis-fly-fishery.co.uk/
Innis second Individual heat tbc.

Rib Valley Fishing Lakes... 21st April
http://www.ribvalleyfishinglakes.co.uk/

Walthamstow...22nd April
http://www.thameswater.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/corp/hs.xsl/6253.htm

Bushyleaze..... Individual & Team ..5th May
http://www.lechladetrout.co.uk/

Organisers:

Southern: Alan Tonge alan.tonge@agresso.co.uk

Northern: Fred Bainbridge  yorkshirefly1@yahoo.co.uk

Competition Secretary:

Fred Bainbridge yorkshirefly1@yahoo.co.uk

The courses are during the school holidays. Each session will cover different aspects of fly fishing and will include the following:- The tackle, "tackling up", common anglers' knots, the Roll Cast, the Overhead Cast, Fly Tying, Pond Dipping and Fly Fishing.

Places are limited so please ring Marton Heath Trout Pools on 01260 224 231 to reserve your place.

The cost of each session is £10 and this includes all instruction, tackle hire and fishing costs. This fee is payable on booking.

Dates of each course:-
Friday 8th June 9.00am - 12.00pm
Friday 24th August 9.00am - 12.00pm
October 1/2 term TBC

The courses will consist of a mix of short theory sessions in the lodge, followed by, practical sessions at the Waterside to allow you the chance to put the theory into practice. During the casting and fishing sessions you will be guided by members of The Salmon and Trout Association.

Please come suitably dressed for the weather, this may mean a fleece, wellies and waterproofs! Please ensure that you bring a hat and glasses. It is also advisable to bring a snack and a drink.

We hope that you will learn a little, catch a fish or two and hopefully...... take up the fascinating art of Fly Fishing.

For further details please contact Andy Taylor tel. 07736 453873 or email andy_g_taylor@yahoo.co.uk
www.flyfishingtuitioncheshire.co.uk

Ian commented:
"This is not a casting movie, its a fishing movie also, I cover simple fishing tactics using some graphics to highlight key points in reading and fishing a salmon pool."

Click here to watch the trailer for Blue Charm the movie

The movie will be available to buy in July.

It has been sent to customers, included with leading fishing magazines and is now available as a download or online format from our website.

Don't forget to check the back page of the catalogue for an exclusive competition. 

Click here to find out more. 

This time the team compared 4-weight rods, they were looking for something quite particular, as Yellowstone's George Anderson explains:

"They must be versatile rods, capable of fishing a variety of techniques and flies. By no means am I a dry fly purist, so a good 4-weight rod is going to have to serve its duty doing a good amount of nymph fishing, and even chucking a leadeye or cone head streamer when conditions dictate such vile and desperate moves in order to catch nice trout.

"What I am looking for is that "Perfect 4" - a rod that can do it all, but above all, a rod that excels in accuracy and delicate presentations. The perfect 4 must be a great rod at distances from 15-20 feet right out to 60-70 feet, and be strong enough to handle windy conditions as well as have the backbone to chuck split shot or moderately large and heavy streamers when needed."

The Hardy Zenith 8'6 4wt came out on top, scoring an impressive 99 out of a possible 100 points. Here's  a short selection of comments from the review:

"This rod has a nice soft tip and this make it very easy to make short cast with just a flick of my wrist with little arm movement...I had complete confidence where the fly was going on every cast. The rod is so light that false casting all day would be a pleasant, effortless experience.

"At long range I could power up, using a double haul and throw extremely tight loops, even with the Trout taper line. The rod tracks so well that accuracy was superb. I also noticed that my cast timing with this rod was very quick. When you power this one up, it really zings them in there"

You can read full details of the Shoot Out methodology, along with detailed comments from the Yellowstone team on all the rods on test at the Yellowstone website. 

Tackle theives can often be caught at the point where they try to sell on the goods - if you have any information, or if you see reels at 'too good to be true' prices, especially in the Central Scotland area, please get in touch with Central Scotland Police or call  Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) to give information anonymously. 

This is the third year the magazine have asked experienced casting instructors Jim Curry and Gary Champion to test double-handed rods. During the test on the River Wharfe at Bolton Abbey, Jim and Gary cast with short and long strokes, and in the Spey and overhead styles.

They were looking for rods that were an all-round Salmon rod and offered a real alternative to a 15ft rod - including the ability to roll up a full sinking line.

The Hardy Zenith, Hardy Marksman2 T-Series and the Greys XF2 S-Series were all given a "Recommended" stamp by the testers.

In concluding the test results, Champion commented that "the line ratings printed on Hardy and Greys blanks were a very welcome and useful addition" and recommended the Hardy Marksman 2 T-Series as a great all-round 14-footer that is a joy to cast with and would be a pleasure to own."

Curry added that "the boys from Hardy & Greys have really hit the mark" and the Marksman 2 T-Series "felt like a trout rod in my hand, but threw long casts when required with pin-point accuracy - it's the most user friendly rod on test".

But it was the Hardy Zenith that really impressed Curry: "Casting it was like turning up with a gun to a knife fight! It has left a big impression on me: It's seriously powerful and capable - in the right hands - of staggering line speed."

To read the full test results including detailed comments on all the rods, download the PDF.

Hosted at the Hilton Dunkeld House Hotel in Dunkeld, Perthshire the course is structured to suit all levels of Speycasters from the absolute beginner to more advanced anglers.
Delegates will also get to fish, casting for late spring Salmon, on the exclusive 2 mile beat of the River Tay.

Anglers can either use their own equipment or Gary can supply Hardy tackle at no extra cost.

Total cost for the course including Tuition, Fishing and 2 Nights Dinner B&B in the Hilton Dunkeld House Hotel is £499 per person. Extra nights and rates for non-angling partners are available. Please ask for details.

For more information or to book, please contact:
Tel: 07736379104 email: sjpfurniss@btinternet.com

As well as working closely with our product development team, Ian runs a salmon fishing agency, using his extensive knowledge of the Spey, Dee, Deveron and Findhorn to acquire and arrange top quality salmon fishing on some of the best and most famous waters, with a focus on managing both the time and expectations of anglers.

With over 30 years Experience, Ian specialises in:

• The provision of bespoke fishing packages focusing on the requirements and expectations of his customers
• Providing detailed information on when, where and how to fish Scottish Rivers
• Unsurpassed Fly-Casting and Salmon Fishing Instruction
• Your corporate events

Ian has availability for single and multiple rods during the following weeks:

River Dee

3 Days Fishing & Casting with Ian - Lower Invercauld March 26th - 28th.
4 Days prime spring fishing - Lower Blackhall River Dee 28th - 31st March.
3 days Hosted fishing with Ian - Lower Invercauld 12th 14th July
3 or 6 days Hosted fishing with Ian - Lower Invercauld W/C 23rd July
3 or 6 days Hosted fishing with Ian 10th - 15th September - Monaltrie and Lower Invercauld

River Spey

2 days fishing - Beat 2 Brae Water 20th - 21st April
3 days fishing on the Brae Water - 14th - 16th May
3 or 6 days hosted fishing with Ian - Brae and Gordon Castle 30th July - 4th August
3 days fishing Gordon Castle Water 13th - 15th August
3 days fishing Brae Water 13th - 15th August.
5 or 2 days fishing with Ian - Gordon Castle 27th - 31st August
3 days fishing Brae Water 20th - 22nd September

Find out more an book now - visit www.speyonline.com

------------- 17 Jan 2012 ---------------

Exclusive fishing, art and tackle is available in the WILD TROUT TRUST CHARITY eBay AUCTION 2012, including a limited edition Jubilee reel.

The Wild Trout Trust's annual eBay and postal auction will take place between March 5th and March 15th 2012.

The money raised in the auction supports the Wild Trout Trust‘s excellent work in delivering practical advice and habitat improvement projects with clubs and owners, as well as programmes such as Trout in the Town and sea trout projects in East Anglia and on the South Coast.

The auction is packed with around 200 exciting lots to suit all pockets and interests, including shooting, artworks, books and tackle as well as fishing. Guide prices start from £15.

The star lot is a Hardy Jubilee reel. One of a Limited Edition of 250 reels commemorating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the 140th anniversary of Hardy Bros., and marking 100 years since the introduction of the ‘1912 pattern check'. The funds raised from the sale of this reel will be used to support the restoration of the River Dibney in Northern Ireland via the River Dibney Conservation Trust, a community-led group committed to involving young people in caring for and restoring their local river.

Fishing lots range from the very best of the Wessex chalk streams to wonderful wild trout fishing in rivers and lakes throughout the UK. Much of the fishing is exclusive and donated by private clubs and syndicates and amny lots include guiding by professional guides, river keepers and fishing writers or by enthusiastic and knowledgeable club members.

Lots donated by Hardy & Greys Academy members include:
Jeremy Lucas, River Eden
Howard Taylor, Hampshire chalk streams
Ian Hockley, casting lesson and fishing at private lakes in Oxfordshire
Stevie Kennedy, fishing on Strangford Lough.

The fishing extends beyond the UK to sea trout fishing in Patagonia and bone fishing in the Caribbean.This is a superb way of booking your perfect fishing break and donating to an excellent cause.

Unique collectable lots include a prototype hexagraph salmon rod, developed and owned by Hugh Falkus, an an exquisite image of trout head in pewter, gold leaf and brass by artist Sam McDonald and flies tied by Oliver Edwards and John Goddar.

For the auction catalogue, postal bid form and link to the eBay auction, visit www.wildtrout.org
For a paper catalogue call 023 9257 0985 or email the Wild Trout Trust office

PICTURED:

Hardy Limited Edition Jubilee Perfect (Face)

Secret Stream: John Pearson

Trout head in pewter, gold leaf and brass by artist Sam McDonald

Upper Itchen in May

Hardy Limited Edition Jubilee Perfect (back)

Wild Trout Trust Logo

The book covers strategies for reading the fish, choosing effective flies for each situation, selecting the right tackle, honing your casting and presentation techniques, tricks for feeding the fish, critical advice on how to set the hook, the secrets to fighting tarpon efficiently and quickly.

The book also features plenty of stunning photography and in depth interviews with renowned professional tarpon guides and rabid anglers-a veritable "who's who" from the world of tarpon fishing.

This epic volume would grace the coffee table of any angling enthusiast and has already caused great excitement among those who've read it, with comments including:
"This book is the most technical and up-to-date book about how to catch giant tarpon with a fly rod. It is a master class with no short cuts. Andy's knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for the sport shine brilliantly." -Lefty Kreh

Andy Mill first became world-famous as an Olympic downhill skier known for his speed and daring. For eight years, Mill created and produced the Sportsmen's Journal television series for the Outdoor Life Network. A lifelong angler raised in the Colorado Rockies, the author has spent the last two decades in furious pursuit of tarpon on the fly. He has applied his stamina and grace as an athlete, his intense ability to focus, and his exceptional instincts as a hunter to reach the pinnacle of this exciting sport. Mill has won a record 11 tarpon tournaments-and is the only fly fisher to ever win a tarpon, a bonefish and a permit tournament. He divides his year between Aspen, Colorado and Boca Raton, Florida. This is his first book. Andy is also a consultant for Hardy & Greys helping with product development and testing, and was a key influence in the development of the Hardy SINTRIX Proaxis high performance saltwater fly rod. 

Along with the new Marksman2 rods, the full range of Zenith Sintrix rods will be on display (and available to try before you buy) including the much anticipated Zenith double handers.

All this along with great offers, casting competitions and many more activities make this a weekend not to be missed.

Find out more at the GAC blog

This course is designed for both newcomers to the sport and those who taken it up recently and need to learn more about fishing for Salmon. If you have never done it before or you have trouble covering the river effectively this is course for you.

We will be covering a range of Salmon topics over the 3 days and you will be fishing the river with all the casts we will show you.

Download the attached Word document for full details.

November was a quite a busy month for competitions at Woodford Fly Fishery. First up we hosted a fund raiser competition in aid of the TAFI Northern Ireland Commonwealth Fly Fishing Team, to help with the costs of travelling to Tasmania to compete in the Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships in February 2012. This is the first year that a team from Northern Ireland has taken part in the Championships. A total of thirteen anglers made the day and rose over £600, including a kind donation from Lee Beverland of Otterburn Trout Farm. Top rod on the day was Huw Morris with 5 fish for 205cm; Huw received a Greys GS2 fly rod which had been kindly donated by Greys Fly Fishing, Alnwick. Dundalk angler David McCabe was 2nd and received a Hardy Fleece donated by Campbell Baird, team captain.

Next up we had the Ulster Stillwater Bank Fly Fishing Championships. This would be the third year of the Championships and it is growing in popularity. This year had nineteen anglers competing to make the 6 man Ulster team. The fish where feeding very high in the water making the top tactic on the day size 16 dry flies! The crown of Ulster Champion went to Darren Haggan with 8 fish for 6760 points, in 2nd place was Brian Kerr with 7 fish for 5980 points, 3rd Campbell Baird with 5 fish 4720 points, 4th Stephen Allison with 5 fish 4520 points, 5th Gareth Morris with 4 fish 3740, 6th Gary Crothers with 4 fish 3620 points, reserve Harry McAteer jr. The team will compete in the Inter Provincial in Leinster for the chance to make the TAFI Ireland Team to compete in next years Four Nations International hosted by Wales.

To end the month we held Round 2 of the Woodford Greys Winter League. Twenty-eight anglers from across Ireland turned out to battle with the windy freezing conditions, with the changeable weather over the past week the fishing had turned a bit hard, meaning that the competitors had to work for their fish and a dropped fish would turn out to be very costly indeed. Most of the competitors started off on floating lines but within 30 minutes they had nearly all had changed to intermediate or fast sinking lines to try and find the feeding fish. As the day progressed the wind eased a bit and a few fish started to be caught but nobody was running away with it and by the final whistle no one had bagged up with their five fish limit but none of the competitors threw the towel in and gave up everyone of them fished to the whistle! Top tactic for this round was a black lure fished slowly on an intermediate line. Best bag on the day was three fish and only five anglers out of the 28 didn't catch including round ones winner. Five anglers had three fish with the best going to last years Champion Brian Kerr, 2nd Eamon McGoldrick, 3rd Lenny Magee, 4th John Kellegher, and 5th Joe Hughes.

Winter League Table Top 5;
1st Brian Kerr, 8 fish 327cm
2nd Joe Hughes, 8 fish 301cm
3rd John Kellegher, 8 fish 285cm
4th Ciaran Mellon, 7 fish 298cm
5th Lenny Magee, 7 fish 275cm

Over £1,500 was raised by the Northumbria branch of the Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA) at their annual dinner, auction and raffle on Friday 18^th November.

Hardy & Greys attended the event, held at the Britannia Hotel in Newcastle, and donated a Hardy Uniqua Rod as a raffle prize.

Following the dinner, International Fisheries Consultant, Peter Gray gave an informative speech prior to the raffle and auction.

Although the total amount raised at the event is yet to be fully confirmed, it is likely to be over £1,500 and will be used for the Associations' junior fishing days.

Hardy & Greys Marketing Manager, Steve Peterson said;

"The Salmon & Trout Association is a fantastic organisation and we are pleased to be able to help support them and our local branch."

Visiting anglers to the show will have the opportunity to see some of the greatest Fly dressers from around the world practice their art , while champion fly casters will be available to demonstrate and advise on fly casting techniques and fishing tactics.

Last year's Irish Fly Fair was a fantastic success with over 3,000 visitors to the show, and the feedback was exceptionally positive, with many saying it was the best game angling show they have ever been to!

The tackle trade will be well represented at this year's event with even more trade stands than last year. Mara Media's Grace McDermott said:

"Building on the success of last year's show, where business was brisk, the 2011 show has attracted trade from all over Europe who are keen to come to Galway and exhibit to the market... vast amounts of tackle, outdoor clothing and fly tying gear...something for everyone!"

Returning to the show are angling celebrities Hywel Morgan, Glenda Powel, Stevie Munn, and Peter O'Reilly who will be demonstrating and advising on all aspects of fly fishing! We also would like to welcome our new fly casters, World Champions, Hans-Ruedi Hebeisen and Scott Mackenzie.

We also have tuition from APGAI-Ireland who will give free casting and fly tying lessons during the two day exhibition. Experts from the Inland Fisheries Ireland, The Wild Trout Trust, Dr Ken Whelan and many more will be hosting talks and seminar on various angling related topics.

New to the show, will be a "Youth Fly Tying Competition" giving the kids a chance to show the "Pro Fly Dressers" what they can do!

The Irish Fly Fair has already been hailed as one of the finest shows of its kind in Europe, a great weekend to meet up with old friends and make new ones! This show is a must for all Angling enthusiasts. Special rates for angling clubs and accommodation can be arranged.

For more details visit www.irishflyfair.com or http://anglingclassics.blogspot.com

Anglers can learn about Grayling and fly fishing for Pike, in this two day course which includes tuition and fishing on private waters in North Wales.

For more information or to book, please contact Gwilym direct (contact details below)

GRAYLING AND PIKE FLY FISHING WEEKEND WITH GWILYM HUGHES AND STEVE JAMES
TO BOOK PLEASE email ghughes2@btinternet.com or call 01490412731 or 07889423986

ITINERARY:

Friday 25th November 2011
Arrive at Dolgadfa for 5pm on Friday
Evening meal at 6pm followed by whiteboard presentation and flytying.

