Tag Archives: fishing course

Imitative Approach

Posted on by

Last Sunday I traveled to Courtlough Fishery in Dublin to tutor the Match the Hatch Course with Ken Whelan.  We had 14 participants on the course and Garrett the fishery manager and the staff at Courtlough were very welcoming to everyone.  In the morning Ken went through a PowerPoint presentation on the various important species likely to be living in the lake.

DSC07947s

We then headed down to the water to for a kick sampling session.  Everyone took part and Ken provided the required equipment for the session.

DSC07670s

It was great to see all the insect life collected and identified and it proved to be a real ‘eye opener’ for the participants who really enjoyed this aspect of the course, despite the very cold weather.

DSC07678s

DSC07865s

DSC07877s

Next it was time for lunch and we headed back to the bar (yes bar!) for soup and sandwiches.  The hot soup was very welcome and again Courtlough set the standard by providing additional sandwiches tea/coffee and biscuits.  With full tummies it was time for the afternoon session.  This was where I took over and showed everyone a series of imitative fly patterns designed to look and/or move like the insects we found in the lake.

DSC07930s

DSC07937s

We headed back down to the water and I demonstrated a few fishing techniques for replicating the movement of the naturals.  The guys then had time to do some fishing themselves and try to put what they learned into practice.  I used two Mackenzie DTX single handed rods for my demo and the boys were keen to get their hands on them.  Ken had a go with the 10ft 7wt with a fast intermediate line and a damsel imitation.  Within the first few casts he was into a lovely rainbow.

DSC08018s

DSC08029s

Everyone was very impressed with these rods. A few more fish were caught and as the sun and temperatures dropped it was time to call it a day.  The feedback afterwards was really positive and this was most satisfying for Ken and I.

DSC07979s

Our next Match the Hatch course will take place in Ratchon Fishery on March 1st.  In the meantime I am taking bookings for a Stillwater Tactics course at Ardaire Springs fishery in Mooncoin.  For more info click here.  As I have recently been appointed to the Mackenzie Pro Team for Ireland I will have a range of single handed rods with me for these courses.

1 Day Stillwater Fly Fishing Course

Posted on by
1

Building on the success of last years fly fishing courses I will be holding a stillwater fly fishing course at the purpose built fly fishing lake, fishing lodge and tackle room at Ardaire Springs Fishery, Mooncoin, Kilkenny on February 15th 2015.  This is an ideal course for those new to fly fishing and also for those wanting to improve upon their stillwater fishing techniques.  Based on very positive feedback from last year I have decided to maintain the same affordable price of just €60 (including lunch).

Mick catches at Ardaire

The course covers all the standard fishing techniques (lures, wets, nymphs and dries).  There will be lots of helpful hints and tips relating to tackle set up and fly selection to help you catch that “big one”.

monsterbrown

There will also be time for participants to put some new methods to practice themselves before the day ends. This worked well last year with some participants catching their personal best trout on the day!

wpid-image-1.jpeg wpid-WP_20140223_001.jpg

In addition to being a Pro Guide and International Federation of Fly Fishers Casting Instructor I have also completed a Child Welfare & Protection in Sport Awareness Training Course and have been Garda Vetted for coaching.

IMG_3503

Given the date of this course it would make an ideal Valentines gift for the angler in your life.  If you would like to book a place on this course just send me an e-mail at: gamefishingireland@gmail.com or phone: 087-2965712.

Taking the Mick!

Posted on by

My pal Mick had heard we had been putting the Mackenzie DTX single handed 10ft 7wt through its paces over at Ardaire Springs recently so he decided to have a go there himself.  Having fished the lower Suir for years Mick was very familiar with the Mackenzie Spey Rods but had not yet tried any of the single handed rods.

The average trout at Ardaore is a very good size and there are plenty rainbow trout in the 4lb to 6lbs range.

DSC_0486

These are broad well finned hard fighting rainbows that can really test your tackle.

DSC_0488

Mick is a very good angler and has a habit of catching decent fish so it came as no surprise to me that he managed one of the even larger rainbows in the fishery although this one just fell short of being a double.

DSC_0481

After a quick photo the trout was safely released.

DSC_0483

When I asked Mick to sum up his trial of the rod he used just two words “top class”!

