Hi All.
OK, so now I have (with the help from lots of people on these forums) a basic set of 2x rods, (10' #8/9 and 9' #6/7 ) 2 X reels, and spare spools, some floating line and some inter line for both weights and both rods. Also a selection of flies, lures, zonkers, nymphs etc etc etc (most of which I dont actually understand how or when to use !!)
Anyway, my next step is to get to some water and have a go at using my new toys.
So, where do I go?
I live in Hornchurch, Essex, so close enough to Hanningfield, Norton or Chigboro'
Does anyone have any advice for a total beginner on how to start off?
When I say beginner, that is exactly what I mean. I haven't even attached the backing to my reels yet, for fear of doing something wrong ! So apart from learning how to cast etc, I could really do with some explanations and practical demonstrations as to how to set up etc.
I know this sounds a bit stupid, but Reading books, reviewing you-tube vids etc gets a bit confusing.

So, any ideas anyone? If some-one fancies talking me through it on a 1 to 1 I would be very grateful, (Obviously payment in beer is an option here !) or else point me in the right direction of a patient tutor?
Thanks to everyone.

Both Hanningfield and Chigboro have "residents instructors" so if you contact them they will give you details.

Hanningfield also have group lessons and there are few folks on this forum starting in the area as well as you.

Charlie

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates

Chigboro generally has a resident tutor though I believe that Nigel Angus will travel to most of the venues you mentioned (google his name) and is a patient person - he sorted out my brother in law's casting so he must be

Hanningfield beginners days are very popular so see if you can google Hanningfield Flyfishers Association for the next dates.


Ben

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If I may offer some of my own experiences. Try fishing smaller waters before moving on to bigger waters the point being try getting your cast, technique and tactics right. The last thing you would want is to be overwhelmed by all the info you get and end up selling all your gear.

Thanks for the advice all.I Have spoken to Ken at Chigboro, and I am having a "beginners introduction to fly fishing", which is ideal for a complete newbie like me. Thanks again.

I can see your point Runer, as I had a drive up to Hanningfield, and due to its sheer size it does seem very daunting.

OK, an update - I am having my first go at flyfishing on Sunday 4th Oct. at Chigboro with Ken Mansfield, I am very excited and can't wait to start !
I will let you know how I get on !

best of luck with the lessons!.......me and my father in-law have just started fly fishing, we did the course at Hanningfield about 1 month ago, went and bought all the gear, then last weekend took the plunge and did a days bank fishing at Hanningfield, on the middlemead bit at the end of the reservoir straight - I agree with what you say - its massive and daunting!!!

fished on the concrete bank till lunch time - caught a perch through its tail!.......then, as the water is so low, we walked around the edge and walked out on the mud in our wellies, then went out till the water was about 2" from the top of my wellies and was rewarded wioth a 2-1/2 Lb rainbow.......was absolutley chuffed to pieces - my first trout!!!

so as a guide for a first timer at hanningfield - I'd say DONT go out in a boat on your first visit, lots are grounding out at the mo and they get proper choppy when the wind gets up, just get some wellies or waders and go round by the edge on middlemead - it was deal calm water with a light breeze from behind - just perfect- am now going to invest in some waders!.......but be very careful on the mud - tread in other peoples footsteps!!!!

I would be a bit careful wading in that mud right now

Inlet to School Bay is where most of the fish were a week ago.

There seem to be quite a few forum newcomers around the Hanningfield area, you should all get together.

It's worth joining Hanningfield Flyfishers for the tenner it costs. I think they have speakers and fly tying evenings through the winter and a good newsletter. You can also plug into the local info on the venue.

Charlie

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates

tell me about it - needed to tread very carefully!..... sorry - couldnt resist........but seriously, my father in-law fell over and got two hand fulls of muck.......hence I found treading on other peoples footprints helped a great deal!

there were certainly a lot of fish feeding & jumping while we were there, before I caught it just felt like a good place.

thanks for the advice I will join the Flyfishers club, sounds good value for a tenner!!!

Hi scubacrazy123

How did you lesson go, what did you think to it ?

Nick