Saturday 26th November 2011
Breakfast 8.30am
9am Fishing Dolgadfa Private beat for Grayling.
12 30pm Packed lunch.
1pm Fishing Dolgadfa Private beat for Grayling.
4.30pm Dolgadfa
7pm To ‘Caerau Uchaf' for evening meal debrief re Grayling and discussion all things Pike fly fishing related.
11pm Return to Dolgadfa

Sunday 27th November 2011
8.30am Breakfast and vacate Dolgadfa
9.30am Pike Fly Fishing on a Private Mountain Lake ‘Caerau Uchaf'
12 30pm Packed lunch
4pm End of Course

Pricing structure:
4 Persons (Minimum) £270 per person all inclusive
5 Persons £246 per person all inclusive
6 Persons £220 per person all inclusive

 

Recently the Lexus Team final was held at Rutland water. John Horsey sent us this report:

The 2 days were very testing for the 126 anglers as we had cool winds and sun - always the hardest conditions for fly fishing for trout on our major stillwaters.

No fish were stocked into Rutland's 3,400 acres for 2 weeks prior to the Event, so "stockies" would not play a part in proceedings.

There were dozens of full International Anglers who had represented their country, and if there were fish to be caught; they would be the boys to catch ‘em!

We fished to a 4 fish limit, then all subsequent trout were landed and released unharmed - all released fish would count as 2lbs each.  Top individual rod on Day 1 was Martin Barrett who caught 10 trout.  Blagdon Flyfishers from the West Country were the top team on Day 1, with local experts Rio Masters 2^nd and Alba Orvis Flyfishers from Scotland 3^rd.

Day 2 was even harder, with Iain Earle of the Ospreys taking the Individual honours with just 5 fish.  The same 3 teams jostled for position on the 2^nd day, but this time, Alba Orvis Flyfishers topped the pile, with Rio Masters 2^nd - again! And Blagdon Flyfishers 3^rd.

When the results were analysed,  checked and then combined, the new Lexus Team Champions for 2011 were Alba Orvis Flyfishers, with Rio Masters 2^nd and Blagdon Flyfishers 3^rd.

Typically my own fishing commences on bread and butter waters such as canals, drains and slow rivers. Quite often these are Pike infested, but they can be fairly unappetizing on first glance. On the Somerset Levels, for example, you often find enough of a jungle beneath the surface to keep Tarzan himself happy. Thus the Pike still have plenty of cover and you could be looking at as much depth of weed as water. No need to panic however, a lure teased just above the salad is often enough to get a murderous response.

Fly fishing is another good option, especially if the Pike are slightly cagey. A floating line set up is best where weed dominates shallow to medium water. My own favourite patterns for the job are not too weighty, often incorporating buoyant deer hair so as to sink only slowly. This not only helps beat the weed, but you can allow a waiting Pike adequate time to have a go at the fly. The sight of a Pike fly hanging and twitching over shady holes and weed beds is a tantalizing one for both Pike and angler. If the heavens really open and kill the water clarity however, you may find yourself reaching for the bait freezer earlier than you thought.

I love to rove good distances in autumn, just as at any time of the year, for Pike. But this doesn't exclude the use of dead baits. Indeed, if the water carries some extra colour or you find it festooned with floating crud, a gently drifted bait can be exceptionally useful. For the past few seasons it has been a real eye opener just how deadly a suspended deadbait can be. Using a nice visible float such as the Prowla Supa Sight Dart, you can drift or trot a bait to cover lots of suitable territory.

First choice for this method would be a 4-6" Roach dead bait- although when the water looks less appetizing a smelly and brightly dyed sprat or other smallish sea deadbait can produce. Set the bait to fish mid water, just above weed growth. On a river, you can use the current- but a breeze or healthy tow will do just as nicely on canals and drains. The bites are instant and should be struck immediately. In fact, I often like to use just one fairly large treble for the task, the bait hooked through the back. A red bait flag passed onto the hook helps prevent losses, as well as adding an extra dash of colour.

Two things quickly dawn on you when drifting a deadbait suspended in midwater. Firstly, the Pike have no qualms about intercepting a bait fished well off the bottom (on a weedy drain this might be little more than 18" below the surface). Equally, you find that as the bait travels with the tow, you avoid much of that floating autumn debris which collects so readily on a static line. If you do want to try a more static approach however, it would be sensible to pop up the bait to keep it visible.

One final note is to keep an open mind and make full use of the time you have at your disposal. Once the days shorten substantially it becomes tricky to sneak out for a couple of hours morning fishing, but evenings can also see the Pike go on a killing spree, and it can be well worth trying an hour or so into dark after work. The Pike are often still lean and angry, having not had time to fatten up yet. But make no mistake, they'll be hungry. And with long range forecasters predicting a positively Siberian winter, it's time for fish and angler alike to make the most of autumn while it lasts. Happy fishing!

For more articles, photography and Dominic's lively blog, Crooked Lines visit www.dgfishing.co.uk

The culmination of the Hardy Tyne Fishing Festival will be a dinner on the evening of the Fishing Festival, Sunday 25 September 2011, at 7.30pm at the Hexham Mart function suite.  The dinner is not confined to those fishing on the day; indeed, it will be an opportunity for everyone including those who have not been able to fish to take part in the event.

For those who have been fishing festival rods, or on other parts of the river, we hope you have a fantastic day and that you are able to come to share your experiences.  Please bring your digital photos, as we have been given some wonderful prizes by our sponsors Hardy's of Alnwick for achievements on the river that day.  It will definitely be an entertaining evening, where like-minded folk can get together and discuss the day over a glass of wine and a nourishing dinner.

Our guest speaker is Professor Malcolm Newson, Director of the Tyne Rivers Trust, who will tell us all something of the science of the Tyne system and the work that the Tyne Rivers Trust does for this great river. 

Tickets excluding drinks are £35 per head, and tables are available for up to ten.  There will be a pay bar. The event is in support of a fantastic cause and we do hope that you will be able to come and support the Tyne Rivers Trust.

To confirm your attendance and the number of people attending, book your tickets through FishPal

The recent level of investment into the fishery and the site generally bucks the current trend which has seen many fisheries struggling and even closing due to the economic climate. Curley's is going from strength to strength.

For more information, visit the Curley's Fishery website or call 01204 691199 Alternatively you can email mike@curleysfishery.co.uk

Mike Roden is a full time, professional fly fishing instructor and river guide operating in the North West of England. Mike has been a fly fisher for the best part of 25 years before becoming qualified (, turning his passion into a full-time business.

Mike offers tuition for complete beginners to the more experienced of any age. Lesson content can be anything from learning to fly fish for the very first time or learning particular casting techniques for both single and double handed rods, to guided day excursions and mini-breaks, exploring the wonderful fly fishing opportunities in stunning countryside.

Read more on Mike's Academy page.

Hardy & Greys Team England recently took part in the Rivers International in Ireland. Team Manager Mike Tinnion sent us this report...

This year's home international was hosted by Ireland on the River Agivey, a tributary of the Bann. It proved to be the perfect venue for this type of event with lots of wild trout just about everywhere on all of the beats. With heavy showers rolling though all week the river changed in height every day but still fished extremely well.

Friday, the day of the match, saw the river at probably its lowest level of the week. A tight competition ensued as is often the case. With fifteen minutes of an hour and a half session left on "A" beat in the afternoon saw all 4 anglers with the same number of fish so one or two fish in the last 10 minutes really can make all the difference between that 1^st spot and a 4^th place.

 With the Ireland claiming first place, just pipping Wales, this was a popular result on home waters. England also just beating Scotland for 3^rd. Kieron Jenkins got a magnificent four first placings to take the Individual winning place, to crown this he also took the Mike Childs Trophy for the biggest fish home with him.

Once again, this proved to be a fantastic event fished in the true spirit of fly fishing and with all four nations winning this competition within the last 5 years it will be anyone's match next year when it moves to the mighty Tay in Scotland.

Read more about Hardy & Greys Team England

Pictures above:

John Emerson wading

Mike Tinnion netting a fish

Mike Tinnion with his catch

Ben Bangham and Scott Nellins with fish

Hardy & Greys team England are well into the free practises stage of the preparations for the 2011 World Fly Fishing Championships held in the Italian dolomites .

Although still high and coloured by snow melt caused by the unseasonable high temperatures that are reaching in excess of 40 degrees daily, the rivers are still producing good numbers of brown and marble trout as well as the occasional grayling.

Although challenging the rivers are productive and despite several duckings in the freezing blue water the team's spirits are high and all are looking forward to the final few days of free practises prior to the official start of the championships.
 

The Yellowstone Angler team pitched the Hardy Zenith against the Sage One in a new head to head test. Bottom Line: The Hardy Zenith, 2011 5-weight shootout winner, is still the champ! 

Here's what Yellowstone's George Anderson had to say:

 "In our latest 5-weight shootout for 9 foot 4-pc. Rods, the Hardy Zenith walked away with top honors in every single performance category and won handily over the second place Sage Z-Axis.  

At the time we were doing our 5-weight shootout, we had heard about the new Sage One, and we desperately wanted to get it into our shootout, but it was just impossible to get a production sample at that time.   We knew that any rod that was going to replace the terrific Z-Axis line must be good, but how good?  About two weeks ago we got our hands on a new Sage One in the 9 foot #5 model, that was headed to Labrador and big brook trout, but we were able to keep it for a couple of days.  

 We were anxious to cast the rod, but more importantly to be able to have enough time to do a little mini-shootout and make a direct comparison with both the Hardy Zenith and the older Sage Z-Axis the One will replace.  After an hour of casting all three rods head to head out on the lawn, we had some answers..."

 To read the full story, and find out the results, head to http://www.yellowstoneangler.com/SageOnevsHardyZenithandSageZ-axis5weightminishootout.asp

Due to a cancellation, Hardy & Greys Academy Member Finlay Wilson has availability for two to four rods to join party of 4 for a hosted trip to the beautiful Hebridean islands of Islay and Jura, off the west coast of Scotland.

The trip is Sunday August 21 - 28 for full week, or taking a part week (3-4 days) is also possible. The trip offers guided wild trout fishing in one of Europe's most remote areas in the north west corner for Jura, sea trout and salmon fishing in a spate river and loch and much more. Highlights will include a boat trip across Loch Tarbert then off in the gators to the north west of of the island where herds of wild goats, golden and sea eagles can be seen, to cast a line for quality wild trout in the countless, rarely-fished lochs there. We will also be trying for mullet on the fly in Loch Tarbert. To read more about what's posssible you can read a Trout & Salmon feature written by Finlay about Jura here: http://www.sportinglets.co.uk/pdf/JURA.pdf

Prices on request, anyone interested should contact Finlay Wilson on 01721 760 241 or 07791 696 129 or email finwilson@fishwild.co.uk

Find out more about Fish Wild www.fishwild.co.uk 

Click here to watch a video introduction from Hardy North America's Jim Murphy. 

The over all point champion will receive a Commemorative 100th anniversary C.C. de France hand crafted by Hardy master rod makers, Tom Moran and Callum Gladstone. Second and third place finishers will receive a Hardy classic fly reel. The winning caster's name will be engraved on the Tiffany designed "Hardy Bros. Cup" that will remain on display in the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum. An award ceremony will take place at 6:30PM on Saturday, August 6, at a complimentary barbeque hosted by Hardy at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum.

This annual event has been designed to share in the pleasures of casting bamboo fly rods. No fee or advanced registration required.

For complete details on scoring and handicaps, please visit www.cffcm.net

For one day only, the owners of fishing on the River Tyne have donated rods for anyone to take on 25th September. They are available through an auction on the Tyne Fishing Festival website and the money raised will go to The Tyne Rivers Trust. Given the time of year, the guaranteed water and the incredible run of fish Tyne has enjoyed in the last few years this has to be the best chance to buy a day's really productive fishing.

Some of the most exclusive and normally unattainable fishing on the Tyne has been made available and Countess Park (The Duke of Northumberland's water), Beaufront (Hexham Anglers Association) and Bywell are a few of the incredible beats offering fantastic fishing for the festival. There are lots that simply don't get offered on a commercial basis and this really is the only opportunity to take them for one perfect day.

If you had to pick a date for Tyne fishing then the 25th September is the peak of the peak. The busiest weekend of the year in catch terms it produced record numbers of salmon and seatrout in 2010. The fish will be backed up throughout the river from top to bottom; it is without doubt the key weekend. Furthermore there will be water. Northumbrian Water have guaranteed a release from Kielder Reservoir if required, effective that day.

The Tyne Rivers Trust is the research charity that works with all stakeholders to ensure that the Tyne catchment continues its meteoric success in terms of sustainable, environmental management for the benefit of the river.

There will be a dinner held on the night with prize giving and a gathering of like minded and hopefully story filled attendants. Further details will be available shortly.

Salmon fishing is, as we all know, about being in the right place at the right time. So give yourself the best chance. The place is Northumberland the time is 25th September 2011. For all information check out the website.

Want to tweet this? Use the hashtag #HardyTyneFest Tweet

• Meet members of Team England and the Hardy & Greys Academy, who will be on hand to answer your questions and share tips on casting, fishing and of course tackle.
• See how a Hardy Bros split cane rod is made at our Cane Workshops - with master rod builders Calum Gladstone and Tom Moran.
• Bring along your Hardy or Greys reel for a free Mini Service
• See and try the latest products from Hardy & Greys, including our Hardy SINTRIX rods, and the Greys XF2 range.
• See casting demonstrations and take part in our casting clinic

For the non-anglers there is plenty more to see, with gundog and falconry exhibitions, gardening, conservation and nature, food and cookery demonstrations, 4 x 4 driving, and many family orientated features including quad biking, mountain boarding, aerial trekking, laser combat and many other fun activities can be enjoyed.

Advance tickets offer discounts on all categories of entrance tickets. Children under 10 and parking are Free. Special rates for groups, Senior Citizens and juniors up to 19 years. Tickets can also be bought on the gate (excluding Group).

With so much to see and do there is also heavily discounted tickets for multi day entrance. There's even a Caravan and Tent park for those who want to make a weekend of it.

For tickets and more information visit www.gamefair.co.uk and follow the Game Fair Bear on Twitter to keep up to date.

The next trip is in October 2011, and offers the opportunity to fish the mighty Fraser River, which constitutes the back-bone of one of the world's great salmon-yielding systems, comprising countless tributaries that have been spawning sites since time unknown.

Amid breathtaking scenic beauty you'll find yourself fishing the region's local rivers - the Fraser, the Chilliwack, the Vedder, the Harrison and the Chehalis - for Chinook, chum, Coho, pink (running every other year, including 2011) and sockeye salmon plus steelhead, trout and the massive sturgeon (the latter being catch/tag and release only).

There are few places left where you can genuinely be surrounded by superb fishing and stunning scenery. The legendary Fraser River system, which to this day remains un-dammed throughout its 850 mile course, ranks as one of the world's last great salmon producing rivers and still has no rival in its migratory salmon runs. There is no doubt about it sturgeon of all sizes are exciting - most adversaries leap upon feeling cold steel and 60-180lb. specimens are everyday catches on the Fraser and Harrison Rivers.

To find our more about this exciting opportunity, or to book, visit the Angling Classics website or email Stevie Munn.

 Normal Itinerary

This Year we are offering a deluxe trip with all meals but dinner.

• 5 days guided fishing, 8 night's accommodations, 10 day trip, Airport Transfers.
• Lunches for your fishing days,
• Return flights from UK/Ireland
• Accommodation Breakfast at hotel.
• 5 x 8hr day jet boat guided fishing
• Shuttle to and from fishing
• Rest day or fish the Vedder River
• Any tuition needed
• Most people like to bring their own gear but tackle can be hired at $20 per day

Advantages

• Fully qualified instructor
• Local knowledge of the area and river.
• Discount on all tackle for your trip bought at www.anglingclassics.co.uk
• Flyfishing guides on all boats
• Meeting like-minded anglers
• Breakfast at hotel & Lunches for your fishing days are included, most trips don't do this or charge extra
• Best Hotel in Area
• HAVING A GOOD TIME

Your angling adventures can also include
Improve on your fly casting techniques
Double Hand Traditional Spey and Skagit casting techniques
Single Hand Casting techniques
Tackle talk, the basics required
Learn how to tie fly leaders and attach flies
Importance of fly selection
Top Salmon fishing & Sturgeon fishing

Top Class Salmon Fishing With Top Class Guides, Hosted By A Top Class Instructor. The fishing is spectacular. The thunderous roar of the mighty rivers fills your ears, as you gaze up towards the sky you are greeted with breathtaking mountain views and towering formations of chiselled rock. Known as... The Great Outdoors!
Located just 1 hour east of Vancouver offering visitors a liberating and exhilarating experience.

Stevie Munn is a proud member of the Hardy Greys Academy, and The Game Angling Instructors Associations which comprise of instructors from around the UK and Ireland, who actively promote the best instruction service for anglers wanting to improve their technique. Stevie has been teaching game angling for many years and are devoted to fly angling at its best.

Testimonial:
"I can't say enough. You gave me the best fishing trip I have ever had. I can't thank you enough"
Robert Hayes

We use Registered Top Canadian Guides in compliance with Canadian Law

The rescheduled Hardy Fishing School Grayling Course went ahead the weekend of the 12th / 13th March 2011 just to end the winter Grayling season off. The four participants accounted for 25 fish in total to hand, 23 Grayling and 2 Brown Trout, all taken on Bugs the 'Peeping Caddis','Pinky' and the 'Rat', accounting for most of them, except one, which succumbed to a well presented dry 'Iron Blue Dun'.

