Rawson & Perrin - Makers of Fishing Rods, Fishing Floats & Other Fishing Tackle

May Madness...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Thu, 31 May 2012 18:43:00 +0000

Well its June tomorrow and I'm long overdue an update on here!

Business wise thanks to all the customers we have had in the last 8 weeks. Plenty of rods made, some of which have already caught their first fish. Rob Mungovan sent us these photos of a nice 14" wild fish he caught whilst using his new 'small stream special' for the first time. Nice one Rob!

We're hoping to start offering some 'traditional style' fly reels in the coming months so watch this space for updates - the lathe will be busy!

Personally, I love this time of year. Everything is becoming greener by the day, temperatures are rising and Mayflies begin to flood off the streams, sending the trout into an absolute frenzy! So called 'duffers fortnight' and you can sometimes see why. The trout seem to forget every bit of nerves they have and just risk it all for a juicy mayfly. Luckily, I've had a couple of experiences like this recently.

There's a small overgrown stream that I've been dreaming of since last may. In the middle of nowhere, rarely fished, plenty of fly life and some of the most beautiful wild trout you'll see. I hadn't been yet this year and with the temperatures hotting up I had a feeling the mayflies may have started hatching - I HAD to go.

As I stepped onto the small footbridge near the start of the stretch everything just felt 'right'. A few mayflies could be seen dancing on the banks, things were looking up! As I made my way upstream prospecting the likely looking places with my new mayfly pattern it wasn't long before I rose a fish - I missed it - I wasnt used to the ferocity of takes at this time of year and I jumped out of my skin! "I'll be ready for the next one" I murmured, and I was! A beautiful little fish, perfectly marked and I was happy as could be.

The fish are notoriously skittish in this small stream and returning from a few hours having caught a couple is usually a great feeling. I carried on fished up the stretch and ended up with 8, all on the mayfly!

I'd barely reached the halfway point in the stretch and it was already 8.15PM and the wife was texting me, we still hadn't had our evening meal... Needless to say I had to head home.

The next couple of days weret easy. I found myself constantly thinking about the joys I was missing on this particular stream! I HAD to go back! Tuesday evening I arrived at the stream just before 5PM - this time armed with the same 4'8" cane rod and with my camera and tripod slung over my shoulder! The plan was to catch a few and hopefully get them on film. I ended up with a dozen or more - possibly my favourite and most rewarding evening of fishing ever!

It wasn't easy on my own with the camera and the sun made things tough but I've put a film together of my evening spent on the stream. Here it is...

VIMEO:

YOUTUBE:

The mayfly will be tailing off now I'd imagine but I'm still itching to go back!

AR...

North Devon

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:03:00 +0000

Had a long weekend away with the wife and of course the rod had to come to too!

Only managed to sneak out a couple of times for short sessions and not at the best of tide states but it was great to be out next to the salt again.

It was a new area to me and so it was nice to explore the rocks, reefs and gulleys for the first time.

No catches to report but a few near misses. A couple of schoolies hit my patchinko but failed to hook up and then a monster hit it too late yesterday evening, again failing to hook up, would have easily been my PB (I wouldnt like to guess the weight!). Water clarity wasn't great but in a more sheltered spot I saw a nice schoal of fish swim past as well as a couple of mullet cruising. Also saw fish jumping way out as the light faded.

Hopefully this may give anyone heading that way in the coming weeks hope, the fish are definitely there! Was a great sunset last night which part made up for the missed biggie.

Now, where are those mayflies?...
AR...

Too nice not to post....

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:45:00 +0000

Just a quick post...

Graham and I had a trip to the local this afternoon and whulst the river was a bit chilly (we both had numb toes by the time we got back to the car) we both enjoyed good sport.

The highlight was definately a great fish that Graham landed. A real spotty monster for this stretch!!! A few pics....

We had a few smaller ones too. The early trips to the stream has provided us with some nice fish so far. Bodes well for the rest of the year!

Cheers
AR...
Twitter: @adsrawson

First Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:06:00 +0000

Well it finally arrived! The longely anticipated April 1st came along and Graham and I made our way to a favourite little stream.

The air was much cooler than the previous week and it took a while for fish to begin to rise. We started nymphing the likely looking spots and it wasn't long until Graham christened his new R&P rod with a lovely wild looking trout.

I followed up with a few more fish on the nymph. As the afternoon progressed we got to a group of fish that were happy to rise to olive emergers and midge patterns. We both filled our boots and ended up with around a dozen between us. A superb opening to the season!

