After doing a day’s tuition just over a week ago and practicing casting in a field I am going fishing proper.

I am going to Bewl water for the day and will fish from the bank (mainly due to not having a life jacket, not being able to swim well and having no idea about boat etiquette). I don't own waders so won't be going into the water. In many ways it’s about practicing in water rather than on grass with the chance of catching dinner .

Gear wise I have:
a 9' 5/6 rod (I am aware a #7 may be better, but I don't have one of those)
5/6 reel with WT#6 lines. (floater, Int and sinking)
I have 4lb, 5lb, 6lb and 8lb leader/tippet line spools (fluro and co-poly)
I have varying flies wet and dry with a few buzzers in my box already which i bought as a starter.

I am asking for any hints on set up really. I can cast 15-20 yards at the moment on a good run and easily do 10-15 yards consistently, which I realise isn't far but that’s the aim of the day, to get further and still be accurate.

I will obviously speak to the guys there to see what’s catching well from the bank to give me a chance but wondered if anyone could give me some ok areas to go on the res or things to try? Also, how quickly does the water get really deep from the bank, on average? Leader length? etc.

All and any advice would be welcomed.

Thanks in advance

Dainger

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Before you criticize a fisherman,
Walk a mile in their waders,
Then you'll be a mile away and have their waders...

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I don't personally know the water but your gear seems ok to me, I am sure that there will be others on here who have fished Bewl and will give some ideas on tactics. Your casting distance is plenty far enough to catch fish provided you don't spook them. My advice would be to be really sneaky approaching the water and fish the margins. Keep an eye out for activity close in.............it will be there if you are carefull.....................birdsnest

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Fear not if I steal from your side, as of yore, from paradise streams to fish Teifi once more.
BN based in Wolverhampton

Just a note that when you do go to Bewl and if you did order a boat, they do provide lifejackets! On the first day it can be a bit intimidating but really it's not a big deal. Take your time. Ask for help and advice. They're really helpful. I do think you will have a better experience from a boat even if you pick a spot away from the crowd and do things at your own pace. Bank fishing at Bewl is tough (to catch) at the best of times. Ask at the store where you pay for your ticket.

On leader length, as long as you can sensibly cast without frustration.

A smaller stillwater may also help you build confidence.

Hi Dainger, just enjoy yourself, its all one big learning curve, keep asking the locals questions and remember the answers. all the best MASS

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"fish are like men, open your mouth get into trouble"

Fishing from the bank i would only use a floater and the int unless the water is very deep,try to use as long a leader as you can manage,just use 1 fly or 2 forget the 3 and 4 fly set up at the moment and just enjoy it

Fully agree with Steve-bank at Bewl is really tough-take a boat out even if only rowing you can always tie up at the cages for a while and get some confidence. Your casting will be fine from a boat. Even with waders I think it would be a struggle from bank as fish tend to move out at Bewl at this time of year.

Hi

Thanks for the suggestions. I guess I am not sure of the way things work out on the water with the boats and quite frankly, would prefer not to go out alone due to having the swimming capabilities of a pebble. So that makes me nervous that I could get into a situation that no one was near enough to help out with , that is pretty much the reasoning. I am not generally nervous in boats. So if anyone is going there and doesn't mind a newbie in the boat, I would gladly accept the invitation.

I might take the plunge but I will think on it and give them a call tomorrow. So I guess that bids the question, what would be a good boating tactics there? I have no idea how deep the place is

Dainger

__________________
Before you criticize a fisherman,
Walk a mile in their waders,
Then you'll be a mile away and have their waders...

My Trips: http://frieon.smugmug.com/Fishing - Feel free to browse all galleries

Don't let that put you off, it's shocking to see the amount of boat users that don't have a clue about boat etiquette! If you've thought about it there's a pretty good chance you'll be able to do it, after all that's all boat etiquette is - a little thought.

Have a good one dainger, be sure to let us know how you get on.

Dainger

Get down there early. It's not often that the boats are fully booked in advance. Have a chat with the team down there and, if you feel comfortable, give it a whirl. (You can always just head to where no one else is and chill until you're comfortable.) I can't swim for peanuts either - that's why they make you and I and everyone else where a life jacket. The boat engines are easy to use (choke, grab handle and pull - just like an old lawnmower - press the red button to kill the engine - twist handle for gas, move the lever on the side one way for forwards, the other for reverse). If I were heading down this weekend I'd gladly take you along.

One thing with the boats: don't cast standing up no matter how many idiots you see doing it!

Last bit of advice. If you decide to try the boat, take a padded something to sit on. Sitting on a bare board all day isn't the most comfy!

Cheers

Steve

Can you go literally anywhere on the res? Or is there an area in which to stay in?

Am leaving to get there for 8:30 when they open to make the most of the day. If I decide to do a boat I will book it so I don't back out of trying it. Hoping to get up there Sunday also.

Dainger

__________________
Before you criticize a fisherman,
Walk a mile in their waders,
Then you'll be a mile away and have their waders...

My Trips: http://frieon.smugmug.com/Fishing - Feel free to browse all galleries