I must start this introduction with an apology. I've been lurking on here for over a year, have taken much and contributed nothing. What could I possibly say that hasn't already been said? Thankyou to the people who have asked what I needed to know, and to the people who have answered, I'm grateful.

This is my second crack at the dark art. After a twenty year break from flee chucking, with the Munros bagged and the Lakealnd fells thoroughly exhausted, the call of John Norris (Penrith Ltd) was just too much to resist. A year later, much lighter of pocket, and my tailing loops reduced to the point that I'm only spending a third of my fishing time picking knots out of my leaders, I can honestly say that little seems to have changed. The people I've met at the water are still as enthusiastic and as helpful as I remember, the Broonies still as elusive (to me, anyway) and the rivers still as captivating. I must ask though, whatever happened to thigh waders? I'll miss them. Maybe they're still available for private use!

May I wish you all tight lines for the coming season, and while out fishing, if you come across a poor unfortunate soul with a fly line wrapped round his chops, please take pity, it could be me.

Craig

Hi Craig

As a relative newbie myself I won't have the temerity to welcome you to the forum but hi, anyway.
A similar tale to mine. After moving from Carlisle to Manchester, bringing up a family, introducing them to fell walking and dragging carp out of muddy ponds, I too have returned to fly fishing and the Aladdins cave that is John Norris. Like you, I have found the people both here and on the bank unbelievably generous with their time and willingness to give out hard earned knowledge.

I have decided that the worst sound in the world is the click of the fly hitting my rod on the forward cast and the gloop as the line falls in a tangled heap in front of me. So as you unwrap the line from around your chops if you hear those sounds accompanied by loud profanities - come and say hello

__________________
"Take not out your 'ounds on a werry windy day" Surtees.