With our appetites severely wetted, we head to a local stream yesterday evening hoping the Grannom had started to hatch. We arrived to see plumes of grannom fizzing up and down the stream and every now and then a fish would hit into them.

Unfortunately the fish didnt seem to like our offerings too much and as the temperature dropped the fish did too. We ended up with a fish each. I took a trout on a CDC midge pattern and Graham had a lovely out of season Grayling on a flashback baetis pattern, a shame we couldnt find that one in the winter months!

All in all, a lovely first couple of trips. Here's to the next one!

AR...

Predators on the fly...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:25:00 +0000

With the end of the coarse season nearing I fear I've had my last throw of the fly at the Pike, Perch and Chub until June 16th arrives. Each of the last two Saturdays I have been on the river with the fly rod.

The weekend before last I was hoping for some Pike action, whilst I was joined by Graham from Wildflies who took his 5wt in the hope that the milder weather had woken up the chub and perch. It was a lovely sunny spring day and whilst this isnt ideal for Pike, it wasnt long until I had a bend in the rod. A lean fish around 5lb taken from a large slack in the middle of a weirpool. We moved further downstream and I worked the fly back towards me, I was hit by a decent fish but it didnt stick. Luckliy next cast he came back for more. A lovely fish with plenty of weight to him!

As I recovered from the fight, Graham put his smaller fly through hoping a Perch might be lurking on the drop off. He was hit straight away and with the bend in the rod we were both hoping it was a stripey! It soon became clear it wasnt! Luckily the 8lb tippet held and he landed a nice Pike for the 5wt!

As the sun got brighter and brighter we struggled to catch much else. Graham was messing around with some bleak and minnows who were happy to attack small dry flies - a sure sign of spring! I had one other small fish, not much bigger than the fly but in mint condition!

Last Saturday Graham and I headed out again, this time both armed with 5wts. With the lack of Perch last time out we solely focused on them. We travelled to a small river not known for its Perch but we had seen them in the past. Again it was a gorgeous bright sunny day but we were hopeful!

Graham had the luck first of all with two lovely perch in quick succession.

A little further downstream I had a lovely fish, fat as they come and a true scrapper that really bent my cane!

Further on down I had two smaller fish on consectutive casts after seeing them swarming around my fly on the previous retrieve. A great day out but the venue must have been tough on our wading boots as both pairs fell apart, perhaps cutting the day a little short!

I can look forward to the trout and some trips to the coast in the coming months. Spring is definitley here!

AR...

Site Troubles...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:52:00 +0000

You may have noticed over the past week or so that we have had some site trouble. In fact, the whole website disappeared for a few days. Thankfully this is all sorted now and we are almost back to normal - we're just waiting for google to pick us back up again.

In other news, we're glad to see people taking advantage of our start of season special. You still have until the end of the month to get your order in to qualify for this offer.

The Wild Trout Trust auctions are now live on eBay. Be sure to check out our lot as well as the other fantastic items, trips and experiences all for a great cause:

Rawson & Perrin Lot
Full Catalogue of Lots

I had a wonderful day on the river last weekend after Pike on the fly again. Managed to land 3 with the biggest into double figures. Not long left now to up the PB as the pike move into the shallower water before the season ends. Then my attention will turn to getting the fly box in good order ready for the trout!

Cheers
AR...
Twitter: @adsrawson

A bit of an update...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:48:00 +0000

Thought I'd make a post just to tell you a few pieces of news...

Firstly you may have noticed the website has had another 'facelift'. Mostly behind the scenes for my benefit but you may notice a few extra borders etc.

The biggest change is our new START OF SEASON SPECIAL. This year we've decided to give everyone over 25% off our split cane rods up to the legth of 7 feet. Any rod in this length bracket is now just £350. For more information visit Start Of Season Special

The Wild Trout Trust annual auction catalogue is now availabe with hundreds of great looking lots including our Presentation Grade Small Stream Special made especially for the auction. With so many lots and with the proceeds going to such a good cause it's well worth a look! Wild Trout Trust

I'm hoping to get out on the banks this weekend and if possible make a short film about our new chub rod - "The Chevin" . Hopefully the weather will warm up slightly (for my benefit not that of the Chub!) and i'll catch a few fish. Stay tuned to our Vimeo and Youtube accounts for the first look.

Cheers
AR
Twitter: @adsrawson

Toothy Critters...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:54:00 +0000

A belated happy new year to you all and I hope you had a fine Christmas break.

