tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87169657188526381382024-02-24T02:01:57.167+00:00Just One WeekSalmon fishing - advice for rookies, beginners and novices, or anyone else interestedMCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-22335160715905269322024-01-24T18:56:00.001+00:002024-01-24T18:56:39.625+00:00Directory of Posts 1-125<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-variant-caps: normal;"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="border: 1pt solid black; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Salmon Behaviour</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 33); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Taking a fly</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/01/revelation.html</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 50) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Feeding impulses</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Fast Food & Broad Beans</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/fast-food-broad-beans.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/fast-food-broad-beans.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>The Dynamics of the Take</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Crash! Bang! Pluck</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/10/crash-bang-pluck-dynamics-of-take.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/10/crash-bang-pluck-dynamics-of-take.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Hen fish taking times</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Good Morning Ladies</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/good-morning-ladies.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/good-morning-ladies.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 41); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Survival - running & choice of</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>lies</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Where are they?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2012/11/where-are-they.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2012/11/where-are-they.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Taking radius</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Deep Thinking</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/deep-thinking.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/deep-thinking.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Cock fish & hormones</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Morning Glory</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-glory-sex-and-fly-havea-look-at.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-glory-sex-and-fly-havea-look-at.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Migration</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Annual Miracle</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/12/happy-new-year-annual-miracle.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/12/happy-new-year-annual-miracle.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Salmon Characteristics</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Vision</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Windows on the World</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/windows-on-world.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/windows-on-world.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 48) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Imaging - how and what salmon</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>see</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Here’s Looking at You</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/03/heres-looking-at-you.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/03/heres-looking-at-you.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Sensor systems: hearing,</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>vibration & smell</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">CNE 3</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-3.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-3.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Sense of Smell</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Importance of Smell</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-importance-of-smell.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-importance-of-smell.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 41); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Underwater glare</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Blinded by the Light</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/08/blinded-by-light.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/08/blinded-by-light.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 43) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Sound & Vibration</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Speaking Salmon</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/12/speaking-salmon.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/12/speaking-salmon.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 26); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Flies underwater</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Eye of the Beholder</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/07/eye-of-beholder-search-for-perfect-fly.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/07/eye-of-beholder-search-for-perfect-fly.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Light in Water</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Sparkling Water<br /></span><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/01/sparkling-water.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/01/sparkling-water.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0.75pt;"></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Fishing Craft</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Reading & fishing a pool</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Reading Railway Maps</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/03/reading-railway-maps.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/03/reading-railway-maps.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 50) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Reading a pool – the MCX</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>scoring system</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Walking to the Water Part 1</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-to-water-part-1.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-to-water-part-1.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 52); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Reading a pool - examples</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Walking to the Water Part 2</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-to-water-part-2.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-to-water-part-2.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 59) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Choosing fly Size</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hot & cold Running Water</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2012/11/hot-and-cold-running-water.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2012/11/hot-and-cold-running-water.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Trying too Hard</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">CNE 4</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-4.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-4.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Forgetting the Fly</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">CNE 5</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/07/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-5.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/07/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-5.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Depth & sink tips</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Deep Thinking</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/deep-thinking.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/deep-thinking.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 48) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Using Google Earth to read</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>pools</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Rod, Reel, Flies & Satellite</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/04/rod-reel-flies-satellite.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/04/rod-reel-flies-satellite.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>My flies</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Inside the Box</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/03/inside-box.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/03/inside-box.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 33) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Error! Filename not specified.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Fishing in cold water</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Brass Monkeys & Tubes</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2012/11/reflections-on-2012-brass-monkeys-and.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2012/11/reflections-on-2012-brass-monkeys-and.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 19); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Fishing tricky pools</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Walking to the Water Part 3</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-to-water-part-3-tricky-pools.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-to-water-part-3-tricky-pools.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 19) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Fishing in low water</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Calm Reflections</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/07/calm-reflections-fishing-in-low-water.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/07/calm-reflections-fishing-in-low-water.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 13); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Ambush Tactics & Running Fish</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ambush tactics – Close personal and a little dirty</span><br /><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/10/ambush-tactics-close-personal-and.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/10/ambush-tactics-close-personal-and.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Spot the Lie</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/08/spot-lie.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/08/spot-lie.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Don’t cast too far</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-1.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-1.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Forget the far bank</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-2.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-2.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Avoiding surprise</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">CNE 6</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/07/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-6.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/07/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-6.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Thinking & Analysis</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">CNE 7</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/08/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-7.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/08/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-7.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>4 Lessons from 2017</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/09/sins-virtues-4-lessons-from-tomatin-2017.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/09/sins-virtues-4-lessons-from-tomatin-2017.html</span></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Lessons from 2014</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Lessons from 2014</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/11/lessons-from-2014.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/11/lessons-from-2014.html</span></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Estimating the weight of salmon<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2020/03/estimating-weight-of-salmon.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b> </b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 46) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Fishing Reports</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 46) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b> </b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 61); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>The Week at Tomatin 2013</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Week</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-week.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-week.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 55) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Looking Back – the 2013 Season</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Looking Back</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/11/looking-back-2013-season.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/11/looking-back-2013-season.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-variant-caps: normal;"><tbody><tr><td style="border-color: black black rgb(0, 0, 38); border-image: none; border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Autumn Glory – October Ure</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Autumn Glory</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/10/autumn-glory-october-on-ure.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/10/autumn-glory-october-on-ure.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: black black rgb(0, 0, 46) currentcolor; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Ure Spring 2014</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Joys of Spring</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-joys-of-spring.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-joys-of-spring.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 31); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Spring on the Dee</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Spring on the Dee</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/04/spring-on-dee.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/04/spring-on-dee.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 16) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Review of 2017</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/12/water-water-everywhere-2017.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/12/water-water-everywhere-2017.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 57); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Rutherford (Tweed)</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Pearl of the Tweed</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/06/rutherford-pearl-of-tweed.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/06/rutherford-pearl-of-tweed.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 43) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Tomatin 2017</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/09/welcome-back-return-to-tomatin-house.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/09/welcome-back-return-to-tomatin-house.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Bonny Dee</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hope Expectation and Reality</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/04/bonny-dee-hope-expectation-and-reality.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/04/bonny-dee-hope-expectation-and-reality.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Walking in the Park (Ure)</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Walking & Casting in the Park</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/06/walking-and-casting-in-park.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/06/walking-and-casting-in-park.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Deveron 2015</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/09/deveron-2015-delightful-but-dirty.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/09/deveron-2015-delightful-but-dirty.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 13) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Top of the Water</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Upper Bolton Hall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/05/top-of-water-upper-bolton-hall.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/05/top-of-water-upper-bolton-hall.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 49); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 2.25pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>The Beast of Wensleydale</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-beast-of-wensleydale.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-beast-of-wensleydale.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 62) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 2.25pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Swinton Park (Ure)</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/09/river-ure-swinton-beat.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/09/river-ure-swinton-beat.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 43); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Helmsdale April 2018</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-edge-of-known-world-helmsdale.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-edge-of-known-world-helmsdale.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 28) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>North Tyne Chipchase 2018</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2018/08/costa-del-chipchase.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2018/08/costa-del-chipchase.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 43); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Conon 2019<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/09/coul-fishing-just-one-week-on-conon.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 28) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Looking back at 2019<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/10/truly-unpredictable-looking-back-at.html<o:p></o:p></span></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 43); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>2020 – Covid & Lockdown<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2020/09/whatever-next.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 28) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>2021 – Glad to see you go!<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2021/12/2021-goodbye-im-glad-to-see-you-go.html<o:p></o:p></span></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 43); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>2022 – One week on the Spey<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2022/04/one-week-on-spey-chasing-unicorns.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 28) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>River Ure – Abbey Beat Guide<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2021/06/abbey-beat-river-ure.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 43); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>2024 – One Week on the Tay<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-week-on-tay.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 28) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>2023 – An Extraordinary Year<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2022/10/2022-extraordinary-year.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Norway 2016-17</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 30); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>The Preparations</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/07/just-one-week-in-norway-preparations.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/07/just-one-week-in-norway-preparations.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 16) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Just One Week on the Gaula</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/07/just-one-week-on-gaula-16-23-july-2016.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/07/just-one-week-on-gaula-16-23-july-2016.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>You Want to Go to Norway?</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/07/you-want-to-go-to-norway.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/07/you-want-to-go-to-norway.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 26) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Too Much of a Good Thing</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/07/gaula-2017-far-too-much-of-good-thing.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/07/gaula-2017-far-too-much-of-good-thing.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Equipment</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 24); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Rod choice</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Springtime – Swallows, Primroses & New Salmon Rods</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/04/springtime-swallows-primroses-and-new.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/04/springtime-swallows-primroses-and-new.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Lines</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Half the System – Thinking about Lines</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/04/half-sysytem-thinking-about-lines.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/04/half-sysytem-thinking-about-lines.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 24); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Understanding lines, tips & leaders<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Casting in Fog<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2022/08/casting-in-fog-understanding-lines-tips.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Rio Grip Running Line</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Running Lines & Dog Days</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/06/running-lines-and-dog-days.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/06/running-lines-and-dog-days.html</span></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Choosing a Budget Reel</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Reel Value</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/reel-value.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/reel-value.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Rod costs</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Where the Money Goes</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/rod-value-where-money-goes.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/rod-value-where-money-goes.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Lamson Guru vs Loop Evotec</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/02/head-to-head-in-midfield-lamson-guru-vs.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/02/head-to-head-in-midfield-lamson-guru-vs.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Vision Tool 11’ 6” #8</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/09/smile-machine-vision-tool-11-6-8.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/09/smile-machine-vision-tool-11-6-8.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 16); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Sage 1 15’ #9/10<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Hero & The Emperor<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-hero-and-emperor-on-arndilly.html</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Vision Hero 13’ 7” #8/9<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Hero & The Emperor<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-hero-and-emperor-on-arndilly.html</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 16); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Vision Onki 13’ #8<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">User review<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/06/vision-onki-13-8.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Vision Tool 13’ #8<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">User review<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/06/vision-tool-13-8.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 16); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Vision XO 13’ 6” #8<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/09/vision-xo-13-6-8-yar-in-excelsis.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Sage Igniter 12’ 6” #7<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2020/11/pocket-rocket-sage-igniter-12-6-7.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 16); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Vision Hero 13’ 7” #8<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2021/05/vision-salmon-hero.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Maxcatch Classic #9/10 reel<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2022/03/maxcatch-classic-910-reel.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 16); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Maxcatch SkyTouch Spey 15’ #10<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2022/04/maxcatch-skytouch-spey-15.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Vision MAG 13’</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/09/vision-mag-13-89.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/09/vision-mag-13-89.html</span></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 16); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Balancing Rod & Reel<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">How to find the correct reel weight for your rod<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/04/balancing-rod-line.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Vision Rulla Reel</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Koma is Dead – Long Live the Rulla</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-koma-is-dead-long-live-rulla.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-koma-is-dead-long-live-rulla.html</span></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 48); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Organisation & Preparation 1</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">It’s here - the new season</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/02/its-here-new-season.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/02/its-here-new-season.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 33) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Organisation & Preparation 2</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Loading Up</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/03/loading-up.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/03/loading-up.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 41); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Line Maintenance</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">D-14 Countdown</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/09/d-14-countdown.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/09/d-14-countdown.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 48) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Packing & Shopping</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">D-7 Divine Madness</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/09/d-7-divine-madness.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/09/d-7-divine-madness.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>D-14 Countdown Reprise 10 years later<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2023/08/d-14-countdown-reprise.html</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 10) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Wading Jackets 1</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Great Jacket Hunt Chapter 1</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-great-jacket-hunt-chapter-1.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-great-jacket-hunt-chapter-1.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 10); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Wading Jackets 2</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Great Jacket Hunt Chapter 2</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-great-jacket-hunt-chapter-2.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-great-jacket-hunt-chapter-2.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 10) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Wading Jackets 3</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Great Jacket Hunt Chapter 3</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-great-jacket-hunt-chapter-3.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-great-jacket-hunt-chapter-3.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(13, 0, 13); border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Budget Wading Jackets</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/06/terminator-return-of-oscillation.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/06/terminator-return-of-oscillation.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>The MCX Shrimp V3</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/10/meet-mcx-family.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/10/meet-mcx-family.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">General Posts</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Philosophy</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Balance</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/11/balance.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/11/balance.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Meteorology</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">How long can this go on?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/09/how-long-can-this-go-on.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/09/how-long-can-this-go-on.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Water Flow</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Vital (Missing) Ingredient</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-vital-missing-ingredient.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-vital-missing-ingredient.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 22) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Water Flow 2</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Look Back in Sadness – 2015 Season</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/11/look-back-in-sadness-2015-season.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/11/look-back-in-sadness-2015-season.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor black black; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Unusually Slow</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/11/look-back-in-sadness-2015-season.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/11/look-back-in-sadness-2015-season.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor black rgb(0, 0, 13) currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><b>Amidst Great Joy</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/11/2016-amidst-great-joy-season-of.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/11/2016-amidst-great-joy-season-of.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-37303146791526500102023-12-16T11:17:00.001+00:002023-12-16T11:17:54.793+00:00MCX's CHRISTMAS STOCKING 2023<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">The dullness of this season's salmon fishing is clearly evidenced by how few posts I've written since the last Christmas Stocking. Indeed, my autumn on the Ure was so quiet that it didn't merit a separate post: 5 days for two fish and three unusual complete blanks. Just as I had experienced on the Tay, there just weren't many, if any, fish around. The decade of decline since 2014 has been marked this week with the announcement that the UK's Atlantic Salmon are now graded as 'Endangered'. Although rod catches are a very poor analogue for population, the long-run evidence of shrinking catches does suggest that something is seriously awry, and it's affecting almost everyone around the Atlantic. We have been witnessing a slow onset tragedy, which, like all disasters, starts slowly and then accelerates horribly.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Autumn on the Ure</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At the end of September it started to rain and it hasn't stopped since. During October we had 2.5 times average rainfall and in November more than double. As I write, we have reached 1.5 times the monthly average by the middle of December. There is water everywhere.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh014tZTQtlkm8CLQzBW6h3E9Yz5K0dSlcZubqrlIzqU-IsIKmwb9P2SebBPQ60LFtIwKWmkH1Ln46omW2QVr4wrRCPCWn7Uc_732rmYYm23PhUK4-K_Acjo_q_8o7OgskneQh7ZDNMjmNo8Vek5nH9IrTwa-piQQXwX2GjtnSzB9KH9Y0K0Lh6SDv2cK3b/s4032/51040407-8D17-4AF3-97CE-411074ABB78B.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh014tZTQtlkm8CLQzBW6h3E9Yz5K0dSlcZubqrlIzqU-IsIKmwb9P2SebBPQ60LFtIwKWmkH1Ln46omW2QVr4wrRCPCWn7Uc_732rmYYm23PhUK4-K_Acjo_q_8o7OgskneQh7ZDNMjmNo8Vek5nH9IrTwa-piQQXwX2GjtnSzB9KH9Y0K0Lh6SDv2cK3b/s320/51040407-8D17-4AF3-97CE-411074ABB78B.heic" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">This is the left side of my orchard, taken 3 days after the water peaked at a depth of 12". The full extent is something over 25 yards. The key point is that this is on top of a ridge, not some low-lying area.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBbNDkPkTZlPIaqdb1adn5htFtdIcUlzEO7y7DYDfpIcgVhu4BFXNl_2hTan0nYwByOZwS5aTZ1Az12KbrBmQahCMxamuUWhtgo7Jf0vJaBPMVtpwe6pquXf0aXWGAooqnarnfUSHT88XX6wRNF9GqG6DCObfKBtf4ImQLwdhDd0Xw3D8VU0KeuBLl2oD/s4608/48D2DCC3-C572-4617-9BD9-D9189C190991.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBbNDkPkTZlPIaqdb1adn5htFtdIcUlzEO7y7DYDfpIcgVhu4BFXNl_2hTan0nYwByOZwS5aTZ1Az12KbrBmQahCMxamuUWhtgo7Jf0vJaBPMVtpwe6pquXf0aXWGAooqnarnfUSHT88XX6wRNF9GqG6DCObfKBtf4ImQLwdhDd0Xw3D8VU0KeuBLl2oD/s320/48D2DCC3-C572-4617-9BD9-D9189C190991.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hut Pool at +2' 6"<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">High water accompanied by strong winds were the main features of my autumn fishing. Getting a good line out on Hut pool with the 20 mph wind coming obliquely downstream and into your face was a serious test of technique, patience and sense of humour. A particular feature of that morning was catching an extremely large grayling, by far the biggest I've ever seen and probably over 3 1/2 lbs, on a conehead tube at the dangle.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lfLQJ-vFiDma5p_JSwZ9a_trqF1iIGqRxZVJOGygVpB95COG3edt1_Pa_dkprbfHVRrD7zZ4l0guayCBPrWQByRL-NkiNOftxGMQJQOruIILiD8gHn7NsDVzcCegpGb9Hbn6Jz6CRaVsJ_DtCbfJlzuIRmvjP-LQ094D7BljWW4GvYuVw9PjBUukbHut/s1512/4169D0D0-93B2-4AC0-87C6-560ECC8D2541.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lfLQJ-vFiDma5p_JSwZ9a_trqF1iIGqRxZVJOGygVpB95COG3edt1_Pa_dkprbfHVRrD7zZ4l0guayCBPrWQByRL-NkiNOftxGMQJQOruIILiD8gHn7NsDVzcCegpGb9Hbn6Jz6CRaVsJ_DtCbfJlzuIRmvjP-LQ094D7BljWW4GvYuVw9PjBUukbHut/w400-h400/4169D0D0-93B2-4AC0-87C6-560ECC8D2541.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">19lbs Ure salmon<br />Frodle Dub, Thoresby Beat<br />1st October 2023<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The highlight was this good salmon caught on 1st October on a 1" MCX Conehead tube. It measured 37.5" from fork to natural bone line (not tip of kype). Although I was using a weigh net I didn't bother. My guest reckoned it was an easy 20. Its very soft middle and loss of mass led me to book it at 19lbs.</span></div><div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I turned the fight into an experiment to see how quickly I could land a large fish. Generally you reckon about a minute per pound. In this case, with a hefty drag setting, the full help of the Danielsson Control, and keeping the rod low, I had the job done in well under 10 minutes. The splitting of the jaw sinew suggested that I'd pushed my luck with a small double hook, but it did mean that the fish needed no encouragement to depart very quickly after release.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPq_wLvuktD0IZWUG-ZSaFrUOppJd6r9fvEjhMZpajS3yNdrZ9wcpKemB-X6haRfUsQJuC3AGuvG4_tuf37Tp2gpfY-5wod3yZvWmq9twOBCfZzOUy_DNUdus5wHr__xAM5fqA0lQfagKEE8VC71Oe6Byozf2ZYoeXHna9F8P0AyaORRh6hdZENnJzcwf/s4608/1B2FFEE7-3319-46AF-AAA5-ED25F8D2476E.