2wheels1rod

Something very Olivey - Direct from Bosnia

Very Creative Bosnian 'Secret' Olives One's You Can Actually See! At this time of year, one of the most popular dry fly imitations to use, especially when fishing between 11am and 5pm is the humble Olive pattern. There are many different variations of this style of fly, but today we have one of the very best available - a stunning selection of CdC Indicator Olives, just as they use on those 'picky' wild fish in Bosnia. Please Note: These selections are very limited - we've only 30 available for sale and we will not have any more until this time next year! I asked 'our man in Bosnia' to tie us something he would use himself on his home waters (the Ribnik & Sana) during the warmer months. This was the result: When I first received the first samples I was stunned and took them straight out onto the water for a test - 4 casts, and 2 fish - what more can I say - it's all the more impressive that this was in early June, and the middle of a Mayfly hatch! Check out these Bosnian bad boys ... These flies have very specific tying materials: Hook: Dohiku HDD 301, size 16 Body Tying Thread: Troutline Champion 8/0 – Colour A7 (Moss Green) or A11 (Sand) Head Tying Thread: Veevus GSP 30D – Black Tail: Coq de Leon Body: Smoothly Wrapped Thread (A7 or A11) to form a slim, tapered profile Wing: 4 Class-1 CdC Feathers (Natural) - tied upright for excellent flotation Thorax (Legs/Front): Natural Squirrel Dubbing Hot-Spot (Indicator): Red Indicator: Fluorescent Red Silk – tied as a hot-spot between the CdC wings Fluoro Green: Fluorescent Yellow-Green Silk – tied as a hot-spot between the CdC wings As we've only got 30 of these Bosnian 'Secret' Summer Olive Selections available (I'm keeping some for myself, to try out in Wales next week) I'll get straight down to the offer: Our selection of Bosnian 'Secret' Summer Olive Selection includes 4 different variations, 3 each of the following: Scarlet 'Secret' CdC Olive (A7 body) Fluoro Green 'Secret' CdC Olive (A11 body) Scarlet 'Secret' CdC Olive (A7 body) Fluoro Green 'Secret' CdC Olive (A11 body) These specialist trout dry flies are all tied on Size 16 Dohiku HDD 301 Barbless hooks - a great wide-gape hook with maximum strength. Our Bosnian 'Secret' Summer Olive Selection is only available as a selection of 12, 3 each of 4 different patterns (all size 14) & priced at only £25 - which includes FREE delivery to anywhere within the UK. We are also making our Bosnian 'Secret' Summer Olive Selection available in one of Jeff Jones's beautiful Oak fly boxes, for only an additional £35 (bringing the price for the Bosnian fly selection and the box to £60) - which includes FREE delivery to anywhere within the UK. Please Remember: We've only 30 of these selections available, so if you want a set, you will need to be quick - Our Bosnian flies always sell out within a few hours of being released! Keep reading for more info and detailed images of the flies - you'll be glad you did ... Go on, treat yourself - you know you want to - at £25 for the selection, these will not hang around for long! Want to know a little more about the Blue-Winged Olive? What is it? The Blue-Winged Olive (Serratella ignita) is a member of the Ephemerellidae family. Found in rivers across the whole of the UK, these flies are generally small with three long tails - it seems that the further north in the UK, the smaller the fly. The wings of the dun usually have a blue tinge to them - hence their name. We will learn more about the Ephemerellidae family through the season, as they make up lots of flies the angler is predominantly interested in. Timing & Location(s) Blue-Winged Olives (BWO) are commonly found in all rivers throughout the UK and Ireland. They can also be found in some of the smaller stillwaters, especially those which are fed by faster flowing streams. Blue-Winged Olives prefer to live in fast-flowing streams and rivers, especially where abundant aquatic vegetation is present. The Blue Winged Olive hatch usually starts in the first two weeks of June and will continue through until the end of August. It's also possible that you will see these flies on the water in May and September, but their main hatch is from June through August. Look out for these once the Mayfly hatch has finished. During June to August hatches usually occur around midday and can last for up to three hours, with major bursts of activity only lasting around 15 to 30 minutes (have your flies ready before you enter the water!). Once we get into September the hatches tend to peter out quite quickly. When do trout take them? Usually during mid-day - Once the nymph decides the time is right to hatch into a Dun (this can be anytime between 11am and 4pm) the nymph swims through the water column to the surface. The nymph then transforms into the dun in open water and takes a few moments for its wings to unfold and dry out (it is at this point where it is able to fly). From the time the nymph arrives at the surface to when its wings dry out is the point that trout usually take them (either just below the surface or as they emerge), so don't be too quick to retrieve your dry fly if it should start to sink! On maturing into a spinner the BWO's wings turn transparent and its body colour transforms into a light-brown colour. The female BWO's hover over pools late in the day when they are about to lay their eggs. The BWO will then land on the water and dip its abdomen through the surface of the water to lay its eggs. Fish will usually sit at the head of pools and riffles to intercept the dying spinners (known as 'spent' flies). When fishing in the evening it's always worth having some Sherry Spinners in your fly box! Olive Dry Fly - Top Tips Olive patterns are best used from 11am until around 4pm, as this is when the flies are at their most active. These 'Secret' Olive patterns flies are deadly in this size (16) just after lunch! When fishing with a Olive pattern, it's always worth giving it a little twitch every now and then if you are not getting attention from the fish. When you watch the naturals, their movement can be very haphazard on the water. Keep this in mind when covering rising fish. Take advantage of the Low Water If you are a keen Grayling angler, then now is the time to survey the river you fish. If you regularly fish the same stretch for Grayling, now is your best chance, whilst the river bed is exposed, to take a look and note where the contours, deep holes and drop-offs are, and spot the likely fish holding places. This information will come in really useful when the water levels rise again and when the Grayling season starts in anger. Tight lines & have a great weekend.

