I am a qualified game angling instructor for both single and two-handed fly-rods, insured and trained in first aid.
No matter how good your casting is, there is always room for improvement and good casting helps to heighten your enjoyment of fishing. Undoubtedly, good casting skills will also help you to catch more fish because you will be able to present the fly into tricky positions and to maintain a drag-free drift. Windy conditions will no longer bother you and in fact you can learn to use the wind to assist with your casting.
Casting MoT
I can help you to evaluate your own level of casting ability with either a single or two handed fly rod, by carefully and methodically analysing each step of your casting technique, recording the information on a check sheet and agreeing a practice routine with you, which will match your needs and the type of fishing that you are interested in doing. The sheets that you take away with you are a useful reminder of points that were covered and discussed during your casting workshop.
Fishing Techniques
There are a number of teaching and guiding packages to choose from ranging from a few hours of basic casting tuition to a full day’s fishing in the river or from a boat on a reservoir.....
Package 1 - Essential fly fishing skills
Conducted on grass or in the water taking approximately 1 – 2 hours. Applicable to single and two-handed fly-rods the topics covered would include:-
Fishing safely
The choice of tackle and how it works
Setting up and using fly-fishing equipment
Getting the line out using the roll-cast
The pick-up and lay down cast
False casting and loop formation
Discussion on a practice program
The rate for casting tuition is £30 per hour and all equipment would be provided
Package 2 – Casting technique development
Conducted in the water taking approximately 2 –3 hours. Applicable to single and two-handed fly-rods the topics covered would include:-
Roll cast and pick-up/lay down refresher
Increasing casting distance
Changing direction (Spey casting)
Casting over the body
Discussion on a practice program
The rate for casting tuition is £30 per hour and all equipment would be provided
Package 3 – Fishing technique development
Conducted in the water taking approximately 3 –4 hours. Applicable to single and two-handed fly-rods the topics covered would include:-
Spey-casting refresher
The roll cast pick-up
Mends for drag-free drifts
Casting with a strong wind coming from any direction
Discussion on a practice program
The rate for casting tuition is £30 per hour and all equipment would be provided
Free Book on Flycasting Skills
If you book a full day with me then you will receive a free book on flycasting skills.
This new book on flycasting skills has been published by Merlin Unwin http://www.merlinunwin.co.uk ISBN 978-1-906122-49-2 and will be available from all good booksellers from 1st March 2013 - price £9.99.
There are also many helpful sections on such topics as fly rod characteristics, fly-lines, casting in tricky situations and modern techniques.
All of the popular (and some less orthodox) casts are included in the book with descriptions for both the single and two handed fly rods; left and right-hand bank; in all cases. The casts include.....
- Overhead
- Static Roll
- Jump Roll
- Single Spey
- Double Spey
- Snap T
- Snake Roll
Guiding
Package 4 – Stillwater Fishing
One day’s guiding on a stillwater. Applicable to single-handed fly-rods the topics covered would include:-
The choice of tackle for stillwaters
Suitable fly patterns for Stillwater fishing
Factors influencing the choice of fly
Getting the fly-line out
Retrieval styles
Coping with a strong wind coming from any direction
Hooking and playing a fish
The rate for guiding is £150 per day and all equipment, including flies, would be provided. Fishery fees are extra at cost.
Package 5 – Reservoir Fishing from a Boat
One day’s guiding on a reservoir. Applicable to single-handed fly-rods the topics covered would include:-
Safety on the reservoir
The choice of tackle for reservoirs
Suitable fly patterns for reservoir fly-fishing
Factors influencing the choice of fly
Different set-ups and rigs
Boatmanship
Using a drogue
Getting the fly-line out and line management
Fishing at different depths
Retrieval styles
Coping with a strong wind coming from any direction
Hooking and netting a fish
Boat fishing etiquette
The rate for guiding is £150 per day and all equipment, including flies, would be provided. Boat and fishery permit fees are extra at cost.
Package 6 – River Fishing for Trout or Grayling
One day’s guiding in the river. Applicable to single-handed fly-rods the topics covered would include:-
River safety
The choice of tackle for rivers
Suitable fly patterns for river fly-fishing
Factors influencing the choice of fly
Different set-ups and rigs
Wading
Retrieval styles
Coping with a strong wind coming from any direction
Reading the water
Hooking, netting and releasing a fish
The rate for guiding is £150 per day and all equipment, including flies, would be provided. Fishery permit fees are extra at cost.
Package 7 – River Fishing for Salmon
One day’s guiding in the river. Applicable to double-handed fly-rods the topics covered would include:-
River safety
The choice of tackle and clothing for salmon fishing
Suitable fly patterns for salmon fly-fishing
Factors influencing the choice of fly
Factors influencing the choice of fly-line
Spey-casting refresher
Wading
Identifying possible salmon lies
How to cover fish
Coping with a strong wind coming from any direction
Hooking, netting and releasing a fish
The rate for guiding is £150 per day and all equipment, including flies, would be provided. Fishery permit fees are extra at cost.
Other Information
Waders are required for river fishing and a valid fishing licence from the environment agency for all types of fishing, which can be obtained on-line from:-
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/fishing/31497.aspx.
For locations outside the Wye catchment then, depending on distance there would be a mileage cost, which would be agreed in advance.
Prices quoted are for one person; however, parties can be catered for (price on application).
Please let me know in advance if refreshments are required or if you have any special needs that have to be catered for.
For enquiries please send an email to john@fly-fish-guide.net and I will normally respond quickly.