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPq_wLvuktD0IZWUG-ZSaFrUOppJd6r9fvEjhMZpajS3yNdrZ9wcpKemB-X6haRfUsQJuC3AGuvG4_tuf37Tp2gpfY-5wod3yZvWmq9twOBCfZzOUy_DNUdus5wHr__xAM5fqA0lQfagKEE8VC71Oe6Byozf2ZYoeXHna9F8P0AyaORRh6hdZENnJzcwf/s320/1B2FFEE7-3319-46AF-AAA5-ED25F8D2476E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />I caught a further unremarkable small cock fish of about 6-7 lbs at the end of the month. It was less coloured and its kype less developed than I might have expected, but the late-season slimming is clearly visible.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Christmas Stocking</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">While not a precisely annual feature, for most of the past 10 years I've tried to find a range of items that work well, offer good value and are generally small enough to go into a capacious stocking. Normally this is an amusing and pleasurable exercise. However, I must confess that this year it has been downright hard work, because the tackle dealers are reflecting the wider malaise afflicting salmon fishing. Across the board the breadth and depth of stock inventories have been reduced, in some cases quite dramatically. Some well known brands have become hard to find. For example, I looked across the whole market to see whether there was a deal available on a Lamson Guru 4 reel: I couldn't find the reel, let alone a discount offer. John Norris is only carrying one mainline Sage double hander, two Hardys and nothing much else beyond Guideline. Where discounts are available, they're mostly on reels that I consider over priced in relation to their specification. If a reel is over £300 there's a simple litmus question: "is this thing close to or better than a Danielsson?" and inevitably the answer will be "No".</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, I'm suggesting a smaller than normal range of hardy perennials and some suggestions to send you off to your local outdoor stores. I bought some more base and mid-layer kit at Go Outdoors this autumn: the advances in materials and performance over recent years have been eye-opening. Comfort, warmth and value happily coexist. I've always been a strong advocate of not wearing cotton, anywhere, while wading. The comfort of modern outdoor clothing now makes this a matter of choice rather than precaution. Moreover, if you're on an extended trip, you can hand-wash it and it dries overnight.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV921p7VBu7VO90inx1-r6Aog1kc99prrs76rd4XqarTLmnku58OHGV5j43Lb8TyNXD4IPUklEuTeZrfD8g9ud5rqou3m3I_lnyQik5qZSaRQV9H83XQ9uojSwq3PH_wXpIjctu4ay34m5TZNp07IjIKR1P5WxRq1OjAN8LkYgTaYzmOlxABmeIjPgxZw9/s1278/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.07.52.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="858" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV921p7VBu7VO90inx1-r6Aog1kc99prrs76rd4XqarTLmnku58OHGV5j43Lb8TyNXD4IPUklEuTeZrfD8g9ud5rqou3m3I_lnyQik5qZSaRQV9H83XQ9uojSwq3PH_wXpIjctu4ay34m5TZNp07IjIKR1P5WxRq1OjAN8LkYgTaYzmOlxABmeIjPgxZw9/s320/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.07.52.png" width="215" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />After another year's service I remain convinced that Brasher's lined trousers are absolutely perfect under waders in the early and later parts of the season. They're well cut and shaped, robust and pleasantly warm, especially when used over a good base layer.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">They're currently on offer at £35 against an RRP of £75 <a href="https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15999476/brasher-men-s-lined-walking-trousers-15999476">at Go Outdoors</a>, albeit against a very limited range of sizes. I anticipate that the full range will be back in stock soon at £45.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiNLu4ySZPR_3apiHh-v3LLID0fVLO3iYiFXBH9sUpKrmANTTxyAPFursefU8pKqRuMRuxjH7s1MvzInZ7k_ecvPwXW-DTv-QE2H-1OKOrz_YydzxA5ztfgx5Ans0YaQR5kY8MkU6_ztyAO5q2d-V3jVOgCcBX35U2xSFFDGbgSd3yKjTq5Eh3qIXDnnG/s861/go_520819_a.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="861" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiNLu4ySZPR_3apiHh-v3LLID0fVLO3iYiFXBH9sUpKrmANTTxyAPFursefU8pKqRuMRuxjH7s1MvzInZ7k_ecvPwXW-DTv-QE2H-1OKOrz_YydzxA5ztfgx5Ans0YaQR5kY8MkU6_ztyAO5q2d-V3jVOgCcBX35U2xSFFDGbgSd3yKjTq5Eh3qIXDnnG/s320/go_520819_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />A purchase this autumn was a Berghaus mid-weight fleece made from the latest Polartec material. It's lighter than my current Simms and Berghaus heavyweight cold weather wading fleeces and ideal for autumn use. The full length zip is extremely handy and allows you to be comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. It's <a href="https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/16447349/berghaus-mens-polartec-hartsop-full-zip-fleece-16447349" target="_blank">on offer at GO at £40</a> against an RRP of £75, in a full range of sizes.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And while you're in GO, have a look at some modern base layer outfits.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54k-OtcQbZLLDCKb2yfSbJQMGrSjFSTRlJ8dgDLpfRwKsO8JwsRqTrxvZ1xiwJ_7HaNXOoUEX4Qn2egOvFKLbwgt3ley6n1emN0Cq26BFAE9wM4lrcrfI5MGvRxOgC4FQdq6n9oush5cR3LRsbXOibNT_InQhZsPUSlCMbDJdj_uFwKcVqJg-xwxoN6_7/s1202/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.08.38.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1202" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54k-OtcQbZLLDCKb2yfSbJQMGrSjFSTRlJ8dgDLpfRwKsO8JwsRqTrxvZ1xiwJ_7HaNXOoUEX4Qn2egOvFKLbwgt3ley6n1emN0Cq26BFAE9wM4lrcrfI5MGvRxOgC4FQdq6n9oush5cR3LRsbXOibNT_InQhZsPUSlCMbDJdj_uFwKcVqJg-xwxoN6_7/s320/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.08.38.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />My Guideline Firskin mittens have given another year's outstanding service. They're warmer than mid-density neoprene and much less bulky.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you've got very big hands, <a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/products/guideline-fir-skin-wind-proof-fingerless-gloves?nosto=categorypage-nosto-1" target="_blank">John Norris</a> has the XL size discounted by £12 to £27.99. Otherwise most other dealers have them at £37.99. Even at full price they are excellent value given their very high performance. But do make sure to get the model with the orange lining.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As further illustrations of stock contraction, my hardy perennial mitten clamps are really difficult to find this year. The small C&F tube fly box I've recommended for the past 5 years is no longer available: its successor is more complicated and I'm reluctant to recommend it until I've had a chance to see one and work out how it functions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkobO60dSHStQnbsbOe_xWmRSfhsQ_d0pd42I0lf6ViB5ZV1Dyv14fnyuBUpzxM2QdREplnO-MVtG3yeiaF4fDskrYDULK-NJ-hoTmWFjW8sg-VEucFk_nUc4V_z6bZLYaiz6XiJxPV9ug-BjHrs79kPltP5pR17cE0GvQbC93FUaa6P13fFnmn4WvLRRO/s1154/Screenshot%202022-11-02%20at%2018.53.26.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1154" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkobO60dSHStQnbsbOe_xWmRSfhsQ_d0pd42I0lf6ViB5ZV1Dyv14fnyuBUpzxM2QdREplnO-MVtG3yeiaF4fDskrYDULK-NJ-hoTmWFjW8sg-VEucFk_nUc4V_z6bZLYaiz6XiJxPV9ug-BjHrs79kPltP5pR17cE0GvQbC93FUaa6P13fFnmn4WvLRRO/s320/Screenshot%202022-11-02%20at%2018.53.26.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The Rio Cranky Kit remains really worthwhile buy and at under £10 it must be the cheapest item that Rio sells. However, it too is no longer widely available, apart from <a href="https://www.anglingactive.co.uk/rio-cranky-kit.html" target="_blank">Angling Active</a>.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I find it invaluable. It lives in the car box and provides the quickest and easiest solution for keeping your shooting heads in good order.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_iwXQ-FGMTxNlJVG6-1EsqHwA89cNmfqTOBBhJu8Wc-DfV93_fcZ3EwmbhkeLdtWfpMRPxIrSGNTvhHV0apqRcQEQQeQE13XK6cfOkGq8lTBaRQ4ClkRxnlEWgx87OIUmpctI1h1jbXWbbRIC1RwJJ02mEtgIQ7Ql_MrB_39AdiHodV4LZTV0kvZI14K/s1142/Screenshot%202022-11-02%20at%2018.44.41.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="806" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_iwXQ-FGMTxNlJVG6-1EsqHwA89cNmfqTOBBhJu8Wc-DfV93_fcZ3EwmbhkeLdtWfpMRPxIrSGNTvhHV0apqRcQEQQeQE13XK6cfOkGq8lTBaRQ4ClkRxnlEWgx87OIUmpctI1h1jbXWbbRIC1RwJJ02mEtgIQ7Ql_MrB_39AdiHodV4LZTV0kvZI14K/s320/Screenshot%202022-11-02%20at%2018.44.41.png" width="226" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Polyleaders remain the ultimate stocking filler. Airflo are as good as any and have served me well from the time they first appeared on the market. <a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/collections/polyleaders-and-sink-tips/products/airflo-polyleaders-10ft-salmon" target="_blank">John Norris</a> have them currently marked down to £6.39.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The degree to which polyleaders have become an integral part of my Christmas was illustrated by my wife chiding me this week for not providing a link for her to buy some for my stocking! (Yes, still, even after 45 years).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LkxhaD0qJRPZiRYwigwsXBPdysUFST6L0TlHMISc8UFPXCccC_PDnbek8CoD_2vP87W4FoEW0vgrd_coQCy-HVZ-N2dhyphenhyphens7jwC2Wsv-bE5DpB3eDOL2TzISbabd9kkPanD28toriojX33jmCWnJOxCcv4MvrGO8c_5yEliG4g7_s7J6wcDxXFAHAj_Lu/s500/drs68.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LkxhaD0qJRPZiRYwigwsXBPdysUFST6L0TlHMISc8UFPXCccC_PDnbek8CoD_2vP87W4FoEW0vgrd_coQCy-HVZ-N2dhyphenhyphens7jwC2Wsv-bE5DpB3eDOL2TzISbabd9kkPanD28toriojX33jmCWnJOxCcv4MvrGO8c_5yEliG4g7_s7J6wcDxXFAHAj_Lu/s320/drs68.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><a href="https://www.anglingactive.co.uk/dr-slick-eco-black-nipper-with-pin.html" target="_blank">Angling Active </a>are the winners of this year's budget nipper stakes at £6.99. I remain utterly bemused at the ludicrous prices some brands charge for what is no more than two hardened steel edges. As a result I derive wry amusement from seeking out the cheapest, which is what I use myself.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Father Christmas Goes Bonkers</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ86YGEnS-WmOmwu4mpkvLUc1aZEim6rm5urMQ73tXCp2kKUZOCB1PZgai2yFb82J1_jwK1G5nvLkmEQkrxp5BfNUTaAfRaPnIop_qQIG9meGbhuuKxmvs7JKxiqGdtiENtZSH4eoNavrMUoo_jqh5b8P1DLWL69DLQq5dWqP660Ea7bwg6y5we9YtGNQg/s550/10521624-origpic-4baf0a_13.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ86YGEnS-WmOmwu4mpkvLUc1aZEim6rm5urMQ73tXCp2kKUZOCB1PZgai2yFb82J1_jwK1G5nvLkmEQkrxp5BfNUTaAfRaPnIop_qQIG9meGbhuuKxmvs7JKxiqGdtiENtZSH4eoNavrMUoo_jqh5b8P1DLWL69DLQq5dWqP660Ea7bwg6y5we9YtGNQg/s320/10521624-origpic-4baf0a_13.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />With the Swedish Kronor showing the same submarine tendencies as the Pound, Danielsson reels offer phenomenal value for money. This is the <a href="https://danielsson-flyreels.se/en/f3w-7ten" target="_blank">F3W 7/10</a>, which is absolutely ideal for your switch or grilse rod with a #7 line. Indeed, I imported one for a friend this year for precisely that purpose, and he's utterly delighted. It's lighter than the F5 series and well suited to smaller rods.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At today's exchange rate it's £150 ex VAT and import taxes. All up it should cost around £195 delivered, for a premium grade fully machined reel. In comparison, the die cast Sage Spectrum C is £185. Actually, there's no comparison.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking Ahead</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Beyond wishing you a very Happy Christmas and thanking you for your continuing readership and support (J1W is heading for 300,000 page reads), I'm looking forward to 2024, which will bring some highlights.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">First, we'll be going to New Zealand to visit our elder son and his family who are there on a 2-year posting on North Island. Although he isn't a fisherman I suspect that he'll show me the legendary trout rivers around Taupo.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Second, the 3 grumpy old Yorkshiremen - John, Patrick and MCX - are going back to Norway in June to fish the Orkla. We've decided that we're too old for self-catering (i.e. my cooking) and living rough, so we're going to a lodge. Yes, it's expensive, but we reasoned that we'd best do it before we get too old: postponement and procrastination is a poor strategy at our age. And if the stock of salmon continues to decline, we'd best go somewhere </span><span style="font-family: arial;">in an optimum week </span><span style="font-family: arial;">where we might actually catch one.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Third, Just One Week 2024 will be a trip into the wild blue yonder of North West Scotland and its beautiful rugged country to fish the Inver and Kirkaig. If there aren't any fish at least the walking and photography will be fantastic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And fourth, whatever the odds, I'll be back on the Ure whenever the water conditions permit. Hope springs eternal, because I witnessed the recovery of its salmon population from near zero to fishable stock (28 fish in a season) in barely 10 years. Nature is incredible and resilient.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Have a wonderful 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqubr6c6tqGz3Og1bLgcVU2J5aFAFeNoD0HD-HQYziydVLngtSCiVcOXFpOPngeBWXoGrq1kIo7M64z1VuaPAiagr7neN-LjMC0JmA5d-HID3_hRhmylu6SpAY9rQBIFUTm_YjGuDipkU4-DoAsuWmjPIluY9UzmdkLRZPdtKuQh4ry9wWOY8dmj2Nuq6v/s500/drs68.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div><p></p></div>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-24590625154289447742023-09-11T18:22:00.002+01:002023-09-13T14:06:31.073+01:00The Week on the Tay<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM2v9nKfipxTcWwEjZ1hVCi-pDnWdwJiwF0L78HkeREyX6CKlL2fsZwMv5pa5McwwOONSb78NHr0IGG9WBy2vJbHU0qS0Fz7aFYkmgMKOzfNUaCF3nUbiispNHiBQ10B2mJWH6CuwigCQ_D6JY-c8cbq_XAxvcvJheBe559bQU_pygmmJq-y9ssrxZjnr/s9210/IMG_4441.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3818" data-original-width="9210" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM2v9nKfipxTcWwEjZ1hVCi-pDnWdwJiwF0L78HkeREyX6CKlL2fsZwMv5pa5McwwOONSb78NHr0IGG9WBy2vJbHU0qS0Fz7aFYkmgMKOzfNUaCF3nUbiispNHiBQ10B2mJWH6CuwigCQ_D6JY-c8cbq_XAxvcvJheBe559bQU_pygmmJq-y9ssrxZjnr/w640-h266/IMG_4441.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stanley Fishings<br />Panorama from Summerhill<br />Pitlochrie centre and left, Benchil downstream to the right</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Tay is unlike the other Scottish salmon rivers I've described on this blog:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">It's huge: the average width in the panorama above is around 140 metres (a long roe stalking shot or a full 7-iron). In contrast, Commonty, the biggest pool on the Spey, is only 70-80 metres. Salmon can run into and through the Tay at virtually all water heights. One's judgements based on experience on spate rivers are irrelevant.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Its size generates unfamiliar activities involving boats, spinning and harling. I've fished from boats on the Tweed, but I hadn't cast a spinner since 1967, and harling was an entirely new experience. When casting a fly </span><span style="font-family: arial;">it is just a tiny speck in the vast volume of the Tay, so you cannot just rely on chance.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The beats on much of the lower and middle river are lined with truly magnificent trees. The Murthly Castle arboretum is majestically beautiful. The rivers from the Findhorn northwards to the Helmsdale are mostly treeless. On the Tay you feel that you are somewhere else, amidst fertile farmland and prosperous estates: it feels different, softer and less edgy than the Highlands. But whatever the differences, the Tay is beautiful and delivers the same soothing potion to the soul.</span></li></ul><div><br /></div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivB-LtO2yU5Fatga0GSe3GxlwARf26FvEAb0rVl3d6G0l_mS3ONB3bL18I1JX1pP8oruV3Y2ztNpvrY-0fjSx3rHwuTL2_VYELIJXQrLCNKm8nfpzqc-ulpGshye1LRpR5nbg4nYv4squT2OtBWjrwqn0LXucEtdVfOU674vOgc-nQpJUwrR5rY49hlERT/s4032/IMG_4419.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivB-LtO2yU5Fatga0GSe3GxlwARf26FvEAb0rVl3d6G0l_mS3ONB3bL18I1JX1pP8oruV3Y2ztNpvrY-0fjSx3rHwuTL2_VYELIJXQrLCNKm8nfpzqc-ulpGshye1LRpR5nbg4nYv4squT2OtBWjrwqn0LXucEtdVfOU674vOgc-nQpJUwrR5rY49hlERT/w640-h480/IMG_4419.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Soul food at Murthly - The Tronach looking upstream</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Challenges</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Beyond the unfamiliarity of the river and its enormous scale, we faced three major challenges:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">First and most important, there weren't many salmon about. During our week the major beats reporting on FishPal were catching a total in the range 12-15 fish daily, which amounted to 10-20% of what used to be expected. Taymount was consistently above the average, but with a larger number of rods. Bearing in mid that a proportion of that 12-15 figure were taken by harling and spinning, fly anglers were having a very thin time. Indeed, on Pitlochrie I caught the only fish taken in the week. There was an awful lot of gloom around and some very subdued ghillies.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Second, a lot of these beats fish best in lower water, which concentrates the salmon into clearly defined running lines and holding areas. We arrived to find the Tay at +2' 8". While this would have been a cause for celebration at Tomatin, it created additional challenges for us on the Tay. The small numbers of salmon present were dispersed across huge acreages of water: they could run and rest wherever they chose, and it was only on the last two days as the level fell towards +1' 4" that the features became more defined.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Third, on some beats the higher water made it difficult to wade to a position from where you could hope to reach the target areas. I spent a demanding morning wading waist-deep on Stenton with a big rod and full Spey line, just touching the near edge of the running line without so much as a nudge.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As a result we depended heavily on the ghillies' knowledge and advice. Tony Black on the Murthly water and Davie Seaton and Jimmy Chin at Stanley were tireless in their efforts to put us into contact with salmon, but even they were sorely tested. The watchwords were persistence, determination and patience, and we certainly gave it our best shots. Nevertheless, if the house party had not been such fun there would have been a crisis of morale, which proves yet again the essential value of balance.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Murthly</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We fished two of the Murthly beats, Stenton and Top Water, on alternate days with three rods, two from the bank and one in the boat with Tony Black. They are both exceptionally pretty with an intimate private atmosphere and delightful quietude.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ssSuCMOVxKlW-8kS1zZXD0JhIp9k6u6JLYrFNWm8gMyqFsuAURb831TMFD-Ugkl0L2psgV1PmPWfkSF1692ScYpf-F12WUBOGNlSgPxKYQOwStxoSMMA-F6oNsF41myAybymhWWHoc-JWCEwZUR4k0IFeTgpSbiSOlnMeheydGEJAYdgA5BGWv0IbBDx/s1440/Stenton%201.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ssSuCMOVxKlW-8kS1zZXD0JhIp9k6u6JLYrFNWm8gMyqFsuAURb831TMFD-Ugkl0L2psgV1PmPWfkSF1692ScYpf-F12WUBOGNlSgPxKYQOwStxoSMMA-F6oNsF41myAybymhWWHoc-JWCEwZUR4k0IFeTgpSbiSOlnMeheydGEJAYdgA5BGWv0IbBDx/w400-h300/Stenton%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stenton - upper wade<br />Monday morning<br />Showing near edge of target area<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Stenton presented three options for casting a fly from the bank. I fished the two below the hut on the Monday morning, which proved to be hard work with the river running at +2' 8". Although the wading underfoot was easy, the combination of the sheer weight of water; the need to wade deep to reach the near edge of the target area; and right bank casting in a sharp downstream breeze, made it hard work. I don't much enjoy right handed Double Spey at the best of times, but 3 hours' putting out a full Spey line with a fast poly leader and weighted tube while up to my waist in cold water wasn't much fun.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nkk5lhIfTYCRnADNylJaJS9om3xDiOMBuSsvns6cNzFN5-FrMULLYs12fssyhREO6OfTcF8VhtnRlyemCIvcwuX3f2ByR9mn487mmd4lHXP0x_kDJ-d7gCG_sz633C6V_SqUphDaBTzikDXQKPJyRTP5O-fJSVej_opzpuEC-A-Of6785DzPJKAfbSj_/s4608/P1020494.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nkk5lhIfTYCRnADNylJaJS9om3xDiOMBuSsvns6cNzFN5-FrMULLYs12fssyhREO6OfTcF8VhtnRlyemCIvcwuX3f2ByR9mn487mmd4lHXP0x_kDJ-d7gCG_sz633C6V_SqUphDaBTzikDXQKPJyRTP5O-fJSVej_opzpuEC-A-Of6785DzPJKAfbSj_/w400-h266/P1020494.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stenton - Island run<br />Monday afternoon</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Island was a totally different proposition, with a deep fast run close to the right bank. Indeed, at the head you only needed 5-6 metres of line out. As you fished down the 130 metre length the target area got further away but always remained with easy casting distance with a 13' 6" rod. This was very fishy water and I approached all three runs down with the greatest (unfulfilled) optimism. It did, however, present a tricky conundrum: any fresh fish at the short halt would be amenable to a fly presented quite shallow, but the residents would need the fly on their noses, demanding a heavy dose of T-14 to get something metallic down to them. Having been deposited and marooned like Robinson Crusoe, with my boxes back at the hut, the latter option wasn't available.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxgrh1enoq0OxkkrmO9hcL_m3xqJ99FMEM80YD7GfsqIYoPTFrtQ5BTPGq-BcpgiEX3dZ0oIeRNYAS3irYSdcWmgaoO4gZHC6bj7m83nwADmHI4zo6G2pWe7jpmkPif3_QYFuHZWF9uhZ4_MY065E4iJLk1GMI452U2PdGTUBiFquRSobzoEaUZlOsusQ/s4608/P1020498.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxgrh1enoq0OxkkrmO9hcL_m3xqJ99FMEM80YD7GfsqIYoPTFrtQ5BTPGq-BcpgiEX3dZ0oIeRNYAS3irYSdcWmgaoO4gZHC6bj7m83nwADmHI4zo6G2pWe7jpmkPif3_QYFuHZWF9uhZ4_MY065E4iJLk1GMI452U2PdGTUBiFquRSobzoEaUZlOsusQ/s320/P1020498.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Murthly - harling</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">The third option at Murthly was harling, something I had never previously encountered. For the uninitiated, this involves towing a variety of lures behind a boat from a battery of rods. It involves no skill on the part of the angler, and relies entirely on the ghillie's knowledge of where fish may lie. You sit there making conversation with the ghillie until a fish takes, at which point he hands you the rod to finish the job. It was similar to the mackerel fishing of my childhood, but with the excitement removed. I felt like lobotomised boat ballast. Thankfully Tony Black was great company, a real Tay legend of 34 years' experience on Murthly.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n3EANxUhWaRF4saMquAGZQUKmnNgazPd_cwfuFzNuyYfbOOcLFzqRdG8iojosMK_SfGjAO8DZBfg7R8Y_FAKacOlqP5RxthXkQSvw5blubEnKfTPTiIpmvHIMlcHg-yujt9LjcEYbVVLao4KCWW3r7vU7yGXUaScgF6Pub05ZiMIx2bTVrD4x3H8xGXm/s4032/IMG_2620.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n3EANxUhWaRF4saMquAGZQUKmnNgazPd_cwfuFzNuyYfbOOcLFzqRdG8iojosMK_SfGjAO8DZBfg7R8Y_FAKacOlqP5RxthXkQSvw5blubEnKfTPTiIpmvHIMlcHg-yujt9LjcEYbVVLao4KCWW3r7vU7yGXUaScgF6Pub05ZiMIx2bTVrD4x3H8xGXm/s320/IMG_2620.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The product</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">It's with some trepidation that I display the product of my harling, a stale cock fish of around 6lbs. With a substantial Hardy glass fibre spinning rod and an Abu multiplier, it took me little time to bring him to the net. Of all the salmon I've caught, this must surely have yielded the least pride.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I understand why the estates do it - the economic pressures of the capitalised value of salmon are inescapable - but it's just not enjoyable. All six rods in the party expressed the same distaste.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfWhSgj0-6UgoNUVAkIuATEIZzm6i9Z22Y7w6yy-FLfaYoRKoGAQ1axf6njXpv5QYxlDZUeeOKcsZRzXEGLU9z8JzUy1jHsTl07gjH3rOmOezSALg2RTI4XaWtg9NWSuKTb0RkV0wzPPMzL731-x-J1vNyGwY8_qBI4FcbjRLJGK4Skr3MAmrD6dAgR3k/s4032/IMG_4417.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfWhSgj0-6UgoNUVAkIuATEIZzm6i9Z22Y7w6yy-FLfaYoRKoGAQ1axf6njXpv5QYxlDZUeeOKcsZRzXEGLU9z8JzUy1jHsTl07gjH3rOmOezSALg2RTI4XaWtg9NWSuKTb0RkV0wzPPMzL731-x-J1vNyGwY8_qBI4FcbjRLJGK4Skr3MAmrD6dAgR3k/w400-h300/IMG_4417.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The tail of Tronach<br />Tuesday morning</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">Murthly Top Water is a stunning beat that offers two long stretches of left bank fishing. You fish the top of the Tronach, shown above, from the grass, because the water at your feet is deep and the wading underfoot Tyne-ghastly.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Sadly this wonderful stretch of salmon nirvana only yielded a single touch, despite the intense enthusiasm I applied. You can't catch what isn't there.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stanley Fishings</span></h3><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84ONhwkRsfdKqaLSs63RvGY9CknD1PYge3RE9LMPUPVeQoDVA-QlzvPDvNvooeRI_zd2BqViU4uCSiyPFeduBcjJ4yJPz2cHlkX1SIEv7hGB_I8QqAMdZ0lgTrIXVfE0q3dZxeriEFMHytcdy-4SqLBJ_JDYAiitJkXaEIadFVRwR2EEa93ZL3MFA11ak/s4032/IMG_4452.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84ONhwkRsfdKqaLSs63RvGY9CknD1PYge3RE9LMPUPVeQoDVA-QlzvPDvNvooeRI_zd2BqViU4uCSiyPFeduBcjJ4yJPz2cHlkX1SIEv7hGB_I8QqAMdZ0lgTrIXVfE0q3dZxeriEFMHytcdy-4SqLBJ_JDYAiitJkXaEIadFVRwR2EEa93ZL3MFA11ak/w640-h480/IMG_4452.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Stanley Mills<br />Pitlochrie Beat</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We fished two of the Stanley beats - Pitlochrie and Benchil - on alternate days.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTccZ5QQRjGGKRJ_-Lap7k2W85ageD8JCpJAbOA3H4-Sma51vsGOfc-ylbsCiZXDtNhe5poZhQHKPLIaAilB181FK-zHQz7_DXm8NvkcNJxLXt_82O6vBHMeIgi30MP7G6e4YopTczHihfcPbLzsv-WhW2IZaQrwQTrlQ8odTkEsyfG7N7A9lpiJVitIU-/s4032/IMG_4451.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTccZ5QQRjGGKRJ_-Lap7k2W85ageD8JCpJAbOA3H4-Sma51vsGOfc-ylbsCiZXDtNhe5poZhQHKPLIaAilB181FK-zHQz7_DXm8NvkcNJxLXt_82O6vBHMeIgi30MP7G6e4YopTczHihfcPbLzsv-WhW2IZaQrwQTrlQ8odTkEsyfG7N7A9lpiJVitIU-/w400-h300/IMG_4451.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pitlochrie<br />Thursday morning</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">Pitlochrie offers a long 400+ metre sweep of left bank fishing with ample space for two rods, with the third casting from the boat. Although this stretch is dauntingly wide, it is soon apparent that the most interesting water is in the nearest third and within easy casting reach without the need for deep wading. You'll find a detailed analysis later in this post.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I really enjoyed fishing this stretch on a beautiful morning, and in view of the thoroughness with which I covered the best bits, I was surprised not to encounter a salmon.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SSaH0I1skLphtkNTqC0j-4D7oc6jRtd5SCXXSWjYxZmXQw_x8qsqKtu8S5gI8BKrKLZaSK8Rhp1JbQ3bSVRCu5fkDycgqMfGulGieN51C5hViS3yFTcy64FstEx4-Jy6de6zLkMyjfEuuMfguPC0rlW5Y4Hl6yOiOpVvmksPZ0YvRo-K4HRY9IB6H7Dh/s4032/IMG_4453.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SSaH0I1skLphtkNTqC0j-4D7oc6jRtd5SCXXSWjYxZmXQw_x8qsqKtu8S5gI8BKrKLZaSK8Rhp1JbQ3bSVRCu5fkDycgqMfGulGieN51C5hViS3yFTcy64FstEx4-Jy6de6zLkMyjfEuuMfguPC0rlW5Y4Hl6yOiOpVvmksPZ0YvRo-K4HRY9IB6H7Dh/w300-h400/IMG_4453.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pitlochrie<br />looking up to Summerhill</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">In the event the fish came during my afternoon session casting from the boat in the pool directly below Summerhill, at the head of the fast water above Benchil.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Casting from a boat is infinitely preferable to harling. Yes, you depend on the ghillie to position the boat but thereafter it's up to you to present the fly to the best of your ability. Its other advantage is that you can use a lighter smaller rod than you need on the bank, a real bonus at my age.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkEaD8BHctGFl0oW-gV_Ty5UgoLX_xl6XRbAMdb2EwuxgXJ_qbNJxrOBdltDhCsNq3hNXsQQIgOORBKyubC_KcoehKpXdhCtj2Ayuw0_0HDzWCdVrWDERVY1LALJP_ydC4pHQJ9-_sw33XLA8ZzRcM0wfkNCjajEtJfwSRR3SryYlo4awOMcTT2q-8OgI/s4032/IMG_4455.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkEaD8BHctGFl0oW-gV_Ty5UgoLX_xl6XRbAMdb2EwuxgXJ_qbNJxrOBdltDhCsNq3hNXsQQIgOORBKyubC_KcoehKpXdhCtj2Ayuw0_0HDzWCdVrWDERVY1LALJP_ydC4pHQJ9-_sw33XLA8ZzRcM0wfkNCjajEtJfwSRR3SryYlo4awOMcTT2q-8OgI/s320/IMG_4455.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pitlochrie fish<br />Friday<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">This chunky 11 pounder was fresh but not bright silver, having been in the river for 7-10 days. It was a runner, smack on the line that Davie indicated, and took a #8 MCX Dark fished 10-12" deep.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The space available gave it ample scope for running about without encountering any hazards, which made for an entertaining if uneventful fight. I was absolutely delighted to have caught a decent fish on the fly.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I also missed a grilse take about 10 minutes later, followed by another when a fish took the fly and came straight at me, causing the line to slacken. Despite an extravagant strike I failed to connect.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1Fr9QvuuSXJMeYXepftQW72XtooCTeb17QHwCA9yRUvJ2_3yLBztkWS8vrTnZfJiUNlVfh5iWXiaGq9r_U5EqkuMZyHmYv0jwZ50VjA72XFK2Xn9Ldx1edj-WIILPgdiSlTosYr5mkWwtyWopP8uvNgwoy8SZlB6S1Ag4l7ahrwn7V80Tynx6YFMRJ5d/s4608/P1020507.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1Fr9QvuuSXJMeYXepftQW72XtooCTeb17QHwCA9yRUvJ2_3yLBztkWS8vrTnZfJiUNlVfh5iWXiaGq9r_U5EqkuMZyHmYv0jwZ50VjA72XFK2Xn9Ldx1edj-WIILPgdiSlTosYr5mkWwtyWopP8uvNgwoy8SZlB6S1Ag4l7ahrwn7V80Tynx6YFMRJ5d/w400-h266/P1020507.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Benchil<br />Thursday</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Benchil, directly downstream from Pitlochrie, is primarily fished from two boats, with a 350 metre stretch of right bank wading below the hut within reach of the nearer of two running lines into the lower pool. While Benchil may appear bland - certainly the other rods in the party thought it rather dull - as the river fell you could see the running lines and short halts increasingly clearly. To assuage their feelings I reduced the rods on Benchil to two, and took two compensating extra slots on Murthly Top Water on the Thursday and Saturday.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fXkvg6J7Siet9uaepPUxG8pMvzYEH0k_o5XNWfR3_lH1vEHhfyGaxvKOEb1abrrEKtTv32NnZ7n_S1HPC2m2rvKzYnvBHl6q3KkrkVwr5-aj68nFry3Da0QLEmrUd2897IZwncT-m6biNdb45jeM6tQTqA67zP9rE82r1ImHxF0sRujQnd5XREFNByoH/s604/182ac6e7-0cdc-426b-a91d-c53ea6a1932f.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="604" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fXkvg6J7Siet9uaepPUxG8pMvzYEH0k_o5XNWfR3_lH1vEHhfyGaxvKOEb1abrrEKtTv32NnZ7n_S1HPC2m2rvKzYnvBHl6q3KkrkVwr5-aj68nFry3Da0QLEmrUd2897IZwncT-m6biNdb45jeM6tQTqA67zP9rE82r1ImHxF0sRujQnd5XREFNByoH/w640-h428/182ac6e7-0cdc-426b-a91d-c53ea6a1932f.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benchil - Saturday</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was fishing Benchil on Thursday when a succession of pods of salmon and grilse came through, with several dozen fish showing either side of lunchtime following high water </span><span style="font-family: arial;">downstream </span><span style="font-family: arial;">at 1030. We didn't connect with any of them, but interestingly they must have come to rest around Cargill later in the day, when the rods up there enjoyed an unexpectedly brisk afternoon.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Unfortunately Saturday's high tide didn't occasion a similar run.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Takeaways</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">By any standard we had a very quiet week, with only 7 fish to the party. However, we were not alone, and finished about average amongst the other beats on the Tay. Clearly there was a dearth of fish, and you can't catch what isn't there, or if it was there, expect much of hunting dispersed needles in a giant watery haystack.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As ever, I try to learn from the experience. In this case I have framed the lessons within some of the advice given by the retired Yorkshire Tay ghillie.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqGrcHGdWVR4FnE_AOD5p5P4qn0nL7lG7TNprxbXNUGH-qaz0ckoLvwLX5iOjPT2tQu0sZcPLRaGoKKhV8dE0p-GM8jCH_TDF4oGjvfGwJXdYHwZhGKoPhlcIcsx_dmr7jniA4sHCKMvImxJiRZtcHzkG6krjz3qLdygH1OU0s2_WqqPm-vMxYSGQF4O9/s1440/Slide1.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqGrcHGdWVR4FnE_AOD5p5P4qn0nL7lG7TNprxbXNUGH-qaz0ckoLvwLX5iOjPT2tQu0sZcPLRaGoKKhV8dE0p-GM8jCH_TDF4oGjvfGwJXdYHwZhGKoPhlcIcsx_dmr7jniA4sHCKMvImxJiRZtcHzkG6krjz3qLdygH1OU0s2_WqqPm-vMxYSGQF4O9/w400-h300/Slide1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pitlochrie defile - a 16 metre river<br />from the mid-point of the old croy</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: arial;"><b>1. Look for the rivers within the river</b>.</span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">On Pitlochrie the Tay is a daunting 135 metres wide. However, at this point, the croy on the near bank and the gravel shallows that occupy most of the far side force the great majority of running fish into a channel about 16 metres across within easy reach of a 13' rod. If you don't look closely and just mechanically cast and step, you would miss the opportunity altogether.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOI50TDWWtw9yri-l16D23U79C-XomCu3CKBYHwF0XAK5DNzMmuTmsZe9W5Xy26BgBe30hqokLx32Tj_qUR_ilf6ELlhnXXrqdflxyVpm7SOCy4dGNNWwkVjeEjLpy7rv5KsOOZMy2W-8UCa_mblU2XsAoYqaJlG8kDZKsAn5C-5OTyvmDiD6woFstga9/s1440/Tfronach.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOI50TDWWtw9yri-l16D23U79C-XomCu3CKBYHwF0XAK5DNzMmuTmsZe9W5Xy26BgBe30hqokLx32Tj_qUR_ilf6ELlhnXXrqdflxyVpm7SOCy4dGNNWwkVjeEjLpy7rv5KsOOZMy2W-8UCa_mblU2XsAoYqaJlG8kDZKsAn5C-5OTyvmDiD6woFstga9/w400-h300/Tfronach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tronach<br />Line of main lies in red<br />Secondary lies in yellow</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>2. Concentrate on what you can reach.</b></span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">With the river at +2' 8" the main lies on the Tronach, indicated by the succession of boils along the red line are at full casting distance with a big rod and a full line. With a square cast it's about 30 metres and at 60 degrees oblique, nearer 35. In either case, with the enhanced flow in higher water your fly only spends a short time amongst them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In your enthusiasm to reach the red line, don't neglect the good lies right in front of you, which should be a central part of your plan, not an afterthought. I missed a good take in the third one down from the top.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbzqAGXu_IxgYkdRpTnu9MmEae_jhxzJcAAz9gO4-0Wqh9Q4NtzJbucf1-_U5DXNooUhZBXzzBQqAEMSadPlNPb_QRApfP56MtbdPYc-8e1YTnuuFfrjRpdW9wM9_QKfgWRejUC_OW6uinfNyWoTyiVY3Jz9ZYhPmFYDNYlLTkKwusrvRRO4f9yjzpbX1/s2048/a987bcb0-36f2-4829-9161-6243b7685642.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbzqAGXu_IxgYkdRpTnu9MmEae_jhxzJcAAz9gO4-0Wqh9Q4NtzJbucf1-_U5DXNooUhZBXzzBQqAEMSadPlNPb_QRApfP56MtbdPYc-8e1YTnuuFfrjRpdW9wM9_QKfgWRejUC_OW6uinfNyWoTyiVY3Jz9ZYhPmFYDNYlLTkKwusrvRRO4f9yjzpbX1/s320/a987bcb0-36f2-4829-9161-6243b7685642.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balance and happiness<br /><span style="text-align: left;">The Brigadier gets a fish!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br />3. Balance.</b> The fishing is the core of the week, but it's not everything. I shared the week with a delightful group of close friends, and their good humour, banter and company more than compensated for the dull and largely unproductive fishing. The surroundings were stunning and the lodge wonderful. In any event, in the current state of salmon fishing across most of Scotland, you have to be both philosophical and balanced.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH_Uwl9MwkAz55g5OzoFlT0TgUVe2hzSLgFx0PB3Rtsqc94VsP2gjT1vLtZXcBmiHsss3sthAyzG96QStcOygjx2Iruvbntg5ooL6FWJoour_EAwaNyegKQ7B9CDomOkAER9O4Z-FpzBRLhKpEcjGRGlulP-zC0cElQGp4Ecgk8-swx95dTKbHdHq5RQy/s4032/IMG_4484.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH_Uwl9MwkAz55g5OzoFlT0TgUVe2hzSLgFx0PB3Rtsqc94VsP2gjT1vLtZXcBmiHsss3sthAyzG96QStcOygjx2Iruvbntg5ooL6FWJoour_EAwaNyegKQ7B9CDomOkAER9O4Z-FpzBRLhKpEcjGRGlulP-zC0cElQGp4Ecgk8-swx95dTKbHdHq5RQy/w640-h480/IMG_4484.