I was fishing the Welsh Dee yesterday and after taking an improptu dip i was sitting on an old tree stump drying my gear when this chap decided to join me,
Needless to say i moved up a foot or 2 to give him a little more room,
Photos are poor as they were took with a wet mobile that stayed on long enough for me to grab a couple of shots,


Then i tried to get him on the butt of my rod handle but he would'nt play ball

The fly measured around 6-7'' in total and the colours were stunning,bright orange legs,jet black abdomen and a long black tail that must have been 2-3 inches on its own and two antennae that were as long as the tail but not clearly shown on photos
Anyone know what it is?,

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Wanted spare spool for ionica 3/4/5

Also spool for BBS11 titanium prefered but would consider black

Looks like the Ichneumon Wasp, but I can't believe 6-7 inches! Maybe 6-7cm. The long tail is the ovipositor. She saws down into the wood with it to lay her eggs on Wasp grubs. When they hatch they eat the Wasp grubs. Nice!

SharkeyP

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Often thinks not travel widens,
Stay at home the Trout obliges.

Hello sharky,the cork on my handle is 7'' and when i tried to put it on there from the front antennae to the end of the tail was pretty much it but i only tried once and it was only there for a split second,the tail on its own was 6-7cm,
I suppose i could have been seeing double though after hitting myself on the head with the rod butt and reel while trying to do the butterfly swimming stroke to get out the water

Paul

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Wanted spare spool for ionica 3/4/5

Also spool for BBS11 titanium prefered but would consider black

I hope Geoff got in on video.
Two words to you P,, WADING STICK.
S.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

Even your zimmer frame wouldnt have helped me there yesterday S
Bedrock gave way on me and in i went,needless to say i didnt wade again after that as the river was running fast and carrying extra water,
No videos i'm afraid Geoff had his concrete boots on

Paul

__________________
Wanted spare spool for ionica 3/4/5

Also spool for BBS11 titanium prefered but would consider black

The biggest Ichneumon is Rhyssa persuasoria.

Rhyssa persuasoria photo/image

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Don't worry, be happy.
Sandy
Carried it in full, then carry it out empty.

That looks about right,they say a blokes 6'' is equivellant to a womans 4''

Paul

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Wanted spare spool for ionica 3/4/5

Also spool for BBS11 titanium prefered but would consider black

That woman with 4", are you sure she's a woman?

Sounds like you had a traumatic day. Hope you've recovered.

All the best,

SharkeyP

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Often thinks not travel widens,
Stay at home the Trout obliges.

hahah That's a good un.