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 andContinue 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 likeContinue 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 suddenlyContinue 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 changeContinue 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 ofContinue reading "A long time coming"

Almost there

There is, as we say here in Ireland, a grand stretch in the day. I became aware of it a couple of weeks ago when my normally dreary Monday morning commute was ennobled by a perfect sunrise as I ploughed along the east bound lane of the M6 between Athlone and Clara. With the daysContinue reading "Almost there"

Hardys Favourite, with a twist

Apologies, I have been very slack when it comes to posting of late. Fishing has been out of the question for me and my fly tying has taken up a large chunk of what little remains of my free time. There has been a near constant drain on me by the book publishers as weContinue reading "Hardys Favourite, with a twist"

The Jury’s out

The way this coming season is shaping up I will in all probability do a bit of rainbow trout fishing. Living in the Midlands during weekdays will severely curtail my normal boat fishing for wild browns but there are a couple of rainbow put-and-take fisheries close by to keep me occupied. The last couple ofContinue reading "The Jury’s out"

New reel

In a sort of celebration of my new job I have splashed out on a reel. Not one of my usual second hand 'projects' that require refurbishment but an actual new one. The idea had been running around inside my head for a while now but I had yet to do anything concrete about it.Continue reading "New reel"

All change

I don't like January. The weather is usually awful and there is little to no fishing. This January is shaping up to be like the others, making for a depressing few weeks. Ireland has been on the receiving end of near perpetual rain after that cold spell before Christmas, leaving us squelching through puddles andContinue reading "All change"