On both days there was a show of Olives around lunchtime, and if it were not for the gusty cold wind accross and down the pools on both days, some more fun could have been had on the dries. All the participants fished well under sometimes difficult conditions. Of particular note is Arwel Thomas' catch of two Grayling, together on the same cast, two 'Rats' ifront of a dry fly,I doubt if Arwel will ever forget the event.

They took a good ten minutes to subdue before netting, and the new 9'6" 5# Greys Streamflex 2 Plus, played a vital role, the subtle give in the blank throughout the battle dealt with the task incredibly well, both hooks on the flies were almost straightened when the fish were netted !

Read more and see all the photos from the weekend at Gwilym Hughes' website. You can also find out about upcoming events and courses. 

The next course is 'DRY FLY / NYMPH COURSE'
The next course will be based on Dry Fly and Nymph fishing is scheduled for 1st / 2nd / 3rd July 2011. Places will be limited to 4 persons to ensure quality of instruction. Welsh National River's Champion Iwan Lewis will be running the course alongside Gwilym.
Based at ‘ Dolgadfa', Crogen Estate with the fishing on three ‘Private Beats' in the Upper Dee Valley. All enquiries to: Gwilym Hughes, E mail: ghughes2@btinternet.com

Pictured: Hirst Park Trout Ticklers junior members Alfie Comber, Kacey O'Grady, Jade Dixey and Harley Dixey receive the ADB Clubmark certificate and Greys GRXi 8' 6" #4/5 rod from Steve Peterson, Hardy Greys game and sea fishing marketing manager.

For more information visit the Hirst Park Trout Ticklers website 

The two AAPGAI instructors will also be joining AAPGAI Master, Stevie Peterson at Hardy & Greys Alnwick HQ where they will be teaching members of the Club various technical skills as well as performing casting demonstrations on the casting pool.

Fishing For Everyone Ladies Fishing Club Founder and Chairman, Lucy Bowden said;
"These guys are some of the best at what they do and we are privileged that they offered to hold an event for us. The ladies are all very excited about this event and I am sure it will improve both their skills and knowledge of fly fishing."

Stevie Munn is a Professional Angling Instructor/Guide from Co. Antrim in Northern Ireland. He has won many fly fishing competitions on Stillwaters and Rivers over the years including The Co. Antrim M.A.S Master Angler, seven times (a local record!). Stevie can arrange instruction and guiding and also packages in Ireland and Canada including the popular Hardy Academy fly fishing schools. Find out more.

Stevie Kennedy runs the Strangford guiding company, on his beloved Strangford Lough, Co.Down, which is Irelands largest sea lough. He guides and instructs in all aspects of saltwater flyfishing and is the third generation of the Kennedy family to have fished the fly in the salt water. He is a specialist in Seatrout but enjoys all saltwater species on the fly including Mullet, the Irish bone fish. Stephen can arrange instruction and guiding packages in Ireland including a flyfishing school on the Famous River Drowes and Lough Melvin. Find out more.

The Fishing For Everyone Ladies Fishing Club was founded in 2008 by Lucy Bowden and has since grown from strength to strength. The Club hold events all over the UK covering all angling disciplines and are dedicated to encouraging and promoting females into angling by holding all events in a safe and supportive environment. Find out More.

For more information on the show visit Hooked.ie or see Hooked Ireland's page on Facebook

Glasgow Angling Centre is having one of its famous open weekends on the 4th, 5th, and 6th of March 2011.  It's a time when they throw open the doors of their 30,000 square ft superstore and invite anglers from all over to check out all the latest modern fishing tackle,  and to rub shoulders with the most famous people in the sport.  

The Open Weekend is also a fantastic opportunity to learn loads by attending the many workshops and demonstrations which will be free for people to take part in.  Glasgow Angling Centre is also proud to announce that  David Bell and John Henderson of Hardy & Greys will be attending to help  and inform you about all the latest Hardy and Greys gear.  Ian Gordon, one of the Uk's finest Spey casters (and a Hardy & Greys Academy member), will also be attending and will be doing some spey casting demonstrations with the new Hardy SINTRIX range of rods.

So you won't want to miss that fantastic chance grab a bargain, mix with like minded anglers, learn loads from the best in the sport, and generally have a great day out at one of the UK's best fishing tackle events.

To find out more, visit Glasgow Angling Centre's Fishingmegstore website.

The Ireland Angling Show will be held on 12^th-13^th February 2011 National Show Centre, Swords, Dublin

This year's Ireland Angling show will be the first opportunity for Irish anglers to see and actually cast the eagerly awaited Hardy Zenith SINTRIX™ fly rods.

The Zeniths use Hardy's revolutionary new SINTRIX™ material which provides rods which are up to 60% stronger and up to 30% lighter. The SINTRIX™ or Silica Nano Matrix provides a medium fast yet silky smooth casting action which gives superb casting performance at extreme or short distance.

Cleeres Angling Centre from Clane Co. Kildare  are  an appointed Hardy  SINTRIX™ stockiest and will be attending and showing the range.

Hardy & Greys territory sales manager and Irish International fly fisher Tom Doc Sullivan and academy member Stevie Munn will be on hand to demonstrate and give advice on all Hardy and Greys products.

Also at the show will be the new Greys XF2 rod range which features the latest Stillwater, light line and even predator fly rods.

The new Greys GX500 and GX700 reels with their unique fly line identification system will also be on display.

For coarse anglers Hardy & Greys academy member and Irish International Cathal Hughes will be demonstrating his skills in the theatre and rig clinic.

Other Hardy and or Greys dealers attending include -  Ballina  Angling Centre, Belfast Angling Centre and Outdoor Experience from Portadow.

For more information visit the show website: http://www.irelandanglingexpo.ie/visitors/

Described by organisers as a "fantastic day out for everyone interested in The Great Outdoors", the event formerly known as the Spring Fly Fair will be held at Newark Showground,and is your chance to meet fly fishing manufacturers and retailers, and see world class flytying demonstrations.

There are alseo accessories and outdoor clothing, game and conservation specialists, big game fishing, bushcraft and safaris, alongside the thousands of shotguns and rifles on display.

Visit the Hardy & Greys stand to see and try all our new products including the Hardy Zenith and the Greys XF2 range, and get advice on everything from flies to casting from our expert team.

Advance tickets come at a discount and include priority parking. Visit the British Shooting Show website for more details and to buy tickets online, or call 01472 241 43.

Show features include: Flyfishing Arena, Gunmakers Halls, Airgun City Arena, Gamekeeping Hall, Arms Heritage Show, Gun Dogs & Scurries and a Clay Shooting Line.

Lots in this year's auction include Fishing trips across the world, Shooting trips and food hampers and other miscellaneous items. 

AST's Chief Executive Tony Andrews commented: "The thing about our new e-bay style auction is that the bidding really hots up in the last 5 days. The auction closes on St Valentine's Day and we want everyone to get involved in that 'feeding frenzy' of last minute bidding!"

Find out more and register to bid: http://www.atlanticsalmontrust.org/auction/ 

Matthew Hill, from Gloucestershire, Andreas Schaefer, from Germany, Ian Lockett, from South Yorkshire, Dave Wilkinson, from Leeds, and James Slaughter from Hartlepool all correctly answered our question and were lucky enough to be picked out of the hat.

They were followed by Shane Samson, from Canada, who won an Angel Smuggler, and John Forbes, from Aberdeen who won a Marksman River rod and reel.

Our latest competition was won by Marko Seppänen whose Hardy LRH Lightweight rod and Featherweight reel are on their way.

If you've missed out here's what you need to do - register with our website (or log in if you're already registered) by clicking 'My Account' above. Make sure you tick Flyfishing as an interest, and then tick the box to let us send you email. Once a month, around the 20th, we send our Fin & Fly ezine as an email and this email has bonus content - including a link to our latest competition. We launch a new one almost every month...

Ever wanted to cast that little bit further or learn a new technique like Spey casting or the Double Haul? Why not use the expertise of the Hardy & Greys academy instructors on one of their casting and fishing courses in 2011.

Courses and venues have been chosen around the UK to provide not only excellent teaching facilities but great fishing also.

Numbers will be limited on each course to suit each venue and to ensure plenty of individual tuition from your instructors. Bring your own equipment or Hardy & Greys will provide all tackle required for the day. So whether your are a complete beginner , improver or just want to try a new type of fishing with some expert guidance the Hardy & Greys academy will be pleased to help and provide a great day out in some of the most beautiful parts of the country.

The Hardy & Greys Academy uses only experienced instructors qualified by the main instructor bodies including AAPGAI,GAIA and FFF.

Prices for the courses are yet to be finalised, but will range from £100 - £225 depending on the date and venue chosen.

For more detail and to book, please contact:

Steve Peterson, Marketing manager Game and Sea

Tel: 01665 511505

Mobile:  07730620416

speterson@hardygreys.com

Grace McDermott from the show's organisers (Donegal based company Mara Media) said that over 3,000 visitors came to the show over the two days, and added that feedback from visitors, exhibitors, casters and fly tyers has been exceptionally positive.

Business was brisk for the exhibitors, with reports of good spending on the products by the highly selective visitors.

Plans are already afoot for next year's event and Stevie Munn has been flooded with positive feedback, on his and Mara Media's ability to launch and run the first ever fly fair in Galway. See feedback at the Irish Fly Fair wesite.

Mara Media are now turning their attention to Ireland Angling Expo 2011 (www.irelandanglingexpo.ie), which is the national angling exhibition,covering, Game, Sea & Coarse fishing. This will be held at the National Show Centre in Swords on Feb. 12 & 13, 2011.

Pictured: Mayor of Galway City Michael Crowe opens the show, along with the David Dinsmore, editor of Irish Angler magazine, well know Anglers Charles Jardine & Stevie Munn, and model and actress Jenny Dixon.

From when the doors opened on the Saturday morning there was a steady stream of anglers visiting the Hardy & Greys stand to try the rods and find out more about the new technology.

Marketing Manager Steve Peterson said:

"As usual this show attracts some of the keenest and most knowledgeable fly fishers and I was very pleased to see the amount of customers who had already heard all about the new SINTRIX technology and were very eager to test cast the new rods."

Customers were all impressed with the balance and feel of the rods, general comments included light, fast , smooth. Many also commented that they thought the rods would be more expensive than their price tag and wanted to buy there and then!

Zenith freshwater rods will be available from February next year and the Proaxis saltwater from March in selected Hardy stockists.

SINTRIX™ is the trade-marked brand name for Hardy & Greys new composite rod material. The material was initially developed by 3M in the USA for the aerospace industry. 

SINTRIX™ is carbon fibre held together with a resin impregnated with silica nano spheres. This technology is brand new and produces a material that is significantly stronger and potentially lighter than traditional carbon fibre.

Read more at the Hardy SINTRIX Preview page

This will be the first chance for the UK consumer to try the Zenith and Proaxis ranges which use the revolutionary new SINTRIX™ material which provides rods which are up to 30% lighter and up to 60% stronger than standard carbon. This huge advance in technology has resulted in rods with amazing feel and casting performance and is exclusive to Hardy & Greys Ltd.

The SINTRIX ™rods will be available from selected Hardy retailers in early 2011 but demonstrator models will be available to try from the Hardy & Greys stand.

From the newly extended Hardy cane rod building department Tom Moran and Calum Gladstone will be on hand to show and discuss the latest Hardy cane developments. Calum and Tom have combined sixty years experience in hand built cane rod and component manufacture. If you have yet to experience casting a cane rod or are already an enthusiast this is a great chance to talk to the experts.

Greys new XF2 rods will also be on display. This comprehensive range includes XF2, XF2 Streamflex, XF2 Streamflex Plus and XF2 Carnivore models.

In addition to rods, the new Greys GX300, 500 and 700 reel series will also be on show. The GX500 and GX700 cassette spools have Greys new line identification system.

More information on the BFFI

Hardy & Greys are pleased to be supporting ‘Fishing For Heroes' a charity that helps military veterans suffering from emotional or psychological problems relating to them having been involved in active service. The Fly fishing courses offered are a proven way to provide respite, relaxation and support that can help develop life skills which enable the veterans to help themselves in the future.  Fishing For Heroes intends to help show them that they are not alone and that their service for us was, and still is, appreciated.

Any veteran from any of the three armed forces, of either sex, can apply for help. Although the current campaigns are foremost in people's minds, veterans from any era or conflict are eligible.

Hardy & Greys are involved with the sponsorship of the Fishing For Heroes 2010 UK Still Water Trout Fishing Championship alongside principal sponsor Fly Fishing & Fly Tying Magazine. A series of nine regional competitions and a Grand Final, to be held at Lechlade Trout Fishery on the 21^st November 2010, are aimed at raising both awareness and funds for the charity.

For more information please visit the website http://www.fishingforheroes.net/index.php

Two days were held at Highgate Farm and items covered included safety, pond dipping, fly tying, knots and casting practice on grass. The third day was held at Tuddenham Lakes by kind permission of Norfolk and Suffolk Fly fishers Society.

Four fish were caught on the day in testing condition. In all eleven children took part with ages ranging from 7-14 years and judging by the feedback everyone had a great three days.

The participants all received a Greys GS2 rod, reel and line on completion of the course and a certificate. Hats, glasses, flies and nylon were donated from Carrilon and fishing tickets from Norfolk and Suffolk Fly fishers.

Mike's wife Lesley provided meals for the instructors and helpers over the three days.

Mike beat 469 anglers, to take the amazing prize of a 19' lake boat, Honda 15 hp outboard, boat trailer and 10' Marksman Drifter rod.

Mike is a qualified Instructor S.T.A.N.I.C. in single-handed casting and fly dressing.

Mike's speciality is Stillwaters and fishing the Loughs of Ireland. He is renowned throughout Ireland as one of the leading Anglers in this field and is expert in all methods for catching wild Irish Brownies

In a year of drought stricken rivers, The Tees at Middleton proved to be a Fantastic Venue for the 2010 Rivers International. Compensation water kept all five beats fishable and a 9^" lift of water on the match day made things "interesting" to say the least! The four countries caught and returned a total of 310 trout over the four ninety minute sessions,

At the end of the day Hardy /Greys Team England were emphatic winners with 125 Trout, in a fantastic overall team performance every team member had at least two first places out of a possible four. And Individual winner Simon Robinson had four 1sts to win him the Moc Morgan Trophy for the 2^nd time. With a total mix of up to six different methods covering a lot of water quick was the key to success, along with, the indispensable reserve Bernie Mayer, looking for unfished water and rising fish for the bank. Against a very strong field of Anglers from the other 3 nations Hardy/Greys Team England took the 1^st 4 individual placings in what has been dubbed the ‘Friendly International'.

Results Team

(Geoff Clarkson Trophy)        England

                        2^Nd                   Wales

                        3^rd                    Ireland

                        4^th                    Scotland

Individual

(Moc Morgan Trophy)

1                    Simon Robinson (Eng)

2                    Phil Dixon             (Eng)

3                    John Tyzak            (Eng)

4                    Howard Croston   (Eng)

5                    John Maclennan    (Sco)

6                    Allen Hughes        (Wal)

7                    Brian Russel          (Ire)

8                    Philip Jehu             (Wal)

9                    Ian Greenwood     (Eng)

10                Joe Winder            (Ire)

Largest fish

Mike Childs Trophy - Philip Jehu (Wales)

Team England members placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 8th individually with Simon Robinson lifting the trophy as top individual and narrowly missing out on the largest fish award as well.

A sudden change in weather conditions saw localised rain on the fells suddenly put the river into a small summer flood from the low clear conditions the teams had practised on.

England adapted well, changing tactics rapidly as the levels rose and then stabilised and started to fall back rapidly - all in an 8 hour period.

Winning tactics included a diverse mix of dries, nymphs and even small streamers fished in the River Tees abundant pocket water.

Take a look at our Team England pages to see profiles of the guys, and come and see us at the CLA Game Fair for your chance to meet Team England Anglers

Celebrities from the world of TV, business and sport came out in force on Wednesday 23^rd June at Sweethope Lough, Northumberland, supporting a unique charity event in aid of Grace House Children's Hospice North East.  Fishing with the stars now in its second year is the idea of Game Fishing Supplies of Morpeth and Hardy & Greys Ltd.

After a hearty breakfast provided by Rob Tait of Sweethope Fishery the draw for boat partner was announced and anglers commenced the mornings fishing. Sunny conditions ensured that the fishing was challenging for all anglers, hampering the choice of fly lines and fly.

Most anglers opted for floating lines, but the majority returned with no fish caught. During a BBQ lunch anglers had the opportunity to talk fishing tackle, flies and tactics with the stars and representatives from Hardy & Greys.

Boat partners changed for the afternoon session. Conditions had improved significantly with the weather perfect for success and rods were soon bending with fish caught close to the surface taken on dries and lures. A selection of wild brown trout and hard fighting rainbow trout were caught by all.

The day finished with prizes donated by Game Fishing Supplies and Hardy & Greys Ltd for the most fish caught, and the most donations collected.

Matthew Peckford from Cumbria came 1^st winning £1,000 of Hardy & Grey vouchers. Matthew has been fly fishing for only a short time, this is the first competition he has entered and won. Matthew also collected the most donations.

Richard Wood from Northumberland came 2^nd winning £700 of Hardy & Grey vouchers. Richard has fished since he was 3, and at the age of 18 is currently the youngest qualified coach in the UK.

John Morton came 3^rd winning £300 of Hardy & Grey vouchers. John who has fished all his life is a well known competition angler and travelled from Ayr to support the event.

