Hi All.
I am in Hampshire on the Tuesday 26th August and fancy a days fishing on the River Test (Stockbridge area). I fish still waters mainly, but have fished many rivers over the years.
I am looking for advice on where to fish and who offers the best value for good beats, i know it's going to cost a few bob, but i don't want to get stung.
As i have never fished the Test before any advice on patterns and tactics Please.
Many thanks.

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www.gaileytrout.co.uk

Best off going to john o'gaunts in kings sombourne if you want to catch some stockies. Why pay over £200 a day on the test to catch 4 stocked fish?

I want to fish the river, can fish lakes any time, so any local knowledge of good beats in the area preferably without paying £200.

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www.gaileytrout.co.uk

The chaps at the Rod Box in Kings Worthy would be a good place to start.

http://www.rodbox.com/

Try Simon Cooper at Fishing Breaks. He has a number of beats on the Test available on the day in questio. Tight lines!

Fishing breaks are your best bet, Simon can advise on which beats will suit you best, and make sure he knows you're a newcomer to the Test so you don't end up with a difficult beat.

Advice wise, you'll be able to see the fish so should be able to work out what they're feeding on, be careful you're not seen, and present the fly carefully. Any clumsyness in approach or presentation will be punished, so take your time, make sure everythings sorted and you know what you want to achieve before you cast, and enjoy it. And don't spend ages casting to one fish, if nothings happened after 2/3 flies move on to another one, and don't spend an hour casting to a carp/pike like some clients I've known!

Flies wise, PTN, Gold head PTN, Small/Large klinkhammers, and BWO patterns will see you right for 99% of fish. Alas, I hate to say it, but include Daddy long legs as well as it probably catches as many fish on most beats as anything else!

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http://www.flyfishinglessons.co.uk
http://www.aapgai.co.uk