After an extremely busy Christmas and new year for myself it was nice to finally get back on the river yesterday hoping for a Pike or two. With the recent mild weather, yesterday was in stark contrast with the car saying -3 degrees as Graham and I set off to our chosen mark. I was hopeful of a fish and praying that the sudden drop in temperature hadnt put the Pike off. We reached our first mark and although the water clarity wasnt perfect we both had follows/hits from smaller fish on our flies. The river was certainly warmer than air with the blanks of our rods freezing constantly.

The air started to warm up as we moved further along the river to our second mark. This place had been kind to Graham in the past and had yielded his 16lb PB a couple of winters ago, he was hopeful of a repeat and so he had first dibs on the mark. First and second cast he had hits although it was unclear on the size of the fish until he hooked it next time out. A scrappy fish around 4lb.

It was my go next as we waded further round the river to a nice slack that often holds a fish in the summer months. First cast a long fish hit just as the fly reached the surface in front of me but the hook didnt hold. Luckily next cast he was more than willing to have another go and this time the hook held. After numerous rampaging runs and thrashes he came to my hand, a well proportioned fit fish approaching double figures.

It would have been rude not to have another cast and as I was still in position Graham gave me the go ahead. Neither of us expected another pike to be sat in the relatively small slack but there was. Straight away I was in again, the fish hitting at the end of the retrieve as they always seem to. Another fantastic fight and by this time my arm was aching! A slightly smaller fish, but more restless fish was succesfully 'chinned'. Just as I removed the barbless 6/0 and cast it aside the fish thrashed, I managed to hold it but could feel my knuckles get scuffed by the gill rakers. A couple of snaps later and the fish swam away nice and strong.

It was at this point I noticed a slighlty more serious wound. As the pike thrashed one of its teeth must have caught my fingertip, it was such a clean cut it didnt hurt but the blood just kept coming!

My fishing day was over. Graham had a few more casts in a few likely spots but the sun had risen up and had become bright - not ideal. We left slightly bruised but very happy with the mornings angling.

A great start to 2012,

AR...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 18:31:00 +0000

We have been busy over the last few months, making a number of finishing tweaks to a few of our rods, including our specialist Barbel rod, and a new 3 piece chub rod, which is 11 feet in length, and should be perfect for the intended quarry!

We have also been finishing a fly rod that we have donated to the Wild Trout Trust, and will be auctioned off next year.

It is one of our small stream specials in presentation grade, with a 24 strip mortised butt and a bamboo ferrule. We hope it proves popular in the auction next year, if you are interested place a bid in the auction, its for a good cause!!

New Mark, New Rod...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 09:16:00 +0000

Living in Bristol, its hard to find clear water near by! Usually, Devon and Cornwall are the places I'd drive to find it, but fancying something new I opted to cross the bridge with Graham.

Up at 4am, and at the mark after a walk by around 7ish. The sun was starting to appear and the sea looked delicious! We both started working Patchinko's and it wasnt long before we both into bass. No biggies but great to christen my new Teklon 802.

As the tide approached high, the wind picked up and the waves started to roll in. Off came the pacthinko and on went a range of shallow divers, working the shallow water was hard due to the swell so I moved to some deeper water.

I was soon into the smallest mackerel I've ever caught - would have been perfect livebait

A garfish followed - a welcome sight and my first for a couple of years.

We fished on as the tide receeded but the waves seemed to get bigger and bigger and we struggled to hook anything else.

A tough day but great to find and fish some new water, get a few bass and christen the new rod first time of asking!

Leaves are falling and temperatures dropping so my attentions might fall to Perch and Pike on the fly from my local rivers now!

Cheers
Adam

Frampton Country Fair...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 07:56:00 +0000

Just a quick reminder that we will be attending the http://www.framptoncountryfair.co.uk/ tomorrow (Sunday 11th September). We will be displaying a good number of rods from all across our range so please come along and say hi, try some rods and maybe share a beverage!

AR....

August Bank Holiday...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:19:00 +0000

Last weekend I had the chance to return to Cornwall for a spot of fly fishing and plugging, with a good bass being the intended target for both me and Graham.

We set off around 4.30am and after a short stop at a supermarket we were fishing by 7.30ish. The tide was going out but we found ourselves at a deep water mark. We both opted for the fly and had a few taps and follows from greedy pollack but we couldn't hook one! We stayed probably a bit longer than we intended as neither of us wanted to blank and we had our heart set on a low water mark that Graham had fished the weekend before. I ended up with one small pollack once I convinced them that my fly was tastier than my braided loop! We walked back up the steep cliff, to the car and then set our tents up at the campsite.