A great day was enjoyed by all with over £2,000 raised for the charity. The day can be summerised by England International Scott Nellins "It's my pleasure to lend support to such a worthwhile charity. To have a children's hospice in the North East is so important for the children of the region and their families"

Vicky Bell co-organisor said "fishing with the stars really embodies the Grace House charity, although there's a serious message behind the day, everyone can take part no matter what level of fishing experience or ability and fish with a variety of celebrities from TV stars to England's World & European Fishing Team"

For further information please visit www.ian-woods.co.uk

There's something for everyone at the Game Fair, so any non-fishing friends and family won't be bored. Attractions include a 4x4 driving course, a fashion show, traditional crafts, art and artists, nature exhibits, and a family dog show ring. 

If you're attending the Game Fair then please come and see us, to see all our latest products and even have a cast with the latest rods. We'll be in the Flyfishing area, opposite the lake, stand G0470. 

More show information

Last weekend the Irish International Fly Fair was held in Killyleagh, County Down.

Held over two days the charity event saw fly tyers and the fly casting elite from around the world gather together to raise money for the Dibney River Conservation Trust.

Hardy & Greys Ltd are proud to be one of the sponsors of the event.

Hardy & Greys Ltd Marketing Manager, Steve Peterson said;

"At Hardy & Greys Ltd we are very proud to be part of this very special event. We have been coming to Killyleagh for the last three years the Fair has been running and every year we meet more of our customers and make new friends.

"This year in particular saw a terrific line up of casters and fly tyers from around the world. Special thanks must go to Stephen Kennedy from the Hardy & Greys Academy who is one of the organisers of the Fly fair which raises funds for  such a worthy  conservation cause and, which also introduces many newcomers to fishing . Stephen has some great ideas for next year's event and we are very much looking forward to returning to Killyleagh in 2011."

We are very pleased to announce that the 2010 Greys fishing catalogue is now available from your local Greys dealer or as a download from our website.

The one hundred and seventy seven page catalogue features all the current Greys product from the fly, spinning, coarse, predator, carp and sea ranges.

In the fly fishing section, along with stunning photography from the UK and around the world the catalogue features all the latest fly fishing products for 2010 including the three superb new fly rod ranges GS,GS2,and GRXi+ and also Greys best fishing clothing yet, the GRXi Xtreme.

In the fly rod category new rod flex explanations have been introduced which include each rod's loading point, recovery rate, the rod stop and the flex characteristics. This detailed information is designed to make it even easier to choose the correct Greys rod.

In the sea fishing section detailed descriptions complement the rod ranges giving information on casting styles, rod actions and best fishing applications. To complement the rod range the G-Mag reels are also featured along with the ever popular shore and boat rigs and Apollo luggage and clothing.

New in the Coarse category are the stunning Prodigy TX & VX rods - a superb range of Float, Barbel & Specimen rods. Another key product in the Coarse range are the highly acclaimed Klip Lok bait boxes.

Our Greys Prowla range of Predator fishing tackle has been received amazingly well by retailers and consumers alike. Featured in the catalogue are the hugely popular Platinum Bait & Jerk bait rods along with all the luggage and terminal tackle.

A further evolution in Greys rods sees the new Spod and Marker Plus rods. Built upon the success of their predecessors these rods are a must have piece of kit for any angler.

Angler Thayne Morgan (on left) with Captain Craig Brewer (on right), won the 2010 Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament in Islamorada, Florida on June 24. Thayne captured the title fishing prototypes of Hardy & Greys SINTRIX Proaxis one piece #11 and #12 fly rods and the Fortuna X4 Big Game fly reel.

Thayne said, "Andy Mill gave us this new tackle from Hardy & Greys to test. I have fished the SINTRIX rods exclusively for three weeks and they are the finest rods I have ever fished. There is only one problem. Now I have to buy a new set of fly rods!"

Captain Craig Brewer knew that these prototypes were really something when Andy Mill told him to "just fish them, you don't have to worry. For six months I have been abusing monster fish with these rods. Trust me. Just fish them."

Jim Murphy, President of Hardy & Greys North America said, "We knew that when we got our product development team at Hardy to work with Andy we would access the most challenging and thorough tackle testing process we could find. Andy has handed out dozens of prototypes to the most experienced and successful guides and anglers. The tackle has been deeply bent inside out, well beyond normal use. They have been proven to destroy big fish in minutes. Now they have helped to win the most coveted fly fishing tournament in the world.

Andy Mill said when he heard the news, "Our new Fortuna X reel is just as revolutionary as the SINTRIX rods and together we can say with complete conviction that The Game Has Changed."

To read more about what makes SINTRIX technology different, and to see videos of the prototypes in action, visit the official SINTRIX Facebook page.

In conjunction with Renvyle House Hotel, Hardy and Greys Academy ran a weekend fishing course in May on the splendid grounds of this 4 star hotel which is situated on the Atlantic shores in wildest Connemara, Co. Galway on the West Coast of Ireland.

The event was designed for beginners and experienced fly-fishermen and over the course of the weekend covered a wide range of topics of interest to anglers.  Participants got a chance to try out their skills on the Hotels private 40 acre lake which held some hard fighting brownies.  The latest in Hardy & Greys fly-fishing product was there for people to try out for themselves

Attending from the Academy were Stevie Munn and Mike Keady, Jackie Coyne who is also in the Academy was present there in his role as the hotel's own resident fly-fishing instructor. Tom Doc Sullivan, Area Manager of Hardy Greys in Ireland made up the team.

The event was well attended and on the Saturday everybody got to go through a wide range of tactics from river fishing for trout and migratory fish, lough-style fishing from boat and bank-fishing.

Casting clinics were held to help those from all levels. The group was split up into groups which made for much better tuition.

John Stanley, from Gerard Stanley and Sons of Clifden, who is the Hardy& Greys dealer in nearby Clifden Town, came along in the afternoon thereby giving the opportunity for the attendees to purchase any of the outfits that were on show at the event.

The evening saw some fly-dressing demonstrations before some first class music and entertainment in the lounge that evening.

Sunday gave the chance for all those there to give the lake a go and after some demonstrations in the morning, everybody got to fish proper.  The lake came up trumps and all those present caught fish which was the icing on the cake to what proved to be an excellent weekend.

The feedback from the guests was very positive with everybody saying they had come away from the event having learnt something.

The Hotel really looked after everybody superbly and must be commended for doing and an excellent and highly professional job.

The organisers hope to repeat the event in 2011 so look out for news on that. 

News just in from Poland... 

John Horsey of Hardy & Greys Team England managed to overcome rapidly changing water conditions in the 2010 World Fly Fishing Championships, to yet again to prove his determination and versatility in challenging conditions and break into Bronze medal position within the last session of the Championships.

Following solid early performances on both a low clear River sector fishing micro nymphs and a session win on the large Reservoir sector also plagued by changing water levels, John again adapted rapidly in the final session on the river San switching to Streamers fished upstream on a DI3 to scratch out enough fish in a rapidly rising river to secure Third position and a bronze medal.

Congratulations John! 

An unfavourable river draw, and difficult conditions during practice meant Hardy & Greys Team England were unable to retain their 2009 World Championship title, placing 11th overall. 

Poor practice conditions and a lack of practice water leading up to the final proved very limiting for many of the top teams in their preparations. 

Meanwhile, the England Ladies Fly Fishing Team, captained by Hardy & Greys Academy Member Sue Sissons won Gold at the 2010 International Championships this weekend. 

In the run up to the competition, the fishing had gone hard as the fish had turned on to the pin fry and weren't really eating as the weather was hot, sunny and at times not much wind.

The England team did manage to come up with a few fly patterns and lines that seemed  to work, a Plan A and Plan B.

The match day arrived and the fishing looked as though it was going to be hard again, but after a team talk by manager Paul, the team were all very positive.

At the weigh in it was very close with England having 33 fish, Scotland 28, and Wales 27. But how much did they weigh?

Team captain Sue Sissons picks up the story:

"They announced it in reverse order, when they announced the winner was England I'm sure the whole lake shook, we were cheering, jumping up, and down, hugging one another and crying at the same time - WOW we had done it we had WON! It is very difficult to describe how we felt but it did feel pretty brilliant

Sue added that they had a great team with great team spirit and all worked together to secure the victory, and that the Welsh hosts and organisers made everyone feel very welcome.

Hardy & Greys Academy Member Appointed England Team Captain

Susan Sissons, one of three female members of the Hardy & Greys Academy, has been chosen to captain the England Ladies Fly Fishing Team (ELFA) for the Home International in June.

The competition will be held on Llandegfed Reservoir in South Wales and will feature teams from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.

This will be Sue's 16^th England cap and 11^th Home International for England ladies. Susan last captained the side back in 2005 winning the gold medal when the Home International was held on Lough Mask in Ireland.

Sue said:

"It's a great privilege to be appointed England ladies captain especially now as the captaincy is voted for by the other team members."

The event will be a family affair as Sue and the team will be assisted by Sue's husband Paul who has been appointed team manager.

Sue has been a qualified fly fishing instructor for 7 years and has been a member of the Hardy&Greys Academy for 4 years.

Only qualified instructors are appointed to the Hardy & Greys Academy which has members throughout the UK and Ireland.

Fish With The Stars 2010

June 2010 will see the return of the highly successful Fish With The Stars event being held at Sweethope Loughs.

Run by Hardy & Greys Ltd and Game Fishing Supplies (Morpeth), the event will be held on Wednesday 23rd June. Last year's event was a great success, with almost £6000 raised for the Grace House North East Children's Hospice Appeal, and this year's event is in aid of the same charity with organisers aiming to top last years total.

The event is now fully booked with 30 anglers set to take part. Participants' names will be put into a draw at the start of the day and picked out at random to share a boat and fish with a celebrity. A draw will then take place again at lunchtime so that most of the anglers attending get the chance to fishing with a celebrity.

Anglers and celebrities will compete to catch the greatest length fish, and competitors who chose to raise sponsorship money are competing for a prize for the person who raises the most sponsorship. The prize pot is a generous split of £4000 donated by Hardy & Greys Ltd and Game Fishing Supplies.

The celebrity anglers will again include Ashes to Ashes actor and keen fisherman Dean Andrews Sean Wilson (Martin Platt in Coronation Street), Jason Oakes (former Newcastle Falcons rugby player) and Paul Little, one of the top fly tyers in the world and AAPGAI Master Instructor.

Fish and Fly Ltd have, again, lent their support to the event, hosting online auctions of fishing and sporting related products to boost the fundraising effort.  The live auctions can be found here.

If you cannot attend the event but would like to make a donation, this can be done via the Just Giving page at http://www.justgiving.com/fishwiththestars2010

Read the review of Fish With The Stars 2009

The GRXi+ was the winner in the Under £200 category - outclassing its more expensive challengers.

The reviewers were looking for a true all round rod, that would cope with long line fishing with sinkers and lures, and shorter, floating line fishing with both wet and dry flies, and a range of casting styles. Rods were split into price brackets and awarded points for both performance and value for money. The highest scorer in each price bracket was awarded Best in Category.

The GRXi+ was summed up as a good rod for a beginner, and useful for both boat and bank fishing, and delicate enough to fish dry-fly accurately.

Peter commented that the rod felt light in the hand, handled floating and sinking lines with ease and has not lost any performance for being a 4-piece (its predecessor the GRXi was a 3-piece rod).

Andrew said:

"If you are looking to use only one rod on a reservoir, with which you can switch lines and maintain performance, this would be a good choice."

Visit the flyfishing rod product pages to read more.

Woodford Fly Fishery, in Co. Antrim hosted a Winter League, in association with Greys. The 6th and Final Round was held on 28^th March 2010, and Woodford's Darren Wallace provided this report. 

The sixth and final round of Woodford's Winter League took place on the 28^th March, the early arrivals where greeted by the first Swallow of Spring flying up the lake, but this soon disappeared with the strengthening north westerly wind blowing down the lake.

Fishing in the first hour got off to a good start with Campbell Baird, Julie Gerry and Jim Fleming all picking up fish in the first 5 minutes, all fishing lures on sinking lines. On the move Derek McConville had a narrow lead with 2 fish, fishing a floating line and nymphs.

Into the second hour and Woodford regular Joe Hughes was weighing in the first big fish of the morning, a nice rainbow trout of 4.93kg, caught on a blob fished on a sinking line. It was not long before the next big fish was caught, a fine fish weighing 5.94kg, this fish fell for a #12 buzzer fished on a floating line by Lenny Magee. An hour later and Carrick angler Jim Fleming was playing a big fish, fishing the same peg where Lenny had caught his fish from only Jim was using a sinking line and lures, when the fish was landed and weighed it turned out to be the same fish that Lenny had caught and returned. Unluckily the 3 anglers could not catch their 5^th fish to complete their bag limit.

The third hour had Irish Ladies International Susan Brown finding her form and catching 3 fish in a row fishing buzzers and nymphs under an indicator on a floating line. Going into lunch Brian Kerr had a slim lead with 4 fish and 15 minutes after lunch Brian completed his 5 fish bag limit fishing lures with an intermediate sinking line, keeping the pressure on league leader Campbell Baird, who completed his 5 fish bag limit 10 minutes after Brian, again fishing lures on intermediate line. Just before the last peg move young Tipperary angler Nicholas Madden caught his 5^th fish, his best outing yet on only his 3^rd visit to Woodford, Nicholas had been fishing a clear intermediate line and lures.

Maynooth angler Roger Fowler needed just 10 minutes of the last hour to catch his 5^th fish, again Roger was fishing an intermediate line with lures. Not to be out done by the lads, Susan Brown stuck to the floating line tactics and completed her bag limit with half an hour to spare. Last fish of this year's league was caught by the 5^th round winner Alan McCartney, giving him 3 fish for this round.

At the final whistle young Nicholas Madden had top spot of the round with 5 fish weighing 3.78kg, in a close 2^nd place was Susan Brown with 5 fish weighing 3.75kg and in 3^rd was Brian Kerr with 5 fish weighing 3.38kg.

The end of round 6 brought the league to a close and with the weights in the final placings could be worked out, with prizes for the top 15 places and Greys fly rod for the heaviest fish outside the top 15, there was also a Greys Platinum fly line for every finishing competitor.

Final Placings:

1^st Campbell Baird 25 fish 17.59kg, 2^nd Brian Kerr 25 fish 17.51kg, 3^rd Lenny Magee 22 fish 22.29kg, 4th Derek McConville 22 fish, 5^th Roger Fowler 20 fish, 6^th Harry McAteer Jnr 18 fish, 7^th Julie Gerry 16 fish, 8^th Ciaran Mellon 16 fish, 9^th Susan Brown 15 fish, 10^th Jim Fleming 14 fish, 11^th Alan McCartney 13 fish, 12^th Pat Noonan 11 fish, 13^th Joe Hughes 10 fish, 14^th Harry McAteer Snr 9 fish, 15^th Mel Campbell 8 fish, heaviest fish Michael Maher 1.08kg.

The tightest finish to the Winter League but Campbell had just retained the title winning him a Greys Platinum XD Competition Special fly rod and Greys Grxi reel, Brian received a Greys X-Flite fly rod and Greys Grxi reel, Lenny received a Greys Grxi+ fly rod with a Greys Grxi reel.

Darren at Woodford would like to thank EVERYBODY that took part, helped out, donated their time, sponsored the prizes to make this years Winter League a great success.

 Pictures:

Main picture: Winter League Champion Campbell Baird with Woodford's Darren Wallace

Picture 2: 2nd Placed Finalist Brian Kerr with Woodford's Darren Wallace

Picture 3: 3rd Placed Finalist Lenny Magee with Woodford's Darren Wallace

On Saturday 24^th April the GAIA ran an assessment weekend at Foxford on the river Moy.

The weekend was originally planned to deal with seventeen assessments but due to varying circumstances only three were eventually run.

Hardy & Greys Academy member, Mark Corps was one of the successful candidates, passing his APGAI Single Handed Fly Casting assessment. Mark is able to add this to the award he already holds from APGAI Ireland.

An angling advisor for the Central Fisheries Board (in the ROI), Mark guides and instructs all over Ireland, with Fermanagh, Donegal and Mayo being the areas he knows best of all.

For more information on Mark, visit his Academy profile, and for more on the APGAI series of qualifications, visit the APGAI website.

Hardy & Greys were among the prize sponsors for the Southside Angling Winter League Competition held in Dublin.

Anglers competed over the Winter in 4 heats in the Dublin area, to compete for places in the final, which took place at Rathcon Trout Fishery, Co. Wicklow, in February.

The top 5 rods from each heat qualified for the final.

Despite the recent cold weather, and very low water temperatures, the final turned out to be a great fishing day, and virtually all the anglers caught fish - and some cracking ones too!

The event was run on a catch and release basis, with the biggest fish caught on the day measuring 65cm. Dave Rohan's total of 6 fish caught and returned was enough to win on the day.

The event was organised and run by Karl O'Toole, Southside Angling's game angling expert who said;

"Thanks go to Rathcon for providing excellent facilities, and of course great fishing for the final."

Dave McBride, owner of Southside Angling added;

"I'm delighted with the whole event, it has proved to be very popular in its first year, and we'll be making it an annual competition."

Dave also thanked Hardy & Greys for their support.