Navigating Tough Warm Weather Fly Fishing: Your Guide

Small(ish) Flies = Summer Success Now that the Mayfly season is starting to peter out throughout the UK. I wanted to try and get us ready for the more challenging part of the season - lower water and warmer weather = summer fly fishing. This part of the season usually sees the fish quite languid (especially any stocked fish - full of Mayfly and very lethargic (at least for a few weeks). In this missive, I'm going to give you what is, hopefully, a pretty good grounding on how to approach these conditions, and that is by using - small(ish) flies, longer leaders and light(ish) fly lines. Also, I wanted to make you aware of some brand new Bosnian Beauties we will be releasing on Thursday: Bosnian Beauty Teaser We've had notification from 'our man in Bosnia' that these size 16 Bosnian Beauties will be with us tomorrow: We will be releasing these into the wild at 07:30 on Thursday - we've only a few selections available, 30 to be precise, so if you would like one you may need to be up a little earlier than usual! I've no doubt that we've all seen swarms of midges above the surface of the water - especially when there are sunlit pools: Low water levels (like we are currently experiencing) and spooky fish means using small flies. Some waters are not as full of nutrients as others, it’s these which tend to fish better using smaller flies, due in part to the fact the water cannot sustain the natural production of the larger specimens. In these waters trout can still flourish, they just alter the way they feed. Instead of selectively taking insects as and when they please (as insects are in abundance on the more nutrient rich waters), the trout in less rich waters are more opportunistic feeders. This is where the small fly is king. In essence: "small(ish) flies = longer leaders = lighter fly line" The remainder of this email will take the above and hopefully shed a little light on each. Small(ish) Flies When you encounter low water it's time to turn to the smaller flies in your box - when I say small, I am referring to flies which are size 16 and smaller. It is the one piece of tackle that the fish sees and makes their decision on to eat or not. The most important part of a fly is without doubt the hook, even more so when we are using very small hooks. It is important when choosing small flies to look at the gape of the hook (i.e. the distance between the hook point and the body of the hook), make sure that the tied fly still has plenty of room between the body and the hook point, if there is hardly any room between the body of the fly and the point it will make it very difficult to hook a fish. Generally, the hooks which are sized at 16 and smaller all are ‘wide gape’ - like these in our Gnat & Midge Lifecycle Selection: Often, the reason small flies are dismissed by anglers is that they have trouble seeing them, there are a few remedies for this: For most dry fly angling it is not a necessity to actually see the fly, generally you will have a rough idea of where the fly is, if you see a rise, just lift into it – 9 times out of 10 it will be to your fly! If you do want to know where your fly is, either use a small fly with a hi-vis sighter post, or use the ‘Double Dry’ technique, where you use a visible dry fly and then tie a smaller dry fly from the eye of the hook on a long dropper – just like the klink n dink method, but using 2 dry flies. Having a selection of small flies (both nymphs and dries) is essential when fishing through July and into early September. We've got you covered with all the smaller flies you will need for the whole summer in our limited run Gnat & Midge Lifecycle Selection: During the summer months it is essential that you start to fish with smaller and more representative flies. Our Gnat & Midge Lifecycle Selection is a set of 12 flies (both nymphs and dry flies) which represent all the smaller insects you will find on, and in, the water during the summer - including FREE access to our lifecycle info webpage showing you how to get the best from your selection of flies (see button below), all this for only £20.00 - which includes FREE delivery to anywhere within the UK. *** We only have a limited supply of our Gnat & Midge Lifecycle Selections - 20 to be precise - with no more arriving this year! If you would like a set, you will need to be pretty quick off the mark *** Light(ish) Fly Lines A light fly line is like a whisper rather than a shout. When the fish are a little edgy and the river’s running thin, that whisper can make all the difference. When rivers run low, clear, and calm in summer, trout become incredibly wary. They're extra sensitive to unnatural movements and splashy landings. That’s where specialist light fly lines (like this Thistledown 2 1wt to 4wt) come into their own. Here’s why: Softer Presentations - A 1wt or 2wt line lands far more gently than a standard 4wt or 5wt. It makes barely a ripple when it touches down, which is critical when casting to spooky fish sipping tiny flies in glassy water. Less Line = Less Disturbance - Lighter lines have a smaller diameter and displace less air and water. That means less splash, less noise, and fewer fish darting for cover when your line lands. Better Control with Longer & Lighter Leaders - When you’re fishing 6X or 7X tippet (as you often are in summer), a light line matches the setup more naturally. Heavy lines can overpower fine leaders and ruin your presentation. With a light line, the whole system turns over gently and accurately. More Natural Drift with Small Flies - Summer dry fly fishing often involves size 16's & 18's, or even smaller. These flies have almost no weight, and a lighter line helps keep your cast soft and your drift clean — so the fly behaves more like the real insects the trout are feeding on. Better Feel in Tight Spots - On small streams or in close quarters, a 1wt or 2wt line allows for delicate roll casts and bow-and-arrow casts — all with minimal disturbance. In short - If you're using any of our smaller fly selections this summer, pairing them with a lighter line could be the secret sauce to getting more takes and fewer refusals. Long(ish) Leaders If you've not already downloaded your copy of the Small Fly Manifesto (which we made available last year), then you will have already seen the leader recipes for various long & light setups to tie yourself. Here's the best one for fishing small flies: To the 6X at the end of the above, just add in a couple of feet of the 7X tippet and you're good to go. However you decide to create your leader, the one thing above anything else which will increase your catch rate is the length! When fishing small flies, on low rivers you need to make your leader as long as you can possibly get away with. It is not uncommon for hardly any fly line to be outside of the rod tip and just the leader is cast. If you would prefer to buy a specialist "ready-made" tapered leader for fishing smaller flies, then we have these 16ft Camo Tapered leaders which are perfect - there's no need to add any tippet, just tie on your fly and you're all set (they're the ones I use myself): Snowbee French Style Knotted Tapered Leaders - Pack of 2 £10.00 Small Streams & Small Flies - Our Special Offer Continues ... This is a book we published last year - it takes an in-depth look at fishing smaller rivers, with smaller flies. In this book, you will discover the techniques, flies, watercraft and how to approach fishing in smaller streams and rivers. Our book also discusses the type of conditions you can expect to face on small streams and the various tips, tricks and techniques used the fish them. We've also included leader configurations specifically designed for use on small streams with smaller flies. Continuing from last week - Add a copy of our "Small Streams & Small Flies" book to an order containing our Gnat & Midge Lifecycle Selection and receive your book for half price - only £5 (usually £9.99). ***Go on, you know you want to*** What are you waiting for - get out there and have some fun with small flies. P.S. We were really happy to receive the below review (thanks Gary) of one of our Summer Concierge Fly Selections - it's great to know they are also being used as gifts:

As Smooth As Silk - New In & Back By Popular Demand

Morning, Every so often, I like to drop in a communication about flies (and fly lines - wink, wink) which we've just received back into stock - that you may not have thought about recently. These are generally the most popular fly patterns and items that we usually run out of pretty quickly! In total we had 3 big boxes arrive: One of the boxes was full of brand new Silk fly lines - Ian has been a busy boy One was full of Klinkhamers; and One had our mosts popular Thistledown fly lines in it We've just added them all to the website, you can find out more about them below: We've been really lucky and persuaded Ian to make some silk lines in trout weights (from DT2 to DT6/7), specifically for presenting small flies on any river. We now have Silk Fly Lines in-stock from a DT2 to a DT6/7, and virtually every weight in between - we've especially stocked up on the DT5's as they are always the first to fly off the shelves. I'd like to draw your attention to these in particular: Double Taper 2 Weight (Red Cross hatch) Artificial Silk - only £89.99 - 2 available Double Taper 5 Weight (Straw) - only £99.99 - 3 available Double Taper 5/6 (Straw) - only £99.99 - 3 available Double Taper 5/6 (Dark Crosshatch) - only £99.99 - 1 available Double Taper 6 (Straw) - only £99.99 - 1 available Double Taper 6 (Green) - only £99.99 - 1 available Double Taper 6/7 (Dark Crosshatch) - only £99.99 - 2 available So, why should you use a silk line: They have mo memory - completely limp There's no stretch - improved hookups They are denser than plastic fly lines and therefore much thinner; and Thinner lines mean much less wind resistance They float better than plastic fly lines - they float on the water surface, not in it making roll casts and mending line much easier You get 3 lines in one; When fully greased it's a floating Line, grease everything except the tip and you have a midge-tip line, don't grease it and you have an intermediate/sinking line. They can last a lifetime - so long as they are cared for and stored correctly a silk line can last a lifetime - and indeed will get better with age *** Each of our Silk lines are shipped with a handy box (to keep them in when not on the reel), a microfibre cloth (to clean/help dry them), and full line care instructions *** These lines are made in the UK (in Sheffield, Yorkshire to be precise), by Ian Moxon: If you would like to know more about the use and care of silk lines we have a dedicated page here. If Silk Is Not Your Thing ... We've added a couple of new Daddies to our Autumn lineup of flies: A lighter weight version designed for rods of #1 to #4 weight. This #1/4 fly line has a shorter, lighter profile, providing super-delicate presentation with the lightest of rods. Colour: Olive / Buckskin Density: Floating Total Length: 90' The ultra-thin diameter - half that of a conventional fly line - creates minimal drag when casting. That means the line speed can be maintained throughout the casting action and delivers the fly (or flies) precisely where required, with minimal effort. As its drag coefficient is so low, even in a strong cross-wind, this line will cut through and deliver. This is the perfect line for fishing those smaller rivers and streams - it makes it really easy to get the best presentation,especially when using smaller flies on lighter gear! *** Go on, treat yourself this summer - these lines are what fly fishing is all about!*** Your Home For Klink's We've just received a restock of our most popular klinkhamer style patterns. We especially like the new Infallible Klink, it the one pattern that I have in my box throughout the year (from April until the end of September): Our version of this popular Klinkhamer. Tied with a tightly woven hare's ear body and a short red tail section. It is easily seen in all conditions - and especially good when Iron Blues are on the water in those 'post-mayfly' sessions. Our selection contains 3 each of sizes 12, 14, 16 & 18 - a total of 12 flies - for only £19. Even More Klink's ... Our Foam Klinkhamers - Also Back In Stock The NEW Design Barbless Foam Klinkhamer selection - or just Foam Klink - is a selection of 4 styles of commonly used flies, we are supplying 4 different styles of foam klinkhamer flies. Our selection includes 2 each of the the following patterns in sizes 14 & 18: Adams Foam Klinkhamer Black Foam Klinkhamer Hares Ear Foam Klinkhamer Olive Foam Klinkhamer In total, there are 16 flies supplied in our eco-friendly packaging for only £22 - order today (1st Class) and fish with them this weekend. Go on, what are you waiting for, both the Infallible & Foam klinks are perfect patterns for the coming few weeks. Tight lines & have fun.

In search of those elusive Warm Weather Trout ...

