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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What with the poor weather and all, any opportunity to catch a river before it goes pear shaped is an opportunity not to be missed. Out this afternoon and avoiding the normal go to spots Warren and I decided to find some of this rivers more challenging areas to fish, not so challenging perhaps as many you could otherwise find but when you’ve a 10ft wand and surrounded by trees & vegetation of sorts, it’s challenge enough thanks!

‘Whispering grass, the trees don’t need to know’… lovely boy!… remember that one?

On the other side of this branch is a pool almost nipple deep. Warren has spotted an absolute lunker of a grayling mid stream opposite the stump. Never have I spent so long in a difficult pool trying so many weight combinations to nail a particular fish…

Having pestered it enough a final combination is deployed (3 x No4’s)

BINGO!… I’d just nailed the smallest grayling in the pool, darn & flarn. Even after this kafuffle the lunker had moved not a jot and wouldn’t be tempted further… you’ve got to know when your beat.

A text book delight from Warren, he spots the fish, picks position and nails it first cast on the nymph

Masterful fisherman

From the pretty trout & grayling collectables…

to the pretty awesome rod benders

Finally for a bit of promo… just had to get our new ESF cap in (Thanks Pete)

A weekend of gardening on the Wylye and teaching back here to look forward to weather pending. I hope the sun doth shine where you are and fishing prevails above all else ~ best & better.

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