I was the recent successful bidder in one of Ian Wood's Grace House hospice appeals - the prize? A days fishing on numerous rivers in North Devon guided by Peter Tyjas from The Devon School of Fly Fishing based at The Fox & Hounds Hotel, Eggesford.

At 09.40hrs on Tuesday 8 June I rolled up at The Fox & Hounds with a certain degree of trepidation - as a poor to below average Stillwater angler how would I fare on these fast flowing rivers and streams trying to catch lightning fast trout? I was soon to find out!

After introductions and a nerve calming cup of coffee Pete took me to a stocked trout pool at the hotel and tied on a piece of wool to the end of the leader, haha I thought, my reputation had proceeded me - but no, Peter then gave a quick resume of the casts and mends that I would be expected to make throughout the day. I was then given the rod and I must have done something right because we were soon on the hotel beat of the River Taw, but this time with a fly complete with hook, on the leader.
There followed an intensive induction into river fishing, I was educated, encouraged and cajoled on all aspects of river fishing. Nothing was too much trouble for Peter and he answered all my questions with unfailing enthusiasm and an overwhelming desire to help.
I then started to catch trout, modesty prevents me to disclose how many and more importantly this success continued after an excellent lunch, when we fished The River Bray and several wild Brown trout were caught.

I enjoyed this introduction to small river fishing so much that I stayed for a further two days! We re-visited the Taw, fished the River's Mole and Yeo, incidentally all these rivers/streams are in outstanding countryside and it would have been a complete pleasure just to have been there, but I was still catching trout. Peter was still mentoring, climbing the occasional tree to retrieve flies but maintaining a unfailing enthusiasm for my success.

I was able to measure my improvement and overall success with my conversations over breakfast with fellow anglers, once again modesty prevents me talking numbers(it was a very big difference!!).

This intention of this thread is firstly to thank Ian for organising the appeal for such a well deserving cause and secondly to thank Peter Tyjas for offering his services and donating his time for the appeal.

The fishing I experienced and the tuition I received was absolutely tremendous and should his services be on offer next year, there will be serious bidding - so be forewarned!

Sounds fantastic, a great account of the fun too, thanks

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Hi Steve,

Many thanks for the kind words, it was a pleasure to meet you and to share some time on the river with you.

It was great to see you make the step from still water to moving water and with such ease. As I think I said, the fish aren't the easiest in the world to catch but the amount you caught was testament to how well you made the transition.

The mays are easing right off now but we have had a few more sea trout on the Grey Wulff.

I have popped a few photos of your time below that I hope might bring back a few memories.

Pete

Blithfield2's first wild brown trout



A cast in just about the right place...



Into a fish on a small stream



Another day,another small stream



No manicured streams here, I had a hunch about a couple of pools on a really lightly fished stream.... I wish it had paid off but it was fun getting there!

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www.devonschoolofflyfishing.com - Fly Fishing in Devon

I have had some time with Pete, improving my casting, and I would agree, nothing is too much trouble for him.

Will look to get a day with him next year for sure.

Andy

it sounds as though you had a fantastic time mate and fantastic scenery and company to go with it.Well done, i am only a bit ENVIOUSSSSSSSSsssss

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new to flyfishing,recognise some members names from other forums

Pete started my introduction/instruction into fly fishing. He was and still is one of the best in the business. He has the perfect combination....... nice bloke, patient and knowledgeable instruction and could catch fish in a puddle. Always happy to recommend a day on the river with him

Deano

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www.fishonproductions.co.uk

Went out, all on my own, onto a new river and started to put the instruction into practise.

Within two hours I had landed 6 WBT averaging 12", numerous Salmon Parr and only lost one fly!

That is what I call sucess

Pete's a superb bloke and a great guide to boot.
There is loads of superb water to fish as well.
I highly recommend that if anyone is looking for a days guided fishing in Devon you contact him.

T

Pete Tyjas is the man for instruction and guiding and instruction on small rivers.

Having struggled with river fishing for a couple of seasons, I decided that this would be the year that I actually learned how to do it. A few weeks ago, I went on a weekend course run by Pete at The Fox & Hounds Hotel. I had a fantastic time, including catching my first ever wild Brown on a dry fly. I learned a huge amount in just a couple of days and, for less than the cost of a decent fly rod, it was the best money I've spent on fishing since I started.

I've just come back from 2 weeks' holiday in a cottage on the banks of the River Teifi. a river I'd never seen before. I caught fish on every session on that river, even though the water was very low. In fact, I caught more in those 3 sessions that I have caught in rivers over the past 2 seasons, including a terrific Brown of over a pound.

I've known a few instructors over the years and Pete is the best I've seen. He's patient, knowledgeable and enthusiastic and a day or two of his instruction will teach you more than the same number of years struggling on your own. I wish I'd done it years ago...

BTW The Fox & Hounds is an excellent hotel in itself. It's in a beautiful, peaceful setting, the staff are friendly and helpful and the food is marvellous.