The top 10 competitors at the final were awarded prizes, and Hardy & Greys sponsored the top 3 places:

1.       Dave Rohan won a 10' #7 Hardy Demon Rod

2.       Andre Kostechenko won a 10' #6 Hardy Uniqua Rod

3.       George Goodwin won a 10' #7 Greys Platinum XD Competitor Special Rod

Main image: Picture; left to right, Southside's Dave McBride, winner of the final Dave Rohan, Hardy & Greys' Tom Sullivan, Southside's Karl O' Toole

Image 1 - Competitors on the final day

Image 2 - Winner Dave Rohan claims his prize

Image 3- Second placed Andre Kostechenko

Image 4 - Third placed George Goodwin

The 5X60 scheme is a Welsh Assembly initiative to encourage younger people to get out and about and take part in active sports. The target is to get 90% of secondary pupils achieving 60 minutes of physical activity five times a week by 2020. Currently 99% of secondary schools are involved in the 5x60 programme.

This is the first time this group have been involved with fishing as a vehicle to get active, but angling is recognized as a great way of getting active in the outdoors, that anyone can take part in.

Providing links to clubs to allow young people to continue the activities they try through the scheme is a key aim for 5X60.

Those involved hope to further develop the angling programme, giving each school access to expert help to develop the fishing skills of the group members.

Mark said: "This is a great opportunity for young people to try fishing with some expert help, and maybe later they can venture out, fishing some of the remote lakes and Llyns , combining their new angling skills with hiking in the beautiful Welsh countryside."

For more information on 5X60 visit the Welsh Assembly page.

Trout Fisherman Magazine have reviewed the new range of Greys GS Rods.

Read the review

Read the review

Read the review 

Read the review

Both competing in June, the World Championship Team will compete in Poland and the Home International Rivers Championship Team will compete on the river Tees in the North of England. The European Championship Team will fish in Bosnia in September.

The World Team consists of Howard Croston, John Horsey, Simon Robinson, John Tyzak, Davey Parker and manager Ian Greenwood.

The Home International Rivers Team consists of Howard Croston, Simon Robinson John Tyzak, Ian Greenwood, Phil Dixon, Bernie Maher and Mike Tinnion.

The European Team consists of Scott Nellins, Mike Tinnion, Phil Dixon, Andrew Gooding, Alex Bobba, Tony Baldwin and manager Paul Page.

As well as this the entry fee has been reduced by £5 and new venues in England, Scotland and Ireland have been added.

For more information please visit www.johnhorsey.co.uk.

Watch the programme.

Sadly each year hundreds of fish had been dying in the River Coquet, after becoming trapped and injured at a manmade concrete weir, which partially blocked their route upstream to the fish's breeding sites in tributaries among the Cheviot Hills.

Now, Salmon and Sea Trout, as well as Eels that have migrated thousands of miles from the Caribbean, will be able to swim through the Warkworth Dam fish pass, which has reopened thanks to a project by the Northumberland Rivers Trust, a new charity that works to restore and safeguard rivers and streams in the County.

Volunteers from The West End Anglers and the Northumbrian Anglers Federation cleared the fish pass, and connected a series of pools and small jumps to allow the fish species to safely bypass the weir.

Since closing 20 years ago, the original pass had fallen into disrepair. Rubbish, fallen trees, general debris and mud was removed from the pools and rocks arranged at the downstream entrance to help guide fish to the pass. Strips of bristle brush will be fitted, allowing the elvers to wriggle between the pools.

Peter Kerr, the Director at Northumberland Rivers Trust, said:

"It is extremely exciting to see the fish pass up and running again. Just after it was cleared we saw a fish jumping through the system. We have high hopes that the pass will prove successful and will help the fish population in Northumberland.

"Previously, the weir made it almost impossible for the fish to travel upstream to their spawning grounds. The fish were damaged by scraping their undersides on the concrete, which led to them becoming diseased and falling prey to Seals and Otters.

"Now the fish have a means of safely bypassing the weir to reach their spawning grounds in the Cheviot Hills, thanks to the tremendous efforts of our volunteers and those partners who were involved in the project."

The fish pass project is part of The Northumberland Rivers Trust's wider programme to improve and enhance rivers and streams from source to sea in Northumberland. Find out more information about the Northumberland Rivers Trust.

On Saturday 27^th April, Hardy & Greys were pleased to support a fly fishing event organised by Lucy Bowden to raise money for the charity, Fishing for Heroes.

Anglers travelled from far and wide, with some competitors travelling over 300 miles to attend the event which was held at Chatton Trout Fishery in Northumberland. 40 anglers including active servicemen from the Scots Guards and veterans from various conflicts came together to fish in a friendly competition that was supported by Hardy & Greys and Barbour.

The four hour competition was followed by a hog roast before an auction and raffle were held; the auction alone raised in excess of £1200.

Winners of the competition were Trevor Wadds with heaviest bag at 22lb, catching 21 fish in total. Trevor won a Barbour Jacket. In second place was Andy Richmond with 14.5lb and won a Hardy CLS 5000 Reel and the winner of heaviest fish was Charles Cerventas with two fish at the same weight of 4.5lb.

Lucy Bowden said;

"This event was six months in the making and I'm thrilled at how successful it was. The final amount is yet to be calculated as donations came in from across the country but the current amount stands at £3,100.

"I'm overwhelmed by the efforts that all those involved in making the day a huge success made, and the impact the money raised will have on helping to turn around people's lives.

"I'd like to thank everyone who supported this event, especially Hardy & Greys and Barbour."

Paul West, National Coordinator of Fishing for Heroes said;

"Fishing For Heroes was founded in 2009 and provides fully expensed fly fishing courses as part of a therapy package for veterans and serving personnel who are suffering from emotional and physiological problems relating to them having been involved in active service.

"The charity looks after veterans going back to World War 2. Clinical research carried out has concluded that with just a short three day fly fishing course the symptoms of PTSD are reduced by 20%.

"We are extremely grateful to Lucy for organising this event and to Chatton Fishery for hosting the day. Of course we could not have done it without everyone who donated prizes, auction lots and cash donations to the charity."

This is the second Fishing For Heroes event Hardy & Greys have supported. Read more.

Find out more about Fishing For Heroes and the work they do.

The April issue of Fin & Fly is now out. In this month's issue Andrew Herd reflects on The Anglers' Guide - Hardy's first mail order catalogue.

"The vast majority of anglers alive today know Hardy's as a tackle wholesaler, but for most of its history, the firm was run on a very different principle - it was a direct sales mail order business that operated a handful of retail outlets in big cities and a network of agents abroad."

Also in this month's edition: John Bailey on his spring fishing, Chris Ogborne reports on kayak fishing and as pace gathers for Longleat Show, Chris Ogborne offers the latest news, including what's to see and where you can buy tickets to the show. All this and more! Read it now.

We have been making the world's finest fishing tackle in Alnwick for 140 years and this event offers the opportunity to see various in-house attractions. Visit the Hardy museum, get a tour of our factory, meet some of the people behind our brands, and pick up advice and inspiration for your fishing.

Also on the day will be casting and fly tying demonstrations, and a chance to try out our products and get some advice from our experts. We'll also have representatives from some important local and national organisations, including the Salmon & Trout Association, Northumbrian Rivers Trust, and Fishing for Everyone Ladies Fishing Club.

Entry to the event is free and attractions will include...

Factory tours

Enjoy a guided tour of the world famous Hardy factory. The tour includes a look at the latest rod and reel manufacturing and also a look at the more traditional cane rod workshop. Places on the tours are limited, advance bookings advisable - see below.

Reel Clinic

Bring your vintage or modern Hardy or Greys reels in for a free mini service and lube with Hardy's reel designer.

Casting, fishing and fly dressing demonstrations

Demonstrations from some of the country's top anglers including Chris Ogborne, Stevie Munn, Johnny Wealleans

Rod testing

Test cast the current ranges of fly rods from Hardy & Greys.

Free tuition and advice

Free advice and tuition from our expert team on fishing and tackle is available.

Other attractions

Also attending on the day are the Fishing For Everyone Ladies Club, Northumbrian Water, The Angling Trust, Salmon & Trout Association and Northumbrian Rivers Trust.

Competition

We'll be holding a free to enter prize draw to win a new Hardy Ultralite CLS reel.

The event will run 9am -5pm and will be held at Hardy & Greys Ltd. Willowburn, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 2PF

Factory Tours - Book in Advance

Factory tours are at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.00pm
The tour lasts approximately an hour and you'll see our reel production facility, rod rolling, and our cane workshops.
There's the opportunity to meet some of the people behind the scenes and to see products at different stages of the process, and ask as many questions as you like!

As the tours were so popular at last year's event, we strongly recommend you book your place on the tour in advance by calling 01665 602 771 and speaking to the switchboard (Option 8)

Elsewhere in Alnwick...

If you're thinking of bringing the family for a day out, there's lots more to see and do in Alnwick and the surrounding areas. From the famous Alnwick Castle, which was used in the Harry Potter films, to the shops and cafes in the historic town centre with it's picturesque market square. For bookworms, Barter Books, one of the largest second hand bookstores in the country is just along the road. We're also just a short drive from the beautiful Northumberland coastline, with it's sandy beaches, interesting wildlife and ancient castles. Find out more at the Visit Alnwick website.

Can't make this date?

We'll be holding another Experience Day on 7th September 2013

Owen Murray was first to record a fish, netting one within minutes of the start using sinking line and lures. Leinster man, Roger Fowler hit into a small pod of fish, banking 3 fish in quick succession including one measuring 50cm, again fishing sinking line and lures. Gareth Morris was next to catch a fish, using an intermediate line and lures to record a nice 46cm fish. Local angler Michael Bruton used a floating line and nymphs to catch his first fish. Newtownards man Derek Millar had a quick change in tactics to intermediate line with lures to bank a good 41cm fish.

Roger increased his lead in the 2nd hour with a good 50+cm fish, again using sinking line and lures. Gareth Morris stuck to his intermediate set-up to record his 2nd fish and Woodford regular Chris Spence recorded his 1st fish fishing a floating line and nymphs.

Minutes into the third hour and Roger had bagged up with his 5th fish of the day. Kenny Ferguson, Ciaran Mellon, Jonny Hoad and Linda Straghan all banked their 1st fish of the day with everyone fishing sinking lines and lures. Gareth Morris was having a good steady round again taking 1 fish on his intermediate set-up. Chris Spence netted his 2nd of the day, sticking to his floating line and nymph tactics. Lenny Magee used sinking line and nymphs to bank a lovely silvered fish measuring 50+cm.

Lunch brought a welcomed break from the wind and a chance to warm up with a bowl of Mum's homemade stew!

Gareth was straight into the fish after lunch banking 2 in quick time to complete his bag limit for the day. League leader Brian Kerr recorded his first fish of the day, fishing sinking line and lures. Huw Morris used intermediate line and buzzers to net his 1st of the day.

Into the last hour and the conditions where getting the better of most of the field, sending them to the lodge early for a cup of tea and a chance to warm up beside the heater. Jonny Hoad and Kenny Ferguson stuck it out and banked another two fish each. Last fish of the round fell to the lures of Ciaran Mellon, giving him 2 fish for the day.

The final whistle brought a close to this years Winter League and what had been a hard fought competition with the competitors having to do battle with the harsh weather conditions that this winter had threw at them. The scorecards were collected and those who where in the top 5 after Round 5 had all struggled on the day.

Top 3 on the day:

1st Roger Fowler 5 fish 215pts

2nd Gareth Morris 5 fish 198pts

3rd Jonny Hoad 3 fish 120pts

With the fish lengths in the final placing could be worked out, with prizes for the top 15 places and Greys GS fly rod for the longest fish outside the top 15, there was also a Greys Platinum or Airflo 6th Sense fly line for every finishing competitor.

Final Placings

1st Roger Fowler 23 fish 913pts; 2nd Brian Kerr 22 fish 831pts; 3rd Gareth Morris 22 fish 811pts; 4th Kenny Ferguson 21 fish 808pts; 5th Michael Bruton 20 fish 758pts; 6th Jonny Hoad 20 fish 746pts; 7th Huw Morris 19 fish 720pts; 8th Linda Straghan 18 fish 701pts; 9th Joe Hughes 18 fish 661pts; 10th Hubert Smith 16 fish 615pts; 11th Mark Carlisle 15 fish 558pts; 12th Ciaran Mellon 15 fish 556pts; 13th Chris Spence 14 fish 540pts; 14th Owen Murray 13 fish 488pts; 15th John Kellegher 12 fish 453pts; Best Fish Julie Gerry.

A great performance on the day from Roger, who was in 6th place going into the final round and doing one better than his 2nd place in last years Winter League.

A worthy winner, who has supported the Winter League since 2007, travelling to every round from Maynooth with his fishing buddy Julie. Roger received the Winter League Shield, a Greys XF2 Comp Special fly rod, GX500 Reel and Greys baseball cap, Brian received a Greys Grxi+ Fly Rod and GX 500 reel, Gareth received a Greys GS2 fly rod and GX300 reel, Kenny received a Wychwood SLA fly rod, and Michael received a Vision Koma reel. The prizes from 6th to 15th were fly tying products, tackle bags, fly boxes and fly selections, fly lines and fly fishing accessories giving a prize fund of over £2000 worth of tackle.

This years prizes had all been kindly donated by Dave at Leeda, Paul of Shamrock Baits, Toby at Funky Fly Tying, Guide Fly Fishing, Veniard's Fly Tying Ltd, BVG Airflo, Woodford Fly Fishery and Hardy & Greys Ltd.

Darren at Woodford would like to thank EVERYBODY that took part, helped out, donated their time, and sponsored the prizes to make this year's Winter League a great success.

Chris Ogborne and Territory Sales Manager, Pete Gibson will be among the experts on hand, showing off the Hardy Zenith Rods and the new Strata clothing from Greys.

Also on the day will be fly tying demonstrations throughout the day and advice on travel from worldwide fishing experts Aardvark McLeod.

If you are in the market for a new rod why not come along - you can cast and compare some of the great new fly rod ranges on the 30m casting pool and Sportfish will give you a great part exchange deal on your old rod if you fancy an upgrade.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Find out more.

Chris Ogborne and Territory Sales Manager, Pete Gibson will be among the experts on hand, showing off the Hardy Zenith Rods and the new Strata clothing from Greys.

Also on the day will be fly tying demonstrations throughout the day and advice on travel from worldwide fishing experts Aardvark McLeod.

If you are in the market for a new rod why not come along - you can cast and compare some of the great new fly rod ranges on the 30m casting pool and Sportfish will give you a great part exchange deal on your old rod if you fancy an upgrade.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Find out more.

"There are two main types of curve cast and they are identified as positive or negative curves. I will explain the technical detail of each cast, but firstly we must ask, ‘what is the purpose of these types of cast?' Some may see these as circus tricks but they are not. They are simply another weapon in your fly-fishing armoury."

Also in this month's edition: Andy Buckley on a Grayling fishing trip to the River Dove, Pete McLeod on going to war with GTs in the Seychelles and Chris Ogborne on how the new Longleat Show is shaping up. All this and more! Don't miss it!

Sign up here now.

Chris Ogborne and Territory Sales Manager, Pete Gibson will be among the experts on hand, showing off the Hardy Zenith Rods and the new Strata clothing from Greys.

Also on the day will be fly tying demonstrations throughout the day and advice on travel from worldwide fishing experts Aardvark McLeod.

If you are in the market for a new rod why not come along - you can cast and compare some of the great new fly rod ranges on the 30m casting pool and Sportfish will give you a great part exchange deal on your old rod if you fancy an upgrade.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Find out more.

Murray takes over the story:

"The fishing over here is tough as there are very low water levels at the moment so the fish are out from under the willows but very spooky.

"The rod I love, for a 5wt it handles itself very well as we normally use a stiff 6wt. As a 9'6" it is great to use with a dry and sometimes a dropper under it, very accurate and smooth"

"This week has been great fishing the ripples and when the rod is so easily converted to a 10 footer it comes into its own with a couple of nymphs. Great reach for mending and the soft tip action is ideal for laying into a big Brown.

"It has managed a fantastic day on the Aparima where I landed 5 Browns from 3 to 5 pounds and they put a bend in it!"

Murray Ogilvie is the owner of High Country Fly Fishing in Australia's Snowy Mountains, and a keen fly angler and casting instructor.

"Salmon fishing can be both rewarding and seriously frustrating - a sport filled with theory and counter theory, none of which, thankfully, can ever be properly quantified. Each season brings with it some new ideas from a group of strangely obsessive people pitting their wits against a fish whose declining number itself impacts on their behaviour whilst in fresh water!"

Also in this month's edition: Howard Croston on the Greys Bank Championships, JB on his year with the Crabtree kids and Lucy Bowden reflects on an Italian fishing trip. PLUS, don't miss the Hardy & Greys top Christmas Gift Guide All this and more! Don't miss it! Read Fin & Fly now.

It fell to the rod of Edinburgh angler Jim Read, with expert assistance from ghillie Ian Farr, and is easily the biggest of the respected guide's 25-year career on the river.
The mighty fish measured 50 inches long with a 25 inch girth and fell to a Gold Bodied Willie Gunn tube fly - and is the top story in the video magazine's Fly Fishing News feature which, like all the videos in the current issue, is free online, on mobile and on Samsung Smart TVs and blu-ray players.

Watch Fly Fishing Video News

There's also news on the sale of Hardy & Greys, England's huge win in the annual Bank International, Rutland Water's biggest brown trout of the year and a record-nudging grayling taken on the fly.

Plus there's a report from Hugh Miles on the desperate outlook for many of the UK's reputed chalk streams and rivers, entitled ‘Our Rivers In Crisis', and featuring Paul Knight of the Salmon And Trout Association who discusses the STA's formal complaint to the European Union on the issue.

