March 2023 – Claretbumbler

Ballinea

As I widen my circle of potential fishing sites within range of my digs, the Royal canal around the midlands town of Mullingar has come under the microscope. In days gone by this part of the canal was famous for big bags of tench as well as some very good roach but the word onContinueContinue reading “Ballinea”

A quick tie

We all have boxes full to capacity with variations of the Green Peter, so why would you need any more? The truth is this variation is a really good one. I mean a REALLY good. I use it mainly on Mask but in smaller sizes it works on Conn and Cullin too. Very easy andContinueContinue reading “A quick tie”

3 men in a boat

My own boat is out of the water and going off for repairs soon. This is not the disaster it might at first appear as I will have very little time available to fish my usual haunts this season and anyway I have access to lots of other boats owned by friends. Sunday looked likeContinueContinue reading “3 men in a boat”

March Browns

A fly which I rarely if ever use in the standard format but one I like when tied in different variations. The natural does not live here in Ireland but I used to love their explosive hatches on the Aberdeenshire Don as a young angler. One minute there were none to be seen, then suddenlyContinueContinue reading “March Browns”

Rainy Roscommon

The rain has been tipping down down for couple of weeks now in the West of Ireland. I had been fearing a drought after the cold dry months of January and February but the land has received a good soaking since then. Standing water in the fields and swollen drains bear testament to the changeContinueContinue reading “Rainy Roscommon”

A long time coming

I finally got out to do a small bit of fishing today, the first time I wet a line since last autumn. My plans to dabble with coarse fishing throughout the winter months came to naught and a thin film of grey dust had gathered on the boxes of tackle piled in the corner ofContinueContinue reading “A long time coming”