Everyone likes free stuff, right?

We're no exception, and every so often we get approached by new fly tyers who ask if they can send us some samples of their work - in consideration for us stocking some of their flies. We are normally pretty cautious with these approaches, as generally, the flies are way overdressed.

A few months ago I received a phone call from just such a tyer, offering to send us some samples - he sent us some photos and I agreed to receive said samples, then completely forgot about it, until last week - when a box full of flies arrived.

The box was only small, but good things often come in small packages, there were only 2 different patterns, but they looked really nice and perfect Olive imitations for a little late-season dry fly action.

I thought, what better way to give them a test, than to give them away for FREE (it seems only right as we didn't pay for them), all we ask in return is you let us know what you think of them - I hope that's fair?

We can then take it from there with the tyer - and everyone wins!

"So, how do I get my free flies?" - Just place an order with us either today or tomorrow for £20 or more and we will pop a set of 5 Olive flies in for FREE (while stocks last).

And so, on to the previously planned subject of this email ...

Fishing with heavier nymphs in faster/higher water

We've Just Had This ...

Which will, inevitably, lead to this:

At this time of year, fishing can be very challenging, mostly due to the variable amount of water in the rivers. Assuming it is safe to actually fish - as floods can considerably weaken the riverbanks, then most fish will be nailed to the bottom of the river and you will need nymphs with a little more weight to reach them. This is where fly choice and technique come into play:

1. Fly Choice - This is pretty easy, something with weight, that is natural-looking. With a little colour if the water is coloured, or drab if the water is clear.
2. Technique - This is where a little knowledge of Fluid Dynamics comes into play (don't bother reaching for your copy of the 'Dummies Guide to Fluid Dynamics', I'll explain here) - When a river is flowing, the water on the surface moves faster than the water below it - the faster the flow the more difference in speed between the surface water and riverbed water. When you cast a nymph upstream you need to give it a chance to sink to where the fish are holding. Generally, in fast water, the nymph doesn't sink fast enough to get there - so the fish will never actually see the nymph at all! To fix this, once you have cast your nymph and it hits the water, quickly perform an upstream mend, this will allow the nymph more time to sink and get to the target zone. 

We have put together a selection of heavy nymphs that will be ideal for use over the next few months (for both Trout & Grayling), especially if the rivers are 'up and coloured'. These should be all you need for a fantastic 'stress-relieving' day on the river. The patterns included in our selection are 3 each of:

• Violet Bug - Size 12
• Mr. Green - Size 12
• Duracell Jig - Size 12
• Czech Weapon - Size 12

We've also included a few tips on how to handle and cast heavier flies towards the end of this email.

We only have a limited number (30) of these 'Heavy Mob' Nymph Selections, so if our previous offerings are anything to go by, you will need to be quick off the mark!

These nymphs are available as a selection (4 patterns, 3 of each in a size 12 = 12 flies in the selection) for only £20, click any button or image to view the patterns contained within this selection in more detail.

*** We've only 30 of each of these selections - so if you want one you will need to be quick ***

Fishing With Heavy Flies

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 heavier 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 - Overlining 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 (or Water-Load 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.

Tight lines & have fun.