There was little time for a break as we set off again for the low water mark that had shown so much promise the weekend before! After a medium walk down an even bigger and steeper hill we arrived at a sandy channel covered either side by bladderack. It looked sublime and we quickly set up eager to fish. The wind, on the other hand had other ideas. Out of nowhere the wind picked up and was blowing straight at us, casting a fly to the channel was impossible. We changed to the plugging rods and after a little perseverance we gave up, it wasn't pleasant in the strong cold winds.

We moved a little further round to a sheltered edge with more deep water, we tried the fly and various plugs and spinners but the only luck we had was a bass around 3lb that came up to look at my plug as it was stationary on the surface right in front of me. Once again we moved further round to a lovely sandy bay. With the wind now behind us, I could easily cast to the opposite side of the bay with my popper. I slowly worked it back when a good fish began to follow it alongside before launching itself at the lure, it missed and never came back. Gutted.

I worked the cove a little more while Graham was still using the fly. Again a fish appeared following the plug and this one really wanted it! It hit about 6 times, each time more aggressively but each time failing to hook itself just as much as the last! Fantastic to see but very frustrating. That was it for me but shortly after, Graham managed a nice schoolie on the fly!

We began the long walk uphill to the car and decided we were deserved of sausage and chips for tea! After our sustenance, we went back out. We arrived at another deep water mark and both had pollack on the fly although again they were more interested in my braided loop! I saw a mackerel jump 3-4 feet vertically out of the water a little further out than I could cast but there was nothing out there to be had on the plug. Darkness fell and after more Pollack we headed back to our tents determined to fish high water at dawn.

I awoke Sunday morning feeling surprisingly awake although not having heard my alarm. Graham was snoring still - I checked my clock and sure enough we'd overslept by an hour. It was now high water and we were still in bed! I awoke Graham and we headed straight down to the sea. Perhaps we should have stayed in bed as the morning was rather fruitless, I think Graham managed one small pollack to his standard sand eel pattern although may have been little consolation for the unscheduled 'swim' he had!

Come low water we fished a small creek, crawling with mullet and usually home to a number of small bass. We fished for a couple of hours and whereas I could only get bass to follow the fly, stop, follow it again, stop and then turn away (much the same as Perch do), Graham managed I think his smallest ever bass on a 'Gammarus' pattern.

We stopped for food and then headed to a beach we both know very well for high tide. I stopped at a rock mark that runs out into a gully that runs diagonally across the beach. I cast my fly to the gully let it sink, one strip and a fish was on! I was hoping it was going to be a bass but it soon became evident that it was not, a nice 1lb+ pollack came to hand before going back. The early mornings and all the hauling had made my arm ache so I switched to the plug, once again the popper being my choice. It wasn't long before I had interest, a number of splashy takes but no hook ups. I cast again, this time with a slower and more 'angry' retrieve. From nowhere a bass launched itself at the lure from the side, being out of the water for about two feet before actually reaching it. I was in shock but the fish was on. A number of runs and lunges later and Graham handed the fish in and placed it in a shallow rockpool where we unhooked measured and photographed the fish. At 50cm it was my PB lure caught bass.

Grinning from ear to ear I released the fish and quickly cast out again, but there was no more interest. We moved to the other side of the bay, by this time the tide was well on the ebb, 2 or 3 hours after high and the light was starting to drop. We both used the fly and Graham had a number of good pollack and I managed a mackerel on the popper.

We returned to our tents and planned an early get up for our last day. This time we both awoke on time and decided to fish the same area we had the evening before. The sun was lighting up the horizon and this time I made my first cast with the popper. Straight away I was getting takes and I had pollack both first and second cast, as the light crept up the sport died. We moved to a deeper water mark and Graham had a couple more pollack. That was it, the weekend had gone and it was time to go home.

As I write this I'm already itching to have another go at the bass but I fear my opportunities may have gone. Until next time...

AR...

More catching up....

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 19:48:00 +0000

Again I find myself apologizing for the lack of recent updates but it has been a busy couple of months!

Starting last month I had a week away in Cornwall with the other half. Weather wasn't ideal but I did manage a few trips out with the fly rod. Plenty of pollack were caught as well as a mullet or two on bread. Great fun and there's a chance I might get back there before summer is over (if it isn't already!).

After that began the finishing touches to a number of rod, float and priest orders making there way across the globe - stretching as far as Australia and the USA! As well as the orders, we have been putting together a number of new display rods to take to Frampton Country Fair which we will be attending again this year.

That brings us to this month. It began with me putting my back out, very painful but glad its now sorted. Then came the fun and games that is car hunting, due to numerous failures on my last car. Thankfully a trip to Leamington Spa found the car for me. Once on my feet and mobile again it only seemed right that a trip to the river was in order.