As always the issue is packed with great video for fly anglers all over the world - other highlights of the issue include Hardy & Greys Academy Member Mark Roberts with a demonstration on casting with a double handed fly rod.

Watch Game Fisher's Diary Now

The company will be donating over £400 worth of raffle prizes, including a Hardy Ultralite DD Salmon Reel and new Mach Spey Multi-Tip Line.

The dinner will be held on Friday 16th November at the Northern Football Club, Gosforth in Newcastle Upon Tyne. This year's guest speaker is Eoin Fairgrieve, AAPGAI member and founder of TweedStart, an angling and environmental education programme based in the Scottish Borders.

Hardy & Greys Sales and Marketing Director, Ken Brewster commented;

"We are pleased to once again be able to support the S&TA and the vital work they do for anglers, for fish and for the environment. The annual dinner is not only a great fundraiser, but a way to bring like minded people together to share ideas on the work of the Association."

Anyone interested in attending the dinner may contact S&TA Secretary, Carole Sanderson: damselflycaj@aol.com. Tickets are priced at £25 each and include a three course meal.

The impact of criminal behaviour on angling is a concern for us all, and now a new partnership between Crimestoppers and the Fish Health Inspectorate is trying to combat four key areas of crime threatening angling:

• Smuggling fish from abroad
• Illegal fish movements between waters
• Fish theft and poaching
• Tackle theft

As well as reporting illegal activity to the Crimestoppers service, anglers are being encouraged to spread the word about the campaign by printing and displaying the Angling Under Threat Poster. (download here)

From the FHI webpage:

"You can help to combat these crimes by taking more responsibility for your sport and providing information on illegal activity. With your help we can then target the right people: the ring leaders, the organisers, the individuals who stand to make the biggest profits - those with no care or interest in your sport or the welfare of the animals.

It couldn't be easier to help. Through a new partnership with Crimestoppers you can now leave information completely anonymously: either online or by telephone on 0800 555 111."

In addition The Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI), based at Cefas, produced videos explaining the current problem of illegal imports spreading fish disease, which can damage fisheries.

Find out more here:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/aahm/guidance/angling-under-threat/

The Fish took a size 16 lightly weighted bug fished on 5lb Hardy Mach Fluorocarbon and was returned safely to the River.

Howard who was on a tackle testing trip on an undisclosed river said;

"I thought it may have been a Salmon at first as the fish stayed deep. It was only when I got it into the net that I realised it was something very special."

"There are some dark clouds on the horizon of stillwater fly fishing in the UK. The recession is biting deep and angler numbers are down, in some cases dramatically down. Trout fisheries large and small are struggling to make any money at all and unless things change very soon we are going to lose some of them."

Also in this month's edition: Andrew Herd on the art of split cane rod building, Marketing Manager Steve Peterson recaps on the success of the Hardy Experience Day and John Bailey on his recent fishing adventures. All this and more! Don't miss it!

Read this month's issue.

Sign up here now.

The Wild Trout Trust (WTT) recently announced the release of a new film about improving wild trout habitat in rivers.

With the help of the Environment Agency, the WTT have released a 70 minute film feature that follows WTT Vice President and journalist Jon Beer as he visits three very different rivers in England in the company of Wild Trout Trust Conservation Officers Andy Thomas, Tim Jacklin and Paul Gaskell.

The feature is aimed at people with responsibility for managing a river, including fishing clubs, farmers and landowners, local authorities, water companies, wildlife trusts, and other community groups.  

The film graphically illustrates the challenges of managing river habitat for wild trout, with examples of good and poor habitat and practical demonstrations of habitat improvement. Additional sections of film cover key topics in greater depth, as appendices and expert forums. The rivers featured are the River Meon in Hampshire, Rivers Dove and Manifold in Derbyshire and Staffordshire, and the River Don as it flows through the centre of Sheffield.

The film will complement the Wild Trout Trust's practical advice and river habitat project work, and inspire more people to care for their local river and recognise its value. The DVD is available from the Wild Trout Trust website for £10.00, including postage and packing. The main feature is 70 minutes long with additional appendices and expert forums on a range of important topics.

To find or more, visit the Wild Trout Trust website. 

About the Wild Trout Trust

Hardy & Greys Instructors Pat Mulholland, Stephen Kennedy and William Holmes will be on hand to offer single handed and double handed fly casting tuition.

This is your chance to learn new casts like the Double Haul or the Snake Roll or just improve your technique with the expert guidance of our qualified instructors.

This is a free event but please contact Moorbrook Lodge to book as numbers are strictly limited.

Free Entry (call to reserve your place)
Saturday 13th October 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Moorbrook Lodge Fishery
46 Glebe Road,
Castlerock,
Co Londonderry
Northern Ireland
BT514SW

Tel: 028 7084 9408

This course is designed for both newcomers to the sport and those who have taken it up recently and want to learn more about fishing for Salmon.

If you have done any Salmon fishing, or you have trouble covering the river effectively this is the course for you.

For those who have been fishing for some time and just want to improve your technique, this is an ideal opportunity to pick up some new ideas and fish at the same time.

The course will be covering a range of Salmon fishing topics over the 3 days, and also included fishing on the river using all the casts and techniques you have learned.

For full details, please view the attached document.

Organisers said:

"This show is a must for the angling enthusiast. Why not encourage your local angling club to make it a club outing? Come along with your friends. You can take advantage of our new Two-Day Ticket at a special rate and make a great weekend of it.

"There are special room rates at the event hotel for those staying the weekend, details under ‘Accommodation' on the fly fair website.

"Make sure to come along and give this event your support; this is perhaps the greatest game angler's show in Europe and is the one event not to miss in Ireland this year."

Find out more about the show at www.irishflyfair.com 

Following hot on the heels of the bestselling book, the DVD includes a wealth of tips and exciting footage of the various species, as well as a special Tying Flies for Coarse Fish feature. To find out more and order your copy visit Dominic's website. 

The funeral of Jim Hardy will be held on Wednesday 8th August at 11.00am at the Church in Lesbury, Northumberland, continuing with a reception at the Hardy Museum in Alnwick. Jim's son Roy has advised that all friends, colleagues and acquaintances of Jim are welcome to attend.

The Hardy Shop and Museum will be closed from 11.30am - 2pm during this period.

Please direct any floral tributes to Alistair Turner, Greensfield Park, Willowburn Road, Alnwick NE66 2DG.

This month John Bailey talks about how he himself is getting involved in NFM to promote this sport to the masses.

"The best thing, as ever, is seeing the excited faces of my ‘Peters' and the massive enthusiasm they show for the sport. It's so real you can almost touch it. There's a glow about these kids that lights up the riverbank. Children love to get out and enjoy real challenges in a real situation. The fact I've just been fishing with a couple of gorgeous sisters makes me realise that fishing across all gender, all races and all barriers. It's truly a cosmic sport!"

Also in this month's edition: Andrew Herd provides a follow up from last month's article by talking about the history of the split bamboo rod, Chris Ogborne tells us how to take fishing abroad with a Hardy & Greys travel rod, Stevie Munn on Summer Salmon and Tom Sullivan on the fishing delights of Durness, Scotland - just a taster of what this month has to offer!

Sign up to Fin & Fly to get tips and advice on how you can do your part in promoting this sport for National Fishing Month.

Sign up here now.

The donated rod and reels will be used in GHOF schemes across the UK in a bid to get more kids into fishing.

Ken Brewster, Sales & Marketing Director said;

"Hardy & Greys have enthusiastically supported Get Hooked on Fishing for a number of years; we do so simply because it is a great charity. They are tremendously successful at introducing young people to angling, something that everyone in our industry should be passionate about. GHOF cater for under privileged youngsters in particular. These are young people who, through circumstance, might not otherwise get the opportunity to try fishing."

Get Hooked On Fishing (GHOF) is an angling programme which helps provide positive opportunities for young people and communities.

Fancy a day’s salmon fishing on some of the best beats on the River Tyne?

To raise money for the Youth Against Crime Awards in association with the High Sheriff's Fund, the High Sheriff of Northumberland Mrs Harriet Benson is holding a raffle with the Riparian Owners of the Tyne providing two rods for a day on some of the best beats on England’s top salmon river.

Each ticket drawn will be for two rods on one beat. The date for each rod will be confirmed with the landowner and details will be provided to each winner. All of the rods are available for 2013 and the availablity, fishing terms, conditions and so on will be at the discretion of the landowner. 

“I believe that the fishing community of Northumberland should be valued and celebrated as it is my opinion that the Tyne Valley hold some of the most beautiful and enjoyable fishing beats in England,” Mrs Benson said.

The draw will be on October 19. Tickets, £10 each, and details of beats that have been donated so far are available on the events page at 

http://highsheriffnorthumberland2012.co.uk  

With more beats still to be confirmed fishing will be available on Snabdough, Hesleyside, Chollerton, Newton, Riverdale, Haughton, The Green and Lee Hall, and The Birks.”

This is the fifth successive year of the 'Fair‘, having evolved from the 'Killyleagh Fly Fair‘ it is now in its third rear as IIFF and is again hosted by the Dibney River Conservation Trust A not for profit organisation based in the village of Killyleagh.

"The ethos of the 'Fair‘ is to continue to highlight the Trusts struggle in its attempt to restore the infrastructure of the Dibney River that flows through the village of Killyleagh then into Strangford Lough and the strengths of this 'Fair‘ are that it has a strong emphasis on involving the young people of the district and the venues are throughout the village, including the impressive Killyleagh Castle"

The Dibney is an important natural spawning stream for Strangford Lough's Sea-Trout population and also supports a habitat for kingfishers, otter and brown trout. The strength of this ‘Fair' is that it is held throughout the village, including the impressive Killyleagh Castle. The main venue for the tyers, 35+ in number and some of the best in the world, coming from Bulgaria, Sweden, France, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland & England, is in what was part of the Ulster Bank Killyleagh now converted to a banqueting hall, a truly unique experience.  

Hardy & Greys dealers Moorbrook Lodge will be in attendance with demonstrator models of the Hardy Zenith Sintrix rods which can be tried out on the casting area.

For more information, visit the Irish International Fly Fair website

Throughout the day there will be:

• Game angling advice on double and single handled rods and fly tying.
• Casting Clinic - Improve your casting technique £7.50 for 20 minutes
• Have-A-Go - casting for beginners
  £7.50 for 20 minutes
• 1 hour Taster Tickets (1 fish limit) - £7.00
• Hardy Greys Game Fishing Sampler
  Your chance to see and try the latest tackle
• Distance and Accuracy Competition
• Fly tying demonstration
• BBQ

Earith Lakes Fisheries, Holme Fen Drove, Colne, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 3RE.

If using Sat Nav: when the sat nav tells you you have reached your destination drive a further 0.5 miles and you will see Earith Lakes Fisheries on your right

You will need a valid Environment Agency Rod Licence if you are aged 12 or over to fish on the day.A one-day licence costs £3.75p and can be purchased online or at The Post Office.

Find out more from Earith Lakes

You will also find Stevie at the meet and greet area with angling personalities incusing TV's most famous angler John Wilson.

Alongside the casting demos, the show will feature talks, the Interactive Youth Zone, cooking demos, top fly tying demos, and free casting and fly tying lessons from APGAI-Ireland. There's something every angler and angling enthusiast.

Hardy, Greys and Chub fishing tackle will be available via the show's trade stands.

Find out more about the show on the Ireland Angling Show website. 

Stevie was among only two Europeans asked to give a fly casting clinic at this high profile event and was interviewed by Argentine T.V and sampled the fishing on the World famous Rio Grande River. The other was top caster Danish caster Henrik Mortensen. The show was a great success with Stevie showing fly casting with Hardy rods and reels which the local guides and anglers also tried and enjoyed. Stevie would like to thank all involved with this marvellous event and hopes he can return.

The second part of his trip Stevie stayed at The Estancia Despedida lodge, hosted by Danny Lajous and Ozzie, this is where Stevie landed his biggest ever Sea Run Brown Trout which tipped the scales just over 24lb, taken on a fly given to him by his show interpreter and now friend Jorge Luis Calvo Laubli or Tato for short.The deadly pattern was a Black & Red Articulated dressing.

Stevie tells us the Despedida Lodge is "lavish and relaxing" set in a beautiful wilderness with not only fishing on the Rio Grande but also the beautiful rivers Rio Menendez and Rio Mc Lennan. Stevie said Danny and Ozzie are the ultimate lodge hosts: "Their kind nature coupled by a rich fishing knowledge made me feel right at home. As the only owner-operated lodge on the Rio Grande, Despedida has the comforting feel of staying with your fishing family.

"Danny's son Tommy and his friend Jorge are fantastic guides with an uncanny ability to find big fish that will take. Ozzie's entertaining conversation at the dinner table ranged from Argentine history to rock, Jazz and blues music to world affairs. Chef Oscar served excellent four course meals with elements of Argentine and European cuisine that were well-matched with best Argentine wines"

Stevie definitely will be back hopefully as a guest again to the show and also Despedida Lodge have asked him to promote and host trips to this wonderful destination to U.K and Irish anglers, so anyone interested in sampling this magnificent part of the world and its great fishing contact Stevie Munn by email

Heats will be held at venues around the country for both individual and team competitions. The individual final is to take place on the 8th October at Westlow Mere fishery in Cheshire and the Team Final also at Westlow on the 9th October.

The top three anglers from each of the sixteen heats will qualify through to the final and the top six finishers from the Greys Individual National Final will have their details forwarded to the Angling Trust Fly -Fishing Competitions Committee for ratification on eligibility to form the 2012 England Bank Team along with seventh and eighth place who will make up the reserves.

For the Greys Team Championships the winners will receive medals and prizes from Greys fishing tackle.

Competition secretary Fred Bainbridge said:
"We are delighted to welcome onboard our new sponsor! Greys are the market leader in Stillwater trout fishing and we feel that this partnership will be of an immense benefit to the competition"

The competition is organized under the auspices of the Angling Trust Fly-Fishing Competitions Committee.

You can find your nearest heats in the PDF documents opposite.

Competition enquires should be made to:

Mr. Fred Bainbridge
77 Aismunderby Close, Ripon, North Yorkshire. HG4 1NT
Tel: 07785 743508.

 There's more information at the Confederation of English Fly Fishers website. 

Comments about the XF2 included:

"A faster action than the outgoing X-Flite...will appeal to both novice and experienced anglers... Crisp accurate presentation and the backbone to cope with dense sinkers in rough and windy conditions" 

To read the whole review, download the PDF.

View details of the Greys XF2 fly rod

Russia is an exciting market for the company and the firm has had good relations with the Russian Federation for many years. Hardy & Greys be exhibiting through our Russian distribution partner, Eco Technology, who are the most established importer of foreign fishing tackle to the Russian Federation.

International Sales & Events Manager Andrew Sowerby will be on hand to meet Russian customers, discuss products and the new areas of innovation we're working on.

The Hunting and Fishing in Russia Exhibition will feature over 700 exhibitors from Russia, CIS and foreign countries demonstrating the best samples of their products and services including hunting and fishing equipment and accessories, vehicles, fishing and hunting tourism, recreation, books, souvenirs and gifts. The exhibition will be attended by companies from Belarus, Ukraine, Italy, Norway, Latvia, Poland, Korea, China, Japan, New Zealand, as well as almost all Russian regions. It is expected that the number of visitors will be more than 60,000 people.

For more details on the show, please contact Andrew Sowerby asowerby@hardygreys.com

Andrew Sowerby is the International Sales & Events Manager for Hardy & Greys. Andrew has been with the company for 10 years, travels all over the world, and appeared on TV in various countries. Andrew's a keen angler, loves to get out and fish in whichever location he finds himself, and has caught a variety of species across the world on lure, bait and fly. Andrew is pictured with a a large Kahawai caught on Lure at the mouth of the Hurunui Rover in New Zealand.

31 year old Dominic is a highly talented mutli-disciplined angler who has had over 70 angling features published in the last few years with magazines such as Anglers Mail, Angling Times & Total Fly Fisher.

Dominic said;

"As a writer whose work has covered everything from small stream fly fishing to specimen Pike, Hardy & Greys seems the perfect match for me as they produce such a wide range of quality kit. Equally however, I'm drawn by the more traditional values of the company, which is important for my writing- that aims to capture the magic of the sport without the hard sell. It's great to be involved with a company that has listened to angling legends from Richard Walker to John Bailey."

Marketing Manager, Gav Burn said;

"I'm delighted that we have been able to secure the services of a young, dynamic and professional angler such as Dominic. We look forward to working with and helping to develop Dominic in the years ahead."

Chub has also been voted the best brand for Carp rods below 100 Euro and in the best luggage category for the 2010 tackle awards.

These awards are presented to some of the best fishing tackle manufacturers in the world and we are pleased to have been successful.

Angling Unlimited believe people should have the opportunity to:

• Experience and enjoy angling
• Enjoy a healthy competitive environment
• Have a quality introduction to angling suited to their level of personal development
• Be offered excellent teaching, coaching and resources
• Progress along a structured path of achievement
• Fulfil their angling potential

Angling Unlimited works in partnership with local public services such as the Police, Youth Offending Teams, The Environment Agency and schools, as well as voluntary and community organisations.

Hardy & Greys Ltd are pleased to support Angling Unlimited

On this Friday and Saturday, the 13 & 14 of August Clonanav Fly Fishing will be opening its new store in Ballymacarbry Co. Waterford. To celebrate the opening there will be a host of activities including casting demos, seminars, prize draw and discount deals on tackle.

