Hi,

I've been browsing your forum for a while and just decided to join so hello to everyone.

I've got a few questions. I'm off to the Lake of Mentieth as a dream trip for my 40th birthday present from my partner. I haven't fly fished for over 25 years and I'm in need of some tackle and a little advice on fishing the water if possible please.

I've got around £250 to spend on a rod, reel etc. I've spent hours looking through the posts here and come up with what I think would be suitable.

Greys GRXI 9'6" 6/7
Vision Koma Reel
Cortland Blue Intermediate 6 or 7?
Cortland Peach Floating 6 or 7?

Been picking up Donegal flies over the last week with my pocket money

So far I have:

Donegal Fly Stillwater Blob - Fur Collar - Orange 10
Donegal Fly Stillwater Booby - RW - Shiner Coral 10
Donegal Fly Stillwater ****** - Cheeky - Jaffa 10
Donegal Fly Stillwater RW's JC Cormorant - Green 10
Donegal Fly Nymph - Standard Diawl Bach - RW's - UV Fl. Red 12
Donegal Fly Nymph - Standard Cruncher - RW's - UV Fl. Red 12

I would love to do a little dry fly fishing if weather permits.

I have seen some nice flies here: http://www.caithnessqualityflies.co.uk/ not sure which would do the business. Any other fly companies I should be looking at?

Not sure what backing and leaders to get?

Any advice on the best tackle combination would be much appreciated, also please feel free to recommend any flies I should take.

The date of my trip is 7th September. Hints on the water, if anyone has fished it would be much appreciated.

Lastly, any tips how I can keep my partner amused for 8 hours in a boat while I fish

Thank you all for your help.

Regards,

bub

hi fished numerous times 7wt di 5 line 7/8 wt floater or midge tip

flies cast of crucnchers olive claret and black small boobies coral or cats whisker

when conditions allow for top of water then olive cdc emergers suspender buzzers paul proctors size 16 poly para buzzers are pretty good but need to be cautious when you hook up take your time had half dozen stoatin bows on them olive or black oh most important got to find fish you can be kitted up to the hilt and blank

its daddy longlegs and mrs sedge time so have a good selection f/mills new cdc sedges are the dugs ballerics


hope this helps

Thank you clydestyle on Selectafly now for fulling Mills....

Bub

After 25 years I would get a casting lesson and maybe get someone to take you out and use their tackle. In addition I would also suggest a casting lesson as after this length of time I guess you will be rusty and if you cant get the line out then you will struggle to get past go and your day will be spoiled.

Try www.gameanglinginstructors.co.uk for an instructor close to you

Thank you Blanefishing.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mike Roden at the Fly Fishing Show at Stocks last year. Had a few casts with him and all is good. 12.30 and 10 o clock bang on with no wrist bend.....

I've lost a little distance so I'll take a look a the site you mention though and maybe have a dabble to brush up.

Thank you.

Mikes a pal so I know that he will have done a good job but would still hold off buying unless you can try a few outfits first.

www.gameanglingscotland.co.uk

Hi Bub, if you are fishing the lake you can hire rods and tackle for £6 i don't think the price has changed they also have nets in the boats you can not use your own. This way you don't have to spend your cash just yet and it will give you a bit more time before you invest in some rods and tackle those flies that you mentioned will serve you well but i would try and get some sedges and dries in there too if you need any more info Pm me by the way Happy Birthday cheers Jim

Thanks Jim,

I'll take a look round for some sedges and dries.

Would Size 12 and 14s be ok for the Lake?

Regards,

bub

size 12 mate