I am rejuvenated… having been approached by Vision, I’m honoured to join their World Team in conjunction with fishing maestro Tony Riley. After some lengthy conversations with the said man, we’ll be working on and unveiling some exiting new stuff in the new year, rods ‘n’ all… floating my boat are some nymphing 10 & 11 footers which I hope will tingle my spine.

…… Watch this BIG space! ……

With this and the recent AAPGAI event, last week has just been hectic blur, lots of hither & dither, fog & mist, duckin’ & divin’ etc. So it was a pleasure to get back to some of the day job. That being time with David Cunningham, a man on a river mission. This time Wherwell and my first Autumn jaunt. Regularly hammered it may be according to some, but fish it right and fish it well, there’s no end as to how good a day you can have on so much water.

The river is still abundant with trout and try as you might, they’re still just as keen to take your meagre offerings. David drops in from a bank position to net this stunner, his first fish of the day… a brownie it may be but we’ll forgive him that.

You can obviously tell he’s disappointed…

Some further target practice on sighted grayling lies proved bountiful…

A pewter beauty recovers in relaxed hands.

The mid reaches – marginal wading only when necessary followed by some exceptional casting…

What a pwiddy fish… they always seem to be cheerful.

Some frenchspanishczechpolishlobhighstickeuronymphing before lunch…

Posh horses doofers… medallions of bacon

My that’s a fine pair of baps you have… ooh get you sir… no sir… surely not sir

The lower reaches with an iridescent carpet of cover… an absolute b##ch to fish!

Walk by and ignore these tight neck runs at your peril… for at the end is an opening

David with one of Warrens silver bead quills, fishes an opening (Riffle)…

…and nails this ‘hunk of lurv’ (David – why does this picture not do this justice?)

Waiting for the get go… she’ll let us know when she’s good and ready.

From the same pocket on the same fly…

Autumn has crept in, the nights drawing nearer, sooner… casting into the last light

K’plunk… some times these are the best of times, you can’t see it, you just feel it.

Mate – what can I say, it was a pleasure to watch you fish today… all the hard work was yours. Well done, I look forward to the Itchen for the next river session. Now get back out there darn it! ~ Jim

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A return visit to the river for David Cunningham… the mission after previously ‘rekindling his faith’ was to further his technique and by request, fish in more confined & challenging locations.

Having shared the virtues of the long rod and light line, Dave was promised a nymphing day with a #2. With but a few minutes practice needed to get used to its feel twas to the upper reaches we start with a view to cajoling an early fish.

No sooner had we engaged with some purpose, David was soon stretching the line

…and relax, a stunning fish to start of yet another great afternoon

You did ask – super indicator in place and some No.4 shot, get it in and under there

…and onto some narrows with the long rod, starting in the shallows with the first grayling of the day

…then into something a bit more challenging. Some deep fun, does your hat float?

…less risqué but surrounded by trees and overhangs short lining into pocket water

… the bling that is yet another perfect grayling

The coats are in the car, David’s on a roll… we’ll not be stopping as the heavens open and lay us bare to the wet stuff. Part of a Southern softy guides standard kit …would ya rather be soaked?

Another awesome day Dave. The progression is inspiring.

Next then is a furled leader masterclass for you to look forward to in October on the banks of the Test… that’ll be interesting!

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