I’m grateful for a number of rivers within easy reach able to survive the most dismal of weather and thus provide some exceptional fishing amongst the free fall that is Autumn, one such river is the Test. After yesterdays biblical downpour I was pretty confident that although a little more height would be expected, clarity and abundance of fish could be as much assured as I would dare to wish. 

Meeting up with trio, Nick, Matt and Gareth who’d fished rivers on only but as few occasions, oh! how we were not to be disappointed. In a warming sun and with little or no wind to be of concern we were greeted with some incredible hatches of BWO’s, I needed to look no further than a cdc emerger imitation from my good friend Tony Riley for top ‘o’ the water stuff, and…

… Warren McCarthy’s Copperhead Olive Quill nymph.

Given their casting prowess the guys were into fish almost immediately, carnage ensued.

At times they just didn’t know where to cast for rises and scurrying fish.

From top to bottom, there was not a jot of disappointment

Targeting visible fish where possible in only but the slightest of tinged water

We hit upon some stunning fish, those in season and very welcome…

…and those perhaps not so.

How contort can a man be to grab a fish… Nick finds out.

Gareth in the lower reaches putting the residents under yet more pressure.

A sequence of events, we stand and watch just prior to lunch.

Cast at the fishy type shape on a gravel lie…

The shape moves and nails your fly…

Take control of said fishy shape…

Bag said shape and grin like the proverbial…

Realise this fishy shape was not what you were otherwise after… but be no less disappointed.

Lunch… loads to talk about, the biggest, the strongest, the heaviest and the smallest – who’s?

Afterwards and although with temperatures dropping… the carnage continued.

Looking out upon what was just an incredible session of fishing, personal bests in one way or another set by each. Guys it was an absolute blast, days like these could only be bettered if I’d actually had a rod in my hand. Terrific fun – look forward to the next.

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Where is the middle of no where? … Oh yes, here it is, halfway between Madagascar & Mozambique

‘ Bassas Da India ‘

Unchartered Waters – Bassas Da India was 3 years of planning and 15 months in the making, 6 guys go fishing ‘somewhere’ on an atoll consisting of no less than 10 rocky islets, no vegetation and a reef synonymous for bringing to an end the hope of many a passing ship.

An 80 minute DVD packed with infectious fisher folk joining an equally excitable captain surrounded by nothing more than sky, a reef and an almost crystal clear ocean hosting some of the best fish species on the planet.

Two accompanying camera men make the most of underwater and top of the water photo action as the guys battle Wahoo, Sail fish, Black Jacks, Tuna, Barracuda, Parrot fish and more in a bid to out wit some formidable prey whilst putting some of the best made kit through its paces.

With a mixture of point of view camera action on board their 46ft Catamaran, and shallow reef flats fishing, the DVD captures what can be made possible with perhaps a once in a life time journey

You’ll be engrossed and laugh along with the guys as they bust blood vessels trying to pull some of these lunkers in from distance, yet sigh as some of the flexiest rod bends go limp as sneaky sharks make mincemeat of their catch… is there an easier prey than that anchored to your line?

Grab yourself a copy and sit down with a cuppa, I’m not normally a fan of other peoples holiday snaps but this is great fun and definitely worth the watch… well done guys!

If that doesn’t wet your appetite… here’s the trailer

This is hot of the press and will be available from Sportfish and Farlows very shortly… in the mean time email Jonathan Tomlinson for a copy at jatstanic@aol.com