Joined by Graham, we had our sights set on a good Perch and numerous other species. After fishing for a while it was clear the Perch were not really in the mood. A decent fish hit Graham's fly a few times but he couldn't make it stick. Later on I managed a small Perch but there were many more surprises in store!

Whilst watching the water, Graham spotted a barbel in a fast run with streamer weed either side. "How big?" I asked - "About 2lb" he replied. Both agreeing that would do for the 5wt's he tied a fast sinking nymph on. After a few runs through another fish came from nowhere, looking perhaps twice the size of the first, and sitting next to the other - his chances had doubled!

A few more runs through saw us both anxious watching as the fly neared the fish, the line stopped, Graham struck and the fish was on. A few fast runs into the weed and many downstream lunges later a barbel graced the net, although barely fitting in it! The "2lber" was half the size of this fish, making it 4lb right? WRONG! The only scales I had went 7lb and they bottom out fast! I'd estimate it around 8 or 9lb I suppose, not particularly long but boy was this fish deep! A few photos:

In addition to this cracker we caught chub, perch, dace, roach, grayling, gudgeon and bleak. A nice return to the river!

AR....

June Update...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 08:16:00 +0000

Apologies for the lack of updates since the start of the coarse fishing season. Needless to say I've been out a few times with the fly rod after the chub etc...

The first couple of trips were a little disappointing in the fact that areas that used to hold large numbers of chub seemed to be void of them. However we still managed a few smaller fish.

A running theme in all the trips I've made to the river so far is the abundance of trout in places I've never seen them before and on rivers not really well known for them. In fact, whilst fishing for the coarse fish, trout have almost become a nuisance fish! Maybe the trout are enjoying the cold winters?

Yesterday saw me and Graham back on the river. Upon arrival the river was extremely low and ultra clear, more so than I've ever seen before. However we enjoyed a super day, catching 8 different species bewteen us. The chub were back in their usual places although proving more difficult to catch than in previous years! We still managed a good few fish between us, all fish over 3lb.

As well as good chub, we enjoyed fantastic sport with the Perch. Each catching fish to around 2lb as well as numerous smaller fish.

We also had upwards of 20 Dace, a number of Roach, some bleak, a helping of Trout and a couple of very rare Grayling for this particular area.

Probably the star of the show though was Graham's Pike, around 8lb and taken in shallow water the fish led him on a merry dance through a lot of water and put a serious bend in his 5wt!!!

A seriously super day and I hope the fabulous sport continues throughout July.

AR...

Saturday Sightings...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 18:21:00 +0000

I couldnt resist a trip to the river today in the hope of a trout or two, it ended up being quite eventful.

I arrived at a stretch I'd only fished once before with coloured water. It was nice to see it today in gin clear conditions. Plenty of trout were spotted on the way down to the get in point, so things were looking up.

Just before I got in I could hear a Kingfisher approaching so I stopped still to get a glimpse of the blue magic. As it rounded the corner it was joined by another, both swooping under a tree low to the water, although the second of the two birds misjudged it and clattered into the water before having a rest on a branch. The first time I've seen such an error from a kingfisher!

The river was surrounded by greenery and looking in fine form, but there was very little rising so I opted for a nymph. I caught a few small trout and beautiful little minnows in fine breeding colours.

I rounded a corner and was greeted by the biggest shoal of chub I've ever seen. There must have been nearly 100 fish crammed into a tiny eddy, mostly around a pound but a few 2-3lb were included in the shoal. They all shot downstream as I walked past.

I was then greeted by another strange occurance - a bat! Yes, a bat! In broad daylight this little chap was flying around, just a foot or two from my face and appeared to be actively hunting. I had seen one briefly on the Wye a few years ago but to see one so close was amazing.

Another trout fell to the nymph before I'd worked my way up to a lovely looking riffle. I thought I'd change to a dry and just as I was doing so a fish exploded out of the water towards the top of the pool. I'd seen a few sedges so thats what I opted for. Sure enough, first cast the fish obliged and after a number of acrobatic jumps the fish came to hand. Beautifully marked.

I caught a glimpse of a deer in the field opposite, had a heron almost fly into me, hooked and lost a larger fish and before I knew I'd reached the top of the stretch. An eventful and very fulfilling day.

Next weekend should see me out after the coarse fish on the fly and I cant wait!

AR...

The Forgotten Pool... Video...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 18:05:00 +0000

The Forgotten Pool... from Adam Rawson on Vimeo.

