...I blanked! Not just me, there were 4 of us there in total and not one of us could get a take. There were fish infront of me that I was targeting putting flies right infront of them but they weren't having any of it. There were insects falling off the overhanging trees right above them and they weren't interested in them either. Just one of those days!

Not all bad though, I found out how good polarised glasses are and my new Barrio fly line is fab. Beautiful sunset too so even though the fish weren't playing it was a lovely tranquil evening - exactly why I got interested in fly fishing in the first place, for a bit of escapism

Rob.

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Started: 19/09/2010 | First fish: 11/12/2010 | Biggest fish: 8lb Brownie

There is something to be said for using these doldrum days of high summer to garner brownie points.

"It's a lovely evening, dear. Why don't you go out fishing?"

"No. I'll just finish off painting these windows, dearest. You know I like to keep the house looking nice for you."

Where is your local, Robbie? You started off at Kilnsey didn't you?

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"Take not out your 'ounds on a werry windy day" Surtees.

Haha that's the sort of thing I dream of Bill - my other half suggesting I go fishing!

I caught my first fish at Kilnsey, been there a couple of time but my local lake is Billing Dam at Rawdon in Leeds, only 10 mins up the road but (as tonight proved) it can be difficult up there at times!

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Started: 19/09/2010 | First fish: 11/12/2010 | Biggest fish: 8lb Brownie

Most places are hard this time of year Rob. Polaroids are a must, eye protection as well as being able to take glare of the water. Its a whole new world down there.

Bill, I should have come and helped you paint those windows, then we could both have gone fishing for a few hours and blanked. Instead, I spent all day blanking.

Does it start getting difficult because of the heat or the brightness/sunligt? Or a combination of both?

Yeah I was amazed at the difference they made, won't fish without them in future.

Rob.

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Started: 19/09/2010 | First fish: 11/12/2010 | Biggest fish: 8lb Brownie

Not got the hang of this yet, have you Ged? If you paint windows and go fishing on the same day, SWMBO will immediately suspect that you have done a hurried job. This will call for a minute inspection. As, of course, you have done a bodged job, your brownie points disappear into the red. No, no. Bite the bullet, do the martyr bit and the points are banked.

Robbie. Had to look up Billing Dam. Not all that big so I suppose that the fish were suffering with the heat. Still, as you say, a good evening out.

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"Take not out your 'ounds on a werry windy day" Surtees.

Sounds like you have got the technique perfected Bill

Billings is only a couple of acres and quite shallow so yeah probably the heat, the fish seemed very lethargic.

My first ever day out on the river on Sunday so let's hope that is slightly more successful!

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Started: 19/09/2010 | First fish: 11/12/2010 | Biggest fish: 8lb Brownie

Have a good day on the river and let's have a report when you get back.

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"Take not out your 'ounds on a werry windy day" Surtees.

Thanks Bill, will do

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Started: 19/09/2010 | First fish: 11/12/2010 | Biggest fish: 8lb Brownie