Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd share a double first from today's action...

Having taking up the fly last year I recently bought a fly tying starter kit. Whilst I admit to having only modest confidence in the flies I've tied to date, this evening's session has brought me my first success! A fine little Rudd of around 4-5oz fell to a concoction of dubbed mole fur with a copper rib, fledged with finest deer hair... And the fish had the choice of a shop bought shipman's as an alternative! Pure joy!

To cap it all, I also managed to bag my next target species on the fly rod... Following the little Rudd came a Carp of 6 1/2-7lb it put up a fine struggle but I was pleased to see how well my new 8/9wt set up coped.. I now have real confidence in going after big Pike and Carp on this gear..

Here's the beast!

Great catch!

(Not to detract from your catch but you may find an unhooking mat useful)

Heres guessing you have caught the carp bug now then, I still hold that no fish in our stillwaters fights as hard as a carp. Out of interest what fly did the carp take? I have had good success with using spun deer hair dogs biscuit patterns whilst feeding with chum mixer on my littl local lake.

Next target species is barbel............

Hi Offshore,

You're right, one will go on the must buy list..

Too right! I didn't have any deer hair biscuits so knocked up a white chenille thing with a foam back, all in white, to vaguely resemble a piece of flake. I muct confess to cheating with a bit of flavour though. Can't share an image as it's now residing in a tree! Had to throw in a good half a loaf of bread to get them going and mostly they studiously avoided the fake!

Barbel will make for great fun on the fly, I understand a big nymph should do the trick, I'll be having a go myself come the open season, and I'll be expecting to lose many flies!

nice fish looks bigger than 7lb

Thanks Tony, I wish it was! My scales said it went 3.5kg.. but we can live in hope that they under-read! They are a £2 special from the local garden centre!

The pond that one came from holds fish to 22lb I'm led to believe, hopefully one day I'll be able to tempt a big 'un!!