The Forgotten Pool...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:15:00 +0000

Last night I took a trip to a local stream that has a large, almost pond like pool. I hadn't fished it for some time and to be honest I had forgotten about it.

I always remember the mystery of the pool, often as darkness approaches there are huge splashes. In the past me and Graham have caught decent trout, chub to 3-4lbs and the depth of the pool has always made us wonder what else lies beneath the surface.

I wasnt really fishing, more a cameraman for Graham but I did have a cast or two. Graham managed two trout, lost another and had a tiny dace, another species for the pool list. A warmer evening may have seen more activity on the surface as darkness drew in but it was nice to be reacquainted with the place. The coming months may see many more trips to 'the forgotten pool'.

I'm hoping to put together some sort of video from the footage I took, maybe in the next day or two.

AR...

Update

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 22:37:00 +0000

I've been working on the website for the last couple of days and although it's not finished, I have now made it live. If anyone encounters any issues, please let me know and I'll get them sorted.

Cheers
Adam

Evening on the stream...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 21:04:00 +0000

After the strong winds and mixed weather of May, it was a welcome suprise to wake up to 20+ degree heat at the beginning of June.

Having missed the majority of duffer's fortnight due to one thing or another I was keen to get out in the hope that a few Mayflies were still knocking about! Me and Graham decided an evening session would be a good idea.

We arrived at the river about 5.30PM, donned our waders and began to walk up the stretch. It wasn't long before we spotted fish, I think I had first cast at a fish, a good one too but a suicidal smaller fish launched itself at my grey wulff before the bigger one had a chance. The fish shook the barbless hook shortly before reaching my hand - the "perfect" release!

Graham's go next and there were still fish rising just a few yards upstream. After covering them numerous times he couldnt get a confident take until he cast to a small slack. BAM! Another small fish was on before, once again shaking the hook after a number of spirited jumps.

We moved on to a spot where Graham had previously caught Trout and Roach on a Damsel nymph. After a number of casts he fnally connected, and this time it was another species... A dace, and a good one at that. probably pushing 12oz+. A few snaps later and he was on his way.

After working our way further upstream I spotted a good fish confidently 'head and tailing' under some trees. It looked like a hard cast but with the size of the fish, it had to be worth a go. I covered the fish a couple of times, with Graham peering through trees on the bank and feeding back to me. Suddenly I saw a good fish appear to follow the fly and turn back upstream, but with a flash of silver it wasn't a trout. I looked to Graham and stunned he said it was "a Roach around a pound and a half!"

I stepped foward one pace and could see the trout I was after, another cast and I was sure I could get it, unfortunately another smaller fish nipped in front of it once again. I like catching all trout and in some cases the smaller ones are somehow more satisfying, but when they 'steal' the fly away from a monster its always disheartening!

Once again we moved on, and with the river unusually quite in it's upper reaches it felt like we were casting at shadows. Before we knew it, it was 9PM, where had the evening gone?!?!?!

We began to walk back down towards the car but upon reaching the pool where Graham had his dace, it was alive with trout throwing themselves out of the water. We assumed it was sedges they were on becuase of the fading light and the manner in which they were exploding through the surface. We covered the fish plenty with every shape/size/colour sedge we had with no luck. We searched the surface film for any signs of what they could be taking, a lone 'cherry spinner' was circling an eddy. But by the time we had found it, the fish were no longer feeding and the light had almost gone. I wasn't aware the Blue Winged Olives were on this stream but hopefully some more good hatches will happen in the coming months.

We arrived back at the car at 10.15PM and although we hadn't caught an awful lot it felt somehow satisfying and educational tonight.

AR...

Quick update...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Sat, 21 May 2011 17:42:00 +0000

Just had a couple of hours on the local stream testing a new 5' one piece taper. Very quiet with virtually nothing rising despite quite a few Mayflies knocking about. I thought I'd blanked until I'd reached the top couple of pools. Only small but superbly coloured and marked.

Cheers
AR...

On Any Given Sunday...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Sun, 15 May 2011 19:40:00 +0000

As yet another Sunday rolled around, the urge to fish was starting to take over from other work. Despite the colder weather and windy conditions Graham & I couldnt resist returning back to the previous stream.

Upon arival the water was super clear. We tackled up and started to walk up the stretch hoping, perhaps, that the mayflies had started to hatch. Unfortunately it wasnt to be, in fact we had walked a fair way up the stretch before we had seen a fish even rise.

Before this, we reached a lovely 'weir-like' pool and Graham had tied a Damsel Nymph on. As I sheltered from the wind behind a grassy bank it can't have been more than a few run throughs before Graham cried "Fish on!". After a short fight, a small trout came to hand. Confident there was still another fish to be had, again he cast - "Fish on!" I heard almost straight away, a better one too this time by the looks of the bend in the rod. Imagine our surprise when this came to the net...

