The early morn was similar to what we experienced last year, a somewhat chilly start with extremely heavy mist and a keen northeasterly breeze. The exceptionally heavy rains two days prior to our arrival ensured the river was running extremely fast, with a colour and texture, of Brown Windsor soup. Not the most inviting of conditions.
This was to be our first experience under the new management. After a 14-year period the Broadlands Fishing had been taken back in-house by the Broadlands Estate Office having some dramatic impact to our annual event. Not only were we faced with considerable increases in the fees, with payment now being required to be made up front, but also restrictions were being imposed upon our how and which fly fishing style we were allowed to employ. Fortunately, we were able to absorb the tactical changes required in our fishing styles thereby ensuring the enthusiasm of the 25 Fly Fishers in attendance were maintained with everyone eager to tackle the task in hand.
This event allows us to fish a 2½ mile stretch of the River Test running from the M27 in the south all the way up to the Broadlands Estate in the north. Many of the beats on the fast-flowing river are reasonably deep requiring the need for heavyweight nymphs to get down to the fish near to the riverbed. Whilst no wading is allowed, we have bank fishing available to us from either side of the river, in all a total of six designated beats accessible finishing at the start of the Broadlands Estate.
As the early mist started to lift so did everyone’s spirits with the first successes of the day being landed. Once again, primarily Nymphs and Sea Trout flies were proving most successful but also Klinkhammers and Daddies were on the menu.
Whilst the low attendance from our regular members was disappointing, our numbers were fortunately boosted by a further 12 dedicated fly-fishers from the Leconfield Fly Fishing Club, plus an additional 10 from MTSFC, resulting in an excellent turnout of 25 eager fly-fishers.
Lunch, taken at 13:00hrs, provided everyone with an opportunity to ‘embellish’ their morning performances, with many fisherman’s tales of “the one that got away” causing great merriment.
Fine sport continued after lunch, when most fish were being netted. The total catch returns from the 25 fly-fishers numbered 22 fish: two Rainbows, five Grayling, and fifteen Brown Trout. It is no mean feat landing wild Brown Trout and Grayling on this beautiful, world renowned River Test, which fervently maintains its reputation by continually ‘testin’” the skills and ability of even the most experienced of anglers.
A special thank you to David Gould, our most dedicated member, for arranging the event for PICT Fly. Despite the low turnout of PICT members, I am confident everyone enjoyed the day and look forward to the opportunity to return next year. Our next meetings will be organised by Andrew Smith and Gerry Overy, so watch this space ….
We are always keen to welcome new members, both experienced and beginners, the latter are always welcomed and helped to begin this fascinating and enjoyable, as well as most challenging of sports. Whatever your ability it is always a fun day out.
Tight Lines everyone.
Alan Badcock