Morning, Firstly, I'd like to thank all of you who put your trust in us and became a member of our Pisces Collective over the weekend - it really is appreciated and reinforces in my mind that I really am onto something. We've only around 18 spaces remaining, so if you do want to join our merry band, you still can. You can find out more info on The Pisces Collective by clicking here. Those ElusiveWarm Weather Trout ... As the post-mayfly season is now in full swing here in Yorkshire, I know from experience that trying to tempt the wild fish as the weather (and the water) starts to warm can be very tricky - especially so if they are still full of Mayfly! On one of my local rivers, they stock a few of the lower sections, leaving the upper few miles for mother nature to look after. The head of wild fish has really started to grow and during the warmer weather is when they really come into their own (especially when fishing in an early morning). The fish are all fairly small - a half-pound fish is a good one, but they are beautiful. TL;DR - Too Long; Didn't Read 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 successful summer fly patterns. This email is all about a situation I encountered this past weekend - and how I overcame it with the use of the "Double Dry" technique and some specialist flies. Each of which I have added to a selection to make it really easy for you to use the right patterns when you're next on the water. Plus - for today only - if you add in our "Small Streams & Small Flies" book to any order you make of the above specially curated selections you will receive it at half price - only £5.00. I don't fish the upper reaches of the river as much as I should, but when I do, it's always a pleasure - especially as it's all on private land where there's no chance of bumping into walkers of any persuasion. Take last Sunday for example, it was one of those perfect-looking mornings that we all dream about. Warm morning sunshine, just a whisper of wind, and a fined-down river sliding through the landscape. A few lazy rises from tight in beside the far bank — classic summer trout behaviour. I’d packed very light, just one of Jeff Jones's wooden fly boxes adorned with some 'banker' (or 'not blanker') patterns, and had visions of sippers gently nosing up to my Parachute Adams & Double Badgers all morning. It was the sort of day you imagine telling exaggerated stories about later! Read on McDuff ... First stop: at a smooth glide with the occasional head-and-tail rise on the far bank. I went in confidently with a Parachute Adams, a size 16, a pattern that covers quite a few of the regular morning hatches. It landed like a feather ... and ... Nothing. A few more casts, a few more no-shows. It seemed like the fish was looking, but didn’t fancy it. So, I swapped to a Double Badger an fished through some faster water further upstream, thinking something that stands a little higher on the water (and scruffier) may be a bit more suggestive, and might entice a fish. And it did - sort of. A flash, a swirl… then nothing. Close, but no cigar. By now, the sun was on the water and the fish had clearly gone into hiding - every cast and following drift had to be perfect, and even then, they weren’t playing. I moved back down to the flat water, tied on an Indicator Adams, and used it as a visual anchor to run a second, smaller, dry fly behind it - 18 inches of 6X with a size 18 Griffith’s Gnat trailing like a sneaky midge snack. This is what's known as the "Double Dry" technique: Pair a larger (more visible) dry fly (the size 14 or 16 Indicator Adams is perfect) with a trailing smaller dry fly - like a size 18 Griffith’s Gnat or size 20 Parachute Adams - on 18"-24" of fine tippet tied to the bend of the hook. This combo lets you fish two flies on the same drift: The larger fly acts as a strike indicator and sighter for where your small dry fly is (just follow the tippet to find you small fly). The smaller dry fly does the delicate convincing. When the sighter fly twitches, pauses or vanishes … lift into the fish. This technique is especially deadly when trout are sipping tiny flies in glassy water and you just can’t see the take. First drift: nothing ... Second drift: a pause, barely perceptible. Then came that slow, deliberate rise - a soft sip in the film, like the fish didn’t want to cause a scene. I lifted gently, and finally … a tight line. From there, everything changed. I had the rig, the rhythm, and - crucially - the right flies. One fish became two, then three. Each fly had earned its place. The Parachute Adams opened the show, the Double Badger stirred up interest when things slowed and the Indicator Adams helped me see what I usually couldn’t! And the Griffith’s Gnat? That little clump of midgy magic turned a tough day into a memorable one. As these are by far our most popular flies during July & August, I've set each up as a selection in their own right, here's the details: The Indicator Adams Selection - 12 flies, 3 each of sizes 14, 16, 18 & 20 - for only £16. The Parachute Adams Selection - 12 flies, 3 each of sizes 14, 16, 18 & 20 - for only £16. The Griffith's Gnat Selection - 9 flies, 3 each of sizes 14, 16 & 18 - for only £12. The Double Badger Selection - 9 flies, 3 each of sizes 14, 16 & 18 - for only £12. And here's where you can get a closer look at them (and pop them in your shopping basket): The Indicator Adams Selection £16.00 £18.00 The Parachute Adams Selection £16.00 £18.00 The Griffith's Gnat Selection £12.00 £13.50 The Double Badger Selection £12.00 £13.50 *** Go on, you know you want to *** There’s something deeply satisfying about fooling a summer trout in tough conditions. And with the right flies—and a few riverbank tricks—you’ll not only catch more fish, but enjoy the puzzle all the more. Fish early or late: Lower light, cooler water, and more confident fish. Set your alarm—or stay out for the evening rise. Go long and light: Use a 12–15ft leader and finer tippet (5X–7X) for a soft, drag-free presentation. Stay low and stealthy: Crouch, kneel, or even fish from your knees—your silhouette spooks more fish than you think. Watch your shadow: Bright skies mean long shadows—don’t cast one across a pool unless you want it empty. Match the hatch (or don’t): When unsure, a generalist like the Parachute Adams or Griffith’s Gnat covers your bases. Use the Double Dry technique: Fish a visible fly (like an Indicator Adams) as a dry fly strike indicator, with a smaller dry (e.g. Griffith’s Gnat) trailing behind. A deadly combo. Rest and rotate: If you get a refusal, step away and give the fish five minutes. Then change your angle—or your fly. Keep it dry: Use fly dust, shake, or even a spare pattern. A soggy dry isn’t fooling anyone. FLY Series Book: Small Streams & Small Flies This is the book I wrote a year or so ago, it's dedicated to small flies and is especially useful at this time of year - when smaller flies are the most successful. We've just had it re-printed again (as this is the main sales season for it) and they're all ready and waiting for a home on your bookshelf (or car glovebox - which is where I keep mine). As a Special Offer for today only, you can grab an automatic 50% discount on the book, just add it to your basket along with any one of the fly selections included in this email and the discount will be applied automatically. Tight lines & have fun out there.

Hiding In Plain Sight - The Perfect Lightweight 'Fly Delivery System'