We then moved on and reached a bush where there is often a good trout. Usually I take a peak first to see if anyone is at home, although this usually always results in the fish darting away. Determined to avoid this I cast blind from the bank and watched the fly line. Nothing had taken and so i stripped the line back only to see a trout following. Just as the fly reached the surface the trout took, a spirited fight and a pretty fish.

As we moved further up, the water was turning a milky colour. Hoping to find the reason for this we carried on upstream, but we never did find out the cause. Towards the top of the stretch are two pools that always seem to hold better fish. With the water still coloured there was little happening, just one or two fish at the top pool rising regularly.

It was Graham's go so he cast over the fish with an Olive (the only fly we could see in any numbers). After covering the fish a number of times it was clear it wasnt what he was taking. This pattern continued for 30 minutes or so, with Graham changing fly everytime the trout refused. After about 8 fly changes he had finally got the winning formula and the fish was his to lose! The fight seemed to last an age as I watched a clearly good trout bolting up and downstream - Graham's 4wt seemingly undergunned for the power and stamina of this one! Eventually the fish graced the net - Definitley worth all the fly changes!

The fish went back after a few snaps and it was my go. With nothing rising anymore I decided to just cover a likely looking run behind some trailing brambles. I can't remember how many casts I'd had before my Spent Olive was pounced upon. Maybe I wasn't really expecting a take as my strike was slow, but as soon as contact was made, it was clear it was another belter!

The trout leaped into the air, coming back down with an almighty splash and after some more splashing on the surface it had calmed down a little bit. Gliding up/down/left and right it was I that now felt undergunned! Every twist and turn of the fish resulted in my tippet pinging off the fins of the fish, I was just praying the hook would hold. A couple of failed net attempts later I felt it had to be netted now or the fish was gone. I held my breathe and the fish dropped in - just!

"That's got to be worth weighing" said Graham and I agreed. The scales came out and I was baffled by the display bouncing around 1 and a half. "Oh! Thats kilogra..." - SPLASH. Suddenly the weight in the net had gone, the fish had gone! I looked down to see it sat by my foot. Don't ask me how but with a combination of Graham stood behind and my net coming from above I somehow scooped the fish back out! (thanks Izaak!) With the scales flipped over and the net deducted the fish went 2lb, or an ounce below anyway, certainly my biggest wild fish and from a stream such as this, a true monster! A couple of snaps later and the fish went back.

Big head!

Wild Brown Trout Release from Adam Rawson on Vimeo.

What a day! We're still to see the Mayflies, but surely it can't be long, can it?!

AR...
Twitter: @adsrawson

Wild Brownies

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Mon, 09 May 2011 16:00:00 +0000

After a lot of 'umming and arring' about whether a particular stream would be suitable for fly fishing after the recent downpours I took the plunge and went anyway, this time joined by Graham.

Upon arrival at the stream the time spent wondering about the river level and clarity was clearly wasted, the water was low and clear. As we walked up the stretch the trout were rising to small upwings. Graham had the first fish...

A couple more smaller fish came to hand before we had found a nice run that contained a number of fine fish. We worked our way up the run nymphing and 'dry flying' and caught a number of fish to 1.5lb. I'll let the photos tell the story...

I think this stream is going to be rather fun when the mayfly hatch begins!

AR...

Twitter: @adsrawson

Exploration... Part Deux!

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Sun, 01 May 2011 18:32:00 +0000

With a distinct lack of angling action over the last couple of weeks, today gave me a chance to have a wander upstream of the stretch I fished last time I wrote here.

As with all previously unfished water I was rather excited and as I reached the river my excitement grew. With the warm air temp and a strong wind I decided to walk upstream until I saw something rising.

I'd walked for maybe 3 minutes before I reached a shallow fast series of cascades, full of streamer weed. Between the runs of weed I saw a couple of small fish rising quite regularly. I set up and having seen a few small olives emerging, a CDC Olive emerger was the fly of choice. I made my way into casting distance and only needed to cover the fish once and he readily obliged. A small but perfect little trout met my hand before quickly jumping out again before I managed a photo.

I covered a few more fish but they were not so forgiving to my slightly poor casting that the wind was causing! I walked further upstream hoping to find some shelter from the wind. I reached a deep fast pool surrounded by trees and with the lack of activity on the surface I changed to a PTN. First run through a lovely trout eventually graced the net after a series of acrobatics.