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sparkling water<br />Benchil - Saturday</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH_Uwl9MwkAz55g5OzoFlT0TgUVe2hzSLgFx0PB3Rtsqc94VsP2gjT1vLtZXcBmiHsss3sthAyzG96QStcOygjx2Iruvbntg5ooL6FWJoour_EAwaNyegKQ7B9CDomOkAER9O4Z-FpzBRLhKpEcjGRGlulP-zC0cElQGp4Ecgk8-swx95dTKbHdHq5RQy/s4032/IMG_4484.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimh2tWjpvbUlmjaKpNG3owZhL2rFdCV_xLxTfMT74kSWCl-gTiv4Md4_Dh1Vk5bwj7GVOp2_Y2XTKtDrZ08s9jeaspnhn_KIdtK__FxFU89jAxRJrnwGJaj5aaCjbBHi9TsHvJAXAZWTnPb5t3enpDx1BMzIBIsmOS-9r5423NCPkv1jxl-duqTXGHw5RG/s4032/IMG_4420.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimh2tWjpvbUlmjaKpNG3owZhL2rFdCV_xLxTfMT74kSWCl-gTiv4Md4_Dh1Vk5bwj7GVOp2_Y2XTKtDrZ08s9jeaspnhn_KIdtK__FxFU89jAxRJrnwGJaj5aaCjbBHi9TsHvJAXAZWTnPb5t3enpDx1BMzIBIsmOS-9r5423NCPkv1jxl-duqTXGHw5RG/w640-h480/IMG_4420.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tay standards - a dishwasher in the Murthly Top Water hut!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking Ahead</span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RSyLDe3ougQQ3v7-_jLAcncHkl_cM5dEGqfF-t75BiJeMxfQ90AnyE-3Ipxuu553uFPyu6qd8lH-gL8FVXl89dWpJ4ea1yXgVSIgjg3Bi5fggR_yOVKyJENWu9jf6iQt5k_PyvmtVz9Lx4PKJBtbmlN06Bi8yAivU449cBPe89QN2Hboz0IPeCIikJEg/s4032/IMG_4507.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RSyLDe3ougQQ3v7-_jLAcncHkl_cM5dEGqfF-t75BiJeMxfQ90AnyE-3Ipxuu553uFPyu6qd8lH-gL8FVXl89dWpJ4ea1yXgVSIgjg3Bi5fggR_yOVKyJENWu9jf6iQt5k_PyvmtVz9Lx4PKJBtbmlN06Bi8yAivU449cBPe89QN2Hboz0IPeCIikJEg/w480-h640/IMG_4507.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now the autumn is approaching and I am looking forward to the delights of fishing the Ure. My unheard prayers for less water on the Tay should now be cancelled!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><p></p>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-32923474159094456672023-08-15T17:10:00.001+01:002023-08-15T17:10:13.990+01:00D - 14 - Countdown Reprise<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bh5XYcz6b4ASsKaKs8mGIwb8bFc9PUspJWWLi28T-m0pOE41Vtzjiit9AzqEPocz81ktO_EP2JmchmLG5LeJ3HbwTn4wB8SrgmtiVbV1PIXz1XIDUzT7Z_upQ15nyoXHebiFp9BtgCd64c1Z4Glr6Smn0vsKWgXjbeinJq3du06XMK5_CvrlktHxsnV9/s4032/IMG_4343.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bh5XYcz6b4ASsKaKs8mGIwb8bFc9PUspJWWLi28T-m0pOE41Vtzjiit9AzqEPocz81ktO_EP2JmchmLG5LeJ3HbwTn4wB8SrgmtiVbV1PIXz1XIDUzT7Z_upQ15nyoXHebiFp9BtgCd64c1Z4Glr6Smn0vsKWgXjbeinJq3du06XMK5_CvrlktHxsnV9/w640-h480/IMG_4343.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">First exposure to fishing<br />Grandson on the Rye<br />August 2023</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I haven't written anything in a long time, simply because I had nothing original to say. Back in April I starting drafting a post titled "Delightfully Average", describing the wonderfully average spring we were experiencing in Yorkshire, a marked contrast to the predominantly very dry and cool seasons that have been a feature of the last decade. After re-reading the draft I decided that it was awfully dull, not least because it contained nothing much about fishing, and deleted it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My spring was dull in salmon terms. Our scheduled week at <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2022/04/one-week-on-spey-chasing-unicorns.html" target="_blank">Orton on the Spey</a> coincided with Easter, and as the whole team are grandparents, we collectively decided that families were more important than fish and chose to forego the week. In the event we enjoyed a lovely family Easter, which confirmed the wisdom of the decision. As a result of the 'delightfully average' weather the Ure rose nicely over the weekend, so I started to get a little excited by the prospect of popping out for an early excursion to <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/05/river-ure-sleningford-mill-beat.html" target="_blank">Sleningford</a> after the season opened on 6th April (why the season opens on that day in Yorkshire I haven't clue, and nor seemingly does anyone else). However, by the time the last of the family had departed the water had gone, so reluctantly I stayed at home. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZe1yWH9KEyQImA11HudHzMYnEL7x_M1-YjnDSyB7wvsifRWD7iAVelkJ2mPBRxukQTJhygt_cLYD23VFoymHu7kmeQvXhMC1okegzMyg3CKeQ-sDaUq1YLhK4Yaw53-8FQxOhuWuNtyg35tO8gqtqe6gbVXlih6A9XzfytJ8CRR8aVbn-N3jLCF_HdgPq/s4608/P1020486.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZe1yWH9KEyQImA11HudHzMYnEL7x_M1-YjnDSyB7wvsifRWD7iAVelkJ2mPBRxukQTJhygt_cLYD23VFoymHu7kmeQvXhMC1okegzMyg3CKeQ-sDaUq1YLhK4Yaw53-8FQxOhuWuNtyg35tO8gqtqe6gbVXlih6A9XzfytJ8CRR8aVbn-N3jLCF_HdgPq/w400-h266/P1020486.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flesh Dub on the Ure at +24"<br />27th July 2023<br />The last time I fished this early was in 2012<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>While the Ure maintained a nice flow during April there just weren't the lifts to stimulate the salmon to run. Then in May it started to dry up - just as it should - and the river remained firmly at MSL until a very wet July arrived, most of which we avoided by spending a couple of weeks in Italy, roasting gently at 35C. However, on returning in late July, an 8' spate, followed by a succession of smaller lifts in the 3-5 foot range, created ideal conditions for a punt at Thoresby for a summer salmon. Everything looked perfect, until burst of rain hit Wensleydale the night before, putting the river up a further 12" and filling it with mud. But it was wonderful to be out with a rod, blow the cobwebs out of my casting and appreciate the lovely surroundings.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1_F8XeKv05jfWwo7CjJx8fqqbLu_EJUjeqriIks2fGCDOYcHudsrUrtpE4DuFrQj5n-mb-eb3R-sZXWU2VsH94_kr5nA99tvoz_PCpF7YSm2em7akRu48VyWAQIm3ZtcHrvhl79G0bO6W08t6RLwUyacGA3UAYqk7oM9QBHjQYiGshNLBtOS-aAO6jBr/s1824/c5184422710bcbb0b9acdaca8f7a0e3c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1824" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1_F8XeKv05jfWwo7CjJx8fqqbLu_EJUjeqriIks2fGCDOYcHudsrUrtpE4DuFrQj5n-mb-eb3R-sZXWU2VsH94_kr5nA99tvoz_PCpF7YSm2em7akRu48VyWAQIm3ZtcHrvhl79G0bO6W08t6RLwUyacGA3UAYqk7oM9QBHjQYiGshNLBtOS-aAO6jBr/s320/c5184422710bcbb0b9acdaca8f7a0e3c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stanley Fishings<br />View from Summerhill<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>So what has spurred me to write? Following the loss of the Spey week, the team directed me to find a late summer alternative. Ably assisted by the excellent <a href="https://www.ossianadventures.com/page/about-us" target="_blank">Mungo Ingleby</a>, I looked at all sorts of options, some with good fishing and inadequate lodges; others with good lodges and inadequate fishing; and one with a good lodge and acceptable fishing but an awful price gouging tendency (an incredible </span><span style="font-family: arial;">extra </span><span style="font-family: arial;">£90 per night to take your wife!), we finally found a solution. At the end of August we're going to the Tay, which I've never fished before, which makes it a bit of an adventure. As a result, the old anticipation of Just One Week has bubbled to the surface, inspiring me to put my fingers to the keyboard, while also intruding upon my sleep.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Coincidentally it's also the 10th anniversary of my post "<a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/09/d-14-countdown.html" target="_blank">D-14 The Countdown</a>", which I wrote before our trip to Tomatin in 2013, which explains the title of this post</span><span style="font-family: arial;">. How the years have flown! I miss Tomatin and its wonderful atmosphere, but relish the fabulously happy memories that it gave me. The team is largely the same old friends. My enthusiasm remains undimmed and this year's Tay adventure has rekindled many of the feelings I expressed in that post in 2013. Despite the passing of the years, the excitement is still there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwaPxSEO4ITmCZBrAJg2JMf3cxkYZmp2Y4ZrsIsWV5qM5zA-nDKD0IWTijqfxAD0ZjS6gAWFU3VtAOCxdITvEoq_QocJf__gP-y4Zdv72-tCsHtHQAnjsjIianXZHKkPiMmgJVJSvoAbkyp2Vob8Tm5PhkmX5fVcBTgB9haSKB05OltRS5pbE-KAiltfN/s4032/IMG_0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwaPxSEO4ITmCZBrAJg2JMf3cxkYZmp2Y4ZrsIsWV5qM5zA-nDKD0IWTijqfxAD0ZjS6gAWFU3VtAOCxdITvEoq_QocJf__gP-y4Zdv72-tCsHtHQAnjsjIianXZHKkPiMmgJVJSvoAbkyp2Vob8Tm5PhkmX5fVcBTgB9haSKB05OltRS5pbE-KAiltfN/s320/IMG_0937.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Yes, I've cleaned and conditioned my lines in accordance with the established discipline. I do it every year, which probably explains why my lines last so long.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I no longer have to wrestle with the challenges of the flying Koma circlip. The Koma died and its Danielsson successor requires no maintenance whatsoever. While on one hand I'm deprived of the satisfaction of keeping something going, on the other, I'm spared what was becoming an uphill struggle. And my wife is delighted by the removal of the risk to her baking.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So what has changed over those past 10 years? Of course I'm older and slower, now well into my 70s, less energetic and more reflective. But beyond that, the big changes I observe have been:</span></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: arial;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvCB2FpxSBCV5D4fSFf0sKS3xxmfzujgbTxdSL1zrRvyYmn5k30w6OU5eBYF3LEtsjNEWGfQuEPpaU0JcIqijj6NLn0XYICgt_lFf38DBDumO4QLh4NSl_Si7yGzCq57GpZ7XmOwv1IwOZFrU5XsjzPd-i3vX-4wXUoWXGAFolbGraftiBbItW4mS7rA-/s4608/9B27FA97-F492-44D8-A8AA-FC52AE354651.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvCB2FpxSBCV5D4fSFf0sKS3xxmfzujgbTxdSL1zrRvyYmn5k30w6OU5eBYF3LEtsjNEWGfQuEPpaU0JcIqijj6NLn0XYICgt_lFf38DBDumO4QLh4NSl_Si7yGzCq57GpZ7XmOwv1IwOZFrU5XsjzPd-i3vX-4wXUoWXGAFolbGraftiBbItW4mS7rA-/w400-h266/9B27FA97-F492-44D8-A8AA-FC52AE354651.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomatin House Pool 2021<br />Wading in trainers<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">In retrospect the evidence suggests that 2013 was a climatic watershed that undoubtedly had an impact on salmon. The previous decade from 2004 comprised 5 years that were wetter than average, 3 average and 2 drier (2005, 2009). Those included the bumper fishing years of 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010 & 2011. I well remember getting up before dawn at Tomatin on the first morning in 2011 and catching 3 salmon before breakfast. Indeed, in 2011 I never had a blank day on any of the rivers I fished. The decade since has been an entirely different story, almost like the Almighty had flicked a switch to stop the rain. In the 10 seasons since 2013 we have had only one wet year (2017 when I caught plenty of salmon), one average, 5 dry and 3 droughts, including the two hottest and driest years on record in UK. There may well be an overall decline in salmon numbers, but it's impossible to form a clear view if you have no viable fishing water. Rod catches aren't a good analogue for population, especially in low water when salmon rapidly switch off, go into limbo and become uncatchable.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqW5SyfiLmbQ5IY8uaNFKtl8lslcMw_s0izJ5Hkrsm8K46yB4vKCcPiDzGLlIlQrT4m4L06XhHJQvgSsotoh76XF28gwmg-8hRZXdv9YpzXPrYDSs8MNZCtbGi9cQdE7GCc_c5M0aSlGmBcj8R-QyaqF5NB42PMHQBk4IOXEI8x7wwSzGhH1GGNp0lwXG/s2048/P1010459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqW5SyfiLmbQ5IY8uaNFKtl8lslcMw_s0izJ5Hkrsm8K46yB4vKCcPiDzGLlIlQrT4m4L06XhHJQvgSsotoh76XF28gwmg-8hRZXdv9YpzXPrYDSs8MNZCtbGi9cQdE7GCc_c5M0aSlGmBcj8R-QyaqF5NB42PMHQBk4IOXEI8x7wwSzGhH1GGNp0lwXG/s320/P1010459.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring on the Dee<br />a beautiful place to blank<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>In </span><span style="font-family: arial;">addition to climate shift we are living through a period of flux. On the big rivers I have fished over the past decade, things have become unpredictable: historic generalisations and ghillies' wisdom on salmon behaviour have become less certain. The seasonality and timing of runs appear to be changing on several rivers. The Dee appears to be moving from spring to summer; the Tweed may be going in the opposite direction from autumn to spring; and apart from the July grilse it's hard to discern what is happening on the Spey, apart from the observation that when the salmon do run they do so very quickly. However, the sages and scientists on the Tweed Board note that historically - their records of net takes go back to the late 17th century - such flux causes a reduction in catches. Unfortunately I'm unlikely to be around to see whether they are correct.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">For those reasons and perhaps others unknown to me, I am no longer catching the same numbers of fish in Scotland or on the Ure, and my 'catch per unit effort' or salmon per day has halved between the two decades. It's now very difficult to calibrate what is 'good'. Is there a new normal, or should I continue to gauge catches against what I knew to be 'good' in historic terms? Those are difficult questions to answer with certainty, and no amount of speculation generates solid evidence. Nevertheless it's been true that whenever there has been water, I've caught salmon. In the bigger picture, just when I'm forming a view, something happens - like 2017 - to contradict it. Perhaps it's confirmation bias, because as an optimist I don't want the truth to be really bad news: every glimmer of light perhaps stops me from seeing the dark clouds. But just like the ghillies, I'm much less certain about things than I was 10 years ago, and that's a very big change.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKqEkpuLqTX0VrVSYXtUnqOX61SqUJC_BmiNKrM-PZ8C22by1p6IKXTlvPFgD2QJ14Azlr1mRxM8YirZMphgI-XKbFPLGyw6bgKx5Nhem8Mw8_8x8hxK58DPBCq4QvRo_czu_w8pLlcSoKszdqaA8Y3r2Dbv9M0MT0p1e00hKH_XiqhagHH-p3lkuQ-9j/s4608/P1020149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKqEkpuLqTX0VrVSYXtUnqOX61SqUJC_BmiNKrM-PZ8C22by1p6IKXTlvPFgD2QJ14Azlr1mRxM8YirZMphgI-XKbFPLGyw6bgKx5Nhem8Mw8_8x8hxK58DPBCq4QvRo_czu_w8pLlcSoKszdqaA8Y3r2Dbv9M0MT0p1e00hKH_XiqhagHH-p3lkuQ-9j/w385-h300/P1020149.JPG" width="385" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vision XO 13' 6" #8 - Yar in Excelsis<br />Danielsson L5W #8/12<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>While my catch rate has halved, perversely and contrary to my Yorkshire roots, my collection of salmon tackle has more than doubled. Moreover, its value has increased dramatically: the Koma has been replaced with several Danielssons; I have a couple of fabulous </span><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/09/vision-xo-13-6-8-yar-in-excelsis.html" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">Vision XOs</a><span style="font-family: arial;">; and a </span><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/09/smile-machine-vision-tool-11-6-8.html" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">switch rod</a><span style="font-family: arial;">, a concept that didn't even exist when I started out in 2001 (but it makes me smile). I can't explain when, why and where my previous parsimony went absent. However, it's evident that the trend accelerated as I approached retirement. It's not logical, in that I can't cast twice as far, and in any event, judging by the distances at which I caught salmon last year, that would be unnecessary. Perhaps its an emotional thing: after more than 50 years' work my inner self said, "why not treat yourself to a few things that give real aesthetic pleasure, work well and feel great in the hand?" So I did. I love what I now have in my armoury and know that it will see me out while providing great satisfaction along the way. If you don't know the length of the journey, strive to enjoy it through all means possible.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Fishing the Tay</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Let's turn away from gloom to the present and my mounting excitement about fishing the Tay a fortnight hence. We've secured two pairs of two beats that alternate daily. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqia8kD0V2jwHvZxL4_0PSdkb4n0cnQEIolYIq9U5lDa7Q0qaCiNXXZrN3Q4eVYhbqmnbBI11sCIMDEtvq7DlVyS0Bgkx-SQMCq6xHCAWe8Lz_NAiy1BAhMwjCr1tcP9xpuEHx9fB1p_Dm3lVlG6drAyXeNv50YmSfpiu6Wq9lgqItRJgansQ2GXB3CVm/s1753/Stanley%20Fishings%20Access%20Map%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1753" data-original-width="1240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqia8kD0V2jwHvZxL4_0PSdkb4n0cnQEIolYIq9U5lDa7Q0qaCiNXXZrN3Q4eVYhbqmnbBI11sCIMDEtvq7DlVyS0Bgkx-SQMCq6xHCAWe8Lz_NAiy1BAhMwjCr1tcP9xpuEHx9fB1p_Dm3lVlG6drAyXeNv50YmSfpiu6Wq9lgqItRJgansQ2GXB3CVm/w265-h400/Stanley%20Fishings%20Access%20Map%20(1).jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stanley Fishing<br />Benchil & Pitlochrie</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Benchil and Pitlochrie </b>are on the lower section of the river adjacent to Stanley. The lodge we have taken looks down Benchil from the top of the bluff on the west side the big bend.</span></div></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This is big wide water, bigger than anything I've fished before, including the Gaula. A friend, who is a former Tay ghillie who returned to his native Yorkshire, gave me some sound advice on how to approach this challenge:</span></div></div></blockquote></blockquote><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Don't be daunted and strive to fish the whole of the water in front of you, because you can't.</i></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Focus on what's under the surface, not the scale of what's on top.</i></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Search for the rivers within the large river, and identify the channels, runs and lies.</i></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Fish to the lies that are within range and forget the rest.</i></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Good presentation of the fly will always trump distance, even on a river this big</i></span></li></ul></ul></ul><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7chAwIwlQ_M0IxeXvz4ovdAvGXaQRszf6BmaOVlLDrF1QNx4DUo7KeL2fJU8Sb20ACY0GJSCbjWO9_u_DRoCSm4vNDCymA9gADdBfF-z5o9O21Jfl5BXktnDfZM4tRzzMBKSNYkuul3bpVDpLIj9eL0oRvwELdgmY8WAjmZudL6AUw-krxTePTwSPimd/s2150/Murthly%20Fishings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="2150" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7chAwIwlQ_M0IxeXvz4ovdAvGXaQRszf6BmaOVlLDrF1QNx4DUo7KeL2fJU8Sb20ACY0GJSCbjWO9_u_DRoCSm4vNDCymA9gADdBfF-z5o9O21Jfl5BXktnDfZM4tRzzMBKSNYkuul3bpVDpLIj9eL0oRvwELdgmY8WAjmZudL6AUw-krxTePTwSPimd/w400-h224/Murthly%20Fishings.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murthly Fishings<br />Top Water & Stenton<br />(Map (c) Ordnance Survey 2023)<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnxdlw1R2p8" target="_blank">Murthly Fishings</a></b> comprise <b>Murthly 2 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Zrjypu3N-k" target="_blank">Top Water</a> and Stenton</b>, which are about 6 miles north of Stanley </span><span style="font-family: arial;">by road on the far side of the big loop of the Tay marked by Meiklour and Islamouth. The are in the middle section of the river. Perversely, the Stenton beat is on the </span><span style="font-family: arial;">opposite side to its parent, as is Top Water.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tDkqgwwpf62Cm3yzyeLQ5w8Rm8k-gxWfhWr6W6jaDhfMjaw849DZ5o5SDvw7SLYXmD8EvBiNWPCdmao6rfG76n3jWsooCPpHGRzBlq3kMITAa0T_ntxvGfIvVeMQfT_1PAViW5w8QGGL_2hBZ53GeqBiF8hM-voNcphKipUUlgb4kuScGTvNcVWtJ8_c/s1800/786635-murthly-estate-tronach-painting-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1800" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tDkqgwwpf62Cm3yzyeLQ5w8Rm8k-gxWfhWr6W6jaDhfMjaw849DZ5o5SDvw7SLYXmD8EvBiNWPCdmao6rfG76n3jWsooCPpHGRzBlq3kMITAa0T_ntxvGfIvVeMQfT_1PAViW5w8QGGL_2hBZ53GeqBiF8hM-voNcphKipUUlgb4kuScGTvNcVWtJ8_c/s320/786635-murthly-estate-tronach-painting-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>This is still big water but superb for fly fishing in all but the highest levels. Murthly 2 was one of Hugh Falkus' favourite beats, and it also features in the old Michael Evans Spey casting instructional video. The links above open YouTube videos of the beats.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm excited by the prospect of a week with old and close friends, fishing new water and the challenges involved. We may catch some salmon: the Tay has been quite slow this year, but who knows? At least it's not as water critical as the Findhorn. The Tay is so big that any salmon that wishes to run can do so even in quite low water, so fresh fish are a possibility. The size of the river will require the big Hero and a fully Spey line, and consequently a brush-up session with <a href="https://www.yorkshireflycasting.com" target="_blank">Brian Towers</a> at Bolton Hall before I depart.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">One thing that hasn't changed in the past decade is my approach to organisation. The check of my kit tells me that all I need to purchase is a new spool of Maxima 15 lbs. I normally use Seaguar fluorocarbon, but will compromise if a ghillie is especially insistent (like Donnie was on the Helmsdale until I brought him round) or if I need to present the fly on the surface by riffling. The Maxima is therefore a contingency item. I doubt that I use more than 20 yards of it in a whole season, but as a matter of habit I always replace the spool every year. Nevertheless, I'll still stop at John Norris on the way in order to avoid offending the fishing gods, who undoubtedly are Norris shareholders. However, my unvarying use of the MCX fly spares me all the bother and expenditure of buying other patterns, much to Norris' chagrin.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Let's hope for some more water, but not too much. As I write the Ure is rising nicely into a 2 metre spate. The pattern of rise and fall almost exactly mirrors 2011, which raises my expectations for September and boosts my morale. If you're fishing this month, tight lines.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><p></p></div>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-66845184159504878882022-11-02T20:08:00.004+00:002022-11-03T18:28:53.337+00:00MCX's Christmas Stocking 2022<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEstNrscJQtNhny9aj6rc6BbnMnXM2-nNVEeGkPPg-syLBOiyeQz7xS5bZHynngTvA8ocOn-tVX5GRGW2zlqmh6wFNv4wd7eeflTqEZ1b3KWltTT9JBEjZgqYePBSprChlduQsVWWQNMJwYtemrkos3qAXrLB4SOTMz2tXvuY18JlPQasj9GMGdgagwQ/s1202/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.08.38.png" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEstNrscJQtNhny9aj6rc6BbnMnXM2-nNVEeGkPPg-syLBOiyeQz7xS5bZHynngTvA8ocOn-tVX5GRGW2zlqmh6wFNv4wd7eeflTqEZ1b3KWltTT9JBEjZgqYePBSprChlduQsVWWQNMJwYtemrkos3qAXrLB4SOTMz2tXvuY18JlPQasj9GMGdgagwQ/s1202/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.08.38.png" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">It's that time of year again when I try to give readers of this blog some ideas to plant with Father/Mrs/Mr Christmas. When I started this near-annual post a decade ago it was easy to find good things very cheaply, but time, inflation and compound interest have taken their toll and pushed the upper boundary further up the scale. Nevertheless, you will still find the perennial stocking fillers as well as some really good useful items that I have personally tested.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What I found interesting while compiling this year's Stocking was that despite an accelerating economic downturn and the impact of the energy-induced cost of living crisis, there is no significant discounting visible on the tackle trade's major web outlets beyond the disposal of surplus and slow-moving stock (and it's usually one or the other for a good reason - no one wants it). I searched all of the main dealers' sites for a big bargain for the "Father Christmas Goes Bonkers" item without success, so there isn't one this year. It may well be that come the New Year, if you visit their shop or phone you might be able to negotiate a good deal on a big ticket item: good luck. As a result this year's stocking is smaller than in previous editions, which is a sad reflection of these dull and uncertain times.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyYx3rpcJKvAlCu-S18qipzQqMBDcXatTnDnM7eN9z_TKYOrbWV7lRiHmZjiBwKMoxTweVgWphaFq3XzkPUmEYPueHlaAs28q798SAqwZNmTSwx9Vc3CLb2Yrnj8vcmg8vcO-zrh5PQ0WTAekWIRRsZSC7rOarnw8FrpiMFOpnZLXqqQLLKnjd6TIcQ/s1202/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.08.38.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1202" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyYx3rpcJKvAlCu-S18qipzQqMBDcXatTnDnM7eN9z_TKYOrbWV7lRiHmZjiBwKMoxTweVgWphaFq3XzkPUmEYPueHlaAs28q798SAqwZNmTSwx9Vc3CLb2Yrnj8vcmg8vcO-zrh5PQ0WTAekWIRRsZSC7rOarnw8FrpiMFOpnZLXqqQLLKnjd6TIcQ/w320-h275/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.08.38.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Guideline Firskin Gloves</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">These are my champion "must have" item of 2022. I bought a pair at Bruar on my way up to the Spey in early April, which proved to be the amongst best £37.99 I've ever spent. Nothing before has kept my hands so warm. The first day at Orton was sub-zero with snow, wind and line freezing in the rings (see Chasing Unicorns for evidence), yet even at my advanced age I fished the whole day in comfort. Make sure you get the lined GX version and not the thinner, cheaper unlined model. They're currently <a href="https://www.sportfish.co.uk/guideline-fir-skin-cgx-fingerless-gloves.html" target="_blank">available from Sportfish</a> at £39.99 but you'll probably save a couple of pounds elsewhere.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYouOwH0zqjcEuFP6ZfHHS4IwtFM3xuP7OgY_nqp0iD3wDtiYhQCKL6M3mGU6MaebttSeSOO-cAM80CJPszgb_tIO05jw9lK5WvbIuFOyveboLyTibS-JETPZwC64hGoyNY1-MQtm1jmM4XnLsRcUrLeApQTbbQRsjbeQ7IPifvpGRbSdAVM1zXD5GiQ/s1052/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.06.32.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYouOwH0zqjcEuFP6ZfHHS4IwtFM3xuP7OgY_nqp0iD3wDtiYhQCKL6M3mGU6MaebttSeSOO-cAM80CJPszgb_tIO05jw9lK5WvbIuFOyveboLyTibS-JETPZwC64hGoyNY1-MQtm1jmM4XnLsRcUrLeApQTbbQRsjbeQ7IPifvpGRbSdAVM1zXD5GiQ/w280-h400/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.06.32.png" width="280" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">HJ Socks</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Socks for Christmas may be a hardy perennial joke, but there's no substitute for good socks when spring fishing, and 20 years' experience have convinced me that this British-made products are the best and most durable available.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">HJ make socks for every occasion and will have something to suit everybody. I use the HJ7 work model, which <a href="https://www.hj.co.uk/mens-socks/category/outdoor/socks/mid-calf-half-hose" target="_blank">you can buy direct from the factory</a> at £7.50 per pair.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Being a mixture of wool and wicking synthetic they will keep your feet warm even if your waders leak!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Brasher Lined Trousers</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDvb_EU8lRwGnef7pWHhbQmvqcU4_OK99d7jZp9TyLYXZk3aSRd5nhRO-lmVnSippRLYrLxKFfrodl_yBhQ7-iHg6rHzZ7LkgcmXc9rsotGZROGd1ywsVjLLCoV3sqF95wbl0NV3T0l_hsJ8_iOzAYqpkhzftdUhKioPRSsUaaT8Jami621CwUHGSHA/s1278/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.07.52.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="858" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDvb_EU8lRwGnef7pWHhbQmvqcU4_OK99d7jZp9TyLYXZk3aSRd5nhRO-lmVnSippRLYrLxKFfrodl_yBhQ7-iHg6rHzZ7LkgcmXc9rsotGZROGd1ywsVjLLCoV3sqF95wbl0NV3T0l_hsJ8_iOzAYqpkhzftdUhKioPRSsUaaT8Jami621CwUHGSHA/s320/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.07.52.png" width="215" /></a></div><br />I found these in the sale at Go Outdoors last year when looking for a back-up pair to my expensive Simms insulated trousers. After using them on the Spey and Helmsdale in April and the Ure in October, I can report that they're excellent: extremely well designed and cut; comfortable in fit and temperature; and fitted with ample pockets (albeit it takes a while to remember and differentiate between the zipped and unzipped apertures). They're excellent value at £44 (and you currently get an extra 15% off if you're spend exceeds £100) <a href="https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15999476/brasher-men-s-lined-walking-trousers-15999476" target="_blank">at Go Outdoors</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPSXm8ZfipdlY2Gs5bsr9QwRfbaJQcBWNVPhDagqpRLwDI9upq2geyQNbE52zeYxwzSoiiiP2dHrnihOcOzAk8VDIKlZFFkXBRj17CPYnfJkvY68qCrQUtPIOwgGj0-L9sxI5f0kIs7oHk6lwP6UniIOH8GuS5W473t_DIqlv3cSj18lvXi0DHV3oUg/s538/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.21.42.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPSXm8ZfipdlY2Gs5bsr9QwRfbaJQcBWNVPhDagqpRLwDI9upq2geyQNbE52zeYxwzSoiiiP2dHrnihOcOzAk8VDIKlZFFkXBRj17CPYnfJkvY68qCrQUtPIOwgGj0-L9sxI5f0kIs7oHk6lwP6UniIOH8GuS5W473t_DIqlv3cSj18lvXi0DHV3oUg/s320/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.21.42.png" width="319" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Digital IR Thermometer</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The IR sensor water thermometer I've previously recommended isn't currently available from LabFacility, which is a great shame as it's by far the best I've ever found. I suspect that this is connected to the supply chain problems caused by the Chinese policy of managing Covid by total lockdown of entire provinces and cities. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a cheap alternative, which is available </span><a href="https://www.screwfix.com/p/tpi-368-infrared-non-contact-pocket-thermometer/8577k" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">from your local branch of Screwfix for £23.99</a><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I've not tried it but the user reviews are favourable. At that price it's still cheaper than the analogue thermometers sold by the tackle dealers (and way cheaper than their digital offerings) and far more convenient as you don't have to hold it in the water: just point and read.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Small Tube Fly Box</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBSAWc6Ze1eMvZxmkMvtXrJFBl5aVHerdfiKQi1pOBDsA-qmp27ehFkFEfjFZR0mgFtkMdoL6T1PctDcwmbPxU9xBLzC-7x7bTc5J0BGoe8uKd5E36_xq9y7Ky7URy5uNETouOw_ogXlGMEr_qyZhtAg1iXpblfYkFrU5mzqJH6UwDJxVY1ernCbomQ/s1042/Screenshot%202022-11-02%20at%2019.18.22.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1042" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBSAWc6Ze1eMvZxmkMvtXrJFBl5aVHerdfiKQi1pOBDsA-qmp27ehFkFEfjFZR0mgFtkMdoL6T1PctDcwmbPxU9xBLzC-7x7bTc5J0BGoe8uKd5E36_xq9y7Ky7URy5uNETouOw_ogXlGMEr_qyZhtAg1iXpblfYkFrU5mzqJH6UwDJxVY1ernCbomQ/s320/Screenshot%202022-11-02%20at%2019.18.22.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />There seems to be an unfortunate trend towards bigger, more complicated and even more expensive fly boxes. You just don't need that many tube flies in your pocket. I loved the tiny Snowbee pocket box, but its peg springs expired and it's no longer in production. To replace it about 6 or 7 years ago I bought this C&F model (at 3 times the price), which was about the only one that was suitably compact and works well. The clear flap over the tubes is held down with a little magnetic catch, which stops them falling out when you're selecting your hook from the lid. It's a good piece of all-round design. However, it's becoming quite difficult to find, but it's available <a href="https://www.anglingactive.co.uk/c-f-tube-fly-case-cf1401.html" target="_blank">from Angling Active in Stirling at £29.99</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In the same vein, the inexpensive Richard Wheatley CompLite fly boxes appear to have been withdrawn. I regret that I haven't found an acceptable alternative at a sensible price.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mitten Clamps (i.e. unhooking pliers)</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I find mitten clamps a much better and quicker solution to unhooking salmon than forceps: with a good grip on the tool, the fly locked in the jaws, and once good movement it's job done. There are lots of very tough places in and around a salmon's mouth that can require considerable force to extract a fly, and in those cases I like to work as quickly as possible.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBS3qPEg3mpC7q8uRmdn7vE7_pRcIrV0bSNd10KilIBbAskCoS-mgHDCLVr-VxcbuItWPlKxLFIJsdnKmJxBMP8Une-BJfqLfarTRZBbNdAk67JHhs1HcgfSux18TiiBCcxZwQTrgmIqDBYKikfSuDKKDboglng0RLeATFARJ7xnZG4qcb4kDAcfHkw/s790/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.07.25.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="694" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBS3qPEg3mpC7q8uRmdn7vE7_pRcIrV0bSNd10KilIBbAskCoS-mgHDCLVr-VxcbuItWPlKxLFIJsdnKmJxBMP8Une-BJfqLfarTRZBbNdAk67JHhs1HcgfSux18TiiBCcxZwQTrgmIqDBYKikfSuDKKDboglng0RLeATFARJ7xnZG4qcb4kDAcfHkw/s320/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.07.25.png" width="281" /></a></div><br />Sadly it appears that William Joseph has ceased making my old favourites. In the last Stocking I recommended the Loon (which are very good). This year the Vision mitten clamp, which is an identical design, is <a href="https://www.fishingmegastore.com/zingers-nippers-and-forceps/vision-forceps~534.html?&filter_sortby=price+asc" target="_blank">on offer £2 cheaper at GAC at £21.99</a>. It also offer a scissor blade adjacent to the pivot, a useful feature.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">McNett Quick GoreTex Repair</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGfzv--9zjduIfk8mnkAhy0P5h-Oh40H12cbIr0PE1OCcgCVLmutQ3a8v9qosg-LHrKeNwbmkgD-3aeu_HDydxKA4EhDVQ_ds8kdELy7zDVPJ8mSBhVi22HUm-4w9d97SmuOkjirmgzPMWKyB5PMJspUu6vYI2otipyScnWiiDBvNE25xVfN-Joa9Cg/s1166/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.23.59.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="752" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGfzv--9zjduIfk8mnkAhy0P5h-Oh40H12cbIr0PE1OCcgCVLmutQ3a8v9qosg-LHrKeNwbmkgD-3aeu_HDydxKA4EhDVQ_ds8kdELy7zDVPJ8mSBhVi22HUm-4w9d97SmuOkjirmgzPMWKyB5PMJspUu6vYI2otipyScnWiiDBvNE25xVfN-Joa9Cg/s320/Screenshot%202022-10-26%20at%2019.23.59.png" width="206" /></a></div><br />I've previously recommended this neat little kit, which contains two adhesive-backed GoreTex patches. It provides a quick (adhesion is instant) and very convenient repair capability for surface damage to the outer skin of your waders that's too big to fix with UV curing glue solutions like <a href="https://www.anglingactive.co.uk/snowbee-suncure-wader-repair.html" target="_blank">Snowbee Suncure</a> or <a href="https://www.anglingactive.co.uk/loon-outdoors-uv-wader-repair.html" target="_blank">Loon UV Wader Repair</a>, which are the best answers to simple hook holes. You just cut a patch to size, peel off the back, press it into place, and the job's done.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In September at Arndilly I was able to confirm its utility. One of the rods in the party has stored her waders unprotected from mouse attack, leaving three substantial holes of around 20mm diameter. The patches provided an immediate solution, which I later backed up with Aquasure repairs on the inner surface.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Essential kit and <a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/products/mcnett-gore-tex-repair-kit" target="_blank">reasonably priced at £7.95 at John Norris</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWRLcBKmdE5dblw16Db19PQogVykOvo7CWz6LLAns1MRfi5ZE5uwyXCtNaITF4p7VRbLRD2Zt5TFXjWy179nz9M3NMztIardcGjgt9ysnzsUL0tBlps0FATZDFLtOCStX8myCS_VZRl2QtJIeNxg_HAYfXnGNEawYKU6cmIaSzXhOQrjmqU4er9H-bQ/s1128/Screenshot%202022-10-31%20at%2020.50.49.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="714" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWRLcBKmdE5dblw16Db19PQogVykOvo7CWz6LLAns1MRfi5ZE5uwyXCtNaITF4p7VRbLRD2Zt5TFXjWy179nz9M3NMztIardcGjgt9ysnzsUL0tBlps0FATZDFLtOCStX8myCS_VZRl2QtJIeNxg_HAYfXnGNEawYKU6cmIaSzXhOQrjmqU4er9H-bQ/s320/Screenshot%202022-10-31%20at%2020.50.49.png" width="203" /></a></div><br />Of course there's no substitute for Aquasure for the proper repair of a large hole or tear so it's a hardy perennial in my Xmas stocking list. However, how much solid Aquasure do you throw away? Lots over the past 20 years. If you put it in the freezer to keep it after opening, do you remember to take it out before you go away? I didn't before going to Arndilly and wound up having to punch a hole into the mostly solid (unopened) tube in my toolkit. In any event, how much do you use each year? Not a lot.