Morning, I'm sure that if your anything like me, you will be enjoying the warmer weather which we've experienced over the last week or so. The only issue with it is that it can make your excursions to the riverbank a little bit more unpredictable ... hopefully this email will help you solve that little conundrum ... As you will hopefully already be aware, I always keep my eyes open and look for those little gems of fly patterns or equipment which are hidden away, sometimes in plain sight. This email focuses on one specific gem, which was originally headed for the USA market - before we intercepted them and managed to put our name on a few to offer you, before they jet off stateside. No, it's not a new cool fly pattern ... It's actually the means to deliver a fly like the above perfectly in low-water and low-flows - it's an Ultralight 1-Weight Graphene rod ... 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 fly selections or gear 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 & gear now - and save reading my musings for later, safe in the knowledge that you have already secured your flies (or gear). This email is all about how to get the best from your fishing in the Summer months. It's all about a new rod which I found hiding in plain sight - a 7'6" Graphene 1wt rod - originally destined for the USA market, where they love their ultralight fly rods, it's from Snowbee and in their G-XS Prestige range. We've only got access to very few of them - 5 to be precise - before the jet off stateside. This email also contains a special Summer Bundle we have put together which pairs perfectly with any lightweight rod - we've called it our "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle and it includes flies, French leaders, a book and our 'Special' drying towel. Snowbee G-XS Prestige 1wt - only £495, which is great value for a Graphene fly rod and also includes our Summer Bundle (for free), see below "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle - only £38 "Don't Get Skunked" Flies Only - only £26 Plus - for today only - if you buy one of the 1wt Graphene rods we will include our Full "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle FREE of Charge. Just add both to your basket and the discount will be applied automatically - see below for full details. Please Note: If you're not interested in adding a new rod to your collection, you can skip to the bottom of this email to read all about our special "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle we are making available to our email community today ... Always thinking of you - our loyal email community - here's something pretty nice. I spotted it in the Snowbee catalogue a few months back, see below: Every now and then a piece of equipment comes along that really catches my imagination. This is one of them ... Having already made friends with the guys at Snowbee, I called Matt to ask a few details about the rod - only to be told that they are built and designed for the USA market and the ones they had were destined for the the States. I asked if I could buy one to try out on our local streams here in North Yorkshire - as it seemed to be a perfect match for the long leader & small flies = wild fish equations we formulate in the warmer months. It arrived a couple of weeks ago and I took it for a spin: This really is a specialist 'small stream' rod - just perfect for the Becks & Brooks found here in North Yorkshire. It has plenty of backbone and can fire out a small fly on a long French leader with perfect accuracy (see our "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle for more info). Unfortunately, that day was the last I saw of the rod ... My good friend - local fishing guide / all-round legend in these parts - John asked if he could 'borrow' it, he's really into his lighter-line fishing and fell in love with it. He's since fished with it all over Yorkshire and won't give me it back! I'm going to have to insist on its return though as I've got something a little special planned for it in a few weeks. Ok, so why should you be interested, "I've already got loads of rods" I hear you say, well here's a quick overview: It's a 7'6" 1-weight - in 4 pieces, so packs down to only 67cm (just over 2ft) in the tube It has a Medium to Fast Action Fast recovery rate allowing you to form very tight loops Snake guides It's made from Graphene (see below for more info) Loads right down to the butt section Great for casting into the wind Soft(ish) tip allows you to fish right down to 8X tippet Very forgiving for us average casters Comes with a Lifetime Guarantee (see here for details) It's only £495 - which for a Graphene rod is very good value! My first thought on seeing the rod in the catalogue was it's a bit of a 'fad' - but having invested my own money in one and used it (all be it for only 1 day) I now realise that it has firmly secured its place in my rod line up - as my go-to light-line summer rod. I just need to prise it our of John's hands first! I know at £495 it is not the cheapest rod out there - it's also not the most expensive - it sits somewhere in the middle. If you have a 1-weight hole in your rod collection - this could be just what you are looking for! This rod is not for everyone - which is a good job, as we only have our name on 5 of them - but if you want a perfect rod for those lazy summer days, casting small flies to spooky fish, this is the rod for you. "The rod you never knew you needed - until today!" If you fish in the warmer months it is important to make as a few false casts as possible (and use the thinnest tippet you can get away with) to avoid scaring any fish, but to achieve this goal, a slow (or too fast) rod, won't help you. You need a rod that you can load quickly, even with just tippet outside of the rod tip, and deliver the leader with pin-point accuracy - this Prestige G-XS 7'6'' 1-weight is one of the best tools for the job. Graphene - A History Lesson These rods are made from Graphene the very latest in material technology: "Since its discovery in 2004, this Nobel-prize-winning material has been used in Formula One race cars and Nasa space shuttles. Due to its tightly-packed carbon atoms, graphene exists as a sheet at only one atom thick. Despite its two-dimensional properties, graphene is widely regarded as the strongest material ever tested." This makes it an ideal material to use in the construction of fishing rods, and perfect for fly fishing rods, giving it both power and lightness. Line Suggestions Even though this rod is rated at a 1-weight, I was recommended to try both a Camo French Leader and a Thistledown line. I first tried the Thistledown line and found it to cast and feel just like my Helios 3-weight. However, it was when I paired it with a long French Leader (20ft total length including tippet) that it completely transformed the rod, i'm not sure if it was my less than average casting ability as I've never really been able to accurately cast just a leader before, but using that setup allowed me to keep virtually all of the leader off the water and target fish I would normally just spook. The leaders are included in our "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle below. Here's The Deal: I've managed to put our name on just 5 of these rods before they get packed up and shipped to our friends across the pond. The guys at Snowbee have agreed to hold them for me for today only, so if you are interested I need you to order before midnight tonight. Here's the timeline: Today, 26th June - You place your order for the 1-weight Graphene rod Tomorrow, 27th June - I tell Snowbee how many of the reserved rods we would like & the rods are shipped to us. Tuesday 1st July - We receive the rods, pack them and ship them to their new owners using a tracked next-day service. Wednesday 2nd July - You will be casting size 18 Double Badgers under overhanging trees using your new rod, French leader and flies combination Plus, as a bit of a sweetener - for every 1-weight Graphene rod ordered today, you will also receive our "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle free of charge - just add it into your basket at the same time and the discount will be automatically applied. We are selling these rods for only £495 (including free delivery). We also only have access to very limited stock (5 to be precise). *** Fill Your Boots! *** Go on treat yourself and get ready for Summer The "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle "Don't Get Skunked" This Summer - Give yourself the best possible chance in low water (and spooky fish) We've all been there; you're on a low river, with hardly any flow in the Summer & Early Autumn months, you've been through your box and tried everything but there's nothing doing - try tying one of these on, is (almost) guaranteed to get some interest! Our "Don't Get Skunked" is available in two different packages: Flies Only - The full "Don't Get Skunked" fly selection (includes Griffith's Gnats, Double Badgers & Last Hopes - Light & Dark) - for only £26; or The Complete Summer Bundle - Includes the above flies, plus: long French tapered leaders, small flies book & specialist drying cloth. It's all the info and gear you need for your summer river fishing - for only £38. Just click on the button below to order one or see more info on each of the rods (you can even download a specification sheet for each rod). Our "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle includes the best and highest quality products available, along with a book full of full instructions explaining how to set it all up and fish it, we've done all the hard work for you - no more searching and buying individual components to complete your Summer setup - it's all here in one bundle: 20 x "Don't Get Skunked" flies - virtually guaranteed to catch! 2 x 16ft Snowbee Knotted Camo French Leader 1 x FLY Series: Small Streams & Small Flies Book 1 x Super 'Bamboo' Drying Towel Just click on the button below to order one or see more info on each of the rods (you can even download a specification sheet for each rod). Please Note: If you would just prefer to buy the flies, then we've set them up as a 'Fly Selection Only' for £26, which you can access here: Go on, treat yourself and get ready for Summer Tight lines.

Pablo Picasso Would Have These In His Fly Box - Micro Spanish Bullets

Morning, With the Summer actually arriving this week, I've had these stunning Artisan micro flies stashed away for the last 6 months - all ready and waiting for the sun to make an appearance - so we can release them into the wild! They're are perfect for our UK summer when the levels drop and the fish are much more wary. But first ... This week sees a bit of a milestone in the history of Barbless Flies - on Saturday we will be launching something which has been 2 years in the making - we're calling it "The Pisces Collective" - you will find more, and how you can be involved (we hope you will) on Saturday. But before that, we've something a little bit special lined up for you on Thursday - if, like me, you're into ultralight fly fishing with long leaders and small flies, keep your eyes on your inbox at 07:30 on Thursday to find out how best to deliver small flies in Summer conditions with pinpoint accuracy - with no disturbance! So, back to the subject of this email - what flies would Picasso use? Micro Spanish Bullets The pattern in question is the mighty Perdigon Nymph, with a twist - a fly pattern more often associated with fishing deep-fast rivers - but these have been specially designed by a Swedish guy (called Chris) for fishing in the slower and shallower waters of the summer. These are pretty special Micro Nymphs - tied on a specialist micro jig hook, the Hanak H450BL Jig Superb in a size 20 - they are only 8mm long! Please Note: Take a look at the end of this email for some specific tips on Summer Nymphing and how to get the best when fishing Perdigon style flies. So what makes these patterns so special? We posed that exact question to Chris (the designer,) and his reply was - "These are really small wide-gape nymphs (the hook length is only 8mm), they sink quickly with very little disturbance and due to their bright bodies are perfect when fishing at less than 6ft deep - as the sunlight will 'activate' the coloured bodies. Their mass also allows you great feel through the line when fishing a single nymph - you should be able to feel the river bed!" That was us sold on them, and we're launching them to you, our fantastic email community, today. These flies have been specifically tied for fishing in the low and slow summer levels and are ideal for both rivers and stillwaters: Our Nygren's Micro Hot-Spot Perdigon Jig Selection consists of 20 flies, 2 each of 10 separate colour variations. Each fly has a red hot-spot tied in just before the Coq de Leon tail and is tied on a size 20 Hanak H450BL Jig Superb barbless hook, their specification is: Weight - 0.07g Hook Length - 8.0mm Hook Gape - 3.6mm Bead - 2.5mm Slotted Tungsten Our selection includes two of each of the following body colours: Black (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) Copper (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) Gold (with Gold Slotted Tungsten Bead) Light Pink (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) Metallic Blue (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) Metallic Green (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) Metallic Orange (with Orange Slotted Tungsten Bead) Peacock (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) Pearl (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) Rainbow (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) These flies are all tied on one of the best micro wide-gape jig hooks in the business, the Hanak H450BL Jig Superb in a size 20. OK, lets address the elephant in the room: These are not cheap flies (how much I hear you ask - they're £36 for the full selection - that's a 20% discount on buying them individually), but I think you will agree that the quality is outstanding. We only have 25 of these selections for sale - they will never be produced in large numbers due to the time taken to tie/make each fly. We are supplying 2 of each of the above patterns, that's 20 flies in total for only £36 including FREE Delivery to anywhere within the UK - I know these are some of the more expensive flies we sell, but the quality is outstanding as you will see from all of the images below. Please Note: Our Artisan Micro Hot-Spot Jig selection is very limited (we only have 25 available - I'm keeping some back for myself, I will lose loads on the rocky rivers up here!) and once they are gone, we will not have any more in these really small sizes until next summer. Just click on any image or button in this email to view details and buy your selection. Please Also Note: I've a good idea that this selection will go well, so I have already ordered the same flies in bigger sizes for fishing later in the year. Each of the flies contained within this selection can also be bought individually, for £2.25 each - click here for more details. If you would like a set, you will need to be quick off the mark! Here are a few more images to really tempt you: Go on, you know you want to! Perdigon flies were developed in the early 2000's by Spanish competion fly anglers and are usually used in fast flowing rivers. These flies have tungsten bead heads and thin bodies, made of thread and tinsel. They have a very slim profile, allowing a very fast sink rate compared with classic beaded nymphs. The lighter coloured (sparkly) perdigons are ideal for both very clear or coloured water. The main feature of a perdigon nymph is their hydrodynamics. They are designed to sink very quickly, reaching the areas the fish feed more efficiently than conventional beaded nymphs. This rapid sink-rate is facilitated by the varnished bodies, which are very slim and streamlined to offer less resistance when descending through the water column, enhancing their hydrodynamic properties. There are numerous ways to fish these, but the two most popular are either Czech or French style: Czech Style Use a long and sensitive rod in size #1 -#4 of 10' or 11' Generally to be fished in a team of 2 nymphs (one big and one small) on a thin leader (Czech type of leader, usually around 9m long with coloured indicator sections), the heavier nymph should be on the point and the smaller on a dropper Droppers should be a maximum 12-15 cm and the distance between flies should be approx 50 cm French Style Use a sensitive rod from size #1 up to #5 of 9-10' We would recommend just using one nymph Your leader should be of 3 to 4.5m, a classic tapered mono french-leader with a parallel tip of approx 60 cm to allow a fast sink rate for the nymph Tight lines & remember your sun cream. P.S. Remember to keep an eye on your inbox on Thursday morning - we've something really special (and exclusive) coming your way - it's perfect for casting long leaders and small flies.

