Although the weather has been awful, I got my first chance to cast the new Sage Method 15ft 10wt double handed salmon rod.  This rod is really awesome: lightweight, exquisite feel, super fast action and stunningly cool magma red colour.

At first I wondered if terminology like ‘Konnetic technology’ was just some sort of marketing ploy but it doesn’t really matter now because having cast with it I know it will deliver awesome loops and really great distances, even in tough conditions.

I matched the rod with a Danielsson reel and Gaelforce Equalizer Spey Line.  These Swedish made reels have an excellent reputation.

Gaelfoce is synonymous with tournament casting.  The line I was trying out was designed for fishing rather than distance casting and was very impressive.  It had a 55ft head, a useful colour change and shot out through the rings with ease.  Gaelforce lines are available exclusively in Ireland through Premier Angling Supplies in Nenagh.  Having tried the Spey line I can’t wait to get hold of the shooting head line.

Final verdict: I can’t praise the Sage Method rod highly enough and can’t wait to get out to use it again. If I was to describe the rod in one word I would simply say “weapon”!

Rainbow Bead Peeping Caddis

The Peeping Caddis a great early season river nymph pattern.  It represents a cased caddis that crawls among the stones on the river bed.  The head of the larva peeps out from its home and hence the imitation is known as the peeping or peeking caddis.  Often the fly is tied with white or yellow yarn to represent the peeping head of the real insect.  The ones I have tied here use bright beads instead. I have these beads in a variety of colours.

Gold Peeping Caddis

The beads I am using are made of plastic so they do not add weight to the hook end of the fly.  All the weight is at the eye where the lead shot is positioned. On these flies I decided to use quite a large shot but you can use lighter ones if you like.

Pink Peeking Caddis

Pink is a really popular colour for grayling fishers in the winter months and takes its share of trout too.  We don’t have any grayling in Ireland but if we did I think the pink peeking caddis might be just the thing.

Oval bead Peeping Caddis selection

There are times when a big sea trout tandem is a great night time fly. The trailing hook often catches trout that might otherwise have been missed if they came short to the fly.  Below is a sample of some tandems I have tied for a client for the coming season.