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So perhaps a better option is buying smaller tubes. Of course it's more expensive per gram, but it is more convenient and less wasteful. The Simms branded pack of two baby 7 gram tubes is <a href="https://www.sportfish.co.uk/simms-aquasure-wader-repair-kit.html" target="_blank">available from Sportfish at £8.99</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Budget Nippers</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTtj8c3NrqDhejGAM5ZXvu2UUEcvWiydgGcyU6iY3l3mIMPNTTA4u5Yalhe2cmxGthhPo0ZZAlxoT12KCXi8wLSWbftYGSVqAXCfknTt33KdiT63uR7uKvNbmtDN9xaj1z90LyxGXebvGwReWpB5AGMbKiFImnPb73HfDQTisQi730GEezkFiL7vRHg/s4032/IMG_1663.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTtj8c3NrqDhejGAM5ZXvu2UUEcvWiydgGcyU6iY3l3mIMPNTTA4u5Yalhe2cmxGthhPo0ZZAlxoT12KCXi8wLSWbftYGSVqAXCfknTt33KdiT63uR7uKvNbmtDN9xaj1z90LyxGXebvGwReWpB5AGMbKiFImnPb73HfDQTisQi730GEezkFiL7vRHg/s320/IMG_1663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />My ranting about the price of nippers marketed by the like of Abel and Simms is as perennial as the Christmas Stocking. After a further two years of surveying the market I still haven't found anything to <a href="https://www.sportfish.co.uk/sportfish-deluxe-clipper.html?nosto_source=cmp&nosto=6362b5e8040c262685e189ee" target="_blank">beat the Sportfish De Luxe model at £6.99</a>, and they're still nice and sharp. When I was making up a grass leader back in August they happily cut 44 and 50 lbs Seaguar without a moment's hesitation. Why pay more?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Leader Rings</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQbQU7zWeOnO_v1mWXiMenb4T1j9Lh-KTznPWQB48e9J_u4JvBLtLz3r_H-Q_8IyGuxA9Zr8virWZIWeNNgg2PEHOnXV4WeBY8cqshk1BSWiorm9lPFCPSP5i0f3AkdQF2kg68vedpJ6Rkl9lCGCimpfUv0eaFeS_I8MXmyOeq5DYdoy-1E0mIYgrAg/s300/bdb51ed012554e9c30b363d5a4527bc7.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQbQU7zWeOnO_v1mWXiMenb4T1j9Lh-KTznPWQB48e9J_u4JvBLtLz3r_H-Q_8IyGuxA9Zr8virWZIWeNNgg2PEHOnXV4WeBY8cqshk1BSWiorm9lPFCPSP5i0f3AkdQF2kg68vedpJ6Rkl9lCGCimpfUv0eaFeS_I8MXmyOeq5DYdoy-1E0mIYgrAg/s1600/bdb51ed012554e9c30b363d5a4527bc7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />I'm now an enthusiastic convert to using leader rings for making the join between a poly leader and the tippet, and in some cases for the last 2-3' of the leader. In the latter it certainly speeds up replacing the end section if it's been abraded by the salmon's teeth or on rocks. Having to tie a surgeon's knot in that scenario on the last day of the season reminded me of the convenience of leader rings: now <a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/products/riverge-leader-rings" target="_blank">£2.39 for 10 from John Norris</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">One quick tip: don't keep them in the packet. Thread them onto a safety pin, where you can tie the first knot easily without fumbling with a little ring with cold wet fingers. Once it's attached to the leader, the second knot's easy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Airflo Polyleaders</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkZzMdR22nFidnY8jjc8wzdBHtRN3JCSgoGo_WPX8HI0vnq3MITMEmlJ2zwsD7FN72Pgm9oOaAMwmBqDk6vcfS_okhgH2sLVQv5zfFqZ9HhSMxf8iLBjL2nF_pu9w-GobIH0sSDheIjZGoz51tPPBylqbnJYVFiyaB17g4a3F_UNe6-fY3YT48_wdZA/s1142/Screenshot%202022-11-02%20at%2018.44.41.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="806" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkZzMdR22nFidnY8jjc8wzdBHtRN3JCSgoGo_WPX8HI0vnq3MITMEmlJ2zwsD7FN72Pgm9oOaAMwmBqDk6vcfS_okhgH2sLVQv5zfFqZ9HhSMxf8iLBjL2nF_pu9w-GobIH0sSDheIjZGoz51tPPBylqbnJYVFiyaB17g4a3F_UNe6-fY3YT48_wdZA/s320/Screenshot%202022-11-02%20at%2018.44.41.png" width="226" /></a></div><br />A fisherman's stocking isn't a stocking without polyleaders. My wife agrees! her Christmas purchases carry me through each season.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Although they have gone up in price (now £7.99 reduced to <a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/products/airflo-polyleaders-10ft-salmon" target="_blank">£6.39 at John Norris</a>) the quality and finish has improved markedly. I still think they're the best around at the money and you don't gain much by paying double or more for a premium brand.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Rio Cranky Kit</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cmJyGhF4Hbp4IjTl2tvHid-iu7YzKDCekxC18gPIPox9cdA8sVmmM6RPAELONr0AWom-TjmYRRs67DPJ3lm9wxCcMy0v-SHkh84vLPjJwb8S5YAGaRgSDVLvnCXBkLYvPdXRR6b2SsmEazS8nQ4HBSushqDR_aBmIikh6mqiXNCS9OfGD4sPsMM-tA/s1154/Screenshot%202022-11-02%20at%2018.53.26.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1154" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cmJyGhF4Hbp4IjTl2tvHid-iu7YzKDCekxC18gPIPox9cdA8sVmmM6RPAELONr0AWom-TjmYRRs67DPJ3lm9wxCcMy0v-SHkh84vLPjJwb8S5YAGaRgSDVLvnCXBkLYvPdXRR6b2SsmEazS8nQ4HBSushqDR_aBmIikh6mqiXNCS9OfGD4sPsMM-tA/s320/Screenshot%202022-11-02%20at%2018.53.26.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />It says "Quick & Convenient" on the packet and for once Rio are absolutely precise in their use of words describing the virtues of this device. Three seasons' use has confirmed that view. The normal 'electricians coil' method is fine for quick changes of shooting heads on the riverbank, but it does induce a curl. When you have a moment, straightening the head, winding it onto the split spool and then removing it for stowage ensures that your shooting heads remain curl-free. Mine lives in the car box and is used almost daily when I'm fishing: strongly recommended at <a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/products/rio-cranky-kit" target="_blank">£9.99 from John Norris</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Line Lubricant</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzX4cgNAYbROf3G9vSeqORSjIsxGgTBfnaZJCrOTVHII1v3OafD9V0-vjvs9KqFiH3rdfgq_k01JqFxxy31jUltQYor81hi-cA1c5_U5Fz65-nGCnatZRwua9Kug0mYg7ArST50-HINkSJ5aP64IlLRB74seJdaLJCVxBoYr-OIyvEIFPjB8IdLjW1A/s1128/Screenshot%202022-11-02%20at%2019.02.54.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="646" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzX4cgNAYbROf3G9vSeqORSjIsxGgTBfnaZJCrOTVHII1v3OafD9V0-vjvs9KqFiH3rdfgq_k01JqFxxy31jUltQYor81hi-cA1c5_U5Fz65-nGCnatZRwua9Kug0mYg7ArST50-HINkSJ5aP64IlLRB74seJdaLJCVxBoYr-OIyvEIFPjB8IdLjW1A/s320/Screenshot%202022-11-02%20at%2019.02.54.png" width="183" /></a></div><br />Get one of these in your stocking and give your lines an Easter present before the start of the season. Some people baulk at the price of good line lubricants, but this small bottle will clean a full stock of shooting heads and lines many times over. My last bottle lasted 6 seasons, so on that basis it represented 0.015% of the value of my lines each year, while improving their performance and extending their life. Both the lubricant and the process of cleaning and polishing your lines (<a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/04/full-of-joys-of-spring.html" target="_blank">my spring ritual described here</a>) deliver really high value.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/products/loon-line-speed" target="_blank">Available from John Norris at £8.99</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Happy Christmas</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I close by wishing everyone a very happy and enjoyable Christmas, in the hope that it will be truly free of Covid and lockdowns. I also take this opportunity to thank all my readers for their continuing support and encouragement. Just One Week passed the major milestone of 250,000 page reads in October, shortly after its 10th birthday. When I started I never had any thought or ambition for such scale and worldwide breadth of readership, so I'm most grateful to you all, thank you.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-8869499575889067472022-10-23T19:20:00.000+01:002022-10-23T19:20:52.212+01:002022 - An Extraordinary Year<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3jDrTWkc1Wg95N2229KahFuwkzxIeCAbRL7IrBRPerWKMhoCiHp5s6L6E2kk4-80b2o8y51anSUQeQS0RCSTJw_KLnHulVJxyLupj0gU_zmrcjQtjSVMlncMS7etnNz_WVBP1OnLujR5Du8fni5eTFR8fYcfA32OAlJ-4qhmMGTUXggB4Br1qXV4Ow/s4032/IMG_2930.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3jDrTWkc1Wg95N2229KahFuwkzxIeCAbRL7IrBRPerWKMhoCiHp5s6L6E2kk4-80b2o8y51anSUQeQS0RCSTJw_KLnHulVJxyLupj0gU_zmrcjQtjSVMlncMS7etnNz_WVBP1OnLujR5Du8fni5eTFR8fYcfA32OAlJ-4qhmMGTUXggB4Br1qXV4Ow/w480-h640/IMG_2930.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The 2022 record drought<br />River Rye at Helmsley<br />August 2022<br />Surface temperature 30C</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><br /></p><span style="font-family: arial;">2022 was the driest and hottest spring and summer in my lifetime, worse even than 1976 and 2003. The rain stopped in February and didn't restart until September. This is a stretch of the the River Rye, normally well populated with brown trout, grayling and crayfish, on which I fish for trout in truly beautiful surroundings: you can see it in more normal conditions on <a href="https://www.ryedaleanglers.org.uk" target="_blank">this website</a>. The extended drought caused the level of the subterranean aquifers to fall so low that there was no longer any back-pressure to prevent the river disappearing into the cracks in the rock. In late May the flow started to dwindle alarmingly, and by August a mile of the river had disappeared entirely. I stopped fishing in mid-June.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The worst feature of the situation pictured above wasn't the loss of water - we've seen that with increasing frequency in the past decade - but the temperature. In previous events there has been enough cool moisture under the stones for the invertebrates to survive. But in 2022 the surface temperature was intolerable and everything dried to dust. The mature trout, grayling and crayfish will have been able to migrate, but the invertebrates, fry and small species were less fortunate. Provided that these conditions don't repeat, we may see a full recovery in about five years. The Rye is an extremely resilient river: in the 45 years I've fished there, we've had a enormous flash flood that caused the release of over a million rainbow trout, droughts and pollution events. On every occasion the recovery was quicker than we ever imagined, so that underlying optimism underpins my 5 year estimate above. Of course, at my age, I can only hope that I'm right because it doesn't leave much slack!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Needless to say, the conditions on the Ure were equally bad and wholly prohibitive of salmon fishing. Aysgarth Falls stopped flowing and the water temperatures reached alarming figures. The EA's gauge at Bainbridge, now reprogrammed to cope with negative numbers, remained below MSL for more than 200 days. With no water to prompt or sustain spring or summer run, it was unlikely that any salmon got further than West Tanfield (Mickley Weir is impassable in low water). The very high temperatures of the mid-summer would have caused oxygen levels in the sluggish lower Ouse between York and Goole to decline to the point at which the water became impassable to salmon, in an echo of the extinction of the 1960s and 70s. But somehow, possibly by remaining in the Humber, the salmon survived. The rain brought the first proper spate on 1st October, and two weeks later I witnessed hundreds of salmon running into the pools at Thoresby. A species that has survived a couple of ice ages and everything nature and man have thrown at it in the intervening millennia isn't that easily stopped.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Despite the climatic horrors of 2022 and catching very few fish, I'm in a far better and happier place than <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2021/12/2021-goodbye-im-glad-to-see-you-go.html" target="_blank">I was at the end of 2021</a>. I approach the task of writing a round-up of the year with a smile and many happy memories: with any luck I'll also publish a Christmas Stocking post this year.</span></p><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Early April at Orton</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzx4Opxf5qIP79p8dblWd4byaoFduRwDWzfDdAPx70_bbuMsh6ugXyv8DCEoy9kweAsQ46MZQ2RiIMCINMa4hoPKzYNqewuiGKBSCU8mSg3UgyQFakb5qcog_im5hF80zAjvk_AGtVNRSfrwhd-XY4VSBOQlWehk_XUR3dT405eMWTfWlZ0POzpfae0w/s4608/701E6D2A-3D1B-48C2-ACDF-0DAC677E500B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzx4Opxf5qIP79p8dblWd4byaoFduRwDWzfDdAPx70_bbuMsh6ugXyv8DCEoy9kweAsQ46MZQ2RiIMCINMa4hoPKzYNqewuiGKBSCU8mSg3UgyQFakb5qcog_im5hF80zAjvk_AGtVNRSfrwhd-XY4VSBOQlWehk_XUR3dT405eMWTfWlZ0POzpfae0w/w400-h266/701E6D2A-3D1B-48C2-ACDF-0DAC677E500B.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orton - Willows run peering upstream into the snow<br />Lots of water - +2' 6"</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As I reported on <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2022/04/one-week-on-spey-chasing-unicorns.html" target="_blank">our first week at our new home at Orton</a> at some length I won't rehearse the details here. We didn't catch any salmon: what we needed was low, cold water but what we got was very cold very high water (peaking at +5 feet). While that was very disappointing, we had a lovely week with old friends in an outstandingly comfortable lodge, and the beat is beautiful fishing water. Despite failing to catch I really enjoyed the week and finished feeling rejuvenated: after the problems of 2021 it was wonderful to be back on a salmon river. We look forward to returning.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Late April on the Helmsdale</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L_4p_kWq_qnMjNyovgUB0xomxRqkwwuPqD50FLQEV3ChDIRAtbcX-Fxy4U03FXP4cuZpqnwy2zS4d23HIpkT9UTwSrK1qnddH7rQ3RzYLayQY_gUgIbeqIypBRPeT8wbyt9L1dyFCuRsih-1o7ao2EpbbtEQxgb0uUp7RX7kV2TthP0yZ64lbZF6_g/s4608/6BAD4E3C-6A8C-4DEC-8900-AAD0DF3E8A20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L_4p_kWq_qnMjNyovgUB0xomxRqkwwuPqD50FLQEV3ChDIRAtbcX-Fxy4U03FXP4cuZpqnwy2zS4d23HIpkT9UTwSrK1qnddH7rQ3RzYLayQY_gUgIbeqIypBRPeT8wbyt9L1dyFCuRsih-1o7ao2EpbbtEQxgb0uUp7RX7kV2TthP0yZ64lbZF6_g/w400-h266/6BAD4E3C-6A8C-4DEC-8900-AAD0DF3E8A20.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Tony the Master Netsman (TTMN) kindly invited me to join his party on the Helmsdale for four days in the week spanning the end of April. The arrangements on the Helmsdale are unusual and certainly confusing to the uninitiated. The estates that own the length</span> <span style="font-family: arial;">of the river share the fishing equally, which is subdivided into 12 beats, rotating at lunchtime and evening. You share a rod and fish half time. Altogether there's about 14 miles of water, divided by the falls above Kildonan. This offers a huge variety, from the open stretches like that shown here,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKDe50huZ-wr1fxWnTOZpOQ3yqhErSqO2RKnepL58tz3mCKzMZYYTOsgxZOsB226qelb4uUG2deU45fCZc1GOjAHWLhm_bB05VzqPSA7HCjNIPZrCdxaZMY-t5o0KLOdrtRRI2LocmzAoPZoYPcdHLc2IVt6VCev9S3Mr-KTZSOFrQmrXscLHSQj3IA/s4608/C7EEAC7C-D3BE-4C4F-957F-5D1AE33658F8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKDe50huZ-wr1fxWnTOZpOQ3yqhErSqO2RKnepL58tz3mCKzMZYYTOsgxZOsB226qelb4uUG2deU45fCZc1GOjAHWLhm_bB05VzqPSA7HCjNIPZrCdxaZMY-t5o0KLOdrtRRI2LocmzAoPZoYPcdHLc2IVt6VCev9S3Mr-KTZSOFrQmrXscLHSQj3IA/w400-h266/C7EEAC7C-D3BE-4C4F-957F-5D1AE33658F8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">to the close, rocky defiles either side of the falls (fighting a fresh fish in here is a real challenge as I discovered during my last visit),</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfdUpZDbdQjDDb3faAPbXN3ChcXbimMTuGZoPmPjwfaGUs_gFb1PdWr3FwoQ9evmkOd9LP7Z8iHzO-yYqJXsibL3v9zX4yVGi-Aw1L4XJGpY7FV5ABMzTyrL0RXY3W_tz3coV8O3BDj3U7iA8mYDcscM4bqO50rnrJFXTlQfdobUBm9yGD7QwxsJ6aw/s4608/430C08B7-F745-4700-8244-DC22815D39C9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfdUpZDbdQjDDb3faAPbXN3ChcXbimMTuGZoPmPjwfaGUs_gFb1PdWr3FwoQ9evmkOd9LP7Z8iHzO-yYqJXsibL3v9zX4yVGi-Aw1L4XJGpY7FV5ABMzTyrL0RXY3W_tz3coV8O3BDj3U7iA8mYDcscM4bqO50rnrJFXTlQfdobUBm9yGD7QwxsJ6aw/w400-h266/430C08B7-F745-4700-8244-DC22815D39C9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">to the open moorland burn character of the upper reaches.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In addition, the character within each stretch can change remarkably in a very short distance. The Helmsdale really does keep you on your mental toes, and you have to be able to change your tactics and presentation minute by minute. Meanwhile the relentless wind boxes the compass and sets you infinite challenges. There's no cast and step here: I know of no other river that demands so much active thinking, which is one of its greatest rewards.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fa5lao6ZOqUyLxMlVl4K9f3CEytuhujQFv-464VtdgBZwJyvZieF-cgl_spW0Kmlw4t9sp6wqY3X-QdA4c0iIr2ddsp8_5XPU0szWQBhpmk31m8rrCiGPilwwDP3m2lD06MApChAJw8rlfwy2lXFBycLm-BVO7ceXlcKJUO3_LYNxAdzl6ikx-G_oQ/s4608/89EE6DBE-41F9-41B6-9307-69F873884574.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fa5lao6ZOqUyLxMlVl4K9f3CEytuhujQFv-464VtdgBZwJyvZieF-cgl_spW0Kmlw4t9sp6wqY3X-QdA4c0iIr2ddsp8_5XPU0szWQBhpmk31m8rrCiGPilwwDP3m2lD06MApChAJw8rlfwy2lXFBycLm-BVO7ceXlcKJUO3_LYNxAdzl6ikx-G_oQ/w400-h266/89EE6DBE-41F9-41B6-9307-69F873884574.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Super-fresh 9lbs Helmsdale salmon<br />So fresh it looks white</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">At this time of year the fish are sparkling fresh, with their readiness to take a fly partially offsetting the paucity of their numbers. They're also perverse: in very cold water this one took a sparsely dressed deer hair dressed on a light aluminium tube, which was probably no more than 2" below the surface in fast water, within 3 feet of where Donnie the Ghillie said it would be. All my instincts screamed sink tip and weighted fly, but they were wholly wrong because the salmon was in a short halt lie beside the main flow in water less than 2' deep.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It was huge fun on a light rod (12' 8" #7 XO), laying on a spectacular aerial performance cartwheeling down the pool. Donnie was convinced that I had the drag too firm, and I can understand that opinion given the very soft mouths of such fresh fish, but on the other hand, once you've got over the initial seconds of the turn and have confidence in the hook hold, I'm a believer in letting a salmon run within the available space against decent resistance with the rod no higher than 45 degrees as the quickest route to a conclusion. In this case it was a classic turn 'opposite jaw' hooking (left bank, right side of the jaw - see <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/10/crash-bang-pluck-dynamics-of-take.html" target="_blank">Crash! Bang! Pluck! for an explanation</a>) with a dynamite proof hold. Catching a fish early in my stay spared me the Saturday pressures of my last visit, so I could fish on happy and relaxed. But Helmsdale salmon are nemesis personified and perverse: having caught one in clear bright conditions I was confident of my prospects for more when the cloud, wind and rain arrived, at which point they completely switched off and we never touched another! There are no certainties with salmon.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The other captivating feature of the Helmsdale is the wild, bleak majesty of the surroundings, far removed from the more densely populated valleys of the Spey, Dee and Tay.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hQS5szqhPZcA4DMIN9tOxLAApxEhX7jHtPz6BpGphfmXWtOwiLtcFVMlVk5N6S77ia3ly8QyE45EXPDvvknSAiqPpWFzMrkkmOC_p6ol7r3555rCbTTnjbsUTBWznrbM2k47bmKmzpxlTCqcQBIvd1fqsJijqMHTuK85ucJVwB1DYRWiLIaF-RFCmg/s4032/22257CED-0568-49C3-95F5-29E5CB2773AF.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hQS5szqhPZcA4DMIN9tOxLAApxEhX7jHtPz6BpGphfmXWtOwiLtcFVMlVk5N6S77ia3ly8QyE45EXPDvvknSAiqPpWFzMrkkmOC_p6ol7r3555rCbTTnjbsUTBWznrbM2k47bmKmzpxlTCqcQBIvd1fqsJijqMHTuK85ucJVwB1DYRWiLIaF-RFCmg/w640-h480/22257CED-0568-49C3-95F5-29E5CB2773AF.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Wild and sparse<br />There are only 2 houses in the 15 square miles of this shot</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeBTR0o8Ne8UlSIreIg0kVtl6z1dp9VmNklqktI-Fq1vW-0wbzzPA_4EB3CDAbD15iLX3ywHVv-t7jqoZJWm-NjqouGBAgQFXU3Np3d_kAstRzJz7p2Z-BE18F0U3oxAOigJMFn823Aq2vlgA0kpN8KGbtcj1fbWe8EbIokwj0dUR5EtDJyHjq-fDGA/s4032/CAEFCA0E-C6D6-4FA8-9F50-22EBDC88240F.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeBTR0o8Ne8UlSIreIg0kVtl6z1dp9VmNklqktI-Fq1vW-0wbzzPA_4EB3CDAbD15iLX3ywHVv-t7jqoZJWm-NjqouGBAgQFXU3Np3d_kAstRzJz7p2Z-BE18F0U3oxAOigJMFn823Aq2vlgA0kpN8KGbtcj1fbWe8EbIokwj0dUR5EtDJyHjq-fDGA/w480-h640/CAEFCA0E-C6D6-4FA8-9F50-22EBDC88240F.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-UMGizGnBmlq2LxIItRnW582Ozhd04YW-dt6VGj9GqPlM3fO6jTX4WCeSAH5zdeIiLPbF5pZxhtZiKkuJlf-RkO5zaYzYT4JCaNHz70ZgaxUMQC-4ptJPWriP1WpmJ8ACj3S9gse-gRu8_ZGIoJTcuH8g3siQr34Jp7US09TYjvCZ9S6qUAQt3fXwA/s1024/E86AC401-EB1B-41B4-8267-C91570E1D222.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-UMGizGnBmlq2LxIItRnW582Ozhd04YW-dt6VGj9GqPlM3fO6jTX4WCeSAH5zdeIiLPbF5pZxhtZiKkuJlf-RkO5zaYzYT4JCaNHz70ZgaxUMQC-4ptJPWriP1WpmJ8ACj3S9gse-gRu8_ZGIoJTcuH8g3siQr34Jp7US09TYjvCZ9S6qUAQt3fXwA/w640-h480/E86AC401-EB1B-41B4-8267-C91570E1D222.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And best of all, we enjoyed a fun, happy and very diverse party - including a chemical engineer, a specialist eyelid surgeon and retired chief constable - all bonded by a love of salmon fishing and the beauty of the place.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFaLf23LI-nQx0bQKOwMWaNJy_-Hs7YnQtwtbiTqEv3S51QsNH4Zn6fDfgykKCoOwVF9uMJWiueQI1FjErmpFcUOnBs4E-nvQi3HX9a9HWBeCC6wPUL0IhjOb9vw9xaVqAuwmmsKoTuweBkjlApSgmbdRFb4A6mI5FwoR6rCmg9lmCwNchykF8fJEww/s4032/F92237FB-C2A1-4C1B-8D6F-588445F7226C.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFaLf23LI-nQx0bQKOwMWaNJy_-Hs7YnQtwtbiTqEv3S51QsNH4Zn6fDfgykKCoOwVF9uMJWiueQI1FjErmpFcUOnBs4E-nvQi3HX9a9HWBeCC6wPUL0IhjOb9vw9xaVqAuwmmsKoTuweBkjlApSgmbdRFb4A6mI5FwoR6rCmg9lmCwNchykF8fJEww/w640-h480/F92237FB-C2A1-4C1B-8D6F-588445F7226C.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Evening view from Suisgill Lodge<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">We returned from the Helmsdale into an accelerating and deepening drought with escalating temperatures. Apart from few days on trout fishing faded into the background as the lawn browned, trees wilted and the main crop potatoes failed completely. There was no choice but to sit it out and wait for the weather to turn, and certainly no merit in railing against it.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Early September at Arndilly</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The relief from the tedium of drought-locked Yorkshire came with a surprise invitation from a friend to join a party on the Spey at Arndilly, which is between Rothes and Craigellachie, just two beats above Orton on the lower river. A chance to fish this wonderful piece of water for 3 days was a huge and unexpected bonus that did wonders for my morale.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtilSSRJyMZkjr-ko690ZFRG5Jq4avC4o8jbPhPJf4SZ4kA4UWSPDR4Lvcd0EaxGnHiUCNRdIkAD6iH8IH7KA4ZmxkMCFmBUwHNJEWUHpiRBpdnTI0l6M9SNpmQ4aovcWgb0a2s0cIEOOZrPH_hi52DhZ05xqA6JdLXknzm3KpjOfESE43pjEwyGD7A/s4608/FFEA2E33-976F-4FBA-9DDB-85E7BD974ABC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtilSSRJyMZkjr-ko690ZFRG5Jq4avC4o8jbPhPJf4SZ4kA4UWSPDR4Lvcd0EaxGnHiUCNRdIkAD6iH8IH7KA4ZmxkMCFmBUwHNJEWUHpiRBpdnTI0l6M9SNpmQ4aovcWgb0a2s0cIEOOZrPH_hi52DhZ05xqA6JdLXknzm3KpjOfESE43pjEwyGD7A/w400-h266/FFEA2E33-976F-4FBA-9DDB-85E7BD974ABC.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>Despite the great promise there was, alas, no pot of gold or salmon at the end of the rainbow, as </span><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-hero-and-emperor-on-arndilly.html" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">I reported in the previous post</a><span style="font-family: arial;">. Despite fishing flat out in a river more stuffed with salmon than any other I've ever witnessed in the UK, I didn't even get a single take. it was the absolute converse of the Helmsdale: few but ready to take versus loads but wholly uninterested. The salmon had been hanging around since April and June and were just mentally boggled. The grilles called it "an acute dose of Septemberitis". Once again, there are no certainties with salmon.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Despite the disappointment (again) of failing to catch, it was a huge privilege to fish such lovely water. Certainly the plentitude of fish provided a continuous incentive to keep trying. In parallel I used the opportunity presented by immaculately manicured banks and wide open water to experiment with big rods and long-bellied full Spey lines, a technique I'd forsaken in 2007 for the ease and convenience of shooting heads on shorter rods, better suited to the Findhorn and Ure. But it's horses for courses, and on the wide open spaces of Arndilly the long lines were exactly the right answer.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKkGW6HTtzwG7A27r2XCaw-uAHGN7dFPqNM48xqeTkj75tII3xJ57q7XDPkzWqzHC96PbtsFNROFLuA9qqto1JrVEHaK5woZ_82ztpimoSIo3vl6NngfPi0481EjSXtYymI_jD-RiqvMe61A7IZ9rX1gVyYhI8SDTq0nyak2hLJewc0jFBi18eG8q4A/s4032/IMG_2807.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKkGW6HTtzwG7A27r2XCaw-uAHGN7dFPqNM48xqeTkj75tII3xJ57q7XDPkzWqzHC96PbtsFNROFLuA9qqto1JrVEHaK5woZ_82ztpimoSIo3vl6NngfPi0481EjSXtYymI_jD-RiqvMe61A7IZ9rX1gVyYhI8SDTq0nyak2hLJewc0jFBi18eG8q4A/s320/IMG_2807.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The exercise allowed me to try two very different rods: the Sage X 15' - the 'Emperor' - which was indeed imperial in both performance and price; and the Vision 14' 7" Hero, which was delightful and far better value at level than half the price. Indeed, I liked the Hero so much I bought the brand new demonstrator. The full reviews are in <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-hero-and-emperor-on-arndilly.html" target="_blank">the Arndilly post</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Hero is an excellent example of how the steady trickle down of technology from the premier league rods of 5-7 years before benefits to normal angler at an affordable price.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Autumn on the Ure</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsvLQTc_Weto9wtrxPTTAFIxkxd6QYe5qRSVGLTzdvf_4ks6TaRa67TPWoqidd_INseG1IScgHo3DFUMMw41XAItoJF8R765Y0IYCY3leTnA4R_2uZhCdheVH1YwsLXBypmAnKeGdq_2rVkuTtkW5SFzUILsrD0nMZ8mA3W7Z50SHNMjoHAJWYxwOrg/s4608/E839F1F8-4832-4B3F-B5C1-18F37B67F68C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsvLQTc_Weto9wtrxPTTAFIxkxd6QYe5qRSVGLTzdvf_4ks6TaRa67TPWoqidd_INseG1IScgHo3DFUMMw41XAItoJF8R765Y0IYCY3leTnA4R_2uZhCdheVH1YwsLXBypmAnKeGdq_2rVkuTtkW5SFzUILsrD0nMZ8mA3W7Z50SHNMjoHAJWYxwOrg/s320/E839F1F8-4832-4B3F-B5C1-18F37B67F68C.jpeg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HMCX wading in chocolate</td></tr></tbody></table>The weather didn't break until the end of September. By then I'd had to cancel two days on Thoresby, including one with the Brigadier, to which I'd been looking forward all year. My annual father and son bonding expedition with HMCX was timed for 30th September and 1st October. We cancelled the 30th for want of any water and the inability of the Bolton Arms to accommodate us, but fished Thoresby on the 1st in hopeless conditions, with the river falling from a 7' spate. In fact it had nothing whatsoever to do with fishing but everything important to do with relationships, sitting on the riverbank drinking Theakston's. It was a truly lovely interlude, and I was privileged to be able to borrow him from the demands of his delightful family and his successful career in the City.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Perhaps in 2023 it will come together again, with water, fish and a functioning pub!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnV2rGWFoSlGGI1mtV0M5ub5Q8DZbxUbSGKfENz23GWDn48imi6O4hAgl-nuvkOMKHjzKQD4nZ70FQzgUUR11WZEf0ojz9oGvPvl3hr-6FXtivgFSKEMhbjT808CHpoPvFYQtp33rzwHqMlikdu3WASAUCK2gq3ygvFoUrRpr01sH2hzcZHXIEs8k8g/s4608/9F503A6E-0D92-4CC7-9A05-7D2CCD603E12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnV2rGWFoSlGGI1mtV0M5ub5Q8DZbxUbSGKfENz23GWDn48imi6O4hAgl-nuvkOMKHjzKQD4nZ70FQzgUUR11WZEf0ojz9oGvPvl3hr-6FXtivgFSKEMhbjT808CHpoPvFYQtp33rzwHqMlikdu3WASAUCK2gq3ygvFoUrRpr01sH2hzcZHXIEs8k8g/w400-h266/9F503A6E-0D92-4CC7-9A05-7D2CCD603E12.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking up Flesh Dub<br />13th October 2022</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">Finally, on 13th October, after months of frustration, the stars aligned and we enjoyed one of those perfect day's fishing. I'd invited TTMN as my guest in pursuit of connecting him with a Yorkshire salmon. Over the past 5 years we've had cancellations for lack of water, blank days and others lost to Covid. When we arrived on Thoresby in the morning I felt it was going to be good: the river was tailing off the back of a small 2-3' rise 48 hours previously; the height allowed easy passage of Redmire Force (a key regulating factor in the Thoresby fishing); and after two weeks of frequent spates even the most torpid salmon could have reached the beat from the Humber.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDf0Sjg1pIU2QrA05d-kzvuWlvuGC6xS5Rk09a7UplObvvi4oZi35Cz4Noz4S5o-Z3jxrIccSs0sdO-Gdv1fWDYdJTVLcK22j38O8y4vCamQf_N7dfbnFUheYJVxbUfnNZE2QwzTpJ4c0qtiFLXroHOZSL35nV1Tbr4GwORD2hY-eRmMrMwQ3sMfKgvw/s4608/3D0B06A9-78FC-4F7A-9247-D0AC8EAE4BF9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDf0Sjg1pIU2QrA05d-kzvuWlvuGC6xS5Rk09a7UplObvvi4oZi35Cz4Noz4S5o-Z3jxrIccSs0sdO-Gdv1fWDYdJTVLcK22j38O8y4vCamQf_N7dfbnFUheYJVxbUfnNZE2QwzTpJ4c0qtiFLXroHOZSL35nV1Tbr4GwORD2hY-eRmMrMwQ3sMfKgvw/w400-h266/3D0B06A9-78FC-4F7A-9247-D0AC8EAE4BF9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frodle Dub in the autumn sunshine</td></tr></tbody></table>To begin with it was very quiet, but around 11.30 things came alive. I was just finishing on Flesh Dub when I saw Tony was into a fish on Frodle, strode upstream to assist, and arrived spot on time to net a lovely shiny 13 pound hen in perfect condition with a light tan complexion.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkKZu9ekarM1z66TV8hjBgMEVzK67s9MN03auXSECL3xm0oGQDLWDgIaU9IEuOYT378MtnjJIF3nZN_DkxEK24gYDrm_jc78DMGdCEChBMa9UuOBgH1smGkbSEZPpK8M_F2Vqyr6lVXwgtTrR8QR7IKqMQRGY905Wfl4IKrgRvD16wRIuNKiwTHxEog/s4608/0E10BBE5-AB71-41A8-93B7-D44D1834C715.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkKZu9ekarM1z66TV8hjBgMEVzK67s9MN03auXSECL3xm0oGQDLWDgIaU9IEuOYT378MtnjJIF3nZN_DkxEK24gYDrm_jc78DMGdCEChBMa9UuOBgH1smGkbSEZPpK8M_F2Vqyr6lVXwgtTrR8QR7IKqMQRGY905Wfl4IKrgRvD16wRIuNKiwTHxEog/w400-h266/0E10BBE5-AB71-41A8-93B7-D44D1834C715.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A yard of very fit Ure hen on her way back</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Tony suggested that I fish on while he sorted himself out. Three casts later I was into a very good fish that stayed deep throughout the ten minute fight, during which it managed to wrap me around a couple of rocks. The 23lbs Seaguar leader withstood the challenge, albeit the abrasion subsequently required its replacement. It was another very fit hen, which in the Maclean weighed 8kg or 171/2lbs to the nearest whole number.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We took a break for lunch after which Tony went to Hut and I started on the fast water at the head of Frodle. After 5 or 6 paces, with a #12 MCX double on an unweighted leader fishing right on the surface on a short line, I had the unique experience of watching a good cock fish come up from below in the clear water to take my fly (and yes, it did come up at 45 degrees!). It felt like slow motion in that I could see every detail of its ascent, mouth opening, taking the fly and turning away, all seriously exciting. I was able to restrain myself from striking on the take and let the salmon hook itself as it turned away and downwards. The next stage of the operation was to move downstream to fight it out of the fast water (which it preferred) into the calmer area below. Like many autumn 2SW cock fish he didn't come easy and provided ample entertainment. As this 12 pounder was extremely securely hooked toward the top rear of the mouth the most humane solution was to cut the leader and send him on his way without attempting intrusive extraction (experience with catching fish for the hatchery shows that in most such cases the hook drops out after a fortnight or so without ill-effect, and in any event as it isn't feeding it's not an interference).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggS2FYPK2FlSt2P4qpn1FYjtzS7nWPmGnfPDbQxOK58DqJUqZjKu8KOnOHKG5gW-zwEn0FawvzK53oufZrKufnEP1E6mmEH9HBppxpQr0DW9Nvlt28Fvzw-0pCQYsA9uiSS1aDscj4bsH46gUrKUfnbXdA7cAJFJg1sM0Nn6oVFQ-7CYKqYRLAFxOiGg/s4608/DC2EB644-6D8F-49FC-BE2F-E8945D61F4B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggS2FYPK2FlSt2P4qpn1FYjtzS7nWPmGnfPDbQxOK58DqJUqZjKu8KOnOHKG5gW-zwEn0FawvzK53oufZrKufnEP1E6mmEH9HBppxpQr0DW9Nvlt28Fvzw-0pCQYsA9uiSS1aDscj4bsH46gUrKUfnbXdA7cAJFJg1sM0Nn6oVFQ-7CYKqYRLAFxOiGg/s320/DC2EB644-6D8F-49FC-BE2F-E8945D61F4B2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No 3<br />With apologies for the lack of focus<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Buoyed by this excitement I headed off down to Willow Bush while Tony made his way down through Hut and Frodle. On returning I saw Tony was into another fish and yet again arrived spot on time to do the honours with the net for a good cock fish that interestingly had almost negligible kype development. By now we were heading towards the end of the day and Tony wished to take a short break. At his invitation I stepped into Frodle where he had finished, and behold, a few casts later I hooked and landed an energetic 8 pounder. Although there was still fishing light, and we could see lots more fish entering the pool, we agreed that this was the right time to stop and enjoy the glow of a marvellous day.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I haven't equalled or better 5 salmon in a day on the Ure since 2011 (my best effort that year was 6 to my own rod with another 4 lost). While the day promised much I had no expectation of it being this good. It seemed that as each pod of salmon entered the pools - and you could see them arriving - they were eminently catchable. Unlike Arndilly where the salmon had spent a static summer having come only 6-8 miles from the sea, these Yorkshire fish were long-haul travellers: it's 130 miles as the river flows from where they leave the North Sea at Spurn Point to Aysgarth (I know, <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2018/08/costa-del-chipchase.html" target="_blank">I've cycled 114 of them</a>). As a result they were active, alert and thus available. No doubt they'd bed down and switch off as soon as they were settled, but by good fortune our timing was perfect.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Indeed, it was so perfect that I decided I wouldn't tempt fate and disappointment by going out again, and packed up my kit for the season. It's best to finish on a high note.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Learning points from 2022</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I always try to derive some learning from every fishing experience, so here are a few points gleaned in 2022, none of which are original or new:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The fish are always nearer than you expect. In ascending order the ranges at which I hooked fish this season were 7, 9, 18 & 20 yards. Of course many Helmsdale fish will be close to you, but the closest was on the Ure at a point where many people strive to cast 25+ yards. In two sessions on the Spey, in only two pools did I need to cast over 30 yards, and in most 15-25 sufficed. Even on Cairnty, the biggest pool on the whole river, the running line was well within 25 yards. <b>The moral of the story is to work out the underwater profile of the river and tailor your casting to it, not the width you see on the surface.</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Faced with a big pool and a difficult wind we always try too hard because the elements prompt our instincts to do so. Yet exactly the reverse yields the best results. <b>In bad conditions, relax, slow down and concentrate on achieving a good stop.</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>In high water running fish will often hug the banks, especially smaller grilse, so be extra alert towards the dangle.</b> I wasn't and missed a catchable fish on Cairnty in April.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Later in the season seeing a lot of fish splashing about isn't a reliable indicator of the prospects of catching. <b>However, those that briefly expose their backs while swimming slowly forward may be another matter entirely</b>.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Always check you leader for abrasion after you have fought a fish: you may not have felt the interaction with underwater rocks.</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Sometimes it all comes together in a perfect day: treasure the moment and the memories.