The Troth & Weilenmann Effect

Morning, The 'post Mayfly' lull is well and truly here! It's been pretty tricky over the past few weeks - the Bosnian Balon Pupa's have been working really well if I've been in the fortunate position to fish in an afternoon, but, as this is our busiest time of year I only usually get chance to wet a line in a morning (or a very late evening). I've found that the most successful pattern I have in my fly box at those times is a Caddis / Sedge imitation - preferably one tied with an under-wing of CdC. This is especially true when delicately presented on a furled leader - you can read all about our NEW Furled Leaders towards the end of this email - it's well worth a read! Here's why I think the Elk & CdC Caddis / Sedge pattern works so well ... The story behind this pattern is as fascinating as its effectiveness. The foundation of this pattern traces its roots back to Al Troth's original Elk Hair Caddis, created in 1957 on Pennsylvania's Loyalsock Creek. Troth's pattern became legendary, but like all good designs, it invited improvement. Enter Hans Weilenmann from the Netherlands, an innovative fly tyer who recognised that traditional high-floating patterns sometimes caused trout to turn their noses up. Weilenmann's genius lay in his understanding of CdC – Cul de Canard, those magical feathers from around a duck's preen gland. His CDC & Elk was developed as an improvement to Al Troth's elk hair caddis, creating what many consider the perfect marriage of materials. The CdC provides that essential low-floating characteristic whilst maintaining the buoyancy needed for effective presentation. What strikes me most about this pattern is its versatility. Although designed as a Caddis / Sedge imitation, Weilenmann fished it with great success during Olive hatches. I've found this to be absolutely true on our waters – it's deadly during the March Brown hatches on the Wharfe and equally as effective during summer morning & late-evening rises on our Yorkshire Derwent. It's construction is elegantly simple: CdC fibres twisted around the hook shank create the body, with natural elk hair providing the wing and flotation. The result sits in that critical zone between surface and subsurface that selective trout find irresistible. It's not trying to be something it's not – just a perfect imitation of an insect caught in that vulnerable moment of emergence or egg-laying. Our version of the standard Elk & CdC Caddis imitation is one of the best floating flies we have ever seen - helped by its CdC under-wing and hollow elk-hair wings. The detail is outstanding, we're sure both you and the fish will love these! Our Elk & CdC Caddis is now available as a selection of 9 flies (3 each of sizes 14, 16 & 18). We are supplying all of these for only £14 - which includes FREE Delivery to anywhere within the UK. All are supplied in our eco-friendly packaging. Just click on any image or button in this email to view the flies in more detail. Please Note: This Caddis imitation will float well even in the roughest of waters. This is a classic fly and best fished in the faster-rippled water. We do recommend you use a slightly thicker leader than normal when fishing these (as they can act like little propellers and twist your tippet)! Go On - You Know You Need Some Of These In Your Summer Fly Box ** NEW ** Furled Leaders Any fly pattern that is designed to sit naturally in the surface film (like the Elk & CdC Caddis), benefits enormously from a very delicate presentation. That's why I was particularly excited about a delivery we received earlier this week from Marcus @ The Furled Leader Company - he'd sent us a batch of his brand new Dry Fly Elite Furled Leader Packs & some NEW White Dry Fly Furled Leaders (which are virtually invisible on the waters surface). Whether you're presenting size 18 CDC patterns on a mirror-calm chalk stream or working larger dries through broken water, these furled leaders adapt to the conditions whilst maintaining that crucial delicate presentation. We have two NEW Furled Leaders to bring to you today, each in their own way are quite unique: The Dry Fly Elite Furled Leader Pack; and The White Dry Fly Furled Leader Let's start with: The White Dry Fly Furled Leader What appears stark and visible in your hand transforms completely once it touches the water – the white material becomes virtually translucent, disappearing into the liquid medium like morning mist. This optical illusion is a game-changer when fishing to spooky summer fish in low, clear conditions. I've found this particularly effective during those challenging summer evening sessions when the water is low and the fish are educated. The combination of the Elk & CdC Caddis's natural presentation and the white furled leader's near-invisibility has saved many an evening that might otherwise have ended in frustration. We have these 6' 6" White Furled Leaders available in both Regular (for 4X to 6X tippets) and Ultralight (for 6X to 8X tippets) - they're still only £10.50 each. The Dry Fly Elite Furled Leader Pack Small flies (like the Elk & CdC Caddis), paired with a Dry Fly Elite Furled Leader becomes a truly formidable combination. It's a partnership that honours both the subtlety of Weilenmann's design and the precision required to present it effectively to discerning fish. The Dry Fly Elite Furled Leader Pack contains: 1 x Dry Fly Elite 6'6" Furled Leader (Reed / Sand) - Each leader features a tippet ring installed with a through-and-loop technique, increasing tip strength and ensuring seamless transitions. It comes ready to fish as we dress all the elite leaders with our own dressing. The shorb loop is impregnated and cured, offering lasting performance and reliability on the water. 1 x Tin of Conditioning Balm - A carefully crafted blend of linseed oil and pure beeswax, made specifically for the unique demands of furled leaders. This isn’t just another dressing, it’s a performance upgrade for your furled leader. The balm deeply conditions each fibre of your leader, keeping it supple, extending its life, and enhancing its ability to turn over beautifully. Each tin comes with a genuine buckskin chamois - perfect for working the balm deep into your leader fibres. 1 x Beechwood Leader Holder & Tin - An elegant beechwood leader holder and storage tin, treated with linseed oil, to keep your leaders organized and protected. We have these Dry Fly Elite Furled Leader Packs in stock now for immediate FREE delivery - the full pack is only £34. Whether you're facing a challenging hatch on the Test, working the pocket water of a Welsh mountain stream, or simply wanting to add delicate presentation to your arsenal, this Dry Fly Elite Furled Leader deserves your attention. Sometimes the best innovations are the subtle ones – and Marcus's new leader design & taper has certainly earned its place in the pantheon of the summer greats. *** Go on, you know you want to! *** Tight lines & remember your sun cream - it's going to be a hot one!

Knock ... Knock ... Who's There? - A Man Dressed In Red Bearing Gifts

Morning, As you know, we pride ourselves on the quality of both our flies and the service we provide and we're always on the lookout for new and interesting patterns - we're really interested to learn about their history and chat with the people that tie them. We had a delivery last Friday morning ... from a bloke dressed in red, bearing gifts - no, it's not Christmas just yet - it was the DPD man: Within 1 hour, I was on the river (I'm calling it Research & Development) and caught some stunning wild fish from our local North Yorkshire Beck on one of our NEW Deer Hair Greenflies ... Back at the BFFI in February I got chatting with a guy who thinks along exactly same lines as us, and who also wanted to tie some flies for us. We agreed and then thought nothing of it, until ... A package arrived and it was full of the best quality flies I've seen in a very very long time - and believe me, we have over half a million flies pass through our doors every year - we can spot quality when we see it ... I was like a kid in a sweet shop all over again. These flies had been tied with the best quality hooks (AHREX) and materials (Semperfli, Whiting etc). I'd asked if he could tie us a set of flies, specifically for use in the warmer months, they arrived with us last Friday - they are stunning, I was lost for words! So, today, we have a bit of a deal for you - but we need you to do something for us in return ... The Detached Body Midge As you will no doubt be aware this type of quality does not come cheap, these flies cost us quite a bit more than we usually buy flies in at - but we just couldn't resist - as the quality is so high: "The highest quality flies, tied with the best materials that money can buy." So what's the deal? We'd like you to either buy our full Summer Essentials Fly Selection at a temporarily reduced 'email community' price (see below for details and images etc); or Each of the flies are also available individually for you to buy (see links below). Once you have ordered your flies, you will receive an email in around 7 days from an independent review company (reviews.io) inviting you to leave a review (you should have received the flies well before the email arrives). Please leave us an honest review of the quality of the flies. Please Note: Each of the fly patterns contained within the selection have been curated specifically for fishing Rivers in warmer weather in the UK, however they will work on stillwater - especially when fish are just sipping flies from the surface. Assuming that the overall 'group review' of these patterns is positive, we will commission more to be tied throughout the remainder of this year and into 2026 (we have to plan ahead with our tying schedules). That's quite an investment from us, we believe it's worth it - but we'd like your opinion as well? The Summer Essential Fly Selection Our Summer Essentials Fly Selection consists of 12 flies, 2 each of 6 separate patterns: Parachute Midge - AHREX FW503 size 20 Copper Griffith's Gnat - AHREX FW503 size 18 Detached Body Midge - AHREX FW525 size 18 Deer Hair Greenfly - AHREX FW541 size 16 Batman Midge Pupa - AHREX FW503 size 18 CdC Quill Emerger - AHREX FW503 size 16 These flies are all tied on one of the best lightweight hook ranges in the business, AHREX. Please Note: We only have a limited amount, they take ages to tie to this quality. Going by previous experience this quality of fly will sell really quickly, so if you would like a selection you will need to grab your selection while you still can! We are supplying 2 of each of the above patterns, that's 12 flies in total for an 'email community' introductory price of only £22 (this special offer price is only available for the next 24 hours) - the regular price for a set of 12 will be just over £25. I know these are some of the more expensive flies we sell, but the quality is quite outstanding. Please Note: On the product page, you also have the option to include one of Jeff Jones's stunning hand-made Oak fly boxes, bringing the total for flies and box to only £57 (usually £70.10). Please Also Note: We have now also made Jeff Jones's Oak fly boxes available to buy on their own, for full details please read to the end of this email. Our Summer Essentials Fly Selection is very limited, we had a similar selection available last year and they all sold within 1 hour - so you will need to be quick if you would like a set! Just click on any image or button in this email to view details and buy your selection. If you would like one, you will need to be quick off the mark! Here are a few more detailed images to really tempt you: The Parachute Midge The Copper Griffith's Gnat The CdC Quill Emerger The Batman Midge Pupa Detailed images (and specifications) of each fly contained within this specially curated selection can be found on our website, here. Go on, you know you want to! Somewhere In Deepest Darkest Wales ... There's a Guy Called Jeff ... Who Makes Fly Boxes These stunning hand-made wooden fly boxes are made in deepest darkest Wales by the maestro that is Jeff Jones. They are pocket-sized (see below) and easily fit into a vest / waistcoat or wader pocket: Each of one Jeff's stunning fly boxes are made from Oak Cluster and measure: Width: 13.0cm Depth: 9.0cm Height: 3.0cm Grab one today, Jeff is retiring and we have the very last of his stock - so once they're gone - they're gone for good! Please Note: We are also making Jeff's fly boxes available to buy with our Summer Essentials Fly Selection (incl Jeff Jones Oak Fly Box) for only £57 (that's over 20% discount). Go on, you know you want to! Our Small Fly Manifesto aims to introduce you to one of the most productive fly fishing styles for the warmer summer months - with low flows an even lower water levels fly fishing can be tricky. Do not be put off by using small flies, often a small fly will succeed where a larger one will fail and spook fish. The main reason most anglers shy away from using small flies it that they cannot see them when they are on the water. If you try anything this year, please give small flies a go, you will be pleasantly surprised! Some rivers are not as full of nutrients as others, it’s these rivers which tend to fish better using smaller flies, due in part to the fact the river cannot sustain the production of the larger species. In these rivers trout can still flourish, they just alter the way they feed. Instead of selectively taking insects as and when they please (as insects are in abundance on the more nutrient rich rivers), the trout in less rich rivers are opportunistic feeders. This is where the small, imitative fly is king. Tight lines & have fun.

The Small Fly Manifesto

Our Small Fly Manifesto aims to introduce you to one of the most productive fly fishing styles for the warmer summer months, with low flows and even lower water levels, fly fishing can be tricky. Do not be put off by using small flies; often, a small fly will succeed where a larger one will fail and spook fish. The main reason most anglers shy away from using small flies is that they cannot see them when they are on the water. If you try anything this year, please give small flies a go; you will be pleasantly surprised! Some rivers are not as full of nutrients as others; it’s these rivers which tend to fish better using smaller flies, due in part to the fact that the river cannot sustain the production of the larger species. In these rivers, trout can still flourish; they just alter the way they feed. Instead of selectively taking insects as and when they please (as insects are in abundance on the more nutrient-rich rivers), the trout in less rich rivers are opportunistic feeders. This is where the small, imitative fly is king Rods: Fishing with small flies generally happens at close range, choose a rod you are comfortable with using very short casts – sometimes a softer rod is much more accurate and sensitive on short casts. Softer rods are also much better for playing fish on lighter tippets – something which most rod manufacturers don’t explain, they are more than willing to tell you how far you can cast with one, but not how well it plays a fish! If you’ve never tried a glass rod, they have an ideal action for fishing small flies. Reels: For small flies, you will generally be using lighter tackle (1wt to 4wt lines), so the reel will only really be used to hold the line and balance the rod. I prefer to play all of my fish off the reel (unless I’m on a Stillwater where the fish can be pretty feisty), due to this, I use a click reel – with no drag, using the bend in the rod to protect the lighter tippets. Fly Lines: Floating is a given, but should you choose a ‘double taper’, ‘weight forward’ or ‘triangle taper’? Read through any discussion forums, and you will see pages of discussion on which fly line to use for ‘small fly’ fishing. In truth, any fly line will do so long as it gets the best out of the rod it’s used on, but in my experience, here’s what I choose based on the weather conditions. Weight Forward: When it’s really windy and you have to punch short casts into the wind. Double Taper: When it’s a calm day and you want a nice, gentle presentation at a longer range. Triangle Taper: A ‘do-it-all’ line for small flies – an ideal compromise of taper, which is perfect for targeting fish in the low waters and low flows of summer. Leader: The standard formula for a tapered leader 60:20:20 – that’s 60% heavier butt material, 20% stepped down slightly thinner material and 20% tippet. Usually, you have 2 choices for leaders: Make Your Own: Take a look below for some leader configurations you can make yourself and experiment! Buy a ‘ready-made’ knotless tapered leader: New ranges of tapered leaders are now available, which make ideal leaders for casting small flies. However you decide to create your leader, the one thing above anything else which will increase your catch rate is the length! When fishing small flies on low rivers, you need to make your leader as long as you can possibly get away with. This is what has given rise to the new style Front-Heavy Tapered leaders in the longer lengths – 11ft to 16ft. It is not uncommon for hardly any fly line to be outside of the rod tip, and just the leader is cast. Tippet: Small flies generally require thin diameter tippets; therefore, you will be using 7X, 8X or even 9X tippets. These will range in diameter from 0.1mm to 0.07mm – pretty thin and delicate! This is one of the reasons why a softer rod is a must, as the action of the rod will give the much-needed protection to the tippet and allow you to land much larger fish on even the lightest of tippets. When dry fly fishing, you really need a tippet which will float (but you also may want to sink the last few inches to the fly to make it less visible). In this case, you would opt for a nylon (or copolymer) tippet material. I have a personal preference for either RIO Powerflex or Snowbee Gold. Tippet is a ‘confidence thing’, choose the one you have the most confidence in when knotted. TOP TIP: When trying to thread your tippet to a small fly, try cutting the tippet at a 45-degree angle; it makes it a little easier to get the tippet into the eye of the hook. Flies: The most important part of the chain. - It is the one piece of tackle that the fish sees and makes their decision on whether to eat or not. The most important part of a fly is, without doubt, the hook, even more so when we are using very small hooks. It is important when choosing small flies to look at the gape of the hook (i.e., the distance between the hook point and the body of the hook), make sure that the tied fly still has plenty of room between the body and the hook point, if there is hardly any room between the body of the fly and the point it will make it very difficult to hook a fish. Generally, the hooks which are sized at 18 and smaller all are ‘wide gape’. Often, the reason small flies are dismissed by anglers is that they have trouble seeing them, there are a few remedies for this: For most dry fly angling it is not a necessity to actually see the fly, generally you will have a rough idea of where the fly is, if you see a rise, just lift into it – 9 times out of 10 it will be to your fly! If you do want to know where your fly is, either use a small fly with a sighter post, or use the ‘Double Dry’ technique, where you use a visible dry fly and then tie a smaller dry fly from the eye of the hook on a long dropper – just like the klink n dink method, but using 2 dry flies. If you are struggling to tie tippet to really small flies, pre-tie the flies to long lengths of tippet at home, then when you’re on the water all you need to do is attach the tippet to your leader. I hope the above has given you a little insight into fishing with small flies and that you will give it a try this summer.

