New to the forum and to fly fishing....

[Fordy]

Hi all

Just thought I'd post to say hello. I'm new to the forum and to this fluff chucking lark! I'm a coarse angler first and foremost and love fishing rivers (Kennet, Itchen, Hampshire Avon).

I also fish coarse matches - so have started looking at fly fishing as something to offer a totally different challenge. I've been having a few lessons at Meon Springs, if anyone knows it.

Just in the process of looking at tacle - although I've been banned from buying a rod by the coach at the fishery until I have half a clue what the hell I'm doing!!! )

I can see myself becoming very involved in this lark - and can't wait to have a crack at the chalk stream grayling among other things. My PB grayling is a 3lb fish (A monster and a fish of a lifetime!!!) caught from the Itchen - but that was trotting a piece of corn under a stick float!!

[3lbgrayling]

Welcome to the forum, I'm sure you'll have a good time.

Jim

[Fordy]

Thanks Jim. Planning my next outing already - potnetially this Friday if the weather's not against me.

I fancy a bit of nymphing in the margins or flicking a shrimp about.

[BrownieBasher]

Originally Posted by Fordy

Thanks Jim. Planning my next outing already - potnetially this Friday if the weather's not against me.

I fancy a bit of nymphing in the margins or flicking a shrimp about.

Hi Fordy, welcome. I see you're from Hampshire, where i do most of my fishing. where have you frequented so far, you're lucky to be in one of the best counties for fly fishing. If you'd like any help re venues, give me a shout.

[Fordy]

Hi mate

Fluff-chucking wise, so far I've only tried Meon Springs. They've been amazingly helpful there.

My missus bought me a casting lesson for my birthday last year, then what they call an ''experience'' day for Xmas, which is what's got me hooked.

Keith - the chap who gave me my lesson and has heped me out with casting - has said I can go and borrow an outfit any time to find out what suits me before I take the plunge. I was using a nice Greys kit (5 weight) the other week and really got on with it.

I've chucked fluff on a couple of reservoirs (Eyebrook was one), but pretty badly (VERY badly actually - it was pre-casting lessons!!)

I bait fish Lower Itchen for the grayling already and fancy a go on the fly, also the Kennet around Newbury.

[fly in mi eye]

welcome fordy,are you the fordy from md's and tf,if so its nice to see another match angler spreading their wings,
word of warning though dont go in the fly tying section its to addictive,

fime

[Fordy]

Yes - the same Fordy. (Andy)

It struck me last time I went, using a box of borrowed flies, they might not be quite what I wanted - and I thought about tying my own.

I own more stick floats than I will EVER use...I fear for my own sanity and can see vices and boxes full of fluff and feather appearing soon....

[guest3]

Hi' Fordy, welcome to the forum. You sound as though you are going about things in the right way. Hope you never lose your enthusiasm, or the desire to learn. Good luck, TerryC

[Fordy]

Thanks Terry. Lots to learn!!!! But it's all part of the fun of it!!

Been reading a book by Bill Sibbons (lent to me by the fishery) and have another on Matching the Hatch which I'll plough into soon

any tips for good books to set me on the right path gratefully received.

[wilkox79]

Originally Posted by Fordy

I own more stick floats than I will EVER use...I fear for my own sanity and can see vices and boxes full of fluff and feather appearing soon....

Hi Fordy, for a few years I was a fly fisherman and coarse angler...........I had floats, pike lures, flies and shot dispensers in every draw/hole and bag in the shed!!

It's taken me a couple of years to be a bit more selective and the wife's a bit happier now!

Welcome to the forum
Wilkox