A better fish.

After a few more runs through the pool it was clear the comotion caused by the above fish had put any other fish down. I waded to the top of the pool and spotted a BIG trout just a little further upstream. I flicked the PTN above it and out of nowhere a small trout pounced before promptly shaking the hook. The big fish was nowhere to been seen. I stepped up the pool before freezing as the 'biggie' came back into view about 2 yards above my left foot. I carefully flicked the nymph above it again and slightly raised it as it came past the fish. The trout turned and snapped at the fly, however my strike was either too late or too early as I only hit thin air. I'll be back for him next time!

After countless more fish missed and lost I reached a lovely shallow run with around half a dozen fish sipping regularly off the surface. After bumping a couple on a twitched CDC emerger it was clear it wasnt they fly they REALLY wanted. After 4 or 5 fly changes I finally managed a confident take to a Griffiths Gnat. Another spirited fight and series of acrobatics proceeded before this beauty met my net.

Back you go.

Again, the comotion had put the other fish down but after walking slowly up the pool, two fish sat under a branch at the top end came into view.

I changed back to the PTN and flicked it under the branch numerous times before inducing a take from the smaller of the two fish. A deep surging fight followed as it sprinted off downstream before eventually reaching the net.

Incredible colours, not really done justice by the photo.

With time against me once more, I made my way back downstream and peered into a small nearby stillwater adjacent to the river. I couldnt resist a cast for a shoal of Roach sat just under the surface. I flicked the PTN into the shoal and after a few follows I connected with a fish, but not the desired species.

Another two casts resulted in two more of these little devils, god only knows the havoc they cause the Roach!

I reached the car and had time to reflect on a a great afternoon's exploration! Some super fish caught and some even better ones lost. As I write this I'm already itching to get back there!

AR...

Exploration...

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:34:00 +0000

Sunday 11th April saw me able to finally get a chance to explore a new water. I had been thinking about this place all winter and with the promise of truly wild brownies and rumours of fish in excess of 3lb it was easy to see why!

Accompanied again by Graham, we first walked to the bottom of the stretch - not typical trout water, a little more 'coarse-like' but having never visited before it was worth a look. After reaching the bottom and walking all the way back up, it was clear there were plenty of chub present, every swim seemed to be full of them! We also spotted roach, dace and a few Pike - good to know for when June 16th comes around! There were a few likely looking trout pools, faster, broken water that we each nymphed a couple of times. We both connected with fish but unfortunately Graham's was a Chub and mine was a Perch! My first on a caddis case nymph!

We started to walk further up in search of more 'trouty looking water'. After spotting countless more Chub and a couple of specimen Roach we reached a shady tree section. Upon entering the water all we could see as we looked upstream were fabulous riffles! After walking through the first couple of really shallow ones, we reached a slighlty deeper one. I almost walked through it but something told me to have a go. I can't have had more than 3 run throughs of my nymph when the fly line held up a little. I lifted the rod and sure enough I was attached to something! After a spirited scrap a small wildie graced my net.

I was starting to think the 8' 5wt was going to be a bit overkill!

It was Graham's go next. Casting again into the same small riffle and again connecting with a fish with 3 casts! This time the fish was giving him the run around! Until the fish reached the net it could have easily been a 2lber! Although it wasn't, it was definitely punching way above it's weight!

There can't be many better looking fish!

With it being my go again, I chanced the same pool and once again a fish took! Although this time it shook the hook. Moving upstream we came to another super looking pool. I ran my nymph through and this time I had to wait a little longer, but eventually hooked another trout. Another super fight resulted in another great fish.

The next few pools saw a couple more lost fish and one more caught and athough there was still a lot more water to fish further upstream, time was running out. We decided to save that for next time - hopefully not too long away!

AR...

Twitter: @adsrawson

More troot!

noreply@blogger.com (Rawson and Perrin) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 09:55:00 +0000

After the soaring temperatures of the last few days another short session on the local stream was on the cards. Joined again by Graham from Wildflies we found it tough going despite plenty of fish rising. We threw everything at them but they were not having any of it - One of those days! Towards the top of the stretch I eventually managed one to a sedge pattern.

As we came to the top of the stretch we were treated to a beautiful sunset.

Fish were still rising further up the river beyond this stretch and we couldn't resist going to have a closer look and to try and film them. We were then treated to 4 bats flying inches from us mopping up all the Grannom that filled the skies. We tried to take some photos but they move so fast its incredibly hard to get a clear shot, although Graham managed to get one or two fine photos - easily identifiable as Pipistrels!

Direct Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IBNm__91wc

AR...