Now that Winter is finally with us and the frosts are starting to become more regular, the Grayling will have started to shoal up in the deeper pockets.

• No, that's not one of our Yorkshire rivers (I wish they were that clear) - it's actually one in Slovenia (where these Javi nymphs are really successful).

With the rivers generally a little higher than normal and the flow often stronger, you're going to need something a bit heavier if you want to target the Grayling (or early-season Trout) in these conditions. Rivers are usually at this level all the way through to the first few weeks of the Trout season.

TL;DR - Too Long; Didn't Read

I know that some of you are pressed for time and save our emails to read later in the day, by this time our selections are sometimes sold out - I get lots of emails from customers pointing this out to me.

I've put this section at the beginning, so you can grab your flies now - and save reading my musings for later, safe in the knowledge that you have already secured your Javi nymph selection.

This email is all about the Javi-beaded nymph, a specialist pattern (direct from Eastern Europe) which is particularly successful when fished in Winter and in the early parts of the trout season.

In this email, we are launching our Artisan Javi Nymph Selection - a selection of 4 patterns tied on size 14 VMC 7077 barbless jig hooks - the best barbless jig hooks there are! This selection contains 8 flies in total - 2 each of the 4 different patterns.

*** We only have 40 selections available, and they will sell out within hours ***

We also have a Special Offer - for each of the first 20 orders for our Artisan Javi Nymph Selections I will also include a hand-tied (by me) in-line indicator leader - all this for only £20 (including FREE delivery)!

I'd like to introduce you to this Javi Selection from our 'Artisan' fly tyers, these Grayling (and early-season Trout) nymphs are absolutely deadly on my local rivers - so I thought it was about time to let the secret out of the bag - read to the very end of this email to find out how best to fish them.

This selection is so named because of the distinctive teardrop tungsten bead used in the tyings (a Javi bead), just like these from Hends:

Javi beads are tapered tungsten beads and solve the problem of making a smooth body-to-head transition behind the bead. Using this type of bead creates a more naturally shaped fly and also positions weight along the whole length of the fly. Couple this with a wide-gape jig hook, and these flies are deadly in deeper, faster flowing rivers, try them on yours!

As you will see from the patterns below, these are all stunning creations.

All of these flies are tied on VMC 7077 Jig Hooks in a size 14, topped off with a 3.5mm Javi Tungsten Bead. They weigh between 0.6g and 0.7g each.

Our Artisan Javi Selection includes 4 different patterns, we are supplying 2 of each nymph (8 in total), shipped for free, all for only £20 (these nymphs usually sell for £2.75 each).

We only have a small quantity of these selections available (40 to be precise, with some set aside for sale individually), so you will need to be quick if you would like a set.

We know these are not cheap flies (Javi beads are so expensive - they do give you the equivalent of 3-times the weight of a standard tungsten bead), but you will be astounded at the quality - we can guarantee you will be climbing those trees to retrieve them!

Special Offer - for Today Only

Special Offer for Today Only - The first 20 orders we receive today for the Artisan Javi Nymph Selection, will include a hand-tied (by myself) in-line indicator leader.

This style of indicator leader is perfect for detecting those subtle bites when fishing at depth with heavier flies.

• A Selection of Artisan Javi Nymphs for only £20; including
• FREE Delivery; and
• An in-line indicator leader (tied by myself) included with the first 20 orders.

To view or buy our Artisan Javi Nymph Selection, click on any image or button in this email.

Keep reading for more info and detailed images of the nymphs - you'll be glad you did ... this selection of Javi Nymphs includes a couple you may not have seen before:

Spanish Bullet Javi

This is a classic pattern used by the Spanish fly fishing team and is great when used in coloured water. This nymph needs to quickly get to the bottom so it has been tied to incorporate a 3.5mm tungsten javi bead. To top off this outstanding fly it has been coated with a UV resin to make it sink even faster!

Hare's Ear Javi

An absolute classic pattern (the Hare's Ear Nymph) - this one is tied with a hare mix body, olive collar and a small red hot-spot. This nymph is tied with a gunmetal 3.5mm tungsten javi bead. To top off this outstanding fly it has been left scruffy - just like they are supposed to be.

Purple Death Javi

Grayling are known for having a liking to the colour pink - but they are also very well-known for taking nymphs which incorporate the colour purple. This nymph is tied with a.silver-coloured 3.5mm tungsten javi bead. To top off this outstanding fly it has been coated with a UV resin to make it sink even faster!

Pheasant Tail Javi

Another twist on a real classic - the Pheasant Tail nymph is ideal when the visibility is low and you need something to spark a little interest. his nymph is tied with a gunmetal 3.5mm tungsten javi bead. To top off this outstanding fly it has been left scruffy - just like they are supposed to be.

 

Generally, the water levels at this time of year are starting to creep up (and flow faster), so we've also added a 3.5mm tungsten javi beads to the superb VMC 7077 Barbless Jig hook. This selection of Javi nymphs includes 4 different patterns, 2 each of the following (we've also been geeky and weighed each of them):

• The Spanish Bullet (with a 3.5mm Gunmetal tungsten Javi bead) - weighs 0.66g
• The Hare's Ear (with a 3.5mm Gunmetal tungsten Javi bead) - weighs 0.62g
• The Purple Death (with a 3.5mm Silver tungsten Javi bead) - weighs 0.60g
• Pheasant Tail (with a 3.5mm Gunmetal tungsten Javi bead) - weighs 0.64g

These specialist Trout & Grayling nymphs are all tied on Size 14 VNC 7077 Barbless Jig hooks and are perfect for both running and the deeper stillwaters.

Please Remember: We've only 40 of these selections available, so if you want a set, you will need to be quick - Our Artisan flies usually always sell out within a few hours of being released!

Go on, treat yourself - you know you want to - at £20 for the selection, these will not hang around for long!

If you have ever tried to cast a heavy multi-fly rig, you will know that you are just asking for trouble, if you cast in your normal style. Heavy flies and tight loops are a recipe for disaster - here are a few tips which you can deploy to make life a little easier when casting heavy rigs:

1. Widen Your Casting Arc - This opens up your loops and by default keeps the heavy rig away from the rest of your leader (and your fly rod - the last thing you want is a heavy bead hitting your pride and joy).
2. Slow Down - By slowing your casting stroke you are immediately slowing down your line speed, this, in-turn reduces the kick (and associated slack line) which happens when a heavy nymph changes direction as a result of the cast.
3. Increase The Fly Line Size by 1 - Over-lining the rod by one size can improve your presentation when casting heavy rigs.
4. Lift & Cast - Lift your rig to the surface of the river first, before starting the cast. By beginning your cast with your rod tip low, and taking up any slack in the system your cast will be more efficient.
5. Use The Lob Cast - Simply, this is a low backcast to get the whole rig downstream of you. Wait for the river flow to take up the tension in the entire system, then push your rod tip forwards as you would for a normal cast, this will see your rig cast in an arc (or a 'lob') and enter the water, already under tension and ready to fish. The benefit of this cast is it keeps the entire rig away from your rod and is much easier to control, with the added advantage that the point fly enters the water first and is fishing effectively straight away.

The above techniques are best practised on a quiet stretch of water where there is no overhanging vegetation, get used to handling heavier rigs (you will need to later this month and into January & February!).

Tight lines & have a great day.