Absolute Beginners

If you have never handled a fly rod before then we advise either a half day or full day initial introduction to fly fishing which is on an individual one to one basis. Ideally a full day is best as it is more relaxing and leaves more time to cover the mechanics of fly casting plus fishing. However many Clients opt for a half day course to get the feel of fly fishing and then come back for help on individual aspects such as improving casting, rise recognition, dry fly fishing etc.

During the beginners session you will learn :

• Fly fishing safety

• Selection of rod, reel, line etc suitable for the type of fishing you intend to do such as river, small water, reservoir, salt water etc.

• Leader make up, materials that can be used, droppers etc.

• Fishing knots.

• Flies and selection to use throughout the year. Depending on the time of year and time available some basic entomology will be shown to help you recognise the natural insects and the nearest imitation to use.

• Basic casting and, depending on progress, more advanced casts.

• Various retrieval styles for fishing different flies.

• Bite recognition when using both floating and sinking lines.

• On a half day session depending on progress made it may be possible to put the above into practice with practical fishing where with a little luck it will include hooking and playing fish.

• Hopefully proper landing methods including how to release fish unharmed.

• During a full day the afternoon will be spent putting into practice various fishing techniques which will probably include fishing with lures, nymphs and dry flies.

Good quality modern fly fishing tackle is included in the cost of instruction or if you have some already then you are welcome to bring it along. It will be assessed for suitability and appropriate advice given. If you want to purchase fly tackle then we shall be happy to advise on suitable equipment.

It is hoped that by the end of your tuition you will be confident to try fly fishing on your own on smaller still waters and put into practise what you will have been taught. You should be capable of catching on a very regular basis. We include a set of instruction notes to act as an “aide memoire” should you be unsure of any aspect of the instruction but please remember that there is no substitute for practice especially with casting.

We can also provide instruction on river fishing for absolute beginners or anglers wanting to improve their techniques. For beginners advice is given on suitable equipment, leaders and flies to use, casting, rivercraft (knowing where to find the fish etc) different techniques etc. For improvers we can cover whatever you need including presentation casts, Czech nymphing, the duo method etc etc. Normally the instruction will be on lightly fished stretches of the River Kent in superb surroundings.

For young anglers under the age of 17 years we ask that a parent or guardian is present throughout the entire period of instruction and normally 10 years is the minimum age to undertake the instruction because a certain physical strength is needed to cast with a fly rod.

If you would like further information or to book a lesson please either telephone us on 07886 817770, 07502 420267 or in an evening before 9.00pm you can use 01539 733297. Alternatively please complete the enquiry form on the contact page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

All anglers aged 12 years or older who fish in fresh water in England and Wales need to be in possession of a fishing licence issued by the Environment Agency.For Trout anglers the correct type to purchase is the non migratory trout & coarse fish version. The cost for 2010 is £27 for a full one which lasts from 1 April, or date of purchase if later, until 31 March 2011. Juniors pay a much reduced fee of £5 for the full licence. A day licence is available for £3.50 or an 8 day one for £9.50. The licences can be purchased from any Post Office or direct from the Environment Agency at their website http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk