51

Fly Tying Step By Steps / Hare's Ear Sedgehog

« Last post by Robert MacDonald-Lewis on 25/10/2024 at 14:15 »

Fairly standard tying of a Sedgehog, but had a near miss with the thread breaking on this one. Luckily the thread wraps help long enough for me to get the thread caught on again and everything secured.

52

Main Discussion Area / Re: Exploring New Waters

« Last post by Robert MacDonald-Lewis on 25/10/2024 at 14:10 »

I typically use all the sources mentioned, fishing buddies being the most reliable. Would also add Bruce's Rivers and Lochs book, mainly for lochs and taken with the appropriate seasoning.

It is always good to get a good clear beat map, marking parking places. Decent parking also makes a bing difference. I often find it a little surprising how lacking both can be. There is perhaps little that can be done about parking, but with the availability of free satellite  images and OS map views it shouldn't be too difficult to put togther usefull beat maps.

I came across some youtube videos of walk throughs of some river beats which were great for getting an idea for the lay of the land and what to expect.

53

Main Discussion Area / Exploring New Waters

« Last post by Mike Barrio on 25/10/2024 at 13:44 »

A day exploring new waters is always good fun    but how do you find and choose somewhere to fish?

Not club or association waters, but something a bit more off the beaten track.

What helps to make finding and choosing somewhere easier? ( Fishing buddies, social media posts, magazines, online permit availability? )

And what helps to make the day more enjoyable once you get there?  ( Clear beat maps, off road parking, bank maintenance? )

54

Forum Stream / Re: Your Fly Fishing Forum

« Last post by Steve Wright on 23/10/2024 at 19:10 »

Hi Allan,
Thanks for all the info….
I know I’m fortunate to live in such a blessed area. Hoping to venture beyond the Border into Northumberland too.
Mobility is getting better, just need to build on the stamina!!

Can’t wait to post the photo of first fish caught on a fly tied by myself 😜

Thanks again
Steve

55

Tackle Talk / Re: I wish I still had my .....

« Last post by Hamish Young on 22/10/2024 at 19:58 »

I'm guessing that we have all had this thought at one time or another 

Sold on, or simply worn out - which item of fishing tackle do you wish you still had?

Many items have come and gone - such is the lot of a tackle tart -  but one I keep wishing I hadn't parted with was a Sshoot Backwinder reel. I bought it from Sandy, used it a few times then sold it on having been tempted by another toy. Was many seasons ago now, but I still think of that reel and wish I had kept it as the design was 'out there'.

H

56

Forum Stream / Re: Your Fly Fishing Forum

« Last post by Allan Liddle on 22/10/2024 at 13:31 »

Hi Steve

Great that you're looking to get out and about again.
You live in an area with loads of quality fishing available.
The Whiteadder is a cracking stream and can be really good, however access can also be a bit wild.  Great if you (like me) love that style of fishing, not so good if mobility is an issue.  There's a club on the lower section and i'm sure the members will point you in the right direction.
The Reservoir is also good with smaller, hard fighting and free rising fish all over it, a great place to wander its shores chasing those residents.

You've a few rainbow waters close to hand the best of which is the excellent Coldingham Loch which is now members only in terms of fishing access (unless you stay in a cottage), but it's a beautiful place and well worth visiting / enquiring about a cast or two there, maybe even joining the club?

However, all that said, you've the Mighty Tweed and loads of access availability on an excellent trout and graying river.  Quite a few clubs along its length which offer fishing both directly on the Tweed and it's tributaries, as well as a few offering club lochs as well.

Love the Borders for fishing, truly spoiled for choice, and if this isn't enough then you've the reservoirs around Edinburgh which can be excellent.

Tight Lines.

57

Tackle Talk / Re: I wish I still had my .....

« Last post by Eddie Sinclair on 18/10/2024 at 17:23 »

Steven, with or without the tackle that you have offloaded in my direction I’m hoping to be able to fish for a wee while yet. I don’t really let too much tackle go but I do regret giving away a wee sharpes Scottie rod many years ago.

58

Forum Stream / Re: Your Fly Fishing Forum

« Last post by Mike Barrio on 18/10/2024 at 09:26 »

Hi Steve

Absolutely, the forum is all about enjoying your fishing, not your ability or experience 

I can't help with the Borders I'm afraid, but hopefully some of the other members will be able to.

Cheers
Mike

59

Forum Stream / Re: Your Fly Fishing Forum

« Last post by Steve Wright on 17/10/2024 at 16:09 »

Hi Mike,  really good point. I’m new to this site and to fly fishing. I’ve been laid low for a few years waiting for a hip replacement. Whilst recovering from the op, I thought I’d start tying a few flies, hoping to get on the water when more recovered. That could be Spring 2025! I guess what stops me posting is my ignorance and lack of experience, so I read to learn…. You really are a friendly bunch, so I reckon I should just get on and post!

So, here’s my first question. What’s the fishing like on the Whiteadder in the Borders? Where can explore in the winter before casting a fly next season?

Cheers
Steve

60

Rivers & Lochs / Re: My neck of the woods currently

« Last post by Mike Barrio on 17/10/2024 at 15:10 »

That looks like fun Graham