Despite high winds and squally showers, nearly 40 people attended a fly-fishing master class last Wednesday 15th August at Roadford Lake, Devon, as part of National Fishing Month. Westcountry Rivers Trust and South West Lakes Trust teamed up to organise and run the event at the superb facilities available at Roadford’s Lakeside complex. The aim was to give both experienced fishermen and fly fishing newcomers the opportunity to have a try at fly casting under the expert guidance of AAPGAI Master Gary Champion. The wet and windy weather was certainly challenging although it did provide Gary with the opportunity to demonstrate how it is possible to fly cast in pretty much any weather conditions. The fly tying and barbeque was swiftly moved undercover to the Burrator Room which provided the perfect retreat for the forty or so people who attended, to take cover from the weather following the casting demonstrations.

National Fishing Month aims to encourage every family member to have a go at fishing from whatever cultural or social background they may be from.

A great range of fishing, on the Westcountry’s rivers, streams and lakes, is available to the public through the Westcountry Angling Passport and the South West Lakes Trust. The Westcountry Angling Passport is a not for profit scheme funded through the Country Sports South West project, this project seeks to promote and develop the region’s array of country sports activities. Further information is available online from the sites listed below.

Westcountry Angling Passport
Country Sports South West
Coarse and trout fishing on lakes in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset
National Fishing Month
AAPGAI Professional fly fishing instruction throughout the UK