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The happiest bit is the people with whom you fish: your family and friends are your greatest source of happiness. The salmon are the extras.</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-23070031535129805822022-09-28T17:27:00.001+01:002022-09-28T17:27:41.023+01:00The Hero and the Emperor on Arndilly<p> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tfQ1X5hEDCmV21fq_E9Rc4hhVR5ckr2d8f8oQ_qBb6etFgW3pqm_EkPsaoth3n1OCm07OlVD0Q_FQMshzsqBB5_BGcqKG8D5uSy5l1b3UJPo9-fuQ6Ztmlgi5QZkeJ3wHdkpO6KVWXMKtO0vCQBpAW_xh0D7j2n0CS8VOIVKhrUt66Rzguo8npRAnQ/s4032/5D0DE0FF-55D8-40C5-8284-9EF712D8CA89.heic"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tfQ1X5hEDCmV21fq_E9Rc4hhVR5ckr2d8f8oQ_qBb6etFgW3pqm_EkPsaoth3n1OCm07OlVD0Q_FQMshzsqBB5_BGcqKG8D5uSy5l1b3UJPo9-fuQ6Ztmlgi5QZkeJ3wHdkpO6KVWXMKtO0vCQBpAW_xh0D7j2n0CS8VOIVKhrUt66Rzguo8npRAnQ/w640-h480/5D0DE0FF-55D8-40C5-8284-9EF712D8CA89.heic" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Dawn view over the Spey from Tominachty</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-ZxVdof2P08Cbkblb_ozT8Xn-vXMXhGCTMrf4odO4ueMHtat5iSqDqZT5MHcguRcJUscOkO1NkzNcLt8Zxin8QlJ4ohnKkFRTqGQ7eoGx9hHQBO4KPk_Zz3wFd8S-IZjgIMcgg1_DSKr0DJP3dosW-ON6US0S9YnOhz7Ji4XqAdQasWyRd2GoE0FDA/s4608/CBFBA958-5D41-42D3-9D0B-0F6C823DB0EF.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-ZxVdof2P08Cbkblb_ozT8Xn-vXMXhGCTMrf4odO4ueMHtat5iSqDqZT5MHcguRcJUscOkO1NkzNcLt8Zxin8QlJ4ohnKkFRTqGQ7eoGx9hHQBO4KPk_Zz3wFd8S-IZjgIMcgg1_DSKr0DJP3dosW-ON6US0S9YnOhz7Ji4XqAdQasWyRd2GoE0FDA/w400-h266/CBFBA958-5D41-42D3-9D0B-0F6C823DB0EF.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First morning - Piles Right<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Through the kindness of a friend I spent three days in mid-September on the beautiful Arndilly beat on the Spey. It is one of the most perfect stretches of water that I've ever fished, ticking all the boxes and set in the stunning countryside of the Lower Spey just downstream of Craigellachie. The icing on this superb cake was sharing Tominachty House with a diverse, social and fun party, spanning all ages from 28 to 91.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPzuDiAYW8adUAYBP9Pht-SU6daXF7TlIfnlv6DVb8UXmji3_RZHblvQDaZMf88cBmEIbRXSMn7mt1-Xn-GRGBkGProBdcB6UPXoSMzxA_-sG_orqmdd_MnV6zpepKPpS3pswGJQXs8aQEW0UjNUJxOdswliaCyIEEHyeBlrfHMH3HP9d3XGsALsvIQ/s4608/FFEA2E33-976F-4FBA-9DDB-85E7BD974ABC.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPzuDiAYW8adUAYBP9Pht-SU6daXF7TlIfnlv6DVb8UXmji3_RZHblvQDaZMf88cBmEIbRXSMn7mt1-Xn-GRGBkGProBdcB6UPXoSMzxA_-sG_orqmdd_MnV6zpepKPpS3pswGJQXs8aQEW0UjNUJxOdswliaCyIEEHyeBlrfHMH3HP9d3XGsALsvIQ/w400-h266/FFEA2E33-976F-4FBA-9DDB-85E7BD974ABC.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pot of gold perhaps<br />75 yards wide<br />W-profile pool with shallow bar in the middle<br />The fish here are within 15-20 yards</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">The wide river and its clear banks provided the ideal opportunity to try a big rod and a full Spey line. Although confident that I could cover all the water required with the 13' 6" XO and a Scandi head, I was keen to try the classic method. The experiment was not, however, without trepidation and fear of embarrassment as I hadn't used a full line since 2007. Fortunately, with the ghillies' efforts focused on the youngest and oldest members of the party, and the handy bends in the beat, I had plenty of opportunities for unobserved re-learning of the technique. That said, when in public view or on the right bank, I tended to funk the challenge and reach for the XO!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I took two 15 footers </span><span style="font-family: arial;">from Guide Fly Fishing </span><span style="font-family: arial;">spanning the price spectrum</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">to try at Arndilly. A Sage X #10/11 (RRP £1300) and a Vision Hero 14' 7" #9 (RRP £480). The test lines comprised a mixture of Rio and Century Speys of 55' and 65'. I'd already done some practice in Yorkshire with grass leaders, but water would provide the acid test from which I could draw valid conclusions once I'd got my technique properly sorted.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This report concentrates on the Hero for two main reasons: first, unlike the Sage, the Hero is an unknown quantity in the marketplace; and second, its price is more consistent with the ethos of this blog. My impressions of the Sage can be found at the end of this article: at this point it suffices to note that it's a very fine rod, which suited my casting and physique very nicely. Before reading further, you may find it helpful to have a quick scan of <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2021/05/vision-salmon-hero.html" target="_blank">my report on the 13' 7" Hero</a> to pick up the general points.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Vision Salmon Hero 14' 7" #9 - Overview</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeDfVznTWdWcy1pgFMnBR7K2a_jMRCtpD30gOLNFbesYfY_ixvfFJnSAyDlGXWx1IQjSPPvjXE5DfvTCgLKGCQjm6UPyqWTA4-p2yhN-7bAAGuamOY3lqr_RDWKEBp4sx5nsMlCkuyeoeKa4Io4HIlg2ck5bP70H1WP2j9RMiUQEKnZu8_ZhrDMsJsA/s4032/IMG_2807.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeDfVznTWdWcy1pgFMnBR7K2a_jMRCtpD30gOLNFbesYfY_ixvfFJnSAyDlGXWx1IQjSPPvjXE5DfvTCgLKGCQjm6UPyqWTA4-p2yhN-7bAAGuamOY3lqr_RDWKEBp4sx5nsMlCkuyeoeKa4Io4HIlg2ck5bP70H1WP2j9RMiUQEKnZu8_ZhrDMsJsA/s320/IMG_2807.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The big Hero shares the same tube colour and compartmented stowage design as the rest of the range.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's pleasantly light in the hand, tipping the scales at under 10 oz, and well balanced without any hint of tip preponderance. I used a 230 gm Rulla as the test reel, which was slightly light: something around 260-280 gm would be perfect.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFiEmGl4hSFbvD_Qd15hfT_wFnasECayzS_B2bkxgrySuFPXrMIA0Ha8pWuarSV1D02-UmRM_G82QogKLq5hbxWY4Q9__1vgDMVthP_9ZKKgEKMf8njpfX6UC15cUSjDDs_SSZ4fWYkijG5F8dyKDg-s2pchD5jMSVGprYAHZp-vgWa0pt_Yg4TKbTw/s4032/IMG_2812.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFiEmGl4hSFbvD_Qd15hfT_wFnasECayzS_B2bkxgrySuFPXrMIA0Ha8pWuarSV1D02-UmRM_G82QogKLq5hbxWY4Q9__1vgDMVthP_9ZKKgEKMf8njpfX6UC15cUSjDDs_SSZ4fWYkijG5F8dyKDg-s2pchD5jMSVGprYAHZp-vgWa0pt_Yg4TKbTw/s320/IMG_2812.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The colour scheme is uniformly black and understated in all respects, which I like as I've never been a fan of bling. The quality of finish is excellent. The cork is very good for this price point, without excess use of filler, and nicely finished.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The fit and spining of the blanks is excellent. With a light application of candle wax on the joints no taping was required, and the alignment of the sections remained perfect throughout the 3 days of the test.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKDYbgCYOtvbFwGt93UcdITbv6c7Ad67MzoJmVgo0RiDWKmlgE5bE8nOX9RZ_Neg7An9Oec9L1UcL2p_7LxjbQ-uQ6hiyPkGrMArSfsbjH-x85X8znJgNR9-ltWstLpKyWAsO2YAPrm773MGS9ZeSANP76o5YdE5-Wm0ob8zK3N9seqtxpl9tTZBihA/s4032/IMG_2809.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKDYbgCYOtvbFwGt93UcdITbv6c7Ad67MzoJmVgo0RiDWKmlgE5bE8nOX9RZ_Neg7An9Oec9L1UcL2p_7LxjbQ-uQ6hiyPkGrMArSfsbjH-x85X8znJgNR9-ltWstLpKyWAsO2YAPrm773MGS9ZeSANP76o5YdE5-Wm0ob8zK3N9seqtxpl9tTZBihA/s320/IMG_2809.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The star of the show is the reel seat. It's a value engineered version of the XO, with a lovely chunky clamp and slim lock nut running on a coated thread. The locking is absolutely bomb-proof and remained tight throughout 3 days' fishing. In my view it's the best in class at this price by a comfortable margin.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On the water</span></h3><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1nTA9lA1Xl88dXGMTcDbY6C-mUDsbRD9GSk99adm1DMZhlc_mVleomBAcJ04AWGEstg2qOyf_TttCUsxjdLbc1I-WtSa-DcOQoUtmhsXYT_sPPjCkRVr1jFvzeGyhz8lnz_-PkvyOvSH1oESi3vYzd70xSSDZLX4RvwUQGMnJ4KB-UbYY7jvsK4u9g/s4608/E530B6B7-D29E-4BFC-BF22-DD3A2967FDD1.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1nTA9lA1Xl88dXGMTcDbY6C-mUDsbRD9GSk99adm1DMZhlc_mVleomBAcJ04AWGEstg2qOyf_TttCUsxjdLbc1I-WtSa-DcOQoUtmhsXYT_sPPjCkRVr1jFvzeGyhz8lnz_-PkvyOvSH1oESi3vYzd70xSSDZLX4RvwUQGMnJ4KB-UbYY7jvsK4u9g/s320/E530B6B7-D29E-4BFC-BF22-DD3A2967FDD1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cobble Pot<br />Quiet, secluded and very fishy<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">Cobble Pot became my favoured test range, with the added benefit of being sheltered from the swirling and sometimes gusty upstream wind. At the head it's 35 yards wide, expanding to 60 in the middle and beyond.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The first step was to relearn the technique and especially the paramount requirement for keeping the D-loop clear of the water in the single Spey (thank you Robert Gillespie for the image of the <i>'rising plane'</i>). This demanded a much more energetic back cast than is necessary with a Scandi head, and to increase the challenge, a more precise placement of the anchor. After about 15-20 minutes I'd reached a level of competence sufficient for basic testing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the process I encountered some interesting paradoxes that arise from differing line profiles at common weights. For example, the 65' Rio with a nominal head weight of 39 gm loaded the Hero more comprehensively than either the 55' Century at 46 gm or the old model 55' Rio at the same weight. Nevertheless, both the 65' Rio and the 55' Century were very satisfactory matches with the rod.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The second point I rediscovered was from historic discussions during coaching with Alan Maughan, was that the back cast can be as searching a test of a rod as the forward. Success requires certain features that in turn demand design compromises. First, for the rod to be most efficient in the back cast it needs to employ the flex in all four sections progressively. That needs some firmness in the tip to drive the flex down through the length (a too-soft tip may do all the bending), but not so much as to reduce sensitivity, as you really do need to know what's going on. Second, it needs to recover quickly for the transition from back to forward cast, while retaining the flexibility to load deeply for the delivery, which is especially important with a full Spey line as the delivery phase is significantly longer than with a shooting head. And third, it must have the innate power, a balance between flexibility and rigidity, to move a </span><span style="font-family: arial;">very substantial mass of line</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> with a lot of 'water stick' with enough velocity to form a full airborne D-loop, and then </span><span style="font-family: arial;">deliver it over a long distance. It's a complicated design brief.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Back in my early days I used some truly horrid 15 footers - Greys, Shakespeare Oracles and a Daiwa - and the occasional nicer (and much more expensive) examples, notably by Loop. The common deficiency at the budget end of the market was excess rigidity with a consequent lack of feel. There are very few rods like that around any more, although the Maxcatch SkyTouch 15' I tried in March was truly ghastly. In stark contrast, the Hero was wonderful. Once I'd grown accustomed to the length and the extra demands of full lines, it was absolutely delightful, bringing the line off the water consistently into a good D-loop, placing the anchor regularly, and delivering the fly entirely satisfactorily. The Hero certainly made my life easier, a real confidence builder, that helped me break </span><span style="font-family: arial;">through </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the trepidation barrier into enjoyable fishing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">With the 46' foot Century I was able to shoot 25-30 feet of line and deliver a respectably straight result, and with the 65' Rio about 20-25. This meant that I was presenting the fly at something over 30 yards, which was ample for the upper section of Cobble Pot. The more I practised, the greater the enjoyment. And of course the bonus was not having to strip in large amounts of running line before recasting. Once I'd worked the fly round to the dangle there was usual one full 3' strip remaining and I was ready to go.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The greatest delight came in the combination of the Hero with the 65' Rio line. With the momentum of a big dynamic D-loop going backwards, the transition into the forward cast loaded the Hero fully, and created a feeling akin to that of overhead casting, with the 'push me - pull you' of both hands working in concert absolutely to the fore. The sensation was marvellous and the result extremely satisfying as the line flew out parallel to the water, the perfect casting experience.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Bottom line</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you are going to fish big wide rivers like the Spey with nicer clear banks, then a 15 footer with a full line is a highly efficient option and a worthwhile investment. For those starting out and unwilling to splash over £1,000 on the Sage X, I see little point in looking at anything else other than the Hero. You're unlikely to find anything better for less than twice the money, and for an entry level rod, the big Hero is an exceptional performer. Indeed, I liked it so much, I bought the demonstrator.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Emperor - Sage X 15' #10/11 - Overview</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcxH1VtQaLgcTzj5sUxm1vNBsENZpxRexZgDrL4RnRSVWeCXiwS5Y4Jh703Bx_qwX372q9VOophWjU17jx-eKFEj-EE4liZekLzcs1_eAsFu263lcMEtQo3H68hIkofuUHdwobXfh_jb9b-ctcMHYDPnmyoyr5g99RWDbjlzq2DCAjIt1zFMblaxiDg/s4032/IMG_2806.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcxH1VtQaLgcTzj5sUxm1vNBsENZpxRexZgDrL4RnRSVWeCXiwS5Y4Jh703Bx_qwX372q9VOophWjU17jx-eKFEj-EE4liZekLzcs1_eAsFu263lcMEtQo3H68hIkofuUHdwobXfh_jb9b-ctcMHYDPnmyoyr5g99RWDbjlzq2DCAjIt1zFMblaxiDg/w240-h320/IMG_2806.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />At £1300 I reckon that one is entitled to be picky and if justified, a little critical, when compared to an assessment of an entry level rod like the Hero. Sage don't do bling - a positive in my book - but their utilitarianism does verge on the austere. Everything is beautifully made and neatly finished, although in my opinion the cork isn't as fine as the XO. My first gripe, common to all Sage two-handers, is the absence of alignment marks, which would only require about £1 worth of additional work.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The combination of aluminium tube and bag is standard, but at 15' the dimensions off the sections demand an eccentric stowage regime in order to get the bagged rod into the tube. The sections don't go into the bag in a simple left to right progression, but rather offset and alternating upwards and downwards to match the bag dividers. If you don't get it right, it won't fit into the tube.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuaO_bTA7KWWdBBNfZHXOA4A0STOjXTLN9zIRkTeGlIhNDcXtSVfVTLkcsO54PveF25wXGvQKKtOMnjjP4ijbGu61oIXUw3k7Fn3qtRwpMUQVHBWVv4zAxdXdHjnqoPd4D99g-pjI2sBbbFAGdgEiXLmJ9A9qQNfhW9tFxyqIqvB9Z5NPjoOUm673zQ/s4032/IMG_2804.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuaO_bTA7KWWdBBNfZHXOA4A0STOjXTLN9zIRkTeGlIhNDcXtSVfVTLkcsO54PveF25wXGvQKKtOMnjjP4ijbGu61oIXUw3k7Fn3qtRwpMUQVHBWVv4zAxdXdHjnqoPd4D99g-pjI2sBbbFAGdgEiXLmJ9A9qQNfhW9tFxyqIqvB9Z5NPjoOUm673zQ/s320/IMG_2804.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />My next niggle is the reel seat. It's simple and functional, but it feels too light and skeletal in relation to a big rod. The thread on this demonstrator is already showing quite a lot of wear and required some silicone to achieve satisfactory operation. The locking nuts are adequate, but fall short of the ease of use of the Alps or even the Hero. It is below the quality of everything else on the rod and in my book rather lets it down.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In its defence, it did keep the reel secure for the three days, albeit it took me a couple of wiggles to get a satisfactory initial seating of the Lamson Guru.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On the water</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRceUw7wgMatvqTeps4Rxn-ml943zzGnLkLzpCwazcMdCzgov18HGh9Mya5k4Bc3BtcChmpJx_6TjPvh0kqM2R6K4ArWZi4vChGEg4k6K-NrAPz4TSywX3_iUpvvryK3hsfGpEtcuMxsOxc17E5PH-rEvfxPTvcL4bW3VAj2O23SHKKlkzdYOwdscRQ/s4608/D930856B-B863-44D1-B59B-ADED0539ED29.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRceUw7wgMatvqTeps4Rxn-ml943zzGnLkLzpCwazcMdCzgov18HGh9Mya5k4Bc3BtcChmpJx_6TjPvh0kqM2R6K4ArWZi4vChGEg4k6K-NrAPz4TSywX3_iUpvvryK3hsfGpEtcuMxsOxc17E5PH-rEvfxPTvcL4bW3VAj2O23SHKKlkzdYOwdscRQ/w400-h266/D930856B-B863-44D1-B59B-ADED0539ED29.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Soux - 75 yards wide and all the room in the world<br />but most fish are within 25 yards</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />On the first day I christened the big X 'The Emperor' on account of its absolute power and dominance of the line. From the first cast I took an immediate liking to this rod, in a way that I never did with the shorter Igniters I'd tried over the previous two years. Where those felt tippy and stiff, the X delivered a lovely through action and hand feel: it's a much more forgiving proposition. Even when underloaded with the 46 gm Century it provided great feel and a really enjoyable casting experience, shooting 25-30 feet of running line. With longer and heavier Rio lines it was in its element.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">From my personal perspective this is an outstandingly good rod that suited my technique and physique admirably. I loved its ideal blend of through action, feel and power. It stood out head and shoulders above the various Sage double handers I've tested in the past decade.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Bottom Line</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's a great rod and I really enjoyed using it over the three days at Arndilly. But at £1300 I wouldn't buy one. It's too expensive to justify against the limited amount of big-river fishing that I am likely to do in the seasons remaining to me. Other wealthier and younger anglers with more seasons ahead of them may well reach a different and entirely understandable verdict.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRgy4CRwTcpvNn7CujyHMkHXyAGO_TiZh8uBDzV5Y05g2Qv-LaNBOK9LLn42jSK_xd5oZL7SMRABpckdXIOvhJjwfJMmUm_Np0dZXKxu1aNM22qmyxI5XilPvBJq4Bz5hBK6vYaEOdC3TaL2cKvrUKJJ5NC8T4JqiHM3UxmniR22L4P262UNmXzDI-g/s4608/DC4D168D-2F17-479A-95A3-E5DBAEFEFF5E.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRgy4CRwTcpvNn7CujyHMkHXyAGO_TiZh8uBDzV5Y05g2Qv-LaNBOK9LLn42jSK_xd5oZL7SMRABpckdXIOvhJjwfJMmUm_Np0dZXKxu1aNM22qmyxI5XilPvBJq4Bz5hBK6vYaEOdC3TaL2cKvrUKJJ5NC8T4JqiHM3UxmniR22L4P262UNmXzDI-g/w640-h426/DC4D168D-2F17-479A-95A3-E5DBAEFEFF5E.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Below the Bog<br />In two hours more than a hundred fish showed in this pool<br />Not one showed the least interest in a fly!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p></div></div>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-67206980847540248942022-08-28T19:11:00.005+01:002022-08-29T15:08:43.637+01:00Casting in Fog - Understanding lines, tips and leaders<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">One of the biggest challenges for any salmon fishing novice is getting through the fog of jargon. The meaningless words and phrases that rod manufacturers employ to promote their products are unhelpful and confusing. But the worst area, by far, is the bewildering jungle of names and terms relating to lines, tips and leaders, invented by their manufacturers and compounded by the influence of the United States and their abuse of the English language. Judging by the frequency of posts on the Salmon Fishing Forum seeking clarification, there is no other subject that novices find as confusing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Accordingly, in this post I shall attempt to break the subject down into short components to provide a simple guide through the jungle.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It helps. to remember that there are comparatively few companies that actually manufacture lines (e.g. Rio, 3M, Airflo etc). Most of the other brands are therefore made by someone else to the seller's specification. Although salmon fly lines are expensive, and you can get copies from China at a fraction of the price, this is a domain where you do get what you pay for. There are no bad fly lines in the mainstream market. How they perform for you is a matter of personal preference, and every brand has its adherents.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Please note that my use of many Rio examples is simply because their website photos are clearer and more explanatory than other manufacturers'.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lines</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The defining feature of salmon fly lines is the length of the head, the portion of the line that is outside the top ring when you cast. For general fishing this covers a range from about 75 feet (24 metres) down to 24 feet (7 metres).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Full Spey Lines</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This term applies loosely to lines with a head length between 55 and 75 feet, which are most suitable for casting with rods of 13' 6" and longer. The key advantage of the full Spey lines is that they allow you to cover a great deal of water with minimum stripping in of excess line between casts. The disadvantage is that they require greater skill and practice to cast well than the shorter shooting heads.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KH9eJfob8BrZvRBBO39hAGoyJFEOMXo3Jin2L6NUqAq2g6oUdcCKIPvw80qEGZiRDVWn61uDnnITpwzQ2QnJbSd-mNYtTz2pTLKkKpI6nU5xOm5EehJxNoh6OyNXY_V6J_t-QAfhnNW7FYipty1WmeLpG32_2dRaXjjnwb1ezfDQVAC4gLRxnZuEDg/s1094/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.40.28.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1010" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KH9eJfob8BrZvRBBO39hAGoyJFEOMXo3Jin2L6NUqAq2g6oUdcCKIPvw80qEGZiRDVWn61uDnnITpwzQ2QnJbSd-mNYtTz2pTLKkKpI6nU5xOm5EehJxNoh6OyNXY_V6J_t-QAfhnNW7FYipty1WmeLpG32_2dRaXjjnwb1ezfDQVAC4gLRxnZuEDg/w184-h200/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.40.28.png" width="184" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">This is the very popular and highly regarded Gaelforce Equaliser with a length of 63 feet </span><span style="font-family: arial;">at #9/10</span><span style="font-family: arial;">. Their other lines cover the full span of length from 54 up to 80 feet.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBeH-o0UKGR7rd78MJrer3JbCPCEW99HUJo2eDt1R4T_cFD4wnr6BG5lOURBc6B1p3rfDglS5dxb7q9sr8UES6EMILH1OfyLte1klb52jZJYl9dLoTxxZsFMa3BWGett7vgxDgb6ThwS_xBMAFkGrWqw9eZAQbvjLKDaEONMYxVkmwrUeHjDPyGCqVw/s1072/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.31.39.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1066" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBeH-o0UKGR7rd78MJrer3JbCPCEW99HUJo2eDt1R4T_cFD4wnr6BG5lOURBc6B1p3rfDglS5dxb7q9sr8UES6EMILH1OfyLte1klb52jZJYl9dLoTxxZsFMa3BWGett7vgxDgb6ThwS_xBMAFkGrWqw9eZAQbvjLKDaEONMYxVkmwrUeHjDPyGCqVw/w199-h200/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.31.39.png" width="199" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Rio, a major US brand, covers the full Spey range with two lines, Long at 65-70 feet, and Mid at 55-60 feet.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Short Spey Lines</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At the bottom end of the length range are a group of lines most easily described as Short Spey, with heads in the range 40-45 feet, depending on design and weight.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzUjyehIhpWTVNqghtLw7j8zZBpKOkgyAFGnPwAKzdPpIn8clW4oISpCeDx-W4sjyklwc26JJ2dnH5SkZxHmvYN0sbnfDD32Gp9zUGuz4rT_AgapS2FTVINW4DKND6QrGgg45oYFa71YIQJFJbSXxK5E3EGB-HFfTr_ka94_4x4V3EfWKGOyYLer5Fw/s1064/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.30.13.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1056" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzUjyehIhpWTVNqghtLw7j8zZBpKOkgyAFGnPwAKzdPpIn8clW4oISpCeDx-W4sjyklwc26JJ2dnH5SkZxHmvYN0sbnfDD32Gp9zUGuz4rT_AgapS2FTVINW4DKND6QrGgg45oYFa71YIQJFJbSXxK5E3EGB-HFfTr_ka94_4x4V3EfWKGOyYLer5Fw/w199-h200/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.30.13.png" width="199" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Rio are explicit in their naming 'Short'. This line first appeared in the late 1990s under the name of Windcutter. This was my first modern Spey line and it was indeed a revelation in ease of casting compared to the very long double tapered lines with which I had wrestled before its arrival.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Zqt8bkfeY8tzqHvIfnu3zTb_K8mXisADGP5O9q7H-TYHy_XtZXua7Mr3-6cAxd4HorQD3OJg5B-wj2GydTPyoVjNw7K07ZkoZQL4O-CDMmPdwQyxjsIEoQtompS3IIxROQODOxmB1NZmWHfd4GZUTOYnXArJeleJyUCDBakBVTKblkYqBu6KVlmarw/s710/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.48.15.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="616" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Zqt8bkfeY8tzqHvIfnu3zTb_K8mXisADGP5O9q7H-TYHy_XtZXua7Mr3-6cAxd4HorQD3OJg5B-wj2GydTPyoVjNw7K07ZkoZQL4O-CDMmPdwQyxjsIEoQtompS3IIxROQODOxmB1NZmWHfd4GZUTOYnXArJeleJyUCDBakBVTKblkYqBu6KVlmarw/w174-h200/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.48.15.png" width="174" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The US giant 3M, operating as Scientific Anglers, are less explicit and typically American confusing, because they call all of their two handed lines 'Spey' irrespective of their length. This example with 'Spey' on the box is actually a 33 foot shooting head. Nevertheless, 3M are important in a European and UK context because they make Spey lines for a variety of well known brands.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Shooting Heads</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The term shooting head generally describes a line system comprising a short head with a separate running line joined with a loop to loop connection. They are also available as 'integrated' lines with the head tapering directly into the running line.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Scandi</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGqmtZX-luICiJg_R-fTuDc_MyvKCE9as0D-1ickC1ixvtWqR8rlHlReJpKXY29eIT6cQ1Ljk1kRPZJMfZwxSgOF__ay3csGSZBTl88dQAM1RLqNRTJhbqs21qwpkjvEUXfAkZ3H2gTJK23GJj_Hfbz9IRDxmHFzUCzLvddVQjYWTS6MfOgR0J6TS_w/s1048/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.29.26.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1048" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGqmtZX-luICiJg_R-fTuDc_MyvKCE9as0D-1ickC1ixvtWqR8rlHlReJpKXY29eIT6cQ1Ljk1kRPZJMfZwxSgOF__ay3csGSZBTl88dQAM1RLqNRTJhbqs21qwpkjvEUXfAkZ3H2gTJK23GJj_Hfbz9IRDxmHFzUCzLvddVQjYWTS6MfOgR0J6TS_w/w200-h198/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.29.26.png" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Reflecting their development and popularisation by Scandinavian anglers, heads described as 'Scandi' are in the range 30-40 feet long. They have a relatively short front taper, which enhances their ability to deliver heavy flies and leaders. They are easy to cast and are ideal for use in situation where the back-cast space is limited, but have the disadvantage of requiring to strip in lots of running line between casts. Scandi heads are available as fully floating or in a wide range of densities to achieve different sink rates. As a result of the overall balance of advantage, Scandi heads are now the most commonly used salmon lines in the UK and Europe.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Skagit</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdbTakl6YYVjCDsA1DZjT-0PSOFe9__rOThEwynO0HcL6-9jDqN7t7zYUxCkC5ja5P4eMezhXqmcB6iAoV7OdjLrzd9DePQZUu1PZrJClQ_y3g0GEvFHH0QR70X_VZTMCsAJWkyS5P5Bjz3oLDtQ11kplXENjL-bgtPkA5a0zd-CwaOzyBNyJm78Jsg/s1046/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.56.34.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1046" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdbTakl6YYVjCDsA1DZjT-0PSOFe9__rOThEwynO0HcL6-9jDqN7t7zYUxCkC5ja5P4eMezhXqmcB6iAoV7OdjLrzd9DePQZUu1PZrJClQ_y3g0GEvFHH0QR70X_VZTMCsAJWkyS5P5Bjz3oLDtQ11kplXENjL-bgtPkA5a0zd-CwaOzyBNyJm78Jsg/w200-h198/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.56.34.png" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The inelegant name of these very short (18-28 feet) shooting heads is derived from the Skagit River in Washington state in the USA, where the conditions demanded the otherwise conflicting requirements of minimal back-cast space and the ability to deliver very heavy lures on ultra-fast sinking leaders. Such conditions aren't common in the UK, although there are circumstances where a Skagit capability can be indispensable. An example is Dick Dub on the Ure: wading is impossible; there's zero back-cast space; and the fish lie in 8-10 feet of water.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXwfXKOske9gg9vQsDcnjforDOEinZp1tLRWv43vxV7LMaf9aez5UBjCA-2QU1LSObTx7YBr0lb2xV_eu_zELipAPf_D2PRGt-SEJWNmhl1GSZxmS84wejnrU7eRAnIZV9F7VP8XH-WIfiNi_4eUI41Wymgmch-qTk6cPQRbPoubVe8-m3bRb-Jlfiw/s1034/Screenshot%202022-08-28%20at%2010.02.30.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="922" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXwfXKOske9gg9vQsDcnjforDOEinZp1tLRWv43vxV7LMaf9aez5UBjCA-2QU1LSObTx7YBr0lb2xV_eu_zELipAPf_D2PRGt-SEJWNmhl1GSZxmS84wejnrU7eRAnIZV9F7VP8XH-WIfiNi_4eUI41Wymgmch-qTk6cPQRbPoubVe8-m3bRb-Jlfiw/s320/Screenshot%202022-08-28%20at%2010.02.30.png" width="285" /></a></div><br />Virtually every seller has a Skagit line in their inventory. Some like Vision offer a range of densities and sink rates.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tips</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shooting head lines are available as either fully floating or sinking at various densities. Changing the sink rate requires the change of the entire head, and the angler has to carry a selection of heads. The advent of multi-tip heads delivered a good, if partial, solution to those issues by making the last 15-20 feet of the line detachable and interchangeable. The angler can carry a selection of tips in a small compact wallet in a wading jacket pocket to provide a simple and flexible solution to changing conditions. These tips have a wide range of trades names: VersiTip (Rio); Multi-Tip (Guideline, Gaelforce), TC-Tip (3M-SA); Tips (Airflo); Flexi-Tip (Loop).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDRDptYiZLrh2qBAheoAHVsG_zBCQ13HUPYfr0mdnUv9g9Z_RBnXOdUig4-2W5w6QCi7fXZnM3f8b_tMNZCkcP5OcSEOjZMUInhOpS2hDtxiBOyEIVqgzVv6doIPvwlA_TPrNU72sC7txQV7MKaA8JBxrfKIS4GF43vwhhBlOwZCttI8Q01-_hBSAOg/s1066/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.27.04.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1066" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDRDptYiZLrh2qBAheoAHVsG_zBCQ13HUPYfr0mdnUv9g9Z_RBnXOdUig4-2W5w6QCi7fXZnM3f8b_tMNZCkcP5OcSEOjZMUInhOpS2hDtxiBOyEIVqgzVv6doIPvwlA_TPrNU72sC7txQV7MKaA8JBxrfKIS4GF43vwhhBlOwZCttI8Q01-_hBSAOg/w200-h199/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.27.04.png" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The important point to remember is that with multi-tip lines, the tip is an integral part of the line in terms of mass, balance and taper. For example, a Rio Scandi shooting head body (24') (picture to left) with a matching 15' VersiTip (below)(Rio's trade name), is identical to the 39' Scandi line shown above.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEuBk7wIDotTuPgr6raIW1Q6j6U50dmbsjDVDGAqyeZ86PhOS3E52WJyCgv5t8mymZWSCt_LPV_bxtRox35qY2d-HYLXmGtDtU4VQsiSS6zZo7P9Xu_sPuPqNFSH62WJbm1hVLxaGkcJacBZt44QQrRhJ4zLeLKDQ4MYtRwdo1WJ57jWbPBrmNY4gnw/s704/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.28.11.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="598" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEuBk7wIDotTuPgr6raIW1Q6j6U50dmbsjDVDGAqyeZ86PhOS3E52WJyCgv5t8mymZWSCt_LPV_bxtRox35qY2d-HYLXmGtDtU4VQsiSS6zZo7P9Xu_sPuPqNFSH62WJbm1hVLxaGkcJacBZt44QQrRhJ4zLeLKDQ4MYtRwdo1WJ57jWbPBrmNY4gnw/w170-h200/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.28.11.png" width="170" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Given that the tip is integral to the line, it isn't anything to do with the leader that attaches the fly to the line. With all of the examples shown below you can buy the tips separately. Indeed, buying the body and just 2 or 3 tips can be much cheaper than the whole outfit. Tips are most commonly 10 or 15' long, and cover the whole density span from floating to ultra-fast sinking (S6/7).</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8y8DoCD-CoHwq1X4_ZJZqfP9qRjajgeX5G9SaVjGQETSMul6C6y6v4g_P56TeccWCPw83qPqTRMsyvPiL-M44c8GUPxFgQazt3wjhk2_9T4ai4LJ_NJMzc-yCoGF4dEAbZyg7gPDd5edXn9pMIJP8AU4Qa5Y8uyntZp51WaVFtDvkVe-N5g3caiwDQ/s1086/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.41.23.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1086" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8y8DoCD-CoHwq1X4_ZJZqfP9qRjajgeX5G9SaVjGQETSMul6C6y6v4g_P56TeccWCPw83qPqTRMsyvPiL-M44c8GUPxFgQazt3wjhk2_9T4ai4LJ_NJMzc-yCoGF4dEAbZyg7gPDd5edXn9pMIJP8AU4Qa5Y8uyntZp51WaVFtDvkVe-N5g3caiwDQ/w200-h195/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.41.23.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Gaelforce multi-tip offering, which is of the highest quality.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYRaeSh6VKGG37_xMv3zYiazKAVvVjQnLXKCn6KU3-D6LbUB4NYvCP09-kHhKChUY0bjREuPPZmNXWPnR6D7Yy5lnNDGvm9kCVOoCJeZMXakEcZGoma0rSPICSys4wLEWnJlYNkHJoi8OCJTwjJcAvLVIUK6P7PELFDiwt1GQO_uHKNtlP6Z9ST1snw/s1094/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.37.39.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1094" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYRaeSh6VKGG37_xMv3zYiazKAVvVjQnLXKCn6KU3-D6LbUB4NYvCP09-kHhKChUY0bjREuPPZmNXWPnR6D7Yy5lnNDGvm9kCVOoCJeZMXakEcZGoma0rSPICSys4wLEWnJlYNkHJoi8OCJTwjJcAvLVIUK6P7PELFDiwt1GQO_uHKNtlP6Z9ST1snw/w200-h155/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.37.39.png" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Guideline, which is the market leader in Scandinavia for a host of good reasons. Their sinking Scandi heads are superb.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyqpmtbZPJgdrII6BPa-6le5MRp58cFKB9bAzwCm8m9qsh70PpHltZDr6vk6NhnBz2dnl3OsaSi_FsrFyxVeznxGk-_hosGQmkJ2XqkOS4ILHsmiENF2YhueMixg6a2qoAZ3MbHzRPH_3GZ2omN3VvQyYBbhjMCBVJhz3OqivwO7VnO5h9VoWhQRdfA/s1058/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.24.58.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1058" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyqpmtbZPJgdrII6BPa-6le5MRp58cFKB9bAzwCm8m9qsh70PpHltZDr6vk6NhnBz2dnl3OsaSi_FsrFyxVeznxGk-_hosGQmkJ2XqkOS4ILHsmiENF2YhueMixg6a2qoAZ3MbHzRPH_3GZ2omN3VvQyYBbhjMCBVJhz3OqivwO7VnO5h9VoWhQRdfA/w200-h200/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.24.58.png" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">This is the standard Rio Scandi Versi-Tip with 15' tips or SVT.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The same body with 10' tips is the Scandi <b>Short</b> Versi-Tip (SSVT)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UalVuzueSSMSSEqS02l7Pp60HYla3GmbaaDhmxyhshYL1ymZ2NSOZsbcm7KLc6O5hzCvgqkq2cDPQWRYelCLERLYvGSPuMyJfOvgvdVeQbdRw_ABLGkvCRjgF1LOFTLQsLFiBAaZrswAkFDfN2e_isfR5RfCxRa5uyYZhjO3k0V-KxJRn9iLnyTiTA/s1334/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.22.49.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1334" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UalVuzueSSMSSEqS02l7Pp60HYla3GmbaaDhmxyhshYL1ymZ2NSOZsbcm7KLc6O5hzCvgqkq2cDPQWRYelCLERLYvGSPuMyJfOvgvdVeQbdRw_ABLGkvCRjgF1LOFTLQsLFiBAaZrswAkFDfN2e_isfR5RfCxRa5uyYZhjO3k0V-KxJRn9iLnyTiTA/w200-h174/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.22.49.png" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Airflo - this is the very popular Rage kit, which comprises running line, head and two tips. The Rage is at the shorter end of the Scandi zone. As a result it is extremely good at shifting heavy flies on sinking tips, and very easy to cast.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIczP3l_RhrmwBVy0TnKBlvxeAbve4IJBBT2lSbIJfjxcu0_ghEJqY428dylldiu0S6NFPy9NCxnbNTc-ZuqKGiwjVB8wfgjlFHXApgl11xpUv2YQV7VE50y9lBCJVnVHztczTvCLDt5Koo3sSxcnenhG29XvZQZtqgYYi_aIsKKL-mxzg5W8-kqC3g/s1078/Screenshot%202022-08-28%20at%2010.03.08.