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

Surrounded by many a drought stricken county, ever hopeful Warren & I descend on the Nadder.

The forecast was absolutely abysmal but we decided regardless, to commit to fishing with the dry fly.

In all my years of fishing I’d never seen such volume in a hatch of Grannom as was witnessed today.

We were extremely lucky in that the bank laden tree line kept the wind impact to a minimum, thus allowing todays menu choice the opportunity to go about it’s business pretty much unhindered.

In their thousands Warren tries to capture the un-gamely and erratic flight of the Grannom. Sadly the light and nature of the compact camera doesn’t make for a good shot of the flies micro world.

The boil and an onslaught of grayling, trout and chub nailing both pupae and emergers with vigour.

The occasional skyward flush of rain & hail did nothing to halt otherwise committed Grannom in their quest to emerge and make for bankside vegetation before being devoured by chasing predators.

We didn’t get many opportunities to choose our species in otherwise murky waters, just nail the cast to the rise… there… there… no there… that one… or, in fly fishing lingo were Warren’s words of wisdom… “just go for the f—king fat one”

Amongst many tiny parr was the gorgeousness that is todays out of season pest – a wee ‘Lady’…

Warren nailed this stunning wild brownie, best fish of the day on a retirer sedge pattern

Note the blue spot behind the eye… a stamp of beautifulness no doubt

I seemed to attract everything other than what I was supposed to be aiming for. A nice chublet found my CDC emerger irresistible, a pity the trout didn’t feel the same.

My CDC emerger took an absolute pasting this afternoon

Late afternoon… the Grannom has waned, the fish are fed and the waters are calm… the day is done.

Whether permitting it’s due a return visit on Saturday having spotted some utter lunkers… till then!

(Oh – If you’re wondering about the title – it’s an anagram of the river and todays fly life)