Customers can try out all the new Hardy & Greys gear and there's a chance to meet and see casting demonstrations from leading anglers including Hardy & Greys Academy members, Jason O Riordan and Ian Gordon.

The Lexus Teams Northern Heat was held on Stocks Reservoir on Saturday 17th July.

High winds and heavy rain led to atrocious conditions, and the rain coloured up the water, but G Tech Stocks triumphed. 

Darren Booth took top rod, fishing a slow sinker with four flies - a Booby on the top and bottom, and two dabblers in the middle. Darren used a slow roly poly retreive.  

Results:

The Northern Final Airflo Anglian Water was held on Rutland Water. Chris Guthrie, team captain for G Tech Stocks and top rod on the day sent us this report...

My boat partner for the day was Dave Docherty, known as "Curly" to most! Dave chose to fish at the top of the North Arm, from Transformer Round to Burley Reaches, just up from Dickinson's Bay. He chose this area because he had seen fish feeding on pinfry the previous couple of days before.

The day started well and Dave had a fish with his first cast, then I lost one after a 60m run. We picked up fish steadily throughout the day and by 4.15pm I had my eight fish limit which gained me a 1¾ lb time bonus. Dave finished with 6 fish. The fish were all taken on dry fly. My best catch was a brown, just short of 6lb and I also had a fine rainbow of 5½ lb.

When we spooned the fish, we found they were feeding mainly on Corixa, therefore we used the ploy of following the swans as they were feeding and lifting the weed from the bottom, disturbing the Corixa. Hence the use of dry fly as the water in these areas was fairly shallow.

At the weigh in I had a total weight of 30lb 9¼oz and the G Tech team all had good average weights with Nick Halstead having the 2^nd heaviest fish at 4lb 3oz. as a result G Tech Stocks team came an overall 2^nd in the competition assuring us of a place in the prestigious international final in October.

World Cup fever is starting to grip the nation, but the footballers aren't the only ones gearing up for a big competition... Hardy & Greys Team England are currently in Poland, preparing for their upcoming match, Howard Croston sent this report...

Poland is suffering from unprecedented high water conditions following exceptional rainfall, all of the rivers are running high and coloured causing problems for the 29 countries currently engaged in practice and preparation for the match starting on the 17th of June.

Due to the large entry of teams, limited practice water is available and combined with the less than favourable water conditions practise is proving difficult.

Hopes are high for better conditions in the match, but more possible thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could dampen everyone's prospects. Luckily current day time temps are exceeding 90 degrees helping to dry up the rain soaked polish country side.

Team England have experienced good success on the 4 practice days fished so far on both the river and lake venues and are starting to formulate plans for the competition sectors .

Read more about Hardy & Greys Team England.

Gary arrives with a wealth of experience after ten years in the food service industry followed by thirteen highly successful years with fishing tackle manufacturer, Shimano.

Gary said of his appointment;

"It was a big step leaving Shimano, but when the opportunity arose to move to such a forward thinking, progressive company such as Hardy & Greys I found it impossible to refuse.

Since joining Hardy & Greys Ltd I have been overwhelmed with the level of customer focus and passion to succeed. I am looking forward to rekindling many old acquaintances, making some new ones and playing a full part in what looks certain to be a very bright future indeed."

Sales and Marketing Director, Ken Brewster said;

"I am delighted that Gary has joined us. He has a wealth of experience and tremendous customer relationships throughout the trade. He has fitted into the team instantly and will, I am sure, do a terrific job for us."

Gary replaces Steve Peterson who is taking up his new role as Game Marketing Manager for the Company starting at the end of April.

Dave had been working as a Consultant for the Northumberland based fishing tackle company for over three years, and has been heavily involved with rod and tackle design during this period. This includes working on the highly successful Hardy Marksman, and the new Greys Prodigy Specimen & Specialist Coarse introductions.

Dave has been a highly successful match and specialist coarse angler for many years. He has written extensively for the Angling press and currently writes weekly features for the Angler's Mail magazine. He will continue to contribute to this popular magazine from his new location and home in Alnwick, which will no doubt delight many northern anglers!

Commenting on his new position Dave said;

"I'm deeply honoured to have been offered the position of Coarse Product Manager and I relish the challenge.

"Hardy & Greys Ltd is a major, forward thinking company who are going places fast in both the Coarse and Carp markets, and I can now be even more involved with this exciting success story.

"I have made many new friends in Northumberland and I can't wait to explore the fishing up there."

Managing Director of Hardy & Greys Ltd, Richard Sanderson said;

"Hardy & Greys are pleased to announce Dave is joining our Product Development Team on a full time basis. Dave has been working with us for many years as a consultant and brings a wealth of experience with him from both the coarse market and fishing tackle industry. We are very excited to have Dave on board and look forward to launching many new products with his expert knowledge of the coarse & match market."

Trout Fisherman magazine review the Greys GS Landing Net.

Read review

Hardy & Greys Category Product Manager, Howard Croston has been selected for the World Team for Poland in June 2010 as a full team member and has also been selected as Captain of England for the Home International Rivers Team for the River Tees in June 2010.

Howard said;

"It's a huge honour to represent your country and to be reselected for the world championships - following on from England's victory last year makes it all the more special."

Game Product Assistant, Scott Nellins has been selected for his first European Cap as a Full member of the European team for the event in Bosnia in September 2010.
Scott said;

"The selection came as a huge but very satisfactory surprise. I assumed my age would be against me but I believe I am fully capable of making the best of this opportunity."

Hardy & Greys Ltd would like to wish Howard and Scott luck in their competitions next year.

The GRXi Plus, GS2 and GS single and double handed rod ranges have each undergone extensive testing by Greys Consultants from around the globe, and their four piece construction offers great performance but with easier transportation capabilities.

Other products to see from Greys include the new and much anticipated range of GRXi Xtreme clothing. Now with highly durable, waterproof and breathable fabric, the superior cut clothing comes in a variety of sizes from S to XXXL. Included in this range is the GRXi Xtreme full length Jacket, Wading Jacket, Bib and Brace and UV Shirts.

Trout Fisherman magazine review the Greys GRXi fly rod.

Read the review

Category Product Manager for game, Howard Croston has been selected for the World Team for Poland in June 2010 as a full team member, and has been fortunate to be selected as Captain of England for the Home International Rivers Team on the River Tees in June 2010.

Product Assistant, Scott Nellins has been selected for his first European Cap as a full member of the European team for the event in Bosnia in September 2010.

Congratulations go to both anglers and we would like to wish them both the best of luck in the competitions next year.

Founded to raise money for a fishing village devastated in the Tsunami in 2004 the annual event now raises money for similar good causes and In past years nearly £3000 has been successfully raised through the event and nearly 200 anglers have entered.

Managing Director of Game Fishing Supplies, Ian Woods said;

"We are very proud to win the ‘Business into the Community' award. On behalf of Game Fishing Supplies, I would like to thank all of our customers and supporters."

Game Fishing Supplies are based in Morpeth, Northumberland and work very closely with Hardy & Greys Ltd, organising events which include the Fish with the Stars celebrity charity fly fishing event.

A cheque was presented to Karen Larkin from the charity, Grace House North East Children's Hospice Appeal by Hardy & Greys Ltd and Game Fishing Supplies.

The Fly Fishing event, which was held in at Sweethope Lough in June saw anglers from across the UK pay to fish with one of seven celebrities, including rugby players, Jamie Noon, Raphael Ibanez and Jason Oakes, and television actors, Sean Wilson and Dean Andrews.

Karen Larkin said;

"We had a brilliant day and the feedback we have received has been fantastic. I am extremely grateful to Hardy & Greys Ltd and Game Fishing Supplies for organising the event and of course to the people who attended the day and supported Grace House North East Children's Hospice Appeal."

Hardy & Greys Ltd, Managing Director, Richard Sanderson said;

"As a company we are proud to be able to help and support a charity as worthwhile as Grace House North East. Not only are they doing great things for sick children, as a local based charity, it is very satisfying for us to be able to give something back."

More information on Grace House North East Children's Hospice appeal can be found at www.gracehouse.co.uk 

Held at the White House Social Club in Ashington, Northumberland the evening was open to all members of the Club, their families and invited guests.

This year members of the Felling Fly Fishers were invited to present the trophies which were awarded to years 4, 5, 6 ,7 ,8 and 9. Trophies were awarded to High School Champion, Club Champion and Heaviest Fish Champion as well the Felling Fly Fishers Rivers Challenge. All school pupil members received certificates and medals for their efforts.

The Club Champion this year was Andrew Whitehall from Ashington and the Heaviest Fish trophy was won by Niamh Pirie with a fish of 3lb 8oz.

All young members received a certificate and medals for Fishing, Fly Tying and attending the Hirst Park Trout Tickers Introduction to Fly Fishing Days. The awards ceremony was followed by a raffle buffet and disco.

Trout Ticklers Chairman, John Whitehall said;

"The Hirst Park Trout Ticklers would like to pass on their thanks to everyone for their support over the season and to everyone who donated most generously to our raffle, including Hardy & Greys Ltd. We look forward now to a successful fly tying course held over the winter months leading into our next fishing season in 2010."

The 15th FIPS Mouche European Championships were contested by 13 Countries and were held on Lough Leane, Lough Caragh and the River Blackwater near Killarney in County Kerry, Ireland.

Team England was represented by World Gold Medallists John Horsey and Simon Robinson, plus John Tyzack, Mick Tinnion and Phil Dixon, ably assisted by reserve Andrew Gooding and Team Manager Paul Page.

England's highest capped International angler of all time, John Horsey said:

"Winning Team Gold in the World Championships was the highlight of my Fly Fishing career. However, the European Championships are so close in stature to the World's, which meant we were desperate to get another team medal to add to our Gold.

"Both Simon Robinson and I had fished Lough Lein in the past, so we knew we should expect lots of lightening quick, small wild brownies. The Blackwater had been in flood for weeks, so we knew this would be challenging. Lough Caragh was also full of wild brownies, but being a bit bigger average size than Lein, we hoped we could get good results here."

Although the England Team hooked and played hundreds of fish during the 5 three hour sessions, keeping them on the hook and getting them into the landing net proved the biggest problem.

Keswick's Mick Tinnion hooked an estimated 20 fish during his session on Lough Lein West, but only managed to net 2 sizable fish.

For the duration of the match, only fish in excess of 20 cm's would count, with a score of 500 points per fish, plus 20 points per cm over the 20 cm minimum size.

John Horsey was fishing his 32nd match for England and finished just 1 place point off Individual European Champion. This follows his 10th place in the 2009 World Championships and 4th place overall in the 2008 New Zealand World Championships.For the first time ever in a single year, England can boast the highest ever Individual standings of Iain Barr as World Champion and John Horsey as European Silver Medal Winner.

Czech Team Member Pavel Chyba took Individual Gold, with Horsey in Silver and Ireland's Dave O'Donovan winning Ireland's first ever medal in Bronze position.

The ever consistent French Team won Team Gold, with Czech Republic in Silver and Poland taking the Bronze medal. Italy and England tied on points for 4th place, with Spain in 6th spot and hosts Ireland in 7th place overall.

Fly angler, Mark Bolam has recently landed a 10lb 1/2oz Bass whilst using the Greys Greylex 12' Bait rod.

Fishing using free-lined live Sand Eel with the new Greys G-Tec Mainline 8lb-3.6kg test curve to a bronze barrel swivel, and a 3ft leader of the G-Tec Mainline,  to a size 4/0 Aberdeen Wire hook Mark said;

"The take was slow and lazy but once it realised that it had been hooked it gave a very impressive fight. I am glad that the fish decided to spend most of its energy on trying to make it back to sea against the current, although it did turn a couple of times which made things very interesting!  The fight took some 10 minutes and I am very impressed with the action of the Greyflex - both for casting and for its handling of a fish in what was a 4-5 knot current. 

"I have used the Greyflex rod many times and I was always happy with the way it cast, but this is the first time I have used that size of rod with such a large fish.  Greys designers have got it right with this rod... It was a joy to play the fish."

Howard finished in third place out of a field of 31 top anglers in the England National Final which was held on the River Tees.

Using two new soon to be launched Greys prototype rods specifically designed for modern river fishing techniques and competition fishing, and Hardy Marksman reels, Howard claimed his third place qualification.

Howard said;

"I was very pleased to qualify against such a strong field and in extremely challenging near-flood river conditions that made fishing the productive far side of the River even more difficult than normal."

Results

1st Place - John Tyzack
2nd Place - Simon Robbinson
3rd Place - Howard Croston
4th Place - Ian Greenwood
5th Place - Phil Dixon
Reserve - Bernie Maher

The competition which was held on the Lake of Menteith in Scotland in early September saw Hardy & Greys Ltd Game Product Development Assistant, Scott Nellins help take the 14-man team to 2nd place with his catch of ten fish.

Scott said;

"It was very pleasing to be top England rod in my first Loch Style International; however the important thing is the Team performance which was an all round excellent effort. It was a shame not to collect the gold but Scotland were always favourites in the home patch."

Scott won the top England rod and collected the Grafham Trophy, one of the most prestigious trophies in English Fly Fishing.

Results

1st - Scotland
2nd - England
3rd - Wales
4th - Ireland

Read Review.

Read Review.

Based in Ireland and Wales, both Instructors offer Fly Fishing tuition to novice, intermediate and advanced anglers.

Held on Saturday 14th August, the competition saw Tom and Mike, along with Basil Shields and Andrew Boyd representing Team Galway & Corrib be victorious against 27 other teams with a total of 5075 points and 18 trout with the competition run on a catch & release basis.

Basil Shields was also awarded Top Individual Angler, followed by Mike in 2nd and Tom in 3rd place. This follows Tom's 3rd place in the Irish National in June which has qualified him for the Irish team in next year's Spring International on Lough Conn.

Hardy & Greys Ltd would like to congratulate Tom and Mike on their success.

The team of six - Hardy & Greys Product Development Assistant, Scott Nellins, Paul Davison, Steve Cullen, Iain Earle, Ian Jones and Mark Howard competed against 22 other teams and 132 anglers to claim the victory.

Held on Rutland Water on the 22nd and 23rd August Scott Nellins said;

"We had a commanding lead after Day 1, but a disastrous 2nd day saw us almost loose the top spot. We just managed to hang on by a couple of pounds thanks to a great team effort. The Ospreys would like to dedicate their win to David Hodgson."

Chris Guthrie of the Greys G-Tec Stocks Team won Overall Best Bag in the comp over the 2 days, fishing with small dries up the north arm.

Hardy & Greys Ltd would like to congratulate The Ospreys on their win.

Results

1st. The Ospreys 51 fish for 113lb 1oz
2nd. BRFFA Team Orvis 44 fish for 111lb 10oz
3rd. Alba Orvis FF 44 fish for 107lb 3oz
4th. Kent & Sussex FF 44 fish for 106lb 4oz
5th. Team Tightlines 40 fish 40 fish for 99lb 13oz
6th. Nymph-A-Maniacs 36 fish for 98lb 10oz
7th. Greys G-Tec Stocks 40 fish for 97lb 1oz
8th. Blagdon FF Bristol Water 42 fish for 96lb 5oz
9th. The Anglos Anglers 41 fish for 90lb 9oz
10th.Meridian FF 36 fish for 84lb 7oz

Attached Image from www.fishypics.co.uk

Read the Review

David Inglis from Nottingham entered a competition on the Hardy & Greys Ltd stand at the show to win one of either two prizes. David chose a Hardy Angel2 9" 6' #7 rod.

David said;

"What a surprise it was to win this rod! I have never won anything in my life and I am very proud. I already have lots of Hardy equipment and the Hardy Angel2 is a beautiful addition to my collection. My friends are very envious of my win."

Held at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire, Hardy & Greys were at the very heart of Fishermans row supporting no less than eight of their top retail dealers located throughout the Fishing Village.

A full range of new products were being showcased by the Northumbrian fishing tackle company, including the new Hardy Angel2 rods and Hardy Perfect and St George Reels - all made in Alnwick, England. From Greys there was the new X-Flite and Platinum XD rod ranges as well as a full range of new waders and boots.

Top Hardy & Greys Consultants including Charles Jardine, Chris Ogborne, Ian Gordon, Henry Gilbey, Nick Hart and John Bailey were all on hand to offer help and advice at all levels and members of the Hardy & Greys Academy, Andy Smith (England), Howard Taylor (England), David Bell (Scotland), Stevie Munn and Stevie Kennedy (Ireland) were also present, giving casting tuition and sharing their top fishing tips.

The competition being held on the stand to win an Angel2 rod worth £1,000 or St George reel worth £650 was also a big success with many customers entering.

Hardy & Greys also sponsored the show casting clinic in partnership with GAIA. Instructors used Hardy & Greys equipment and sported the company clothing, whilst offering tuition which gave visitors the opportunity to improve on their casting skills throughout the show.

For the past 7 years, Hardy & Greys have sponsored the Hardy Youth Open Salmon Distance Championship and Greys Youth Open Trout Distance Championship. This year the winner of both competitions was Joseph Avery-Harris from Wiltshire.

Sales and Marketing Director, Ken Brewster said;

"We do not attend the CLA just to sell tackle, we are equally delighted when anglers come to us to discuss a problem with their casting, their techniques or simply just to talk fishing. Our experts are on hand throughout the fair to offer advice on all aspects of fishing, offering a unique opportunity for anglers to talk with the best team in the business.