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1064" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIczP3l_RhrmwBVy0TnKBlvxeAbve4IJBBT2lSbIJfjxcu0_ghEJqY428dylldiu0S6NFPy9NCxnbNTc-ZuqKGiwjVB8wfgjlFHXApgl11xpUv2YQV7VE50y9lBCJVnVHztczTvCLDt5Koo3sSxcnenhG29XvZQZtqgYYi_aIsKKL-mxzg5W8-kqC3g/w198-h200/Screenshot%202022-08-28%20at%2010.03.08.png" width="198" /></a></div><br /><b>Skagit multi-tips</b> are different to those made to match Scandi lines. Most commonly because they cater for extreme sink rates. The Vision tip shown here is made of T14 (weighing 14 grains per foot), which sinks like a stone and so is ideal for fish in very deep and/or fast flowing rivers where you need to get big flies down quickly to be effective. The T-tip range goes all the way up to T-21.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69uHxsq1DQF3PrN4V3qrBvKq6-4jLdw7OF1JKslkDWZs4BVTPKrDCdgCcfmo57XwP8BZKoLmV1Es_kGGsTopTk7IygPHYPpXxMoZgiXjUVs9gqd25rvDsFT-cEUOeTWCHn2_025i_bIB0mbEuArByEztV6gq0iKAbNpb4Mo7LXekHAc6-lxj1aNXO1A/s928/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.57.19.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="566" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69uHxsq1DQF3PrN4V3qrBvKq6-4jLdw7OF1JKslkDWZs4BVTPKrDCdgCcfmo57XwP8BZKoLmV1Es_kGGsTopTk7IygPHYPpXxMoZgiXjUVs9gqd25rvDsFT-cEUOeTWCHn2_025i_bIB0mbEuArByEztV6gq0iKAbNpb4Mo7LXekHAc6-lxj1aNXO1A/w122-h200/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.57.19.png" width="122" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />You can also get hybrid Skagit tips with differential sink rates. The 10' Rio example shown here (their Skagit tips are called 'MOW') comprises 7' 6" of intermediate/slow sink with a short length of T-14, which would present a mid-weight tube fly somewhere around 12-15" below the surface in a walking pace flow.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Leaders</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The leader provides the connection between the end of your line system to the fly. Often your leader will be a length of plain nylon monofilament. But on many occasions you will wish to fish your fly deeper, which requires a sinking leader to take it down. In that respect, note that it's always better to add weight to the leader before you reach for a heavier fly, because the casting will be more satisfactory. These multi-leaders of whatever name aren't interchangeable with the tips of the line system.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJSKR1-kxz97DlNMbQLFhxU96AIFijQmvBAOEwW7Y6NhR_PFc5K5oWZzZgx6Ta3Y-TuNM87ya87vWzqeYDPSUvcTkAdoZLN0TBA8SEWBNdQbndCogYaB5_2RkxXhQNtyUFd7SkS2CYqKQ0Q7WN1jAjwSuhVte2UWp9tsB-SMRN3D6OooPon5n8cXurw/s480/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.17.08.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="326" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJSKR1-kxz97DlNMbQLFhxU96AIFijQmvBAOEwW7Y6NhR_PFc5K5oWZzZgx6Ta3Y-TuNM87ya87vWzqeYDPSUvcTkAdoZLN0TBA8SEWBNdQbndCogYaB5_2RkxXhQNtyUFd7SkS2CYqKQ0Q7WN1jAjwSuhVte2UWp9tsB-SMRN3D6OooPon5n8cXurw/w136-h200/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.17.08.png" width="136" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The confusion in this area is driven by brand naming, in which Rio is the biggest villain. I've lost count of the number of times I've been asked to explain the difference between a Versi-Tip and a Versi-Leader. The answer of course is that the Tip is part of the line system, and the Leader goes on the end.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But no matter what you call them, these things are indispensable. With a huge range of densities and sink rates from Intermediate to Ultra-Fast sinking, you can cover every requirement and change between them in a couple of minutes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3Sjty_kYBTj7Ld8THdHwgrSp5z-nzDlKYZ0wlCaXqbSmDlBQEIE6tM8uwzp1nll1UuwQWrvIXfF4RkMjhr0x7Na80tdgEXg_TlQwenToX7LMnCUR2WvLbun7G8_UfoJvatV0gCKAHdv3nIErZ0VJns7UpdOCgSsqTQ4p_Giw5uP5QV2kS9EiJRnB4A/s572/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.16.31.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="408" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3Sjty_kYBTj7Ld8THdHwgrSp5z-nzDlKYZ0wlCaXqbSmDlBQEIE6tM8uwzp1nll1UuwQWrvIXfF4RkMjhr0x7Na80tdgEXg_TlQwenToX7LMnCUR2WvLbun7G8_UfoJvatV0gCKAHdv3nIErZ0VJns7UpdOCgSsqTQ4p_Giw5uP5QV2kS9EiJRnB4A/w143-h200/Screenshot%202022-08-21%20at%2017.16.31.png" width="143" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The Airflo PolyLeader is the biggest seller in the UK for lots of good reasons. With a wide range of lengths - 5, 10 & 15' - and of densities, they cover every base at a reasonable price. They aren't tapered and so don't offer the casting perfection of the Rio, but at half the price, would a Yorkshireman care? I've used them for the past 20 years and have never had any issues.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Some points to bear in mind with poly/versi/multi leaders:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The sink rates are 'nominal', i.e. they are measured in still water. Owing to hydrodynamic lift in moving water they don't sink so fast in practice.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Longer sinks further than shorter, but the short poly leaders are very handy if you want to get just below the surface in quicker water when your fly might otherwise bounce on the top.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">They are ideal for adding onto the floating and especially the sink tip component of a multi-tip line system. The trick here is to add a poly leader of the same or ideally one step quicker sink rate, which gives a nice straight continuum from the line to the fly, making presentation better and the extraction for the back cast easier.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The extra weight of the poly leader is a huge help when casting heavier flies like weighted tubes. Their extra mass and momentum in the very last stage of the cast will turn the fly over nicely, laying the leader out straight, meaning that the fly will fish effectively from the outset.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p></div>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-18632264722663352372022-04-21T20:28:00.010+01:002022-04-22T08:34:38.446+01:00One Week on the Spey - Chasing Unicorns<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeVbNiVC60lPnq6TPGSv-dB04NAK-1es2D4n3k52Ni0V5kfcKRM0NKJ2Ds7b3ZP2Mfx_BYGcQgnTR3qLtrBQIVDTFkcdlkVJmioDL4CbuI-GSDs4EOJyhodQA7XeGYcMGjGDvxaeyyOYz8SckVPqHYZSf-gJLLFIoVCfsj4JHfI2_Z3Yzyf0kWIMTNA/s4608/AFB47325-7F2C-4215-9C16-42DD81BD9380.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeVbNiVC60lPnq6TPGSv-dB04NAK-1es2D4n3k52Ni0V5kfcKRM0NKJ2Ds7b3ZP2Mfx_BYGcQgnTR3qLtrBQIVDTFkcdlkVJmioDL4CbuI-GSDs4EOJyhodQA7XeGYcMGjGDvxaeyyOYz8SckVPqHYZSf-gJLLFIoVCfsj4JHfI2_Z3Yzyf0kWIMTNA/w640-h426/AFB47325-7F2C-4215-9C16-42DD81BD9380.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Joys of Spring Fishing</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Farewell Tomatin</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Last spring we decided that the time had come to leave Tomatin House, the home of Just One Week for the past 20 years and the source of</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> so many happy memories</span><span style="font-family: arial;">. A host of reasons contributed to the decision, but the simple fact is that the core members of the team - John, Patrick and I - aren't getting any younger so postponement wasn't a sensible option. That consideration led us to increase our budget: as we can't take the money with us, let's go fishing! It also meant that we needed to get on with the search without delay.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We agreed some basic criteria:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Not critically water and rain dependent</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Medium to large river size</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">6 rod beat</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Respectable catch record</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">A good proportion of fresh fish</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Fly, not spinning</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Comfortable lodge sleeping 12+</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Access to extramural activities</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">August/September preferred but not essential</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">No midges!</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Armed with those I set to work. Along the way I was helped by some wonderfully obliging people who freely gave their advice based on wisdom and experience. I won't name them for fear of embarrassing them, but suffice it to say that without their assistance my task would have been 10 times more difficult. Very quickly I learnt that those were the criteria that everyone else wanted! On one hand that intensified the competition, but on the other, it did help the supply side. They directly reduced the number of rivers we needed to consider, and after ascertaining that there was no early prospect of getting onto the Conon, Ness or Beauty, the list narrowed to the Dee, Tay and Spey. Our view of the Dee was jaundiced by our experience of spring fishing at Waterside and Ferrar; and of the Tay by its size and the common use of boats and spinners. The Spey emerged as the favourite, and the challenge became finding fishing in the right section of the river. Again, expert advice was invaluable. It was clear that if fishing was available, there was a good reason for it, which wasn't necessarily favourable. Put simply, you could have lovely water, a beautiful lodge, great surroundings, but few if any fish at the time of the year on offer. Undeterred, I laid siege to the offices of all of the estates from Gordon Castle up to Castle Grant. Most were extremely helpful, positive and realistic. A couple declined to answer either the telephone or emails.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Then we got a lucky break. I'd been told that there was a reorganisation underway between Gordon Castle and Orton, in which Brae 1 would be returning to the Orton Estate. This would expand Orton from 4 rods to 6, and require a reallocation of lets. Here was an opportunity, which after a series of calls to Orton's outstandingly efficient estate office, became a firm prospect. They advised that we were most unlikely to get an autumn slot, but spring was a distinct possibility. I concluded that if we were to get an offer at the end of the 2021 season, it was essential that we could move quickly and commit immediately, so over the summer I briefed and confirmed the team of 6 enthusiastic rods. The estate put out its availability email at 0948 hrs on 15th November: I had been watching my email screen like a hawk, replied instantly and within 2 minutes the estate had accepted our bid for the latest week available, 3rd - 10th April. I was delighted and relieved in equal measure.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We knew full well that fishing at that time of the year was unlikely to yield many fish, and if the conditions were adverse - high or warm water - none whatsoever. Buying an early season week is always a lottery: our eyes were wide open and our expectations realistically calibrated. We were working to a longer-term plan. Anyway, if you don't hunt for unicorns, you will never catch one.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This post comprises a mixture of beat guide and report on our most enjoyable week.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Welcome to Orton</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXo_5acPHFieWc3R_J_A0uSK1vUZtL7GfeFZzneYj0UzJufWo4q7m8q5nl8CiMOxmPYtggM27SUwSSnfyy8s48A1m9OT0p433sywul6ICUnfUY63y7yYJiDpRDTHe-3p2z9ZRytDh-g_0ffaQ9U7E_ovmXqIKSKm6r2HWtCJMcNXh1HW8tWExsqI36RA/s1162/Orton%20Map.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="906" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXo_5acPHFieWc3R_J_A0uSK1vUZtL7GfeFZzneYj0UzJufWo4q7m8q5nl8CiMOxmPYtggM27SUwSSnfyy8s48A1m9OT0p433sywul6ICUnfUY63y7yYJiDpRDTHe-3p2z9ZRytDh-g_0ffaQ9U7E_ovmXqIKSKm6r2HWtCJMcNXh1HW8tWExsqI36RA/w313-h400/Orton%20Map.png" width="313" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orton fishings<br />(C) Ordnance Survey 2022<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At this point the Spey flows almost due northwards, from the bottom of the map to the top. The Orton fishing is located below Rothes, with Gordon Castle downstream and Delfur above. It comprises about 2 miles of left bank, with one very short 150 yard section of right bank adjacent to the Delfur driveway (the House Pool) at the southern boundary. In the middle section is Cairnty, the biggest pool on the Spey, some 650 yards in length.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Orton is classic Spey water - broad, fast-flowing and a delight to behold. It just looks right in every respect. Almost all of it is 'fishy' with minimal 'empty' water, which is wonderful for morale and motivation.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The estate is investing heavily in the reorganised fishing, including the construction of a new access track for the lower section, new huts and boats. The lodge at Garbity has been modernised to the highest standards and is extremely comfortable.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The commentary that follows is based entirely on the advice given to me by the Orton ghillie team, Andy and Phil, who supported our party wonderfully throughout the week. They were especially helpful to our two novices whose fishing advanced in leaps and bounds under their tuition and encouragement.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Starting from the top of the water, the major pools are:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">House</span></h3><div></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9btTpnj3VfHdSiGw0gFhfWkRJYMl2z3Y615H-8GHyPYxVQN2j_L91vO5_uLGXNjbPJplErPhXQ8CvHyTNCX600jnXQXVeUCO40M96eBpRjNAPzRVqynpZ9Woeeg5ZiLhUe1EnAXIGwC8oe8xho6MBLxMJABeluCndT35tU9o4pQagh5J-HlzI3ufu7g/s4608/3D084F4D-9A6A-400F-8C8F-34253ABEC4F5.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9btTpnj3VfHdSiGw0gFhfWkRJYMl2z3Y615H-8GHyPYxVQN2j_L91vO5_uLGXNjbPJplErPhXQ8CvHyTNCX600jnXQXVeUCO40M96eBpRjNAPzRVqynpZ9Woeeg5ZiLhUe1EnAXIGwC8oe8xho6MBLxMJABeluCndT35tU9o4pQagh5J-HlzI3ufu7g/w400-h266/3D084F4D-9A6A-400F-8C8F-34253ABEC4F5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">House Pool<br />Right Bank<br />at + 2' 6"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">This photo of House was taken from the point where the burn joins the river. There is a distinct gravel ridge down the centreline, which in higher water conditions pushes the fish to the near side. As a result you don't need to cast far (a relief in view of the stiff north westerly blowing straight into my face), but you must remain alert at the dangle for fish creeping up the margin.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The view extends to the head of Willow below.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Willow</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD7N6Ak4pTeK-UUgEZO9M4dFo47W4jV7pZXo-u0cZqT94mavgZA1gp9b1xfDB1UKwru5DN5HO7vdh55pDKAzC5-6OB9eCd4NiKOcSBe9yp2unIEz-3kti7d2F4LTl94xp3UdODJKQJ-wCWhtcNu3MuGG-Au0gBpzkePsTUPvmFcgB0gcnkVs8MWynlg/s4608/701E6D2A-3D1B-48C2-ACDF-0DAC677E500B.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD7N6Ak4pTeK-UUgEZO9M4dFo47W4jV7pZXo-u0cZqT94mavgZA1gp9b1xfDB1UKwru5DN5HO7vdh55pDKAzC5-6OB9eCd4NiKOcSBe9yp2unIEz-3kti7d2F4LTl94xp3UdODJKQJ-wCWhtcNu3MuGG-Au0gBpzkePsTUPvmFcgB0gcnkVs8MWynlg/w400-h266/701E6D2A-3D1B-48C2-ACDF-0DAC677E500B.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Head of Willow<br />peering upstream towards House in the snow<br />at +2' 6"</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: arial;">This rather indistinct snow-blurred photo shows an interesting feature of Willow that is evident in higher water. The main stream runs obliquely from the point on the right over to the left of the frame. The foreground is a pocket of slack water in which salmon hold briefly before moving on up through the faster shallower water at the exit. As a result you start by standing still with a short line and gradually extending before you move off.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VZOB3dTni-mDNwYmEb6UTjuKQmfDk_vzuAdkCd5_cN05xBhwOchxccvm0SfjZaWGrwifiZcNFx0kZUOhJ60hzN2ttXiNl-NoFKF3brgKbrIUqS1NrQng8tISgJnKOhrtHvT_uT-ZN7vzw3bzdShlkLbgkofZY9xBP5A9cZGB4i1Ikg4fyImm8RPPUQ/s4608/DCE191CB-560B-4048-8385-C400C8B5B0D9.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VZOB3dTni-mDNwYmEb6UTjuKQmfDk_vzuAdkCd5_cN05xBhwOchxccvm0SfjZaWGrwifiZcNFx0kZUOhJ60hzN2ttXiNl-NoFKF3brgKbrIUqS1NrQng8tISgJnKOhrtHvT_uT-ZN7vzw3bzdShlkLbgkofZY9xBP5A9cZGB4i1Ikg4fyImm8RPPUQ/w400-h266/DCE191CB-560B-4048-8385-C400C8B5B0D9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Willow downstream view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Once you go below the pocket the shallow water in the foreground pushes the running line away towards the far bank. However, the shallows offer easy wading, removing any need for heroic casting. I could cover all the water necessary without reaching knee depth. On the Friday I had a light salmon 'bump' from a running fish in the mid-stream: one of life's outrageous mathematical flukes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cairnty</span></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Pi2rpxooqG9AmSjnGBQrQw9mCZ7VZD34gBU_aVrKMVu6q41uNwwBBoFjpZjWgUfESArKtBdjWuekiLd2kFkYJeHprZLWvOoKoLtmt4njvBIFhzSPyq5xLsBgtcVX2icdruofrmZZfv6pqAedus8tbuYZQ730TcpsPrJzc8FSveXDhZ0CP4F3_KVDUA/s4608/96F11B21-A435-41B7-B2C5-FE48DA87F850.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Pi2rpxooqG9AmSjnGBQrQw9mCZ7VZD34gBU_aVrKMVu6q41uNwwBBoFjpZjWgUfESArKtBdjWuekiLd2kFkYJeHprZLWvOoKoLtmt4njvBIFhzSPyq5xLsBgtcVX2icdruofrmZZfv6pqAedus8tbuYZQ730TcpsPrJzc8FSveXDhZ0CP4F3_KVDUA/w400-h266/96F11B21-A435-41B7-B2C5-FE48DA87F850.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Upper Cairnty<br />with the Island in the far distance<br />from 200 yards below the top<br />at +3'</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Cairnty is indeed hugely long and without good ghillie advice it would be daunting and bewildering to fish. The far bank is about 80 yards distant.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In the upper part the pool is divided by a gravel bar running down the near side of the centreline. If you look closely at the photo you may see some of the surface boils about 15 yards out, extending for a further 10-15 yards. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In high water the salmon run up the near side. Apparently, only in the lowest condition do they retire to the channel under the far bank</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQw58xW55DLsmxfYxA0fgXjFYhRLD1h5RyhIOF2GpIiExZrt5IhrIwe5vteTccgE7IMUAQKvKjeTlW2tA8MCpqmlBkfeERCjI8nSnFknoHzIysBmWuLfyS81r2HsG5OAckSXCry75llMOax8OfQfx-9ql1x-0Glo7DNAeGvEhOGL0APSnKSMVkuHfM7Q/s4032/531E3462-0E95-491A-B250-688F0B6AB883.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQw58xW55DLsmxfYxA0fgXjFYhRLD1h5RyhIOF2GpIiExZrt5IhrIwe5vteTccgE7IMUAQKvKjeTlW2tA8MCpqmlBkfeERCjI8nSnFknoHzIysBmWuLfyS81r2HsG5OAckSXCry75llMOax8OfQfx-9ql1x-0Glo7DNAeGvEhOGL0APSnKSMVkuHfM7Q/w400-h300/531E3462-0E95-491A-B250-688F0B6AB883.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lower Cairnty<br />with the split of the stream at the Island<br />visible at the bottom</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">You can see where the gravel bar in the mid-stream starts to tail off.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">At this water height the salmon cling to the near bank, where there is a depth of 5 feet or so. The take I had on the Monday was about 80 yards beyond the tree to the left, and no more that 10-12 feet offshore.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">20 Pounder</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICXjgm5wraeA2lycbrwbKCeiOcmy4EIARJmPMgTPRIJzWU_QYqHnADhTDFe48RyXLS-7UtXj9OE75i5T5VslT3cFxGFpQpptWiaTN1J6jwb_Ik5RaTy9FkOGDw57c7d4ZG7hGKWcFp6GmfK0niia-PNuFbB-kKjjhfi-P40tz_H8rWdHASj-u08pu-g/s4608/F2352C4F-52D7-4581-BDFF-15795769CF62.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICXjgm5wraeA2lycbrwbKCeiOcmy4EIARJmPMgTPRIJzWU_QYqHnADhTDFe48RyXLS-7UtXj9OE75i5T5VslT3cFxGFpQpptWiaTN1J6jwb_Ik5RaTy9FkOGDw57c7d4ZG7hGKWcFp6GmfK0niia-PNuFbB-kKjjhfi-P40tz_H8rWdHASj-u08pu-g/w400-h266/F2352C4F-52D7-4581-BDFF-15795769CF62.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">20 Pounder<br />The left stream around the island<br />at +3'</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">At this water height 20 Pounder runs quite wide compared to its normal form, but the foreground is very shallow. The running line is between the centre and the far side, but is easily reached. In my enthusiasm to cover the maximum water I caught two gorse bushes!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">If you wish you can fish down beyond the point into the reeds, but I felt that the best water was at the top and middle and restricted my efforts to those areas.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Junction</span></h3><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUN8w00w57ue3-xu6WVtW8C5_ftWK1FT3f4PNgwCntPrXaX9ZZl8Y9bwfy51mijTLRERaoTtcYe5sHw162T6NoEdfjHdWLPhQRTNPC34ESHRaS-P1QDOCzQtRZFvLUJomtJm4yhvzFPOQqMLNSHgT91JYIeJ0_zX4VYBjV-idO-2KwEi2ydI_4ZlyeA/s4608/FB2C38C2-F827-4285-99E9-ED78722874B0.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUN8w00w57ue3-xu6WVtW8C5_ftWK1FT3f4PNgwCntPrXaX9ZZl8Y9bwfy51mijTLRERaoTtcYe5sHw162T6NoEdfjHdWLPhQRTNPC34ESHRaS-P1QDOCzQtRZFvLUJomtJm4yhvzFPOQqMLNSHgT91JYIeJ0_zX4VYBjV-idO-2KwEi2ydI_4ZlyeA/w400-h266/FB2C38C2-F827-4285-99E9-ED78722874B0.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Junction looking upstream to the bottom of the island<br />20 Pounder to the right<br />at +3'</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Junction has a wonderfully 'fishy' feel that certainly inflates your optimism, however misplaced it may be in the conditions. You start at the small point visible on the right, fishing a very short line into the holding pocket inside the fast water, before extending your line to reach the near side of the flow. There's no benefit in casting further as you are most productively engaged in targeting the fish taking the right fork into the 20 Pounder run.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda92eMDwR-J_8gTqo1vikWsFP_-bTTdiFiggAS1v6UvLWWNsyju-npZO0WHHwEbAL2qxNe6maoX1dBRDz14DxTB_Ryq75GvENBLgvUy9NPiyHXkyfIE7ki_NfkHb_r06ZB5ls3O6oAvLux9cHEx9gJwbdBu7EkIKwMzbMzu5mCTyxo4uXC_6dEB68gA/s4608/9D4999E3-0D23-4579-9BD3-4D0282EEE9FA.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda92eMDwR-J_8gTqo1vikWsFP_-bTTdiFiggAS1v6UvLWWNsyju-npZO0WHHwEbAL2qxNe6maoX1dBRDz14DxTB_Ryq75GvENBLgvUy9NPiyHXkyfIE7ki_NfkHb_r06ZB5ls3O6oAvLux9cHEx9gJwbdBu7EkIKwMzbMzu5mCTyxo4uXC_6dEB68gA/w400-h266/9D4999E3-0D23-4579-9BD3-4D0282EEE9FA.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Junction looking downstream<br />towards the croy at the head of Turn</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">Again, at this water height, once they've rounded the croy, the fish are inclined to follow the easy route on the near side of the flow. The centre-line is within reach of an easy 28-30 yard oblique cast. There's no merit in going further and sacrificing presentation for dumb distance.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqT7jvw36M1Ny8U4M9kIgnkXtc4e5G5so11abTY--IZ9VlYwQZTzxuV1HuExyIsOFEzmpJp4U1YxInsDQOc2GYmpkLj9exEcpI0qFYVhPSMEjqxteHT_CQd4Gt97oimcwjioJS1rBSTJhPYUcnwDyvRPTyj27gonpER6jny4SPYvJN4vUFql0p85XZHA/s4608/06504F84-C095-4F94-8882-BD3A25E853D6.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqT7jvw36M1Ny8U4M9kIgnkXtc4e5G5so11abTY--IZ9VlYwQZTzxuV1HuExyIsOFEzmpJp4U1YxInsDQOc2GYmpkLj9exEcpI0qFYVhPSMEjqxteHT_CQd4Gt97oimcwjioJS1rBSTJhPYUcnwDyvRPTyj27gonpER6jny4SPYvJN4vUFql0p85XZHA/w400-h266/06504F84-C095-4F94-8882-BD3A25E853D6.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking upstream to the croy, Junction and the island</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The salmon pause near the end of the croy, either downstream or tucked into the quieter water.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Turn</span></h3><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUL9cDfg1xu9Arsx7yNnJZvOpZ6FyUwYRU_BLQ6idGdYX6d-DqPdN6gwp_u5e3Q9wz-cs9V_dxftn4CTYvHortSXS7z3lpp_pGNB1zkqPHPdoc1VQIBePE1o_a_2WuVBxbxbjm36uHokyrvhciePgxudT2MtQYTR2xRwd6HSbE8MBW8nYXz0Hbw7SUg/s1600/8838BA5A-21BF-47D9-B50C-BE6ADE3C5D89.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUL9cDfg1xu9Arsx7yNnJZvOpZ6FyUwYRU_BLQ6idGdYX6d-DqPdN6gwp_u5e3Q9wz-cs9V_dxftn4CTYvHortSXS7z3lpp_pGNB1zkqPHPdoc1VQIBePE1o_a_2WuVBxbxbjm36uHokyrvhciePgxudT2MtQYTR2xRwd6HSbE8MBW8nYXz0Hbw7SUg/w400-h300/8838BA5A-21BF-47D9-B50C-BE6ADE3C5D89.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Turn<br />with the familiar Brae red cliff<br />at +2' 6"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">Turn, at the bottom of the water is another very long pool, running from the croy down to the point in the distance, which marks the boundary with Gordon Castle.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">it is extremely challenging to fish at this height because the salmon are distributed across its substantial width and the wading is restricted by the depth. In lower water the lies are clearly defined and more likely to be occupied.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Week</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcXOciD5HvcbQfcNTPsw-MvhC1YP8hzvnaeFI_h6uw98gJRc53uAS8x7VXlrZJAGDja3j8wL2D4iwnpcq8p71-MXfkuG_MHWGLO5bdQa2FyBzhkdN0CAgPrOlTTEAC9IazlLirDnPf-n8Jn0XcsltPfZTBd8RuUnqeeo7eYOOLNGeU9pyIFm0YoF6lQ/s4032/01CCFCE5-9CAF-4EDA-840D-CB3E1E91DA91.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcXOciD5HvcbQfcNTPsw-MvhC1YP8hzvnaeFI_h6uw98gJRc53uAS8x7VXlrZJAGDja3j8wL2D4iwnpcq8p71-MXfkuG_MHWGLO5bdQa2FyBzhkdN0CAgPrOlTTEAC9IazlLirDnPf-n8Jn0XcsltPfZTBd8RuUnqeeo7eYOOLNGeU9pyIFm0YoF6lQ/w400-h300/01CCFCE5-9CAF-4EDA-840D-CB3E1E91DA91.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wednesday<br />+5' and chocolate brown<br />A good day for visiting Glenfarclas Distillery</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After 20 years' praying for rain, lots of water and warmth at Tomatin, Orton required an abrupt full 180 degree U-turn. What we needed was low cold water to slow down the running salmon and persuade them to hold, however briefly, in the pools. In the event our prayers were 50% answered: the water was uniformly cold at around 4.5C but there was far too much of it. We started on the Monday at +2' 4", but the combination of snow, sleet and rain pushed this up to an unfishable chocolate +5' on Wednesday. Thereafter it fined and fell slowly, holding at +3' on Friday. Inevitably the fish ran straight through, untroubled by our attentions. Altogether we saw 10-15 running fish.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I had one good take near the dangle on Lower Cairnty on the Monday while working a 1" MCX Conehead on a fast polyleader. The salmon's tail showed briefly out of the water as it turned sharply and dived with the fly, but sadly it didn't stick, as is often the way near the dangle. It was disappointing, but it did confirm the presence of running fish and that I was doing something sensible. In contrast the bump I had on Willow on the Friday afternoon was most likely a moving fish just taking a passing swipe at the fly rapidly crossing its line of sight and not a serious take.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Despite the low probability and lack of fish I never felt that we were engaged in a fool's errand. This was new and exciting water to learn and understand. Moreover, almost all of it felt strongly 'fishy', so I remained focused and concentrated. There were fish passing through the beat, and some of them would have been pausing at intervals. The mathematical challenge was to have a fly in the right place when they did so, which was purely a matter of luck and coincidence. After the disappointments and confinements of the abysmal 2021 season it was wonderful to be back on a river and enjoying a wonderful house party with some of our oldest and closest friends. There was so much that was good in the week that I wasn't in the least downhearted as a result of failing to catch. As a result we've already bid to go back next year.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Learning Points</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As always I have no blinding or original observations, more a repetition of well-established truths and principles:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Even, indeed especially, on a river as big as this, thinking is much more important than distance. There were places where I was fishing with little more than 10-15 feet of line outside the top ring. Look for and focus on the areas where running fish may pause and hold, some of which may be right in front of you. Only the Turn pool defeated me for distance to the running line: everywhere else I could cover the right places with a 13' 6" rod.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The combination of a big river, awkward winds and nasty weather all combine to make you try harder while casting, which the exact opposite of what you should be doing, and I'm as guilty as the next man. More force opens up your loop and makes the cast less effective in the wind. Don't fight the conditions: it's more sensible to cast square across the wind than obliquely into it. Relax, slow up, take it easy and concentrate on achieving a nice crisp stop to tighten the loop and improve its penetration through the wind.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Be cautious: although I did very little wading, and none above knee depth, you still need to be careful fishing from steep grass banks, especially in snowy conditions. One slip and you could be in 5 feet of freezing water. I wore my life preserver throughout as a precaution: after the first 5 minutes I didn't notice it. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Out of respect to my age I tend to take a break from fishing every 30 minutes: it helps with fatigue management, concentration and focus on big pools. Covering Lower Cairnty took 1 hour 25 minutes, even with two good strides between casts.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Be prepared: if you're fishing with the air at 0C and the water at 4C, you need to have the right kit, especially if you aren't in the first flush of youth and circulation. I was warm and comfortable all week, although I did stop fishing and huddle in the worst of the hailstorms.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Enjoy the balance provided by friends and the social aspect of the week.</span></li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Good Kit</span></h3></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OJkORRd-NizcZxRcICsiyGt3vLSWejSurHtbpKnna6SFdTmANVj0mmJaNCBq54td5-Jn0pp24OvU1fLnaQseezofRIkXrfQtQKj0gNogzO_0bTSU2DbcuDOGHFoxWy8Fo0s5WZVX7jBoLueiO4VXlZnBflDaP0oPJsuJ7Ycu-oSdpFH6Xl4tY08B5Q/s4032/953FF3F5-139E-4F97-A708-37ADE64524C1.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OJkORRd-NizcZxRcICsiyGt3vLSWejSurHtbpKnna6SFdTmANVj0mmJaNCBq54td5-Jn0pp24OvU1fLnaQseezofRIkXrfQtQKj0gNogzO_0bTSU2DbcuDOGHFoxWy8Fo0s5WZVX7jBoLueiO4VXlZnBflDaP0oPJsuJ7Ycu-oSdpFH6Xl4tY08B5Q/s320/953FF3F5-139E-4F97-A708-37ADE64524C1.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Guideline Fir-Skin GX gloves</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">My one pre-trip investment, prompted by the weather forecast of freezing temperatures, was a pair of the new Guideline FIR-SKIN GX lined fingerless gloves. The materials used in the outer and lining are claimed to have all manner of magic properties that stimulate circulation and keep you warm.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">For once the product lives up to the advertising hyperbole. These gloves are outstandingly good. I used them at temperatures down to 0C with significant 15-20mph wind chill and remained warm throughout without any loss of finger sensation or function for up to 30 minutes at a time. They were so good that I was never tempted to change into my full neoprene Sealskins. As a comparison, my fingerless neoprene Snowbees are only good down to about 4-5C.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Fir-Skins aren't cheap at £37, but by the end of the week I reckoned they were worth every penny. For early spring fishing make sure you get the lined GX version.<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-55048845119649640692022-04-11T14:58:00.003+01:002022-04-11T16:56:46.893+01:00Maxcatch Skytouch Spey 15'<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCsEes0oJdq6wAV_kPWyAKEZI8JoSAWnZH6p2BAQJxc09wfpt8yP1emlhQoTxvDHUr8wN3MsGJgiJj5WnXGKLx7thRlmBL5aWnfdzC0eQoIftUMUded5R9HUOguHPABX2DgQcB6SZkVz4YKpBq1LZF2op2RMcB4PeZZCBvkMVjvXNoPEvsAAk6L2H_w/s4032/3A4DE28F-162C-4002-8C1B-BC7A1497EB5C.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCsEes0oJdq6wAV_kPWyAKEZI8JoSAWnZH6p2BAQJxc09wfpt8yP1emlhQoTxvDHUr8wN3MsGJgiJj5WnXGKLx7thRlmBL5aWnfdzC0eQoIftUMUded5R9HUOguHPABX2DgQcB6SZkVz4YKpBq1LZF2op2RMcB4PeZZCBvkMVjvXNoPEvsAAk6L2H_w/w640-h480/3A4DE28F-162C-4002-8C1B-BC7A1497EB5C.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My experiment with Maxcatch was influenced by the needs of a week on the Spey (the next post). For two reasons there was no point purchasing another rod in the 13 - 14 foot range: first I already have several; and second, it wouldn't add capability that was relevant to the Spey. So the logical response was to buy their Skytouch 15 foot double hander and balance it with their Classic reel. If I liked the combination it would be a bonus; if I didn't I wouldn't have lost anything.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I ordered the Skytouch 15 footer with the matching 55' head integrated Spey line and a spool of backing, selected the express delivery option, and the package arrived within 10 days with some added extras thrown in.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzboWjeeKzNxJu2Ohd-Dfu9QSBHZRSHBf-9bLuHjCWHxl20tRh1S3yKv8aR0fTT1cL1o05lh7BaI0pMKtAo6U6IVoM8OS6mQj5IVB2t8NmrUBbwx0HwPjR5YYpF-kmYetrKs0BmXYVEzQByYyaIef34O92wEHg6mb8PXu9aNpH-DnFGRsQFT1ixDRZmQ/s4032/3D802E56-D539-470C-AB8C-01356B5B0FAE.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzboWjeeKzNxJu2Ohd-Dfu9QSBHZRSHBf-9bLuHjCWHxl20tRh1S3yKv8aR0fTT1cL1o05lh7BaI0pMKtAo6U6IVoM8OS6mQj5IVB2t8NmrUBbwx0HwPjR5YYpF-kmYetrKs0BmXYVEzQByYyaIef34O92wEHg6mb8PXu9aNpH-DnFGRsQFT1ixDRZmQ/w200-h150/3D802E56-D539-470C-AB8C-01356B5B0FAE.heic" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The rod comes in a solid fabric-covered polythene tube with an internal bag, an external carrying strap and the usual zip top. The bag is light and not especially well made: the trimmings started to come away after the second opening.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN1HKJcUB-m0as612lS100U3uOUkBw77mfIaIzIkAxtbZkyfW_aG43A3r8FHsy4zbDgFjo8NSbP7maSfn7GVbgYR7zolGukcIAjy37Yj9bLLyKZ16xdoafYcSGtDiPYrnRqDjxP-BYCjqOetH0m93TVtwHy6gJ5YZiPVT0pdY_Bu3b5rV4uwhQd7dUA/s4032/C63F779E-00F0-498F-9503-9DF00A8050AF.heic" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN1HKJcUB-m0as612lS100U3uOUkBw77mfIaIzIkAxtbZkyfW_aG43A3r8FHsy4zbDgFjo8NSbP7maSfn7GVbgYR7zolGukcIAjy37Yj9bLLyKZ16xdoafYcSGtDiPYrnRqDjxP-BYCjqOetH0m93TVtwHy6gJ5YZiPVT0pdY_Bu3b5rV4uwhQd7dUA/s320/C63F779E-00F0-498F-9503-9DF00A8050AF.heic" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The overall impression is of a respectable level of finish relative to its £100 price. Mostly it's about on a par with the Shakespeare with some exceptions that I describe below. The bottom 12" of the blank is gloss finished, with the remainder matt.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiwu2dmjOts3CcHim2s3B9c_fo4XNOOSOpkCEIojuDcN79xQTRQBcJ8GBNB5k9zVPw8dQ5ZAkAw0ZXcIhn4fI89UblpsfqItdj7LgglT8S3FoVewnQQVx4-u-euI4dDhj2T0nat85UiIbgPTXbjKiKOHJM7xnd4MtMD4NlNy_LvwHRoBcczbDdRvIDQ/s4032/0D09E0B4-650F-42BF-8607-5176FEE64F4E.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiwu2dmjOts3CcHim2s3B9c_fo4XNOOSOpkCEIojuDcN79xQTRQBcJ8GBNB5k9zVPw8dQ5ZAkAw0ZXcIhn4fI89UblpsfqItdj7LgglT8S3FoVewnQQVx4-u-euI4dDhj2T0nat85UiIbgPTXbjKiKOHJM7xnd4MtMD4NlNy_LvwHRoBcczbDdRvIDQ/s320/0D09E0B4-650F-42BF-8607-5176FEE64F4E.heic" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />There are strippers on the lower section and standard snakes above. The quality of the whippings is good and the epoxy finish smooth, sound and well finished at the edges.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The basic snake rings looked out of proportion to the rod - visually too small and I was concerned by whether this would impact line flow when casting.