 

 

 

Des & the DTX

Posted on by

A local chap Des who normally river fishes was keen to have a go at lake fishing during the closed season on rivers.  I arranged with him to go over to local fishery Ardaire Springs to try some bank fishing for a few hours.  Des started off with his own 9ft 5wt rod and although he is a very capable caster it was something of a struggle in the strong wind on the day.  However, he did manage a fish or two on a dead drifted bloodworm pattern in a sheltered corner.

DSC06932s

I suggested to Des to try fishing deeper with a lure on a DI5 line. As he only had his 5wt with him I gave him the use of a Mackenzie DTX G2 10ft 7wt Rod that I am trying out at present.    I tried this rod myself at a local reservoir recently and I am already a massive fan.  That said, I was keen to see how Des would get on with it too.  After a cast or two Des was impressed with the ease with which the rod cast a long line into a strong wind.  In no time at all he was comfortable with the rod and caught fish to boot

DSC06813s

In fact, fishery manager Ned came out for a look and couldn’t resist a few casts with it too.  It was a good sign when Ned asked if I could bring it over again soon so that he could spend more time casting with it!!

DSC06876s

Des caught his largest trout to date shortly after that while using the DTX.  A lovely conditioned rainbow trout of about 6lbs.

DSC06808s

Well done Des – your hooked now!   Designed by 3 times world spey casting champion Scott Mackenzie, the DTX 10ft 7wt is a superb rod and I would happily recommend one for reservoir fishing.  To find out more about the DTX range of single handed rods click here.

Course Update

Posted on by

So far we have had a great response to the Matching the Hatch Course to run in Courtlough Fishery on January 18th. Further to Derek Evans article in todays’ Irish Times angling column please find below some additional detail on the course content:

monsterelease

Phase 1: (classroom) – slides and images as an introduction to small still water entomology, including images of what we may find in the lake. A summary of the various life cycles (including fry) and the sequence of insect hatches throughout the season.  Details of important terrestrials likely to feature on the trouts diet during the year.

Getting prepared in the seminar room.

Phase 2: – collecting and sorting the insects into groups along the lake shore

IMG_3927 IMG_3922

LUNCH BREAK

Phase 3: – going through the fly boxes and tying in the imitations with the natural animals. Emphasis will be placed on how the insects, crustaceans / snails move and how the flies move in the water and at what depth.

Articulated Zonker with diving vane

Fry imitation Articulated Zonker with diving vane

Shrimp

Shrimp Imitation

Phase 4: – angling approaches, equipment and tackle, techniques and set ups

1476011_668102836553799_1979813968_n

A place on the course would make an ideal Christmas gift!

River Trout Fly Fishing Course

Posted on by
1

This course will take place at the fantastic Ballyduff Bridge Fishery (River Blackwater) on Sunday April 13th 2014 at 9.30am.  At a very affordable price of just €60 per person the course will incorporate:

  • Dry Fly
  • Wet Fly
  • Dry/dropper (New Zealand Style)
  • Nymph Fishing
  • Streamers
IMG_1658

A nice trout caught New Zealand style.

All aspects of these techniques will be explained including tackle choice, leader set up, fly selection and presentation.  The course tuition will last for approximately 4 hours and course participants can fish the beat for trout (catch and release) for the evening. We will be available to provide further advice if needed.

I am delighted to be able to announce that I will be joined on the day by Mackenzie Pro Team Guide Maurice Cahill.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to spend time with both a myself and a Mackenzie Pro at such an affordable price.

MacKenzie Pro Guide Maurice Cahill

All course participants will be provided with a detailed set of course notes. If you want to learn about river trout fly fishing or improve upon your current knowledge book a place by contacting me by phone 087 2965712 or e-mail: gamefishingireland@gmail.com.  Places are limited.  A booking deposit of €30 applies.

 

Stillwater Fly Fishing Course

Posted on by

This course will take place at the excellent facilities of Ardaire Springs Angling Centre on Sunday February 23rd 2014 at 9.30am.  At a very affordable price of just €60 per person this course will cover:

  • Dry Fly
  • Wet Fly
  • Lures
  • Nymphs/Buzzers

All aspects of these techniques will be covered including tackle choice, leader set up, fly selection and presentation.  The course tuition will last for approximately 4 hours and course participants can fish on at Ardaire for the rest of the day. We will be available to provide further advice if needed.  Course participants will also be provided with a set of course notes.

If you want to learn about stillwater fly fishing or just improve upon your current knowledge book a place by contacting Ned at 086 812 8937 or myself at 087 2965712.  Places are limited.  A booking deposit of €30 applies.

A quality Ardaire bow.

A quality Ardaire Rainbow.