The Advantage of Small Unweighted Nymphs - Summer Low Water Tactics

Morning, Firstly, I like to thank all of you who managed to snag one of our Bosnian Balon Pupa Selections - I'm already hearing great reports of catches with them! Our 'man in Bosnia' is already working on some new patterns to tempt you next month! This week has been pretty full on, with me being away for the weekend there's been loads of orders to get packed and out of the door. I did manage to get out for an hour on the way home the other afternoon, it was pretty tricky going as the fish seemed to be in their 'post Mayfly lull' and hiding in the shadows - taking small unweighted nymphs: When we first launched Barbless Flies - all the way back in 2014 - we started with only two selections of flies - a set of dry flies and a set of nymphs. Our initial aim was to put together separate universal selections which you could take to any water (be it river or stillwater) in the UK, and be confident of catching fish - no matter what time of year. From the back of a very successful summer last year, where I was predominantly fishing in afternoons, we've now developed a NEW set of nymphs - specifically designed for use in rivers and stillwaters, in the Summer - plus we've put a really special offer together on these, specifically for our email community (see below). These nymphs are all size 18 and most importantly - they are unweighted. This, along with the specialist knot used to tie them on (see below), makes them (virtually) irresistible to any passing fish - see the very end of this email for a great read on fishing with small nymphs, along with the leaders and knots to use. But, for now, on to those Unweighted Micro Nymphs I mentioned above: Our Unweighted Micro Nymph Selection contains five patterns (3 of each - all tied on quality size 18 barbless hooks): Red-Head Micro Nymph Hare's Ear Micro Nymph Olive Micro Nymph Orange-Head Micro Nymph Pheasant Tail Micro Nymph You will also notice that the above patterns are the very same patterns and sizes as our really popular Micro Tungsten Nymph Selection - but obviously without the tungsten beads! Please Note: These flies are brand new to us and we've only got 40 selections available. If they are as popular as we hope they will be, we've already primed our tyers to expect more orders! *** If you would like a set, grab yours now before we run out! *** I've found that the above Pheasant Tail Micro Nymph is deadly when drifted just under the surface - I've watched fish move a couple of feet from their regular feeding station to intercept it! Take a look at the end of this email for some tips on how to fish a Micro Nymph, and the specialist knot you never knew you needed! Our NEW for 2025 Unweighted Micro Nymph Selection is now available as a selection of 15 flies (3 of each of 5 different patterns - see above). We are supplying all of these for only £18 - which includes FREE Delivery to anywhere within the UK. All are supplied in our eco-friendly packaging. Just click on any image or button in this email to view the selection in more detail. SPECIAL OFFER: Buy one of our Unweighted Micro Nymph Selections and include some Specialist 8X Tippet (see below) and we will discount the tippet by 20% - making the total only £24.00. This offer is only available until midnight tonight - 12th June 2025. *** Go on, you know you want to! *** Here's Some Specialist Tippet For Your Micro Patterns? When fishing micro nymphs (and dry flies) it is really important that the tippet you use is pretty thin - so you can thread it through the smaller hook eyes. The only issue with thin tippet is the strength is usually pretty low (i.e. 1.5lb of less). We've managed to find some 'goldilocks' tippet ... It's thin - 0.09mm It's strong - 2.1lb; and It's very, very long - 50m It's a part of the Snowbee XS range of copolymer tippets, it's made in Japan (who know a thing or two about making tippet), this one's the snappily titled "XS-Plus Gold Super Copolymer" and it's perfect for fishing micro nymphs and dry flies (I use it all the time on the Yorkshire Derwent during Summer): XS-Plus Gold Super Copolymer tippet is the number one choice for the most demanding angler. No expense has been spared to create the ultimate tippet copolymer line to provide maximum strength, without sacrificing the other features demanded by today's discerning fly anglers. What is amazing about this line, notwithstanding its super high knot strength, is its limited stretch factor of 22-24% elongation, which dramatically improves bite detection, whilst allowing sufficient stretch to avoid shaking fish off when using barbless hooks. For convenience, the line is supplied on super-narrow 50m spools that will join together if required and at just 65mm diameter, fit easily into any fly vest pocket or tippet spool holder. We've managed to secure a supply of this specialist 8X tippet spools and can now bring them to you for only £7.49 - which includes FREE Delivery to anywhere within the UK. ***Go on, you know you want to, everyone needs some 8X tippet in their life!*** Summer Low Water Tactics: The Advantage of Small Unweighted Nymphs When summer arrives and water levels drop to their seasonal lows, many anglers find themselves struggling to connect with wary trout. The gin-clear water, reduced flow rates, and heightened fish selectivity that characterise low summer conditions demands a more refined approach. One of the most effective strategies for these challenging conditions is fishing small, unweighted nymphs - a technique that can transform frustrating days into memorable ones. Why Small Unweighted Nymphs Excel in Low Water Natural Presentation in Reduced Current - Low water conditions fundamentally change how aquatic insects behave and how trout respond to them. With reduced current velocity, natural nymphs drift more slowly and with less erratic movement. Small, unweighted patterns mimic this natural behaviour perfectly, sinking gradually and maintaining a lifelike drift that larger, weighted flies simply cannot achieve in these conditions. To help a more natural presentation, try tying your micro nymph on using a Non-Slip Loop knot (see below) - this style of loop know allow smaller flies to react more naturally in the currents: The absence of weight (and using a Non-Slip Loop knot) allows these patterns to respond naturally to subtle water movements, creating micro-movements that trigger strikes from fish that have grown increasingly selective. This natural action becomes particularly important when trout have ample time to inspect your offering in the clear, slow-moving water. Why Small Unweighted Nymphs Excel in Low Water Natural Presentation in Reduced Current - Low water conditions fundamentally change how aquatic insects behave and how trout respond to them. With reduced current velocity, natural nymphs drift more slowly and with less erratic movement. Small, unweighted patterns mimic this natural behaviour perfectly, sinking gradually and maintaining a lifelike drift that larger, weighted flies simply cannot achieve in these conditions. The absence of weight allows these patterns to respond naturally to subtle water movements, creating micro-movements that trigger strikes from fish that have grown increasingly selective. This natural action becomes particularly important when trout have ample time to inspect your offering in the clear, slow-moving water. Reduced Disturbance and Stealth - Perhaps the greatest advantage of small, unweighted nymphs lies in their ability to enter the water with minimal disturbance. In low, clear conditions where trout spook at the slightest unnatural movement, the gentle entry of a size 18 or 20 unweighted nymph can mean the difference between success and failure. These flies create virtually no splash, produce no alarming plop, and avoid the heavy disturbance that can shut down an entire pool. This stealth factor becomes exponentially more important as water levels drop and fish become increasingly pressure-sensitive. Matching the Prevalent Insect Life - Summer low water periods coincide with peak activity of smaller aquatic insects. Baetis mayflies, small caddis larvae, and midge pupae dominate the trout's diet during these conditions. Small, unweighted nymphs perfectly match the size profile of these abundant food sources, presenting trout with familiar, readily accepted patterns. The reduced metabolic demands of smaller insects in warmer water also mean they move more languidly, making the slow, natural sink rate of unweighted patterns even more realistic. I've made the full article on Summer Low Water Tactics: The Advantage of Small Unweighted Nymphs available on our "2 wheels, 1 rod" blog, click on the below button to read the full article. Tight lines & have a great time out on the water.

