Nothing petty about learning to fly

I’ve heard flyfishing being mocked by many a hardened sea angler, who thinks there is not a lot of skill in chucking as bit of fluff into a stocked pond.

There is, of course, a lot more to it than that.

Learning the art of delicately casting the fly precision is only part of it because fly fishing can be adapted to other branches of our sport, rather than just Trout.

I have caught Carp and Rudd on flies in Freshwater and my next target is Pike, and this year I aim to do a little more fly fishing in the sea, targeting Bass, Mackerel, Garfish and Pollack, all of which will be great fun on the light gear used.

If anyone has ever fancied learning this art, South West Lakes Trust are promoting at Kennick Reservoir with angler and instructor John Hearn. The day costs £45 per person and includes all tuition, a one-fish ticket and the environment licence for the day.

Dates are various throughout the year and more information can be obtained by looking at the S W Lakes Trust website or contacting John Hearn on 07770 651520.

There is still not much happening with boat anglers but those hardy beach anglers have been battling the cold conditions and catching a few fish. Dan Patrick, fishing with Ethan Hammond, found a few good Bull Huss keen to take their baits, with Ethan having the best of the session, a fine fish of 10lbs 5oz.

Luke Rossiter travelled East and had a great session catching Blonde Rays and Spurdogs, this time nothing huge, with the biggest Blonde weighing in at 9lbs 8oz and the Spurdog at 8lbs 11oz.

The best fish of the week is surely the Thornback Ray caught from the South Hams by Brixham SAC member Michael Head. A great fish of 14lbs 6oz, made even more fun by the fact that he was using a light estuary rod.

This fish is the current frontrunner in our Fish of the month competition kindly sponsored by Sidewinder Lures and Newbarn Angling Centre. All fish entered are considered and details can be emailed to johnsherlockfish@gmail.com or sent via messenger.

Despite the waters overflowing at their Rackerhayes complex, many anglers are still fishing the Newton Abbot FA lakes with the best Carp last week landed by Andy Short. The fish was a fine Common Carp of 24lbs 4oz.

Club matches are being held on Wapperwell and Bradley Ponds, where the water levels are normal. The latest Saturday league match was won by Dominic Holmes with 21lbs. Sam Powell was second with 13lbs 2oz and Chris Gray third with 10lbs 12oz.

The Wednesday match was won by Mike Mudge with 17lbs 8oz, with Gary Webber and Dave Sugden second and third respectively with 14lbs 2oz and 12lbs 13oz.