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznXNQkk-xVsmuktOnC6iQCHibgqtPJFuKMYpUn5_Y4W5QOL2FOLkqGqStqfoFyr26Z_2DgbX-0a6jAY2AFC9d09pCM8Ho-QpvKIb9e2v42zK3UqaaeUt5SjpJsSG6yYM4-uwAm0NFbcdogvWAYuoSt3U8umjl46Pi55sPXVhJUDKDvs45ZDGEKnHVgA/s4032/7BECC2EB-C925-4D50-BF78-8A14C5349617.heic" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznXNQkk-xVsmuktOnC6iQCHibgqtPJFuKMYpUn5_Y4W5QOL2FOLkqGqStqfoFyr26Z_2DgbX-0a6jAY2AFC9d09pCM8Ho-QpvKIb9e2v42zK3UqaaeUt5SjpJsSG6yYM4-uwAm0NFbcdogvWAYuoSt3U8umjl46Pi55sPXVhJUDKDvs45ZDGEKnHVgA/s320/7BECC2EB-C925-4D50-BF78-8A14C5349617.heic" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Similarly I considered the reel seat too small and light for a 15 foot rod. It just didn't feel substantial. You don't expect an ALPS at this price point, but it is reasonable to anticipate fittings that are consistent with the task and the size of reel employed. The fittings are coated rather than anodised, which is a poor design choice: in the photograph you will observe the visible wear on the thread after just four cycles of fitting and removing a reel. The seats did, however, keep the reel secure during the casting test.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXYPOtXn7jTjd-TK0mSRqIvkWknOCKOnWY6SxBiV_09tF5rqlOI3V-LPfixjaatYtk7lSaxCUN4lpjzAiH_q_fah4WQ3jyUaIU-fSUz0i5nmLaI-5YIo6Ld4ruE9OiizOQaeLICaMvhKyzwdUSMq9zT6SafHjixIQ6hXUK616gAbiHTdaN16ycfPobQ/s4032/B0D8DE0E-3290-4EF1-AA2D-85EBCB7A833C.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXYPOtXn7jTjd-TK0mSRqIvkWknOCKOnWY6SxBiV_09tF5rqlOI3V-LPfixjaatYtk7lSaxCUN4lpjzAiH_q_fah4WQ3jyUaIU-fSUz0i5nmLaI-5YIo6Ld4ruE9OiizOQaeLICaMvhKyzwdUSMq9zT6SafHjixIQ6hXUK616gAbiHTdaN16ycfPobQ/s320/B0D8DE0E-3290-4EF1-AA2D-85EBCB7A833C.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skytouch + Classic<br />Balance test<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">The Skytouch isn't light, tipping the scales at over 12oz/350gm, compared to a more normal 9oz/250gm at this length. When you add 16oz/450gm of Classic reel the combination is close to 2lbs/900gm. For reference that figure is more than double that of my Vision XO with a Danielsson reel, and you really do feel the difference.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But even with the hefty Classic attached, you will observe that the balance point is 2"/5cm above the cork. The consequences of that would become very apparent on the casting test, but I was not prepared to add a further 1lb/440gm to an already substantial load to bring the balance point down to my hand position.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I took the opportunity of my pre-season casting coaching session on the Lord's Pool of the Ure with Brian Towers of Yorkshire Fly Casting to try the rod on water and get a second opinion. Indeed, I asked him to try it first. His first reaction was to the large overall weight and severe tip-heaviness. Brian is a professional casting instructor who also does rod tests for Trout and Salmon, but he found the Skytouch a real struggle. He just couldn't get it to respond, although he wasn't certain how much the line contributed to the challenge. After 10 minutes he was delighted to hand it back to me. After his departure - I din't want him to see me struggling and undoing all the good gained in the previous 90 minutes - I steeled myself for the attempt. In the event I gave up after 20 minutes, while making the following very personal observations:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The combination of heavy overall weight and severe tip preponderance makes the Skytouch extremely hard work. I could not fish this rod for more than 20-30 minutes at a stretch, whereas despite my age I can fish my own rods for hours at a stretch (or 19 hours in a day in Norway). I was physically tired at the end of this test, in a way that I have never been with any rod in the past 20 years since parting with those I inherited from my father and grandfather.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">I found it unresponsive in both back and forward cast. There was something wrong at the tip, and the four sections weren't coherent and progressive.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">There was no hand 'feel' whatsoever. As a result I had to think through and watch every part of the cast.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Even when accustomed to the rod, my best casts were much shorter and less elegant than my efforts earlier in the afternoon with the 12' 8" XO.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm well aware that double handed rods are a deeply subjective area. One angler's delight is another's poison: there is no universal objective scale of 'goodness'. So this report is no more than my personal opinion. There may be thousands of anglers around the world who love this rod and its combination with the Classic reel and 55' Spey line. I am not one of them, and nor is Brian, whose experienced judgement speaks for itself.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I could not in all conscience sell this rod. Accordingly, I gave it away with a health warning. It never got to the Spey.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-14327574976672953462022-03-01T08:19:00.001+00:002022-03-01T18:30:01.089+00:00Maxcatch Classic #9/10 Reel<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkVHb0bRyjxBfd8Cl0koK8Uzq3L-BrM3pgoBx5QVXYMeRxWtZufy1lHU58LXLqzt4Non22o_qzbokRmJvfRQL7OvA9b6s_sXgtHJGoGdLW3Hd_jdX8XP1BZDbg8mPgs2zumwQTUU-iL4oVJ2OqKha5WyIvlL_cfLAE43y395P91hcWDU0L_jOEFqKBjw=s1750" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1750" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkVHb0bRyjxBfd8Cl0koK8Uzq3L-BrM3pgoBx5QVXYMeRxWtZufy1lHU58LXLqzt4Non22o_qzbokRmJvfRQL7OvA9b6s_sXgtHJGoGdLW3Hd_jdX8XP1BZDbg8mPgs2zumwQTUU-iL4oVJ2OqKha5WyIvlL_cfLAE43y395P91hcWDU0L_jOEFqKBjw=w640-h341" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Two Classic reels<br />Back view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /> It is said that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery". In that case Loop should be experiencing a warm glow of appreciation of Maxcatch's efforts. However, I judge that unlikely, as Maxcatch doesn't seem to understand copyright law as evidenced by the comparison of the two sections of text below, drawn from the companies' websites:</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Loop & Maxcatch - identical wording</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><i>"The Classic is completely corrosion resistant and benefits from a new ergonomic handle design with integrated leader retainer on the counterbalance. Available in specific left or right-hand wind, each reel is individually numbered and presented in a handcrafted leather case. With their timeless old world looks and ultra-modern braking power."</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Leaving </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">aside </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">the blatant amateur copy-and-paste copyright breaches, the fact that Maxcatch don't number their reel or supply it in a leather case, and the very similar rear views, the front aspect of the two reels tells a different story that indicates more than cosmetic differences, despite </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the positioning</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> of the 3 little rivets above the handle being identical.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb28gH6mylX-zGieIVk5zHIZchfssIdLlmBc79bRrtzhxCBFKCoNhTDOYn6-oGyK0yBeyY8KUtBy9lTFqxKQpZxLk9r927XvTg8emiKA20p6kTtuxBAGE4B4vGp6ufOw7pbPe45f6B2QNlmj-Q4Szdr3Aw-OE2sAoYGdy6JzPBNFbKbI1xQx2E4yuhUA=s1657" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1657" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb28gH6mylX-zGieIVk5zHIZchfssIdLlmBc79bRrtzhxCBFKCoNhTDOYn6-oGyK0yBeyY8KUtBy9lTFqxKQpZxLk9r927XvTg8emiKA20p6kTtuxBAGE4B4vGp6ufOw7pbPe45f6B2QNlmj-Q4Szdr3Aw-OE2sAoYGdy6JzPBNFbKbI1xQx2E4yuhUA=w640-h306" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Two Classic reels<br />Front view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif">It appears that Maxcatch have taken the name, look and feel of the Loop original, but adapted the design to arrive at a similar but different solution. It's probably different enough to limit the risk of them being sued under WTO rules.</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The front plate design and handle attachment is completely different. Moreover, this includes an additional design feature shown in the photo below.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_C8Jjsf1qaNJJMJbHccuuDIAZ-JfS9pN05AST3UWgsVpwE8aU0srxVCMILqwhSmFIezT9kSUYGKGWNif0obY0OidvlPo5Wjron5uKYXX5V6C231gcAL8S3gUGHCmWfFVT9e4RfevQDRX2MiL0tHgzN5iUkrYwQAox_Q55paJZp8TdIpwZ6bLJxRv8ZA=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_C8Jjsf1qaNJJMJbHccuuDIAZ-JfS9pN05AST3UWgsVpwE8aU0srxVCMILqwhSmFIezT9kSUYGKGWNif0obY0OidvlPo5Wjron5uKYXX5V6C231gcAL8S3gUGHCmWfFVT9e4RfevQDRX2MiL0tHgzN5iUkrYwQAox_Q55paJZp8TdIpwZ6bLJxRv8ZA=s320" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">You will immediately spot the wide knurled external rim, which is optimised for palm control, and positioned on the same side as your winding hand. Given the width the knurling is probably superfluous, but overall, this is a very sensible enhancement, which compensates for one of the Classic's (of both breeds) design limitations.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">This is the issue of arbor diameter. As you can see in the photo, it's small in comparison to large arbor designs like the Loop, Lamson and Danielsson with similar line capacities. The effect is apparent when you have a large fish running fast. For every yard of running line taken the Classic rotates 6 times, whereas with the others it's fewer than 4. By the time you reach the backing the ratio is 10:5. This isn't a knuckle friendly environment, so the Maxcatch palm control rim is an extremely sensible and worthwhile design response.The photo also shows the reel's substantial main frame. The Classic is a chunky piece of kit: with a full load of line it tips the scale at 439 grams, or exactly a pound in old units. For comparison that's about double the weight of the Vision Rulla and Lamson Guru 4.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhG7GcEB5Wo5-s_tSrE8zLxDXHv1cpYMRULF85PpwafMatkfjw0sLJMAs1XN3d2fcIOCcGEulVC1g2aZC-W0pkJTFkP1l5-nCJm6M8plv6lWEbW0e4JCxDOoA7inVsuqJO7YVJWGuAEt_4V3bTxNc13u45PCismMyDjKDjtcVch_c3MtTenQ8OC_HP2Cw=s4032" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhG7GcEB5Wo5-s_tSrE8zLxDXHv1cpYMRULF85PpwafMatkfjw0sLJMAs1XN3d2fcIOCcGEulVC1g2aZC-W0pkJTFkP1l5-nCJm6M8plv6lWEbW0e4JCxDOoA7inVsuqJO7YVJWGuAEt_4V3bTxNc13u45PCismMyDjKDjtcVch_c3MtTenQ8OC_HP2Cw=w240-h320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Maxcatch Classic<br />spool inside view<br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">The external finish is excellent, although it doesn't scale the heights of machining and polishing of the Loop. There again, at £695 you are entitled to have high expectations of materials, engineering and finishing. The acid test in such matters is an examination of the inside surfaces hidden from view. In the event the internal finishes in the Maxcatch are very good, certainly far better than you might reasonably expect at £84.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course modern CNC machines produce excellent and consistent work, as evidenced by the quality of the hole drilling and finishing. There was no evidence of any roughness: just a lower level of surface polishing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Where you do notice a quality difference is in things like screws. The plate screws on the Loop are objects of beauty, but correspondingly expensive. Their counterparts on the Maxcatch are perfectly adequate, but smaller, less well finished and softer. One of the cross head screws that hold the handles and front plate in place, concealed under the large central screw, lacked surface hardening and had me worried when removing it. But that's what you get for £84.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjanP8z0hzU2zbV8yEy3TNxjEzapSlsqO8k36DPbme5aALAjuOv7wT1Gpk-ThbP4pdGUBC9FrOMf_4xAHny2jhEvH7u3VftRxyCG-x6BIkwA8dMMnjp67wAeeah0ifbrha7J7z-PD_FhnxIxyPIlPbQ-jsk-rhqxyoRlqGlXkI27IWJQ51NWZsP6snHwg=s4032" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjanP8z0hzU2zbV8yEy3TNxjEzapSlsqO8k36DPbme5aALAjuOv7wT1Gpk-ThbP4pdGUBC9FrOMf_4xAHny2jhEvH7u3VftRxyCG-x6BIkwA8dMMnjp67wAeeah0ifbrha7J7z-PD_FhnxIxyPIlPbQ-jsk-rhqxyoRlqGlXkI27IWJQ51NWZsP6snHwg=s320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Maxcatch Classic backplate<br />The greasy finger marks are mine<br />not the manufacturer's </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">The sealed braking system is protected by three 'O' rings, two at the back of the spool (grey and black) and the other (orange) visible here. I didn't feel equal to the task of taking the brake to pieces in the absence of any instructions. It appears that the design is based on a disc stack pressing on a circular plate located beneath the cover. The sales pitch doesn't elaborate on its construction or the friction materials employed, although stainless steel and carbon weave washers are a common solution.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Full application of the brake requires a couple of turns of the large handy knob. The braking is progressive, smooth within the limits of my testing, and at maximum, rock solid.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The spool and component fit is excellent. Everything lined up exactly when I reassembled the reel. However, please note that the central shaft securing screw is in a recess under the large cover screw (which you undo with a 10p piece), and I found it impossible to align it without a magnetic screwdriver. In all other respects dis- and assembly were perfectly straightforward. Instructions are on the website: no paper leaflets or tools are supplied with the reel.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoj_l6uZpKwUjVjY2UgPd4Zu6HYM6A_AF9-jBNyPsXONvlYwvuIxgErlL8_sNMDWUiclpWcoxzobW1jE9nFrkaSwkBE9BpcVMQ8iNP7sN88mqBCWj2lI-LhW6hZB0Bc-iyeKNANVqCYzg5P_1lokR_UspsRjIhWVGNXI-ny1jQ-UJMMnGdkUHY9tRhUg=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoj_l6uZpKwUjVjY2UgPd4Zu6HYM6A_AF9-jBNyPsXONvlYwvuIxgErlL8_sNMDWUiclpWcoxzobW1jE9nFrkaSwkBE9BpcVMQ8iNP7sN88mqBCWj2lI-LhW6hZB0Bc-iyeKNANVqCYzg5P_1lokR_UspsRjIhWVGNXI-ny1jQ-UJMMnGdkUHY9tRhUg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The line capacity is exactly as stated on the website. Here you see the reel loaded with 150 yards of 30lbs Dacron backing and a #9/10 Spey line with a 55' head and integrated running line. There's room for another 50-100 yards of backing if you choose to go to Norway.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Loading the reel proved that winding and rotation was smooth and regular. No lateral movement or off-centre positioning of any component was detectable. The spool sides were absolutely parallel, and tight enough to the frame to prevent any snagging of running line or backing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Obviously I can't offer a final opinion on the reel's functioning until I've had it on the river for a couple of weeks. But on the evidence before me in pieces and entire on the kitchen worktop, it looks like extraordinary value at £84. In the UK that money barely buys you a die-cast reel with an unsealed brake, and you don't get a fully CNC-machined salmon reel for under £200. Maxcatch have enough confidence in their work to give it a 10 year warranty, although I tend to be sceptical in a world where few companies seem to last that long. Nevertheless, it is a statement of confidence, and there are more than 2,200 of these reels in use around the world, which suggests that while anglers may be daft, they're not stupid.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Maxcatch Classic is going with me for a week on the lower Spey in early April, mounted on one of their SkyTouch 15' rods. While the chances of me connecting with a unicorn-springer are exceedingly low, the week will give me the opportunity for some proper testing and evaluation. Meanwhile the prospect of a week's fishing has excited me in ways I'd forgotten during the two blighted Covid years: Just One Week indeed!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I shall write on both subjects shortly, but I shall probably say little about my efforts to rediscover the long-forgotten art of casting a full length Spey line. Until then, tight lines - short or long!</span></p>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-657669002817413912021-12-19T18:03:00.026+00:002021-12-20T09:04:07.377+00:002021 - Goodbye, I'm glad to see you go<div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm not someone given to complaining, being a life-long optimist who travels (and fishes) hopefully. But I trust that you will forgive the title of this chapter, because by any standard, it's been a bad year, for which the Covid-induced dullness of 2020 was a very poor preparation, and it got off to a very nasty start. On Christmas Day, returning from church - virtue is apparently no insurance - my wife slipped on ice and broke her wrist very badly. We spent the rest of the day in A&E while three muscular registrars and a specialist heaved and pulled to achieve a decent setting. Deprived of our children and grandchildren it wasn't a good Christmas.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">A week later, I was caught out by black ice, went a purler, landed very heavily on my left shoulder and had to drive myself to A&E, where I was the 49th fall injury to arrive. A very robust physiotherapist jerked my arm around, and presumably based on the volume of my screams, determined that I hadn't broken my arm. I took that as a blessing and blithely assumed that a couple of weeks stiffness while the bruising came out, interspersed with nice hot baths, would see me back to full strength. My optimism was completely unfounded and the pain most unpleasant: 6 weeks later my left arm still wasn't working. I referred myself to the GP who instructed me to stop being brave and take Cocodamol, and referred me to the Practice Physio Team. After 6 weeks' experience in 2017 (see <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/07/raring-to-go-slowly-and-carefully.html">Raring to Go</a>) I hate Cocodamol's side effects, but at least it allowed me to sleep. A physio called Kev called, a former corporal of the Yorkshire Light Infantry, with a wonderfully direct manner of telling people what to do. He was explicit: <i>"I'll send you a raft of YouTube links of enthusiastic and muscular ladies showing you the exercises</i></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><i> </i></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><i> you must do at home. As soon as you can move the arm, join a gym, get a trainer and start rebuilding your shoulders. And, because you're old, build up your overall strength to help you through your older age, just. in case you reach it."</i> With the advice administered, Kev signed me off. The ladies were scary but the exercises worked. I joined a gym and hired a pleasant young man called Stuart with a master's degree in Physiology to sort me out, and by July all was well again. With Kev's words ringing in my ears I have, nevertheless, retained my gym membership.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeii7ucVjOMlfV40DbZC7uAhfomAFh4Svcjwnpzno8wT4jaXuF810EFhBiE6moiPgMhikiEpNuAyh8vICxVHLgx8WF4iM_8vMTXHH6b2NRXFJQLv9nxMLcFVS3v5PFtB6ixXTJFFluM0N6LK_z_0wmSeIFGCujo6VJJ8sS5sr7Cg2IN-1oEVLPzcV7Qw=s4000" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeii7ucVjOMlfV40DbZC7uAhfomAFh4Svcjwnpzno8wT4jaXuF810EFhBiE6moiPgMhikiEpNuAyh8vICxVHLgx8WF4iM_8vMTXHH6b2NRXFJQLv9nxMLcFVS3v5PFtB6ixXTJFFluM0N6LK_z_0wmSeIFGCujo6VJJ8sS5sr7Cg2IN-1oEVLPzcV7Qw=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helmsdale 2018<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The next injury was inflicted on me by wee Nicola Sturgeon, who decided to maintain an iron grip on Covid well after England had started to relax. As a result, a week's fishing on the Helmsdale in May as the guest of Tony the Master Netsman went down the drain. Helpful friends and acquaintances suggested all manner of wizard wheezes for bypassing the regulations, but based on my previous experience of the Helmsdale's climate I didn't much fancy wild camping in the snow at my age. Needless to say, I was massively disappointed: such generous offers don't arrive frequently.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqRnORk-LJXMeKkNCOvTRpBgQ3OX3wnOcB9adZcqRmfKmudixYDPVQ_P_eEAwtvuiStv0vkjLF3TgLD8e85mlB6CCi4n89T7pELi8ft54xCF9jKpq5SxuRW35kqZ1Loa9U-wf5c6y5_1rDtIxlbeITCfpwlx75TMZOKVesLcJ4A9GsNw2uG16SAMfCpg=s4608" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqRnORk-LJXMeKkNCOvTRpBgQ3OX3wnOcB9adZcqRmfKmudixYDPVQ_P_eEAwtvuiStv0vkjLF3TgLD8e85mlB6CCi4n89T7pELi8ft54xCF9jKpq5SxuRW35kqZ1Loa9U-wf5c6y5_1rDtIxlbeITCfpwlx75TMZOKVesLcJ4A9GsNw2uG16SAMfCpg=s320" width="320" /></a></div>While Nicola was being hard in Scotland, the weather in Yorkshire was harder still. April was the coldest I can ever remember, with many more mornings below 0C than January, bitter winds and almost no rain. Everything in the garden stopped in its tracks for 3 weeks and the Ure dropped to MSL. May remained cold, but it just poured with rain: by its end we'd received more than double the average rainfall. I couldn't get near a salmon or trout river for cold air and brown water, apart from one day early in the month on the <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2021/05/at-long-last.html">Ure at Sleningford Mill</a>, when I missed two salmon and caught a nice supper-sized sea trout and an (inedible) giant chub. My one attempt at trout yielded hypothermia within 30 minutes and an early retreat.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHDH4MfSl7SJRl-sPPUuv12nNnJ5b69eS5_ntrPGyzKP2Ua6grzSMUAh90bNLP3f1NxLgUbc8WpNgBGqtIjVdW2w6-WdcKdStccWWHXKpGCQAOeqYIaQDC1Oj5b5rJzBicny7RtUUnhXLvr5jtaqHsGfR_Mw8e6sKWKPmVYYPolVDfv6QsHLu37F0ejw=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHDH4MfSl7SJRl-sPPUuv12nNnJ5b69eS5_ntrPGyzKP2Ua6grzSMUAh90bNLP3f1NxLgUbc8WpNgBGqtIjVdW2w6-WdcKdStccWWHXKpGCQAOeqYIaQDC1Oj5b5rJzBicny7RtUUnhXLvr5jtaqHsGfR_Mw8e6sKWKPmVYYPolVDfv6QsHLu37F0ejw=s320" width="320" /></a></div>By the time we got into June, the Rye and Ure and my garden were running about 3 weeks behind schedule. The torrential rain of May stopped abruptly and we moved straight into drought. For want of anything else to do I completed a long-overdue reconnaissance and review of the <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2021/06/abbey-beat-river-ure.html" target="_blank">Jervaulx Abbey beat</a>, but had no real expectation of catching. With the Mayfly almost non-existent my morale followed the Ure down to MSL. A year of Covid-induced dullness was really getting to me before two brief flashes of light pierced the gloom.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb4MWVwSSnyz51rAtFXLNhu6UwRbwy5KR1Kg0Gryol9PWqYXO4hq7FaOMWKj9AWZNUKvg9BobF6MIIYMeSxJxI2IfKPKQVjX_6AcTPaUqjCgprWKD9tcjMWfFLrTVaSd9jWTaE5dO6v9cosklm9-oAb7WWmszqq2t43r-iX8V5n_zUrrBsdU4buTsBwQ=s4032" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb4MWVwSSnyz51rAtFXLNhu6UwRbwy5KR1Kg0Gryol9PWqYXO4hq7FaOMWKj9AWZNUKvg9BobF6MIIYMeSxJxI2IfKPKQVjX_6AcTPaUqjCgprWKD9tcjMWfFLrTVaSd9jWTaE5dO6v9cosklm9-oAb7WWmszqq2t43r-iX8V5n_zUrrBsdU4buTsBwQ=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tweed silver<br />Rutherford<br />27th May 2021</td></tr></tbody></table>First, TTMN, feeling sorry for me, took me to Rutherford on the Tweed for a day as his guest. I love Rutherford, and all the more since I broke my duck and started catching fish there. The day was almost perfect, a mite bright but the water was an attractive +12". Fishing Lovers' Leap just before lunch I hooked this sparkling 7lbs fish from the lie off the point on the near side. Michael, who is always on hand 10 minutes before lunch, opined that it had reached Rutherford from Berwick, 37 miles as Tweed flows, in little more than 24 hours. Having landed the fish, I took 3 paces upstream and covered the lie again: BANG! a similar fish came out of the water at 45 degrees with the small MCX Conehead in its mouth. Sadly it came off shortly thereafter. Undeterred, I went back up 3 paces, and covered the lie for a third time. A swirl 3 feet inshore from the lie told me that a fish had followed the fly and duly took. Sadly that one too came off. But three takes in three casts was a real lift. The losses underlined the point that very fresh fish have soft mouths, so early in the season your loss rate may be higher. The three takes reinforced the fact that salmon are schooling fish that run in company. If you get one, cover the lie again straight away. And the MCX was the only fly to catch that day!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUUq2_9msjuKVwMA5LrhHT39tmGZLNttYwzxXiKgVtrdFcsNlnGdFTRpS-ARnR1z9SBqDTCStE9YhJgfM4yeGHB7PRo_XawTCadJXS2JLOZWwiuXaPUOuV4NY6wb4cCCbKYzmk-afWgjyJ70neofDCaoNVp_p7Ftpd_cooRfm8JpsojpO1D_dgQZ__7g=s4608" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUUq2_9msjuKVwMA5LrhHT39tmGZLNttYwzxXiKgVtrdFcsNlnGdFTRpS-ARnR1z9SBqDTCStE9YhJgfM4yeGHB7PRo_XawTCadJXS2JLOZWwiuXaPUOuV4NY6wb4cCCbKYzmk-afWgjyJ70neofDCaoNVp_p7Ftpd_cooRfm8JpsojpO1D_dgQZ__7g=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brae Water 4<br />looking down towards the hut<br />9th July 2021<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Second, in late June a friend called to ask whether I would like to take his slot for 3 days on the Spey at Gordon Castle in prime time in early July. There was only one question:<i> "Do I have to walk barefoot or can I take the car?"</i> And so it was that I found myself fishing in the Premier League on the Brae Water. Needless to say, with me, the man who blanked on the Gaula - twice - being on top class water at the peak time doesn't guarantee salmon. And so it proved. The water was low, but not so low as to preclude running, and a steady 10.5C. Indeed, the bottom of Brae is within line of sight of the sea. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrItbhVL0QudMXbVL9RY74gvLY8oyhO_AQXhqkirjsyAerjEj6CWarFd04rla3e6_aJMnr5kTnYvHX3wCd7Q_x3KK76jC7URbja7dRC9yPNjXaVFy9mlkZxeYM2ZeJIw49I25v8DQgEXyNn4TW8W5ooD4AHMVnp_T5rLdBLcSJTPKFPusCGSOOmjT_rA=s4608" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrItbhVL0QudMXbVL9RY74gvLY8oyhO_AQXhqkirjsyAerjEj6CWarFd04rla3e6_aJMnr5kTnYvHX3wCd7Q_x3KK76jC7URbja7dRC9yPNjXaVFy9mlkZxeYM2ZeJIw49I25v8DQgEXyNn4TW8W5ooD4AHMVnp_T5rLdBLcSJTPKFPusCGSOOmjT_rA=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The problem was that the fish were running too quickly. It was a lottery: if you were lucky enough to be on a pool where a pod of salmon paused, you were in luck. One member of our party had exactly that experience, arriving at a pool to find it boiling with fish, and directly caught a 14 pounder. When the next rod turned up 15 minutes later, they were gone. I don't recall covering so much superbly attractive 'fishy' water with such expectation and not getting a touch.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWGRMhJIVYwBKPpkmc2bqe66lI2MI8f6DzPvo8mnHU-Bd9iG6dtfnwMzhUsPil5LEVaEGf7D136U_H9JsGQrpgL6Y-h6IL8n55PtnThdJNbjestfCTN1yUrSj_eDxVuIyccr-qPu1vhYbgkziJ9bgUYRcNSHyIwKFYnVrk1asu24WpwWbxPyL7aEyNDw=s4608" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWGRMhJIVYwBKPpkmc2bqe66lI2MI8f6DzPvo8mnHU-Bd9iG6dtfnwMzhUsPil5LEVaEGf7D136U_H9JsGQrpgL6Y-h6IL8n55PtnThdJNbjestfCTN1yUrSj_eDxVuIyccr-qPu1vhYbgkziJ9bgUYRcNSHyIwKFYnVrk1asu24WpwWbxPyL7aEyNDw=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piling at the top of Brae 3</td></tr></tbody></table>When the touch came I blew the chance with a stupid careless error. Iain the Head Ghillie instructed me to cast at a shallow angle and allow the line to come right in close to the rocks in the centre of the photo, and then with each cast extend the line to wrap around the corner. The most likely take would be straight off or slightly behind the point, and so it proved. After covering the first part of the rocks from where I took the photo, I advanced down to the bend in the piling for the next part. Instead of tidying up the excess running line onto the reel I kept it loose. On cue a good fish took at the exact spot. Following the Spey dictum I gave it the two feet of slack under my hand, after which everything stopped. To my horror I found that a loop of running line was fast around the handle of the reel, and in accordance with Murphy's Laws, the loose end was on the inside. What followed was a couple of seconds of agony and cursing as I frantically tried to regain the slack needed to free the line, followed by more cursing when the salmon failed to cooperate and departed. I was mortified that I, the paragon of organisation and discipline, had been so careless. There you have it, a full confession of crass incompetence.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFjiF-ZPZEw73i2xzAC7tmdzOx94x1oG_Hv4Q09UAL7Lv0Aq8S-I3_eT9Bt28tRhDOnlK3yG41v4qIwi0I7GB08y_ni1pfLK1Sx35EwwMz6W8XRKLFIzw_fLaGgsgWFta5xG5cmSa0PO9YymQB_BKkYayuZiMgGWPmebexM_NP8NlDretB7Rssc75UoQ=s4608" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFjiF-ZPZEw73i2xzAC7tmdzOx94x1oG_Hv4Q09UAL7Lv0Aq8S-I3_eT9Bt28tRhDOnlK3yG41v4qIwi0I7GB08y_ni1pfLK1Sx35EwwMz6W8XRKLFIzw_fLaGgsgWFta5xG5cmSa0PO9YymQB_BKkYayuZiMgGWPmebexM_NP8NlDretB7Rssc75UoQ=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flesh Dub on the Ure<br />October 2021<br />beautiful but devoid of fish<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Apart from a couple of grilse nibbles that was it, but the trip had been a wonderful elixir, an uplift from the pervasive gloom. The downside was that it made me more keenly aware that we didn't have a Tomatin week this year, and as the summer progressed I became increasingly and irrationally low, totally contrary to my nature. I was pining for salmon fishing and good company. The state of the Ure didn't help. The drought was just like 2014, except that the gauges went even lower. The one at Bainbridge went off line because it hadn't been programmed to produced negative numbers. All I could do was wait and pray for the weather to break, and hope for some decent fishing in October. Meanwhile, all the fish that had run in March and May were hunkered down in whatever deep water they could find between York and Tanfield. A barbel-fishing acquaintance remarked that the deep gravelly runs around Boroughbridge were full of comatose salmon. I was aware that presented a serious problem, because once salmon hunker down, switch their systems to almost zero and go comatose, only the most serious and sustained spate will wake them from their slumber. If we didn't get 6-8 feet of water for the better part of a week, the disaster of 2014 would truly repeat itself. Despite my prayers, the serious rain never came, probably because in Yorkshire there are far more farmers than salmon fishermen. It closed as one of my worst seasons ever.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWTLGfdFCJt3OkmM4dpbJTCQWEErBBz39Y2GtLWfwFCmTU9VswwkAApSjuKeS4gcwEfQ9OX6qpD0wAPC02XIH2e5kE_4tChpfx5nyFSb25EMt8_pW26kBQKRmJEyJZB0bsgfv3GyU3WgKqWpdJi6kZigWSsXROBbk-5NO7WCQ6k03WbywbG58HAhkP6w=s2669" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1779" data-original-width="2669" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWTLGfdFCJt3OkmM4dpbJTCQWEErBBz39Y2GtLWfwFCmTU9VswwkAApSjuKeS4gcwEfQ9OX6qpD0wAPC02XIH2e5kE_4tChpfx5nyFSb25EMt8_pW26kBQKRmJEyJZB0bsgfv3GyU3WgKqWpdJi6kZigWSsXROBbk-5NO7WCQ6k03WbywbG58HAhkP6w=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing on fish & ruining a pool<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I only drew one lesson from the Ure this year, which is clearly shown in this photo, of the gentleman - a charming chap - fishing below me. For whatever reason he was desperate to cast to my bank, without looking at the water in front of him. You can see quite clearly the lie through which he has just waded, one of the most productive on the whole of the river, and in this pool the running line comes up the right side. <b>If there are very few fish about, it helps not to stand on them. On average there are as many fish on your side of the river as the other, and most salmon are hooked within 15 yards range.</b></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJWMHpSO72fUWHktREfmpya6H0kbfZmYOGs7IjXZN0o9dHlnh3GkZJmRP_BKOZKiTmTKkeHP42p-10i9qWpzNBO2sYv2cVTf4AyO5mzE_0egX7eokoIJh9rEhi3sYRThDkShG1M_YLi_AASFyYxYppsysZGlCbygRMBfti3qmLqpZgWATdkYXD9k4vww=s4032" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJWMHpSO72fUWHktREfmpya6H0kbfZmYOGs7IjXZN0o9dHlnh3GkZJmRP_BKOZKiTmTKkeHP42p-10i9qWpzNBO2sYv2cVTf4AyO5mzE_0egX7eokoIJh9rEhi3sYRThDkShG1M_YLi_AASFyYxYppsysZGlCbygRMBfti3qmLqpZgWATdkYXD9k4vww=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amber & Purdy</td></tr></tbody></table>Then, to. complete my happiness, Murphy's 2nd law struck again: when you think it can't get worse, it will. After my last day's fishing I went to stay with my friend the Brigadier who had invited me to shoot partridges the next day. After arrival and a cup of tea I needed to switch fishing and shooting kit between my wife's car and my own. As I was going about it, there was a multi-dog riot with my new Pup Amber getting hugely over-excited. In the darkness and confusion as I was lifting the dog box out of my wife's car, bent at the waist, a dog hit me at full speed, knocking me sideways. My back immediately told me this was not good news. Over the next 3 weeks the pain caused by the trapping of the femoral nerve between two degraded vertebrae - which is in the right leg, not the back itself - got progressively worse, until by the end of the month it was 2017 all over again, unable to walk properly, lying face down on the floor with a bag of frozen peas for company, in an opiate haze of Cocodamol. Only shooting was capable of persuading me into an upright position, although narcotics and marksmanship don't coincide. Fortunately, by early December the pain had eased, so I set about weaning myself off the painkillers with all the joys of withdrawal symptoms of nausea, giddiness and a few unmentionable side effects. One that I didn't anticipate was a runny nose, which I dismissed as a light cold. My wife, who is unfailingly right in such things, said: <i>"You never, ever get a cold. Take a lateral flow test."</i> It was positive, so. was the PCR. Murphy had struck again, and somewhere, somehow, I had caught Covid. Now I am serving the penitence of domestic self-isolation at the top of the house, due to emerge the night before Christmas Eve and hoping fervently that after a dreadful year Murphy will give me a break. The trouble is, he doesn't, and there's no sunset clause in his 2nd Law.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As you might imagine, I'm not feeling especially cheerful. The whole family is due for Christmas, which would be wonderful after 2 years, but with all the talk of 'circuit breakers' and 'mini-lockdowns' I'm fearful that it won't happen. Moreover, it's challenging to write cheerfully about salmon fishing if at the end of a season you have only one salmon to show for your efforts. It's not exactly the hallmark of an expert, and the impact on my self-esteem and the credibility of this blog as a source of information defies description. In fact there is a good case for abandoning this blog altogether, because since I started writing at the end of the 2012 season only one year has offered halfway decent fishing. Over the past decade we've had one wet season (2017), one about average (2013) and eight droughts with rivers on their bones for months on end. Indeed, when I embarked on this literary journey I pondered whether such hubris risked creating an inevitable nemesis. Perhaps I was even more correct than I feared. However, if I turned the tables on Murphy and surprised him by stopping writing, might the weather and my catches of salmon return to some kind of normality?</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It would be very easy to give up. I did much of my best writing while filling the spare time on business trips to the Gulf, but as a result of Covid there haven't been any of those for almost 2 years, and there's no prospect of any before late 2022. It's much harder to find the time and focus when you're at home. There's always something else that needs doing, endless distractions and a wifely disbelief that writing is anything other than a frivolous pleasure. And it's doubly difficult if you've had a rubbish season, you've got nothing useful or original to say and it's been ages since you last wrote. I apologise to everyone who may have missed the end of season round-up and MCX's Christmas Stocking, which failed to appear for those reasons. To be honest, I've written this not as a result of any inspiration but rather as an act of defiance in the face of the urge not to bother amidst the dullness, gloom and darkness of the Covid suppressed world.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm still here, and a quarter of a million page views of Just One Week tell me to keep going. Thank you for your support and encouragement, and have the best possible Christmas in the circumstances. Let us hope and pray for a return to normality of life and salmon fishing. I don't wish to be importunate, but at my age it's getting a bit urgent, so Happy New Year.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Having got all that misery and self-pity off my chest I feel much better. Rest assured I will be back, fishing and writing in 2022!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-22091168133094616422021-06-01T10:57:00.001+01:002021-06-01T10:59:43.448+01:00ABBEY BEAT - River Ure<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF81MprPZfERfox0omFzUq3nmG9pyWpKrD5iCAx42sn9TaMOXI4KinetV9vUCwpINRmNCBX-c0JqR8yklfrN7RMZTYeAtaOgrdY1EmNVyZ4Ro7K2W8hQQEmRFakOR3JjnjKvS76NDo6SYv/w640-h480/7CE1BCBF-2B64-42C2-A54A-70BD98AC51DD.