Summer Low Water Tactics: The Advantage of Small Unweighted Nymphs

Summer Low Water Tactics: The Advantage of Small Unweighted Nymphs When summer arrives and water levels drop to their seasonal lows, many anglers find themselves struggling to connect with wary trout. The gin-clear water, reduced flow rates, and heightened fish selectivity that characterise low summer conditions demand a refined approach. One of the most effective strategies for these challenging conditions is fishing small, unweighted nymphs—a technique that can transform frustrating days into memorable ones. Grab Your Unweighted Micro Nymph Selection - only £20 Why Small Unweighted Nymphs Excel in Low Water Natural Presentation in Reduced Current Low water conditions fundamentally change how aquatic insects behave and how trout respond to them. With reduced current velocity, natural nymphs drift more slowly and with less erratic movement. Small, unweighted patterns mimic this natural behaviour perfectly, sinking gradually and maintaining a lifelike drift that larger, weighted flies simply cannot achieve in these conditions. The absence of weight allows these patterns to respond naturally to subtle water movements, creating micro-movements that trigger strikes from fish that have grown increasingly selective. This natural action becomes particularly important when trout have ample time to inspect your offering in the clear, slow-moving water. Reduced Disturbance and Stealth Perhaps the greatest advantage of small, unweighted nymphs lies in their ability to enter the water with minimal disturbance. In low, clear conditions where trout spook at the slightest unnatural movement, the gentle entry of a size 18 or 20 unweighted nymph can mean the difference between success and failure. These flies create virtually no splash, produce no alarming plop, and avoid the heavy disturbance that can shut down an entire pool. This stealth factor becomes exponentially more important as water levels drop and fish become increasingly pressure-sensitive. Matching the Prevalent Insect Life Summer low water periods coincide with peak activity of smaller aquatic insects. Baetis mayflies, small caddis larvae, and midge pupae dominate the trout's diet during these conditions. Small, unweighted nymphs perfectly match the size profile of these abundant food sources, presenting trout with familiar, readily accepted patterns. The reduced metabolic demands of smaller insects in warmer water also mean they move more languidly, making the slow, natural sink rate of unweighted patterns even more realistic. Grab Your Unweighted Micro Nymph Selection - only £20 Technical Advantages of the Unweighted Approach Versatile Depth Control Unweighted nymphs offer superior depth control in varying water columns. By adjusting your leader length, tippet diameter, and casting angle, you can precisely control how deep your fly penetrates. This flexibility allows you to target fish feeding at different levels without changing flies—a significant advantage when fish are scattered throughout the water column. The gradual sink rate also provides extended time in the feeding zone, particularly important in pools where trout may be holding at mid-depth rather than tight to the bottom. Superior Drag-Free Drift The light weight of these patterns makes them incredibly responsive to current variations, allowing them to achieve truly drag-free drifts even in complex water with multiple current seams. This natural presentation is crucial in low water, where any hint of unnatural movement will alert sophisticated trout. Extended Fishing Time per Cast Because unweighted nymphs sink slowly and drift naturally, each cast provides significantly more fishing time than weighted alternatives. This extended presentation period increases your chances of intercepting feeding fish and allows you to thoroughly work promising water. Grab Your Unweighted Micro Nymph Selection - only £20 Leader Setup for Small Unweighted Nymphs The leader system for small unweighted nymph fishing requires careful consideration of several factors: stealth, turnover, and depth control. Here's a proven setup for summer low-water conditions: Base Leader Configuration: Start with a 9-foot tapered leader in 4X (approximately 6.5 lb test) Add 2-3 feet of 5X tippet (4-5 lb test) Attach 18-24 inches of 6X for the final tippet section (3-4 lb test) Two-Fly Rig Modification: For increased effectiveness, consider a two-fly setup: Tie your first fly (typically size 16-18) to the end of the 5X section Add 12-18 inches of 6X tippet to the bend of the first fly's hook Attach your second fly (usually size 18-20) to the end of this dropper Key Specifications: Total leader length: 15-17 feet Use light tippet diameters to ensure a more natural drift Smaller diameter dropper section to prevent tangles This extended leader system provides the stealth necessary for spooky low-water trout while maintaining the delicate presentation that small unweighted nymphs require. The fluorocarbon construction ensures your leader sinks readily, keeping your flies in the strike zone longer. Grab Your Unweighted Micro Nymph Selection - only £20 Tactical Application When employing this technique, focus on longer, more precise casts to avoid spooking fish. Allow extra time for your flies to reach the desired depth before beginning your drift. Watch your line tip carefully, as strikes are often subtle with these small patterns. Position yourself to maximise your drag-free drift length, and remember that in low water conditions, patience and precision trump aggressive coverage. Each cast should be deliberate and calculated, taking full advantage of the natural presentation that small, unweighted nymphs provide. The combination of reduced disturbance, natural presentation, and precise depth control makes small unweighted nymphs an indispensable tool for summer low-water success. Master this technique, and you'll find yourself consistently catching fish when others struggle with the challenging conditions that define summer's most demanding fishing scenarios.

Curated Specialist Fly Selection: Our Summer Fly Concierge Service

Morning, I hope you had a great weekend - I know I did - it wasn't fishing related, but my son and I made the pilgrimage to Wembley (for the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final) - for once our team came out on the winning side (just) and we made our way back north to Barbless Flies HQ very happy - it's the first time we'd won anything in 40 years! We've managed to get hold of some other specialist 'small fly' fly lines from Snowbee - see the very end of this email for more details - they are perfect for Summer fishing and great value for money! On the previous Friday, whilst travelling down to London, I caught up with Jeff Jones (fly box maker extraordinaire) and he's sent us the remaining stock of his wonderful pocket-sized oak fly boxes, we received them in the office yesterday - if you've never seen one of Jeff's hand-made oak fly boxes before, you're in for a real treat, see below: My recent long-form article over on our "The Fly Fishing EDGE" subscription platform about Fly Box Organisation seems to have struck a bit of a chord with lots of you - judging by the emails I've received over the last few months, all centred around two subjects: Saying what an easy way it is to organise your flies, whilst taking much less to the water; and Asking if we could make them available to buy through Barbless Flies The real difficulty with making a seasonal fly box available to buy 'off the shelf' is that Rivers and Stillwaters across the country have different fly life at different times of the year. We did something very similar for Gary a few weeks back, he left us a fantastic review: Thanks Gary, We love reviews like that As it's Fathers Day on Sunday, I thought I would combine Jeff's stunning boxes with our Summer Fly Concierge Service - we're also going to include FREE 1st Class Tracked delivery (only available to UK deliveries), so you will receive the flies and box before the weekend. Our Concierge Service makes a perfect, unique, gift to your Father (or to yourself) - please feel free to forward this email to a loved one if you would like them to order one for you! Just like a Concierge at a hotel, there is no reason why we can't provide a personal service and curate sets of flies specific to you (or your Father) and the waters you / they fish - all we need to know is which part of the country you fish in and we can do the rest. We have over 2,000 different patterns in the warehouse, so the flies themselves aren't an issue! Each one of Jeff's oak boxes will contain a minimum of 40 of our best quality flies, along with the box of flies you will also receive a document explaining which flies are included in your box and information on how to get the best from each of the patterns. Here's how the process will work: You place your order for the seasonal curated fly selection through our website - you can click on any image or button contained within this email to view the Summer Concierge Fly Selection. Once you receive your order confirmation email, reply to it giving me the following details: your name, your order number and the location where you would like the flies for (please be as specific as possible). Please also include any extra information which you think is necessary, i.e. if there are any specific restrictions on your water. I will do the research into the flies for your particular area. I will then personally put the full fly selection together and ship them to you - 1st Class tracked, so it will arrive before the weekend. As you can probably imagine, this personal service does come at a little bit of a cost, £97.50 to be exact, but for that you receive: A minimum of 40 of our best quality flies, all presented in one of Jeff Jones's oak fly boxes - valued at £45 by themselves - these easily fit in wader or vest pockets; and A document outlining the fly box's content and detailed information on each pattern included - all tailored to you and your water. Please Note: Due to the unique aspect of this product (each is curated and tailored to your individual area), it's not something we can just pre-make, pluck off the shelf and ship the same day as you order it (like we usually do), to ensure we can ship your order on Wednesday 11th (tomorrow) for delivery on Thursday/Friday we'd appreciate it if you could place your order before 1pm today. Please Also Note: I believe this really is outstanding value when you consider the flies alone would be around £75 and the box £45, plus you receive a detailed run down of the fly patterns contained within your personally curated selection - and, I have to spend quite a bit of time researching the best flies for the job! If you have any questions etc on our Concierge Service please get in touch with me and I will help where I can. *** We've only 20 of Jeff's fly boxes remaining, if you would like one, please order yours before 1pm today *** Did You Miss Out On The Specialist Fly Lines We Had Last Week? Having sold out of our Spectre Pro Ultra-Dry fly lines in record time last week, I gave the guys at Snowbee a call to see if we could get hold of some more - it turns out that we couldn't (there a huge waiting list for them) - but they did mention its 'sister' line, the Thistledown 2 Brook - same profile & technology, but at a significantly lower price. Try the Thistledown 2 Brook - more cost effective, the same profile characteristics and perfect for casting smaller flies to spooky fish: Snowbee's unique super-fine profile range of Thistledown 2 lines defy logic, how can one line weight work on a range of rod weights? Try them for the best presentation ever experienced. "There must be something in the taper / coating / core / diameter - it's like electricity, I'm not going to question how it works, it just does!" The new and refined components of the Thistledown 2 fly line combine to give the thinnest, most supple, weight-forward profile possible. The result is a line which weighs very little and delivers incredible stealth and accuracy at the same time. WF1 to 4 Thistledown 2 Brook Fly Line A lighter weight version designed for rods of #1 to #4 weight. The #1/4 model has a shorter, lighter profile than the #2/5 and #5/7 variations, providing super, delicate presentation with the lightest of rods. Colour: Olive / Buckskin Density: Floating Total Length: 90' The ultra-thin diameter - half that of a conventional fly line - creates minimal drag when casting. That means the line speed can be maintained throughout the casting action and delivers the fly (or flies) precisely where required, with minimal effort. As its drag coefficient is so low, even in a strong cross-wind, this line will cut through and deliver your flies perfectly. Tight lines & make the most of the good weather this weekend.

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The Bacchus Bug Selection

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