WHAT DO I NEED TO ENJOY A DAYS FLY FISHING SAFELY?

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An every day tale of fishing folk?? Possibly but I hope not.

“It’s a fishing day and last night you dreamed of the day to come. Your up, dressed, had breakfast, packed the car and said your “goodbyes” -  letting your loved ones know roughly when you will be home. It’s nearly 2 hours drive to the river or stillwater you are to fish. You have left early, in a bit of a rush, as you are keen to start fishing. The journey goes well and every thing is falling into place for a perfect day chasing fish. You start to set up your tackle and it happens!!

That question “Where did I put IT?” Then it dawns on you, that awful realisation – you can see IT on the kitchen table, garage shelf or anywhere but not in your car where IT should be! IT can be anything – of varying importance but you would still like IT to be with you – a favoured fly box, landing net, fishing coat or hat: you can make do although some of the shine has been taken off the day.

Unfortunately, I fear, we have all found ourselves in a similar position on an occasion. Many who fish with me ask if I have a “Check List”? I thought everyone had: I certainly need several – especially with the variety of coaching and guiding that I do. They are all however based on a Single List and I thought you would like me to share that with you.

It’s not totally fool-proof but it certainly helps me and might help you. Please do change it to suit your own needs and thought processes. The List is only as good as its “User” – I keep copies in strategic places so I can refer to it as I prepare. So here it is:

✔✔✔✔  CHECK – CHECK ✔✔✔✔

WHAT DO I NEED TO ENJOY A DAYS FLY FISHING SAFELY?

  1. Glasses – Polaroids for sunny day, clear/protective for a dull day.  (No Glasses – No Fishing Rod in Hand!!!)
  2. Peaked Hat – keeps sun out of eyes.
  3. Rod, Line and Reel – balanced and to meet the needs of fishing venue/style.
  4. Leaders and Tippet Material.
  5. Snippers or Scissors, Forceps, Marrow Spoon and a Priest
  6. Floatant and Sinkant (Gink & Xink) and “Mud”.
  7. Flies – appropriate for location and in a Box or Tin.
  8. A Landing Net – with knotless mesh.
  9. Suitable Footwear for the location – Boots, Wellingtons or Waders.
  10. Suitable Clothing for the Weather – Remember Four Seasons in a Day!!
  11. A Wading Staff if Wading.
  12. First Aid Kit, Sun Screen and Insect Repellent (Avon Skin So Soft!!)
  13. Drink (Water is best) and something to Eat (You choose!)
  14. A Mobile Phone – set to silent??
  15. Something to carry all of the above in? Vest, Pack etc.
  16. Something to put wet gear in for the journey home.
  17. Permission from the Owner to fish the waters.

And Finally, as a reminder:

An Environment Agency Rod Licence for the fish you intend to catch.

  • REMEMBER
  • Be as comfortable as you can be
  • And
  • Tell Someone You have “Gone Fishing” and “Where”
  • Tell them When You Intend to Return

 

IF YOU ARE BOAT FISHING ON RESERVOIR, LAKE OR LOCK - ALWAYS WEAR A LIFE JACKET/PRESERVER - ON TOP OF EVERYTHING ELSE (Never UNDERNEATH another item) - DON’T WEAR WADERS

And

DON’T STAND UP IN THE BOAT unless you’r getting in or out.

I hope that helps: Tight Lines. RJP