I have been river/small stillwater fishing for 6 months now and have decided to give Rutland a go (on a boat).

PLease can you give me some pointers for this type of fishing.

I dont' know wether to use floating/intermediate/sinking line. Do I use a single fly or attempt a dropper for the first time? What flies?

Do I anchor or drift? Near the shore or in the middle?

Any tips would be welcome.

Cheers,

Craig

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If only I could do this for a living!

Not fished Rutland so can't tell you where to go, but be bloody careful when it's windy. if you're drifting (And i'd always drift rather than anchor) then you'll need a drogue to slow the drift down in anything but the lightest of breezes. Ask at the lodge for the best spots before heading out. I'd either fish a blob/cats whisker or similar on a Di line or set up a couple of droppers and fish loch style on a floater. preferably take both outfits with you..

Good luck!

If Anglian Water still offer their short boat handling courses for anglers at Rutland, go on one. No fish that swims is worth the least risk of your life, and Rutland looks HUGE when you see it the first time from the seat of one of the boats...

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"In wine there is wisdom. In beer there is strength. In water there is bacteria." - German proverb
JH based near Southampton

It's a hell of a water to try for your first time in a boat..why not go for one of the smaller waters first off? Something like Elinor which is over that way or Eyebrook which is a manageable size.

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Roy

I chose Rutland as I am in the area for Easter. Grafham is also close - would that be more manageable.

Anyone interested in partnering my expedition on Sat 11 Apr?

Craig

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If only I could do this for a living!

I would highly, highly recommend Ravensthorpe, easily managable size, and the fishing is pretty straight forward too - so that should break you in gently.

J.

That's what you call in at the deep end! Whatever you do, do not under any circumstances go out alone. Rutland is a big pond and the waves get pretty big. It is not the place for a beginner to go playing around on their own. If you can go out with someone more experienced then have a go. Ask the staff where to find some fish and they will tell you. Anchoring is often the better bet early season as the fish tend to be closer to the shore. Fish floaters with buzzers, hares ears, diawl bachs etc., or intermediates & DI3s with whatever the latest horribleness the lodge will sell you.

Do not go it alone. Forget the lifejacket as a means of saving your life as the water will be cold and you'll be lucky to survive long enough in the water for someone to find you.

Essential you get a boat partner - boat fishing is hard work if you are on your own - handling a drogue or anchors plus engine plus tackle is a bit of a handful.

Hopefully someone from the forum who is experienced will take you out. I would offer but it's the Lexus at Hanningfield that day.

Ravensthorpe is the best choice of the Anglian waters as it is smaller and sheltered plus you can fish at anchor effectively. Drifting needs a little experience.

Charlie

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates

Roy is right, first time I saw it, I thought it was the North sea.
Waves rolling in and such a massive expanse of water, it was as windy as hell.
Luckily as it was an Orvis pairs competition, my boat partner knew the water quite well, so that helped.
Hope you enjoy yourself.

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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.

http://flyforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36170

These guys are looking for a Rutland partner on the 11th - drop them a line.

J.