"As a company we are very excited about the year ahead. We have a lot of new products being introduced including a new rod and reel from Hardy and three new ranges of Greys rods. There is also some fantastic clothing coming from both brands. We are looking forward to the year ahead and hope to see you again at the 2010 CLA."

The 2010 CLA will be held at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire on Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th July.

‘Tweedguide', run by anglers Bill Drew and Ron McCombe, who is also a Hardy & Greys Academy Member, is Scotland's leading guide service for Fly Fishing.

Established in 1999, the company offer professional guidance to anglers from all over the world on the river Tweed, including many exclusive beats for Wild Brown Trout, Sea Trout, Atlantic Salmon and Grayling and their knowledge of the River Tweed has earned them an enviable reputation.

The company offer a hassle free guiding and fly fishing tuition service with packages designed for particular personal needs and provided by a group of friendly and experienced guides. All equipment provided is exclusively the most up to date Hardy & Greys tackle.

Bill Drew said;

"Tweedguide are proud to be associated with Hardy & Greys Ltd.
Hardy & Greys have a worldwide reputation for quality that has stood the test of time. The fact that they are a local company supporting another local company is of huge benefit to us.

"Hardy & Greys has enabled us to offer our clients a high quality experience of professional river guiding and Fly Fishing tuition using the best of fishing equipment."

Daniel Hansens, Marketing Manager for Hardy & Greys Ltd said;

"With Tweedguide providing more than a thousand anglers a year from all over the world with guiding services, it makes perfect sense for us to support them. Our association allows every person using Tweedguide to be certain that they will be using the best tackle out there for the job and experience firsthand the quality and innovation we offer in all our products."

3 hour, day, salmon, fishing holidays and corporate packages are all available from Tweedguide. For more information on Tweedguide and to book visit www.tweedguide.com

Renowned for only giving this prestigious award to the finest quality fishing tackle companies, Greys was awarded this recommendation having undergone long and hard testing on their products.

Tested by the Editor of Blinker magazine under the heading ‘It doesn't get any better' the waders and boots underwent over 300 hours of testing throughout a 9 month period in both warm and cold conditions, fresh and saltwater alike. In all categories (specification, practice use, price-value for money) Greys have been voted the top score.

Stefan Meyenburg, Marketing Manager for Hardy & Greys GmbH said;

"I think this seal of approval is a very important marketing tool for Greys that not only the Platinum waders and boots will benefit from, but many more of our products.

"Fishermen know they can rely on this seal because the product has been tested hard under various fishing conditions."

This is the second Seal of Approval from Blinker for Greys. The Greys X-Flite Barbel Rod received the award in 2005.

"The Angle of the Cast" features the life of Gwilym, incorporating his connection with angling and his fishing experiences. In his book Gwilym offers sound advice to anglers from his vast knowledge as well as hints and tips. There is insight on every page - from the memory of his very first Trout, boyish adventures and hilarious incidents - through the stages of learning and development of skills in angling to the fulfilment and elation of reaching International status. From all this comes a good read and an angling bible.

Dedicated to his parents, wife and children, the introduction of the 250+ page book has been written by angler and Rugby Union Legend, Gareth Edwards who describes Gwilym as an "especially gifted angler showing a form of understanding and skill far beyond normal anglers."

The book will be available from the 1st August 2009 from ‘G.H. Sporting' or email Gwilym - ghughes2@btinternet.com

The competition, which took place between the 5th and 12th June at five different venues across Scotland saw the five-man team take gold with Ian Greenwood as Manager and Baz Reece as reserve for the team.

Howard joined Hardy & Greys Ltd Consultant, John Horsey and other members of the 2009 Team including Iain Barr, Simon Robinson and Davy Parker.

All anglers were using Hardy & Greys equipment and kitted out wearing Hardy EWS2 Waders and Wading Jacket, a Soft Shell Jacket and Mid Layer Fleece and Greys Platinum Wading Boots, Greys GRXi Shirts and Trousers, and GRXi Over trousers.

John Horsey fished using the Hardy Demon 10' #8 rod for Loch Leven and Loch Awe, and his Hardy Angel2 10' #7 rod for Menteith and Carron Valley. John used the Hardy Premium Floater on these venues.

On the river Tay, John used a 10' #5 Hardy Marksman outfit, plus the Greys Streamflex 10' #4 and #5 complete with Streamflex reels.

Dave Parker used the Greys G-Tec 10ft #7 and Streamflex 10ft #4 rods as well as GRXi+ Reels and Howard Croston used the G-Tec 10ft #7 rod and Streamflex 10ft #4 along with Demon reels.

England's Iain Barr won the title of World Champion.
John Horsey said;

"This gold medal has been a long time coming - we last won a Team Gold back in 1995. In the early years, the Championships were contested by only a dozen or so Countries, but this year's entry from 29 Countries made it the biggest World Championships in history and to win Gold made it even more satisfying. Congratulations also go to Scotland for their first ever Team Bronze medal."

Howard Croston said;

"I would like to thank Sweethope Lough for the use of their venue when practising in the run up to the Championships. We are very proud to have won this competition and the team all worked hard to achieve first place."

Hardy & Greys Ltd would like to congratulate Howard, John and the England Team on their success.

World Fly Fishing Championship Results Table

1- England
2- France
3- Scotland

The event, which took place at Sweethope Lough, was organised by Hardy & Greys Ltd of Alnwick and Game Fishing Supplies of Morpeth.

Anglers were set the task of catching the longest length of fish in total during the day, with all fish safely returned to the water.

Bill Riddicks, of Ayrshire landed first prize for 8 fish measuring 3580mm and received a whopping £1,000 worth of Hardy & Greys Ltd vouchers.
Gary Haggart, of Fife came second in the competition and received £700 and Marc Moss, of Aberdeenshire came in third and bagged a sizeable prize of £300.

Among the celebrities taking part in the event were former French rugby captain, Raphael Ibanez, keen angler, Sean Wilson formerly Martin Platt from Coronation Street; Dean Andrews, from Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes, Jamie Noon, Richard Hill and Jason Oakes of the Newcastle Falcons.

Dean Andrews said;

"It was a fantastic day and I was surrounded by lovely people in beautiful surroundings. It was all in aid of a very worthy cause and you can book my place for next year now because I'll be back!"

Jamie Noon said;

"It was a great day and everyone had a brilliant time, even those who came away without any fish. Most importantly however, we managed to raise a large amount of money for the kids who need it most. I'm looking forward to next year's event already!"

By far, the biggest catch of the day was netted by Grace House North East Children's Hospice Appeal where nearly £6,000 was raised on the day and by an on-line auction courtesy of www.flyforums.co.uk who are part of the Fish and Fly group and many anglers who attended on the day were from the Forum. 

Participants were asked to raise as much as possible in donations and prizes were awarded to the top three fundraisers with £2,000 of Game Fishing Supplies vouchers being shared between them.

Karen Larkin, Regional Fundraiser for Grace House said;

"To be given the opportunity to meet some celebrities, enjoy a full day's fishing, including food and raise a significant amount of money in the process surely ticks every box. I am extremely grateful to everyone who took part and supported the event. What a venue and what a day - fantastic. We have started making plans for next year already so watch this space!"

Richard Sanderson, Managing Director of Hardy & Greys Ltd said;

"Hardy are proud to be supporting a local charity such as Grace House North East. Together we raised a fantastic amount of money for the charity and I would like to take the opportunity to thank both the celebrities for taking part in the event, the boat anglers and Flyforums.co.uk - it is a very worthy cause."

Ian Woods, Managing Director of Game Fishing Supplies said;

"The day was even more of a success than we could ever have imagined.

"Although the weather wasn't great, nobody's spirits were dampened and all the anglers, celebrities and organisers had a fantastic day. I have been an angler for over 31 years and have never had a day as memorable as this. The real icing on the cake was the substantial amount that was raised for Grace House North East and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the day. Roll on next year's event!"

The Fish With the Stars Celebrity Charity Event will be held on Wednesday 23rd June 2010.

To book your place contact Vicky Bell, Vicky@ian-woods.co.uk

More information on Grace House North East. 

England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales took part in the competition with five anglers per team plus one reserve.

Wales took first place in the competition with 92 fish, followed by England in second with 63 fish, Ireland in third with 60 fish and Scotland taking fourth place with 33 fish.

Hardy & Greys, Product Manager Assistant, Scott Nellins, who was Reserve for the English team took part in the afternoon session's after Simon Robinson couldn't continue due to injury.

Scott said;

"Beating Wales on their own patch was always going to be hard. They had a team full of local anglers who knew the water well. In third place after the morning sessions we dug in deeply to grab the silver during the afternoon."

Scott managed to win both of his sessions in the afternoon, fishing with a 10' #3 Greys Streamflex Rod, Hardy Demon 3000 Reel and Greys Platinum WF3 Line.

Careysville Fishery on the river Blackwater in Co. Cork has an international reputation as one of the best Salmon fisheries in Ireland and is one of the prime fisheries for spring Salmon.

The fishery is now promoting various Hardy product ranges including a Hardy Swift 15' Salmon fly rod, Swift reel and Mach 55 Wet2 Sink Tip Line and a Greys X-Flite 15' Salmon Fly rod with a Hardy Mach 44 Intermediate Clear Sink Tip Line.

Head Ghillie of Careysville Fishery, Patrick Devennie said;

"We are very excited about teaming up with such an established company as Hardy & Greys Ltd.

"Guests who are thinking of investing in a new rod, reel or fly line will now have the opportunity to try out two different new models alongside correct instruction on their use.

"Although we do not carry stock, should anyone wish to purchase an item while at Careysville, we can contact our nearest dealer and aim to have it within 24 hours."

New products to see at the show include the Hardy St. George and Hardy Perfect Salmon Reels, both made in Alnwick, England.

Other products include the Hardy Angel 2 rod range, Classic and Glass rods and Demon rods and reels. In the Fy Line category, come and see our range of Fly Lines as well as waders and boots.

Under the Greys Brand we have the Greys X-Flite rods and reels, Platinum XD competitor rods, GRXi + reels as well as waders and boots, platinum luggage and new retractors.

World Renowned Spey caster, Ian Gordon and fly angler, Charles Jardine will also be demonstrating their casting skills throughout the event and Hardy & Greys will be sponsoring all CLA casting competitions and GAIA Instructors.

Customers can purchase from ten retailers at the show and there is also a competition giving you the chance to win a Hardy prize.

Visit the Hardy & Greys stand on Fisherman's Row.

More information on the CLA Game Fair

The competition, which took place between the 5th and 12th June at five different venues across Scotland saw the five-man team take gold.

Howard joined Hardy & Greys Ltd Consultant, John Horsey and other members of the 2009 Team including Ian Barr, Simon Robinson and Davy Parker.

World Fly Fishing Championship Results Table

1- England

2- France

3- Scotland

On the individual front, England's Ian Barr has won the title of World Champion.

Hardy & Greys Ltd would like to congratulate Howard and the England Team on their success.

Results

Hardy & Greys Ltd are delighted to announce they have teamed up with one of Scotland's most prestigious Salmon beats.

Park Fishing on the river Dee has twelve rods available on both the North and South banks of the river Dee and is professionally managed by Head Ghillie, Keith Cromer who said;

"I am over the moon that Park fishing and world leading tackle manufacturer, Hardy & Greys Ltd has joined forces together and we look forward to working with Hardy & Greys in the future."

Hardy & Greys are proud to be sponsoring Park Fishing and will be providing equipment for anglers to use on the river.

For more information on Park Fishing on the River Dee visit www.park-leisure.co.uk

Caught whilst fishing using a Wapsi ‘Egg Yarn' fly pattern just below the surface of the water Zdravko said;

"What a day! I saw a big shadow swimming slowly near the surface, and I tried few times to cast my fly in front of it. Finally the fish took the fly and after 10 minutes of fight I managed to land it. The 20kg Carp is likely to be the first 20kg+ Carp caught on fly rod in Croatia."

Zdravko was also using a floating Hardy DT 6wt line.

Northumbrian fishing tackle Company, Greys were pleased to sponsor the 6^th and final round of the Woodford Winter League.

The event which took place on 29^th March at Woodford Fly Fishery saw Campbell Baird take first place catching 25 fish weighing in at 26.79kg, Ross Hill took second place with 21 fish at 17.55kg and Darren Haggan with 20 fish at 24.67kg. Darran also caught the heaviest fish of the tournament at 2.31kg with his first cast.

In taking first place Campbell retained the title of Winter League Champion for the fourth time, earning him a Greys Platinum XD Comp Special Fly Rod and Greys G-Tec Fly Reel.

Ross received a Greys X-Flite Fly Rod and G-Tec Fly Reel and Darren received a Greys GRXi Fly Rod and G-Tec Reel.

All prize-winners are members of the Greys sponsored fishing team.

For more information on Woodford Fly Fishery visit www.woodfordfly.co.uk

18 anglers battled it out in the 8 hour loch style competition, each having to comply with international Rules.

Using his Greys Platinum XD Comp Special rod for the first time, Hardy Demon 5000 Reel and new Hardy Mach Clear Intermediate line, Scott fished using the washing line method with long slow pulls, whilst landing 21 Trout.

Scott said;

"This is a great start to the season, and I am very much looking forward to using the Greys Platinum Comp Rod this year - It handled the rough conditions effortlessly.

Credit must go to the Stocks management for the great job they are doing, hopefully more people will attend the next sweep."

Further details plus information on the next two Spring Sweep competitions can be found at www.stocksreservoir.com

Overnight frost forced many high achieving anglers to fish deep and Welsh International angler, Craig Gimblett prised out his 6 fish limit within the 90 minutes fishing a fast sinking line with Boobies and mini lures.

Most of the competitors failed to get deep enough and Gimblett took the top prize of a coveted Hardy EWS Soft Shell Jacket plus a £100 voucher.

Runner-up was another Welsh International angler, David Hoppe, who started on nymphs, but after only landing 1 fish in the first 3 hours, switched to a sinking line to take his limit bag by 4pm.

Hardy & Greys Ltd Consultant and Championship Manager, John Horsey said;

"The sharp overnight frost really stopped the trout from feeding until after midday. Craig Gimblett's gamble to fish very deep certainly paid off and on a hard day, his International pedigree certainly came to the fore".

For further details on future event information visit www.johnhorsey.co.uk

The qualification, awarded by the Advanced Association of Professional Game Angling Instructors is one of the highest salmon qualification anglers can achieve.

Hardy & Greys Ltd Consultant, Ian, who is also a qualified STANIC salmon instructor, specialising in the Spey cast, along with teaching basic casting with a double handed rod said;

"Having fly-fished with a double handed rod since the age of 9, I am delighted and thrilled to have taken and passed this AAPGAI in Advanced Salmon exam.

This qualification is a major milestone, in that it is very difficult to attain. The standards within AAPGAI are second to none, with only the very best of people making the grade.

Ultimately it was this high standard which initially drew me to AAPGAI, and I have to say, spending time with a group of people with so much knowledge of all forms of fly-fishing has been a real inspiration.

I very much look forward, through my association with Hardy/Greys and AAPGAI, to helping the next generation of fly-fishers take as much from the sport as I have been fortunate enough to take myself."

Ian hails from the river Spey in Scotland, having fished since the age of eight and worked as a Ghillie on the Knockando beat [Spey] for 19 years.

Andy Smith, Hardy & Greys Game Academy Manager, said;

"This is great news for Ian. In the Hardy & Greys Game Academy we promote continuous personal development with our members and Ian joins many other Academy members who have passed angling qualifications in the last few months, including newcomer, Mike Smith who passed his APGAI salmon, Stevie Kennedy passed his AAPGAI trout and Sue Sissons who has passed her APGAI trout. This makes Sue the first female member of the Academy to have achieved this highest level of qualification."

Three of the company's new rods & reels are featured on the advert, incluidng the top of the range, G-Tec (Ahead of its Time,) X-Flite (Ahead of its Class) and GRXi (Ahead of the Game.)

Click here for information on Greys Fly Rods.

Click here for information on Greys Fly Reels.

Click here for more information on Greys Reels.

Featured in the advert are Hardy & Greys Ltd Consultants and Professional Anglers, Charles Jardine, John Horsey and Ian Gordon.

For more information on Greys GRXi click here.

The show, which took place on the 7th and 8th February at the Ijsselhallen in Zwolle, Netherlands, saw the new Hardy Carp rod, designed for the Dutch market, stolen prior to the Show on the evening of the 6th February.

Andrew Sowerby, International Sales and Events Manager for Hardy & Greys Ltd said;

"I am sickened by this theft. As it is a prototype, this specific example of the rod is of little value, even worse, anglers had travelled several hours to the show specifically to see, handle and discuss the Hardy Goldbow - this is exactly why anglers go to shows."

This rod, together with a number of Hardy Marksman Coarse rods were stolen. The Hardy Goldbow rod is clearly identifiable by its distinct rich brown blank, full cork handle and has no bag, tube or stopper. The Marksman Coarse rods are easily identifiable as they also have no bags, stoppers or tubes and the Hardy Feeder rods only have one 2oz quiver tip in each of them.

Police are now looking to find the stolen items and Hardy & Greys Ltd are offering a complete finished Hardy Goldbow Carp rod as a reward to anyone who has information that leads to the recovery of this prototype.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new interactive website which we will be updating daily.

Featuring on the site are all of the new products for 2009 including the G-Tec and X-Flite range of rods and reels and Platinum Luggage.

Pease check back for further news and product updates coming soon.