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The ruins of Jervaulx Abbey<br />The spiritual home of Wensleydale cheese</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF81MprPZfERfox0omFzUq3nmG9pyWpKrD5iCAx42sn9TaMOXI4KinetV9vUCwpINRmNCBX-c0JqR8yklfrN7RMZTYeAtaOgrdY1EmNVyZ4Ro7K2W8hQQEmRFakOR3JjnjKvS76NDo6SYv/s4032/7CE1BCBF-2B64-42C2-A54A-70BD98AC51DD.heic"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Abbey Beat comprises almost 2 miles of single bank fishing within the boundaries of the Jervaulx estate on the south side of the River Ure. It is bookable through FishPal. If you wish to have a ghillie, please contact Brian Towers directly on 07850727132. He is also an AAPGAI double-handed casting instructor, which allows you to combine fishing and learning. Some may find that especially useful, as the beat is right bank with a downstream prevailing wind, which places a lot on emphasis on your skill with left hand uppermost.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The main part of the beat is easily accessible by vehicle, including 2WD with good ground clearance: 4WD is only essential when the conditions are wet. You enter the park at the gate opposite the Tea Room car park and continue along the estate road until you reach the first track to the left, which leads to the entrance gate to the fishery. The track from there to the river bank across the meadow is clearly visible.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Note that the Jervaulx Fly Fishers have the trout and primary rights on this beat. Their members will be most active in the summer and at lower water levels. On a cool and windy May Day I saw no one else during the afternoon I fished.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The surroundings are delightful, with the Abbey and park full of mature trees providing a beautiful backdrop for your sport.<br /></span><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiSgUlKOCwKHd6IfnqUoqGCIbhOy1fU0p2NZXqxmQOB2ebZ5jq_AI0krBlKX3tomYigiFEQOqXjBGI-K2Vpkonu3XXOH6sT433udR_GvpkiApOrf187iqOatPGNBmb9rG8umW5lzsiV4U/s4032/D6B8BAA5-D55D-4C93-BAFF-416C5E886962.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiSgUlKOCwKHd6IfnqUoqGCIbhOy1fU0p2NZXqxmQOB2ebZ5jq_AI0krBlKX3tomYigiFEQOqXjBGI-K2Vpkonu3XXOH6sT433udR_GvpkiApOrf187iqOatPGNBmb9rG8umW5lzsiV4U/s320/D6B8BAA5-D55D-4C93-BAFF-416C5E886962.heic" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Harker Beck</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The top of the beat is at the junction of the Ure and Harker Beck. This little stream has a special significance for Ure salmon fishing, because it was here in the 1990s that a very large dead spent cock salmon was found, weighing 36lbs post-spawning. The length and girth suggested that its clean weight in the spring might have been close to 50lbs. It was the first hard evidence of the rebirth of the Ure as a salmon river.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtEz0AyakgdbhhU7bxtqEpncDYJuJ-l-iE25IvxZK7HGREzdPilzS0L9_o8KRUoUtsCfTusCjOMkOAf-qdlWzc1TKIZiO4O5Kp6ufl6zAliQtqkWGUOf7_6wF7VxDxyJxP2woCyfUSAM9/s1440/Slide1.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtEz0AyakgdbhhU7bxtqEpncDYJuJ-l-iE25IvxZK7HGREzdPilzS0L9_o8KRUoUtsCfTusCjOMkOAf-qdlWzc1TKIZiO4O5Kp6ufl6zAliQtqkWGUOf7_6wF7VxDxyJxP2woCyfUSAM9/w640-h480/Slide1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Abbey Beat<br />Pool and run numbering cross-reference to photos & paragraphs below<br />(c) Ordnance Survey 2021</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: arial;">All the photos in this guide were taken at a water height of 80cm at Kilgram, falling following a 2 metre spate, which usually offers ideal fishing conditions on most beats between Thoresby and Ripon. With 3 limited exceptions the wading is the easiest I've ever encountered on the Ure, with long stretches of gravel.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At this height the water is easy to cover: I was using a 12' 6" #7 which did everything I needed. On most of the runs you are fishing directly beneath your feet, and the longest cast you need on the pools is about 25-28 yards. With a higher river and using sink tips and a heavier fly you might need a 13' or 13' 6".</span></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrL75rrNjbHepWv-s69F8aqb0DdFVlbSsgNmR12LZ-G9dv3wpdEctu8Cveeu6h8Q3KfTFcn-Grr8qaNOFeSWoQT0fhL0gVOZqaq3pxqzVasYVZLq_7MJ6raKYGaoRCB2r9kRh_8qkaCFg/s4608/AD93C829-0476-4252-A8D2-7D38F8A8F5A0.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrL75rrNjbHepWv-s69F8aqb0DdFVlbSsgNmR12LZ-G9dv3wpdEctu8Cveeu6h8Q3KfTFcn-Grr8qaNOFeSWoQT0fhL0gVOZqaq3pxqzVasYVZLq_7MJ6raKYGaoRCB2r9kRh_8qkaCFg/w400-h300/AD93C829-0476-4252-A8D2-7D38F8A8F5A0.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1 - Top</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">1</span> Is a straight run over a rough bottom that starts at the very top of the beat, and extends for about 150 metres down to the head of. Pool 2. At the far end it's too shallow to be productive (see photo 3).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The main running line is directly adjacent to the near bank, and the rough bottom provides an ample supply of. short-halt resting lies for running fish. There's no need to wade: indeed, it would be downright daft to try.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38bNa0fyZ8QWtoFuy0scKV6oxxFKgRL-0fso1ACJufllD1zMXEWGbSCpH76pIstuudbOn6TKr5mlWFyHmzue7lZaj08OmO6m8_i4IbKGDwOWdEyXTAA9egb9LWEtRDNWexi5Ut7j6lN2G/s4608/ED57C712-FB02-47C3-982F-EB24A7E46CC5.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38bNa0fyZ8QWtoFuy0scKV6oxxFKgRL-0fso1ACJufllD1zMXEWGbSCpH76pIstuudbOn6TKr5mlWFyHmzue7lZaj08OmO6m8_i4IbKGDwOWdEyXTAA9egb9LWEtRDNWexi5Ut7j6lN2G/w400-h300/ED57C712-FB02-47C3-982F-EB24A7E46CC5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1 - Middle<br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxEmgL0G4PLf8naTp5NAXVvmVNbtQWjUZXGDOlJuxXG3Wd2_xjyx_ot7QD-CDYVDu8mKQUvpGHAe1RKXGW8UJzuYKhGw9xI2zg3rj3sYIdGBMo9BUUe_fd4H_sLzcZttkmg_OH-u6PlME/s4608/E90449B5-5BF8-42F1-A029-E6F4C3DD137F.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxEmgL0G4PLf8naTp5NAXVvmVNbtQWjUZXGDOlJuxXG3Wd2_xjyx_ot7QD-CDYVDu8mKQUvpGHAe1RKXGW8UJzuYKhGw9xI2zg3rj3sYIdGBMo9BUUe_fd4H_sLzcZttkmg_OH-u6PlME/w400-h300/E90449B5-5BF8-42F1-A029-E6F4C3DD137F.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1 - Tail and entry to Pool 2<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjF6I7i5MKhWbw7hVc2uaXbbcSoYUfHM_loxUALP9RbPmSLOYF7D-w5qwuXeo7RKDCuGpIg3XktjT0chS5u1wJsPughZUOHcY7ZAIdHnuJXYIhpSHu8YQe9lDDAGf5TiPN1rEu0rVoytn/s4608/19C5F0AE-C355-491C-A94C-1EA400B2D586.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjF6I7i5MKhWbw7hVc2uaXbbcSoYUfHM_loxUALP9RbPmSLOYF7D-w5qwuXeo7RKDCuGpIg3XktjT0chS5u1wJsPughZUOHcY7ZAIdHnuJXYIhpSHu8YQe9lDDAGf5TiPN1rEu0rVoytn/w400-h300/19C5F0AE-C355-491C-A94C-1EA400B2D586.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2 - Head</span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">2</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> is a long right-hand sweep with deep water and the main flow on the far side against the wooden piling. It's a delightful pool to fish and later in the season will undoubtedly hold good numbers of fish. The running line exits on the far side before shifting across to the near side for the journey up Run 1. The wading is very easy, but it's best to keep as far back as possible: covering the water isn't difficult and there's no point scaring fish in quiet water that clearly transmits the crunch of your footsteps.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tpnYWf9aFZ_7k0IW6Vn_19-EIQOhn5NyL_TctUEAQAvxBGVIvI-Es_pR4w0forLzSxPh9jINbDvcg9Xc5uOU7QfcbN5PdT-HjduelEVR32WNn7hfyV1YN5TUx1rPoDMzjn3VXMTw_mL0/s4608/512A29DD-62FF-4CD8-94C7-28C42D8E53E9.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tpnYWf9aFZ_7k0IW6Vn_19-EIQOhn5NyL_TctUEAQAvxBGVIvI-Es_pR4w0forLzSxPh9jINbDvcg9Xc5uOU7QfcbN5PdT-HjduelEVR32WNn7hfyV1YN5TUx1rPoDMzjn3VXMTw_mL0/w400-h300/512A29DD-62FF-4CD8-94C7-28C42D8E53E9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2 - Middle</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaetdt9CzZf1gfy6jraSqbiNjZ11Zwowd-i1zIXgzC3DWJLzsCO9PAPlN0cGNe9L5sogyG1UUdv54s_2UTswtHHaKFFmHibNgY0nTIrooYCFzLyNXUEYmNGKBFEstUFtYM_SM8JAGsHKb2/s4608/B7D9A95A-B3F6-4537-9026-AD190B8D3FF0.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaetdt9CzZf1gfy6jraSqbiNjZ11Zwowd-i1zIXgzC3DWJLzsCO9PAPlN0cGNe9L5sogyG1UUdv54s_2UTswtHHaKFFmHibNgY0nTIrooYCFzLyNXUEYmNGKBFEstUFtYM_SM8JAGsHKb2/w400-h300/B7D9A95A-B3F6-4537-9026-AD190B8D3FF0.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2 - Tail</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoKPLE3uaPPdz0mNdXxjjMq2qVSqE4J73mvmaq7zBith7o_8OpSxkcMWuwIYN9_HMm5H_Nsx1ddQAqCzd7IT1asmnY-osVqK2v9ZX3KedDSyUcH-4_S_Ztb8Flw0LLV28SIJcO7u9u1-d/s4608/4A502938-9688-4F20-8C05-C83EB43E7C65.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoKPLE3uaPPdz0mNdXxjjMq2qVSqE4J73mvmaq7zBith7o_8OpSxkcMWuwIYN9_HMm5H_Nsx1ddQAqCzd7IT1asmnY-osVqK2v9ZX3KedDSyUcH-4_S_Ztb8Flw0LLV28SIJcO7u9u1-d/w400-h300/4A502938-9688-4F20-8C05-C83EB43E7C65.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Run 3 - start</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">3</span> comprises a series of runs under the near bank of a long sweeping left-hand curve. Again, there's no need to wade and quite a lot of its length has a rough bottom.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-Xv0rOwmn_-gqM7z4mpIj9lM5kaUN7Ke0aIRDYO5FSwFzil1EBM-B2nrOCYtoGKOJ3E40O9ZHOgfnBWKfSArBziTUwiIY0yO_ZYf_USuWVPKATL6Cf5GwPPANp45BzmVctlKRuypdLlO/s4608/C8A0CC37-94CD-4DD7-9498-5A379184A0A8.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-Xv0rOwmn_-gqM7z4mpIj9lM5kaUN7Ke0aIRDYO5FSwFzil1EBM-B2nrOCYtoGKOJ3E40O9ZHOgfnBWKfSArBziTUwiIY0yO_ZYf_USuWVPKATL6Cf5GwPPANp45BzmVctlKRuypdLlO/w400-h300/C8A0CC37-94CD-4DD7-9498-5A379184A0A8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Run 3 - middle<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3p4Phl6Qn1fYinF62fWOOkIgjfomAUgIEvGlOJmWwSOr_Gz6gmbXZamwmdMSvqBiFDRuYXNqnqIbS0hoV218JMmtLzVBoJot3VE4zedMHG0Y8eN4L8mcdy1X9Mih_WTkLL7JRXZCxAnZ6/s4608/DE617E91-02BE-40BA-947F-021C02AA65D4.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3p4Phl6Qn1fYinF62fWOOkIgjfomAUgIEvGlOJmWwSOr_Gz6gmbXZamwmdMSvqBiFDRuYXNqnqIbS0hoV218JMmtLzVBoJot3VE4zedMHG0Y8eN4L8mcdy1X9Mih_WTkLL7JRXZCxAnZ6/w400-h300/DE617E91-02BE-40BA-947F-021C02AA65D4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">4 - Head<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">4</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> is a medium-sized pool at the bottom of Run 3 that bends right into a straight quiet stretch.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lALEF0PNLThSBqQSg8HkuOmcBLpJ09QmKBChocMYY2ozkfVe-Cc0SnCKdveBRCcHeuluWbERrf8tKlad7H0HFqHGkRY4qb9uYyFlXMPhmwY8c_uRYY1bbZ8sHwRtO83_7hs4BSlcLHI3/s4608/D8CAC98B-CD70-4F3E-B3DA-52315E1C37A8.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lALEF0PNLThSBqQSg8HkuOmcBLpJ09QmKBChocMYY2ozkfVe-Cc0SnCKdveBRCcHeuluWbERrf8tKlad7H0HFqHGkRY4qb9uYyFlXMPhmwY8c_uRYY1bbZ8sHwRtO83_7hs4BSlcLHI3/w400-h300/D8CAC98B-CD70-4F3E-B3DA-52315E1C37A8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">4 - Exit<br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu7icIl3WZ_e19nQBnaqcf2gn6L4izZVITT7TUhDFQ6rns4OIrTsdSyrHm064o8vBGFJLMPhzip9ZlKMY4odWR5ezwYvZA9BrkuWIb1ZyCxkIg8tUEcwrES8CZ064aC2HROdVhcLshkxS/s4608/83EF9577-306B-47BA-A90D-6542BDCD6EE9.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu7icIl3WZ_e19nQBnaqcf2gn6L4izZVITT7TUhDFQ6rns4OIrTsdSyrHm064o8vBGFJLMPhzip9ZlKMY4odWR5ezwYvZA9BrkuWIb1ZyCxkIg8tUEcwrES8CZ064aC2HROdVhcLshkxS/w400-h300/83EF9577-306B-47BA-A90D-6542BDCD6EE9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">5</span> comprises a long section of runs split by gravel bars, with some very interesting pots and holding areas. it has a very 'fishy' feel and could well be productive when there are more fish in the river.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBAvofabM3pb41_5gki85DoYq_sriz_2howqBAn7VpTUrNcWqIDMNCIr-oFXRhiQDa4_w8nO8NkLdDeu6H8EjhwkJRh9NJoSxCNIJ-SRZ41vYmN8gfPi5fQLEXI9l7v0MVaqYcNDPuXq4/s4608/7641E13E-AD70-428A-909B-FC92657843B8.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBAvofabM3pb41_5gki85DoYq_sriz_2howqBAn7VpTUrNcWqIDMNCIr-oFXRhiQDa4_w8nO8NkLdDeu6H8EjhwkJRh9NJoSxCNIJ-SRZ41vYmN8gfPi5fQLEXI9l7v0MVaqYcNDPuXq4/w400-h300/7641E13E-AD70-428A-909B-FC92657843B8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiky2xFKHzis6n-2CjwSaCBW7PXqRzsnRAVtgLfpEUpMTZzsROnw3GeOoCAFg3-1vrHK3E8_zR3XA9E5GUChQFji8PZE0Mj0U9iRcyuo7XngRpC-R0kwpHvNbsMmz5nLgjO1hl4ef6tQgGX/s4608/A54ED1C7-2333-4E52-B9CA-1859D74CCB4F.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiky2xFKHzis6n-2CjwSaCBW7PXqRzsnRAVtgLfpEUpMTZzsROnw3GeOoCAFg3-1vrHK3E8_zR3XA9E5GUChQFji8PZE0Mj0U9iRcyuo7XngRpC-R0kwpHvNbsMmz5nLgjO1hl4ef6tQgGX/w400-h300/A54ED1C7-2333-4E52-B9CA-1859D74CCB4F.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">5 - Lower end<br />Fishing from 8 feet above the water<br />Keep back and kneel down to avoid sky lining<br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNhZuOLQbmm5dUIS7CsQtjKAlqR2J2prCZI4l9Q7L0zstE5F302fiWlR1vXTAPnJneEKWhzzvjKqm6Qw602tl92bLjLerXpGwSSMJ_r9LHj6oP9X_4Rv4eAq6skEk7URQhuq9Hk1z3OfL/s4608/28312AED-8948-4A14-8FAF-68720277198A.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNhZuOLQbmm5dUIS7CsQtjKAlqR2J2prCZI4l9Q7L0zstE5F302fiWlR1vXTAPnJneEKWhzzvjKqm6Qw602tl92bLjLerXpGwSSMJ_r9LHj6oP9X_4Rv4eAq6skEk7URQhuq9Hk1z3OfL/w400-h300/28312AED-8948-4A14-8FAF-68720277198A.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">5 - Lower, looking back upstream<br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjGWSmf6YZ_gDHFkSwDTbGOCU6N3eViUwC5yWsL_w2tRG2VeudLBXcNa5PVKL_gOxn-0qLS8Wdbs_4-Pm1TXunEtEbwsVzTZ97XcHu7G7-HMZkut81gVkgnll5NIkqpy7TYY431fyaYyw/s4608/7B81256D-A3F1-483F-A7CF-B03DBC2A28A9.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjGWSmf6YZ_gDHFkSwDTbGOCU6N3eViUwC5yWsL_w2tRG2VeudLBXcNa5PVKL_gOxn-0qLS8Wdbs_4-Pm1TXunEtEbwsVzTZ97XcHu7G7-HMZkut81gVkgnll5NIkqpy7TYY431fyaYyw/w400-h300/7B81256D-A3F1-483F-A7CF-B03DBC2A28A9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">6 - Head</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">6</span> is a pleasant pool formed on a right-hand bend with plenty of holding capacity and a good flow.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQYBfZhoJiaFY_uEkSgU0Zi1iz_s0tTDgwQoxoTLSq9MjWYTsfRo6wKZStaU04vQDL1RGXw2PvsHwqkYXygjQ3v5w5otyw2ta_qkSnDPT1bc6Q1ZykX6PAUvgTiY5c9kiB-a3HrXV0uGh/s4608/A138C76B-3116-4ED2-8FC6-80795F8001BC.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQYBfZhoJiaFY_uEkSgU0Zi1iz_s0tTDgwQoxoTLSq9MjWYTsfRo6wKZStaU04vQDL1RGXw2PvsHwqkYXygjQ3v5w5otyw2ta_qkSnDPT1bc6Q1ZykX6PAUvgTiY5c9kiB-a3HrXV0uGh/w400-h300/A138C76B-3116-4ED2-8FC6-80795F8001BC.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">6 - Middle & Tail<br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGHwIVhQd1NG037frJt42oAMPLeu6bLed5VMeroclJZHIiTsZRKut7ADeS-epVzf60sLn8kSbp4a5fuMcsfmzqrkIw31mzl-vmu0bKUbPrR7ZEbBrvTg9HIkKsqFWP-waFA9leIfwOtML/s4608/AC4B1DAA-7C10-45B2-A7BA-37F330E7D2C4.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGHwIVhQd1NG037frJt42oAMPLeu6bLed5VMeroclJZHIiTsZRKut7ADeS-epVzf60sLn8kSbp4a5fuMcsfmzqrkIw31mzl-vmu0bKUbPrR7ZEbBrvTg9HIkKsqFWP-waFA9leIfwOtML/w400-h300/AC4B1DAA-7C10-45B2-A7BA-37F330E7D2C4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">7 - Middle</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">7</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> is a large pool formed on a right-hand bend which looks like a good holding area. It's easy to cover, and although the wading is somewhat stony near the head there's no point going out more than you need for a good D-loop.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0GC6T19JUXAHWYcI4AzEJK3O5UQ8rR3NDunY2m11wfcC1uJa5uv2vhLwZz3JdsKpZzICnR_QzbJBvymxoNYMpEtZI4y0Q542jsdTn0mVBGsCsYjk5m8gRsSNLfx1Boz87fNcEkQ0wTZF/s4608/CF52A3CB-D0CF-4AED-90CD-4DF9514555C4.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0GC6T19JUXAHWYcI4AzEJK3O5UQ8rR3NDunY2m11wfcC1uJa5uv2vhLwZz3JdsKpZzICnR_QzbJBvymxoNYMpEtZI4y0Q542jsdTn0mVBGsCsYjk5m8gRsSNLfx1Boz87fNcEkQ0wTZF/w400-h300/CF52A3CB-D0CF-4AED-90CD-4DF9514555C4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">8 - Head</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">8</span> is a deep channel created by the intrusion of a large bank of gravel on the near bank. I felt that I had a significant chance of a fish here, so fished it thoroughly. In the event that yielded 2 large brown trout, but I would fancy my chances here come September. </span><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YXTT56nHuNTprMW-d9XJpu2y6oMFQfKogEX6ypusne1F7e_olH_4fX1IM8mlQJYjryblKs0xUk3vduhyphenhyphenGcJ4GOc1wFQtpY_2o_NLQdRzvHeIELiErYwjBaqoatj_joj912TtILS_Y1_2/s4608/308FA6F1-B003-427B-AA29-DF90340B1D42.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YXTT56nHuNTprMW-d9XJpu2y6oMFQfKogEX6ypusne1F7e_olH_4fX1IM8mlQJYjryblKs0xUk3vduhyphenhyphenGcJ4GOc1wFQtpY_2o_NLQdRzvHeIELiErYwjBaqoatj_joj912TtILS_Y1_2/w400-h300/308FA6F1-B003-427B-AA29-DF90340B1D42.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">8 - Looking down from middle to tail</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcfQ8nMVA_6uG7QeBNIvT4XPVsX4huGbVenpX6NDO5TzroIlTRaI6F9TipuLBeCjgYJK6HSidR2zh5qjLrmkkgo4OHPZIt_VCAxy-r-pPdCGLWq6KbVCxqxo6jIGSx3N7XBl2QR-IUp8L/s4608/FCB63EBD-BB6E-4E75-9606-B64A891B03A7.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcfQ8nMVA_6uG7QeBNIvT4XPVsX4huGbVenpX6NDO5TzroIlTRaI6F9TipuLBeCjgYJK6HSidR2zh5qjLrmkkgo4OHPZIt_VCAxy-r-pPdCGLWq6KbVCxqxo6jIGSx3N7XBl2QR-IUp8L/w400-h300/FCB63EBD-BB6E-4E75-9606-B64A891B03A7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Below 8 - the end of the easy fishing</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">Once you reach the end of 8 the banks become heavily treed with overhanging willows. A quick scan of Google Earth shows that there are only a few open spaces between here and the bottom of the beat at Kilgram Bridge. In any even going beyond here probably involves driving back to the estate road in the park as I couldn't see a gateway through the hedge-line that runs from the right side of this view.</span><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-91582616090091526112021-05-13T17:50:00.000+01:002021-05-13T17:50:12.783+01:00Vision Salmon Hero<h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AqKHtcf08gOR8KfXenn2TuG_nGDKfB4fODArNYvPSkFKlAcVdSbupMdjPEU3ulbUIokPSGnZ2SGlgSjePDiCwH3ym23NPVvBxM8TlhCDRRokanL0q8NwNPmNEBp9EQd63mE_U-KnmgCs/s4032/B37F45CC-8C20-4EED-8A6B-16CA4B010B91_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AqKHtcf08gOR8KfXenn2TuG_nGDKfB4fODArNYvPSkFKlAcVdSbupMdjPEU3ulbUIokPSGnZ2SGlgSjePDiCwH3ym23NPVvBxM8TlhCDRRokanL0q8NwNPmNEBp9EQd63mE_U-KnmgCs/w640-h480/B37F45CC-8C20-4EED-8A6B-16CA4B010B91_1_201_a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Moving Targets</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Looking back over the past decade or so of Just One Week, it always seems to be the case that no sooner have I tested and reviewed a Vision rod than it becomes obsolete and is withdrawn from sale. I've got used to it now and it hasn't put me off trying new rods and writing about them. In the 2021 product cycle there are some real surprises. Over the past year Vision has completely changed its range of double-handed rods:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The premium XO has been succeeded by the XO Graphene, with the same name, style, finish and performance</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The long-serving Tool has finally been retired</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The entry level Onki range has been reduced to single-handed only, pending stock run-down</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The six-piece Sisu Siks remains, but will probably end shortly</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The price-point positioning and range below the XO has been shifted and dramatically focused:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The <b>Custom</b> series, pitched at £700 - £850, comprises 4 general purpose salmon rods at 13, 14, 15 and 16 feet; and two specialist Skagit rods of around 13' 6". The Custom range hasn't yet arrived in UK, but is scheduled for delivery in late May. In that respect it's worth noting that Vision are not alone in having supply timing issues - presumably owed to the effects of Covid on supply chains - as Sage's new entry level double handers won't be available until after the season has ended.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The <b>Hero</b> is now their entry-level range, comprising just two rods, an 11' 2" #7 switch at £399, and a 13' 7" #8 general purpose at £449. Both are now available in UK, and as soon as I could I got hold of a 13' 7" to try out.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial;">After last week's left-handed session at Sleningford I was keen to blow the cobwebs out of my right handed casting, so I booked a lesson with Brian Towers and the rest of the day on Thoresby, which would allow me to achieve the double purpose of practice and trying the Hero.</span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hero - First Impressions</span></h3></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrbLkktn_ct4HB7Z49YYoaRejzhBH8-aKEQrI2KdNLl8scGJ3dLO9AJcPpmYfeYWabJjJthXd4kJPlPJ2_EgWiHFqoPZCcKxgY39JEzqKxRsFx7dYtjxPBf7z8zcSX5AR7ZEf7W2hCJ_n/s4032/4FA5856A-A28A-4CD8-8D54-68C35AF0DC3E_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrbLkktn_ct4HB7Z49YYoaRejzhBH8-aKEQrI2KdNLl8scGJ3dLO9AJcPpmYfeYWabJjJthXd4kJPlPJ2_EgWiHFqoPZCcKxgY39JEzqKxRsFx7dYtjxPBf7z8zcSX5AR7ZEf7W2hCJ_n/s320/4FA5856A-A28A-4CD8-8D54-68C35AF0DC3E_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Continuing Vision's long established tradition of eccentric presentation, the Hero comes in a cheerful primrose yellow tube with internal sub-dividers. You're not likely to leave it behind! Nevertheless, the cheerful colour is entirely in keeping with the Hero's happy demeanour and what it does for the user's morale.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xvCFqIzAzpBp62aqZr27t3h2vfqS00CF2nPujkX9MC4EcOW7gQuZkGuhs5Hb2JfhMHTFqiwsUW68xLHhHlWrylEmCbRqUOwJoCN10x-UvDu9MmiZZUixIMEzdNsQ2C9SNj1MLaA-LD5H/s4032/929FB1C1-DBFB-47D9-A329-E31F770477E9_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xvCFqIzAzpBp62aqZr27t3h2vfqS00CF2nPujkX9MC4EcOW7gQuZkGuhs5Hb2JfhMHTFqiwsUW68xLHhHlWrylEmCbRqUOwJoCN10x-UvDu9MmiZZUixIMEzdNsQ2C9SNj1MLaA-LD5H/s320/929FB1C1-DBFB-47D9-A329-E31F770477E9_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The down-locking reel seat is a value engineered version of the design found on the XO. The main nut is easy to screw down tightly on the coated thread, and the locking nut does its job simply and efficiently. The combination provides a bullet proof hold on the reel: there wasn't even a hint of movement at the end of a day's casting.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The coated thread is silent and smooth in operation. Altogether it amounts to an outstanding reel seat that approaches the Alps in quality and function.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The cork is at the standard you would expect at this price point - neat, well finished and with a moderate amount of filler.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif29tDiTCx1LBGTpOcpuValIo7qsnLmarbszBqTBgt652mmpa-X8EqqJo9dhV8YNun75P32O3VcqpOXwBQk0n6_JymjjaOz89HjAIVuDo0kq8eUaSRM0Cv_0VInRnWRsDOyzkfljQt18lE/s4032/0D7E0BDA-65D5-4445-B05D-8BB12F5C7DDE_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif29tDiTCx1LBGTpOcpuValIo7qsnLmarbszBqTBgt652mmpa-X8EqqJo9dhV8YNun75P32O3VcqpOXwBQk0n6_JymjjaOz89HjAIVuDo0kq8eUaSRM0Cv_0VInRnWRsDOyzkfljQt18lE/s320/0D7E0BDA-65D5-4445-B05D-8BB12F5C7DDE_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The appearance is understated in every respect. The blank is semi-translucent black, and like the XO, has an un-machined surface. The effect at distance is gloss black. The whippings are neat and well finished with epoxy. There are two stripper rings and the remainder are chrome snakes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The rod balances nicely with a reel in the range 230-260 grams: during the day I used a variety - Lamson Guru 4, Vision Rulla and Danielsson L5W #8/12 - all of which were in the ideal weight span.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">it's interesting to bear in mind that 13' 7" has a long pedigree as a Vision idiosyncracy, featuring in the Nite and Cult predecessors. The profile of the Hero's blank bears a close resemblance to the Cult 13' 7". Certainly the ferrules match (I had my Cult in the car). However, the blank walls are substantially thinner, at least 10-15% and possibly more, which shows how there has been progressive trickle-down of the new resins from the premium ranges. As a result the Hero is much lighter in the hand than the Cult, and feels correspondingly more lively.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On the Water</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I tried a wide variety of lines with roll, single Spey, Snap T, Snake Roll and Double Spey casts, albeit I encountered some serious problems with my injured left shoulder in the Double Spey:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><u>Scandi</u></b>. The rod has a wide weight window of 30 - 38 grams. In the event the middle figure of 34 grams proved absolutely delightful, loading the rod fully and responding nicely with every cast, from short range rolls to full distance Single Spey. I was able to cover the entire fishing width of the tail section of Frodle Dub without any wading. Performance with a 38 gram line was competent but dull in comparison with the joys of the 34 gram.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><u>Skagit</u></b>. The Hero was in its element with the Skagit, loading down to its boots before sending 10 feet of T11 and a brass tube the full width of Frodle Dub with minimal effort. It also performed very well in extracting the sunken head from a slack back-eddy. I didn't have the specified 580 grain line, but it was equally competent with both 550 and 600 grain lines.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><u>Sinking Head</u></b>. Alan Maughan always held that extracting a sinking head was one of the most searching tests of a rod, in which strongly tip-raised actions were often found wanting. The test line was an over-weight #9/10 Guideline 3D S3 with a 2" copper conehead tube. The Hero rolled it up neatly before despatching a good single Spey. I suspect that the Hero could have done a direct extract and cast with an on-weight #8 line. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><u>55' Spey</u></b>. As I had a Unispey in the box I thought I'd give it a go. However, its #9/10 weight seriously overmatched the Hero (and my ability). I suspect that it would be happy with a #7/8, but there again, I only fish a full line once in a blue moon, and it's so much fun with a Scandi, why bother?</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Observations</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In total I spent nearly 5 hours casting and fishing with this rod. Unfortunately, unlike my test of the Onki and Tool, I failed to catch a salmon. Nevertheless, I ended a long day with a broad smile on my face. Quite simply, the Hero is an absolutely delightful rod, which combines forgiveness for novices and inexpert casters with entertainment for the more skilled. I don't like bling on rods, so the Hero's modest appearance appeals strongly to me. The icing on the cake is the superb reel seat, which is as good as anything on the market.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The through action is exceptionally well-judged for an entry-level rod. It clearly communicates everything that's going on in the cast. The sensation under load during the delivery stroke is amongst the best I've encountered, and certainly far superior to many other rods at this price point that I've tested. Its performance with a 34g Scandi is pure joy. The action design also makes the Hero a superb Skagit rod: I would happily have spent longer fooling around dredging the deep head of Frodle with all manner of ironmongery on super-fast tips, but there were other lines to try for the purposes of this article. I was similarly impressed by its ability to roll up and deliver the over-weight Guideline 3D sinking head, a task that regularly defeated my old Cross S1.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">If I didn't already own the utterly divine 'Yar' 13' 6" XO (double the money), I would certainly buy the Hero. Indeed, of all the rods I've tried in this length range over the past 5 years, the XO is the only one that I like better than the Hero. That is praise indeed.</span></div><p></p>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-57742049679627331182021-05-08T16:22:00.000+01:002021-05-08T16:22:13.737+01:00At Long Last<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgby2kU1VSbiZWEdipVvHBGq4l9y4rEV-kE4PrTcVUUQ3u8bHIxwBqGk0LstV2Hk6r2Qr_Igx62SAJDAAIQBQbPr187XHxToKa3acpGuFXJ8vKVVn7F10Ojj-JedCKBjHhMY4lh4LCo5CE5/s4608/F3DF5D8A-4410-4A60-A600-9C359FBC3EC3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgby2kU1VSbiZWEdipVvHBGq4l9y4rEV-kE4PrTcVUUQ3u8bHIxwBqGk0LstV2Hk6r2Qr_Igx62SAJDAAIQBQbPr187XHxToKa3acpGuFXJ8vKVVn7F10Ojj-JedCKBjHhMY4lh4LCo5CE5/w640-h480/F3DF5D8A-4410-4A60-A600-9C359FBC3EC3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sleningford Falls</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Finally, after many months of drear lockdown, I've got something to write about and the inspiration to do so. After one of the driest and coldest early springs on record - February, March and April yielded less than 20mm of rainfall in total - I'm now happily looking at a window streaked with raindrops and listening to the water running through the downpipes off the roof. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaG9AihuOEUTdDJ6kL4E2s_3FOP3TS5Y6JG6zahkRBZaOkyjcjjyHNkBsTi4ePsXbZQ9nIfo-tQUwQdWiwVcTOnlusZv4Xgv7OvLYhZ4hyXa1GKMByMTXjyDlRvG4Y0dxnQoOD5HQ8bSd/s1412/Screenshot+2021-05-08+at+11.53.28.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="1412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaG9AihuOEUTdDJ6kL4E2s_3FOP3TS5Y6JG6zahkRBZaOkyjcjjyHNkBsTi4ePsXbZQ9nIfo-tQUwQdWiwVcTOnlusZv4Xgv7OvLYhZ4hyXa1GKMByMTXjyDlRvG4Y0dxnQoOD5HQ8bSd/s320/Screenshot+2021-05-08+at+11.53.28.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"> The </span><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/06/terminator-return-of-oscillation.html" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">North Atlantic Oscillation</a><span style="font-family: arial;">, for so long locked the wrong way round has finally turned normal. We may even have the ingredients for a late spring run in the Ure. Amazingly, a small number of beautiful fresh salmon were caught in April, but their progress up to Masham probably involved clambering over bare dry rocks by virtue of the river being at MSL for 9 weeks. Nature's determination is extraordinary.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I must confess that in most part lockdown has been far easier for me than for my children and grandchildren. We live in a village with a Post Office and shop, a pub that does take-aways and even an off licence. We're surrounded by lovely countryside laced with innumerable walks, and have a substantial garden to keep us occupied. In contrast CCX and her husband live in a flat in London with two small boys, fortunately with a small garden. It's been a very challenging year for them, so it was a huge delight that with the ending of restrictions they could take an Air BnB nearby to give themselves unrestricted fresh air and exercise for a long weekend, and an equal delight for us to see them again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The biggest drag of the final stage of lockdown has been injury. On Christmas Day my wife slipped on ice and broke her wrist - a complex 3 bone fracture that took 3 attempts to set and required 12 weeks in a cast. I followed her example 10 days later on black ice, went flying and came down very hard on my left shoulder. Fortunately I didn't break my arm, but the recovery from what I thought would be just a matter of severe bruising proved much longer and more challenging. It's a salutary warning of the effects of age: 4 months on and I still don't have full mobility and have lost plenty of muscle, which demands twice weekly visits to a gym for rehabilitation training. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The combination of injury, the lockdown loss of a week on the <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-edge-of-known-world-helmsdale.html" target="_blank">Helmsdale</a> as a guest of Tony the Master Netsman (I'd been looking forward to that for a whole year) and Yorkshire drought restrained my usual spring enthusiasm, but at the first sniff of rain I launched into my outloading routine of transferring all my gear from the Great Fishing Chest into the car boxes ready for use. It's amazing what a morale-boosting transformation a little water can achieve. My habit of ordered organisation continues unchanged: indeed with the advancing of the years it's becoming ever more important as a means of avoiding forgetfulness. I haven't forgotten anything yet - it's only a matter of time - but for now it's the gnawing uncertainty that occasionally causes me to stop the car, get out and check that I really did put everything in. Of course I had, but my confidence in such matters is not as cast-iron as before.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnaCbu8B1PfGR7zcM7_BWnrz-zXAr-b2AD6to-hKuDZnJYGYxfcnVBIsg7cLAE0RFB-EXpN5MK0Z66CiW3sb6OM_k7SZL-JwePeFdaFx_9GurR7AJ9nNghnz3aVPe2pE9v8O12l0_ElGX/s1634/Screenshot+2021-05-08+at+12.33.36.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnaCbu8B1PfGR7zcM7_BWnrz-zXAr-b2AD6to-hKuDZnJYGYxfcnVBIsg7cLAE0RFB-EXpN5MK0Z66CiW3sb6OM_k7SZL-JwePeFdaFx_9GurR7AJ9nNghnz3aVPe2pE9v8O12l0_ElGX/s320/Screenshot+2021-05-08+at+12.33.36.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kilgram Gauge<br />(Data (c) EA)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In the event the rain at the beginning of the week was not as heavy or sustained as I had hoped, but the 1-metre lift was enough to trigger the desire to fish. I should have preferred to get out on the Wednesday or Thursday, but work commitments forced a postponement to Friday. However, MSL +8" wasn't impossibly low and still created a chance of success, even if it increased the risk of losing flies to the rocks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdtotaF-xqNdnnqX6mjG5SPaOs2F7PHwyBGCqNKEc2LO1V1_3vQKfSIQWln38LEEkK688Y4YpUw6Kpc3FhH9XJrzMcpf0KFYB4EGas5FphuR8B0rqTkB-9djAHCK9JBiVtPteCkAHrKt0/s4608/10AB63BB-A79E-4879-9734-E0099D3F5992.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdtotaF-xqNdnnqX6mjG5SPaOs2F7PHwyBGCqNKEc2LO1V1_3vQKfSIQWln38LEEkK688Y4YpUw6Kpc3FhH9XJrzMcpf0KFYB4EGas5FphuR8B0rqTkB-9djAHCK9JBiVtPteCkAHrKt0/w344-h258/10AB63BB-A79E-4879-9734-E0099D3F5992.jpeg" width="344" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />I opted to go to <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/05/river-ure-sleningford-mill-beat.html" target="_blank">Sleningford</a> for three reasons. First, it's astride the limit of exploitation for fresh fishing coming up off the tide at Naburn, a distance of about 50 miles or about 2-3 nights' running in good conditions before the level drops off. Given more water the pathfinders, and especially the big springers, will go further over the following days, with some reaching Thoresby before dropping anchor. The second reason was that Sleningford is right bank, left handed casting, and therefore offered an opportunity for pleasurable rehabilitation exercise of my shoulder. I knew that with the double handicap of close-season rust and injury my casting would be horrid, but it was a worthwhile sacrifice to tolerate for longer-term benefit. And third, the people who run the Mill and caravan site are so irrepressibly cheerful, charming and helpful that it lifts your spirits before you've even put a fly in the water. You check availability by phone or <a href="mailto:contact@sleningfordwatermill.co.uk" target="_blank">email</a>, turn up, pay your £20 at the reception desk and start fishing. I knew that at only MSL +8" there wouldn't be a full day's ration of fishable water, but the prospect of getting out was so cheering that it didn't bother me.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh380o6GZZ6n7afqW2oazlY_3tTLTO6wfhjRpVYIUPnTBY_UVlNYZgXfywBjDmHIX3_TF0tTicGHButifBF-mjZC7OdmZpaK_SYNxteDQ_qFeQfcFloAhnCmkKDtHdKHtQmwd9CtRUV0QEa/s4608/4C313ECF-FA94-4599-A753-8A6474FCC1D3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh380o6GZZ6n7afqW2oazlY_3tTLTO6wfhjRpVYIUPnTBY_UVlNYZgXfywBjDmHIX3_TF0tTicGHButifBF-mjZC7OdmZpaK_SYNxteDQ_qFeQfcFloAhnCmkKDtHdKHtQmwd9CtRUV0QEa/w400-h300/4C313ECF-FA94-4599-A753-8A6474FCC1D3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tail of Falls Pool<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">With low clear water, albeit at barely 9C, and a bright sky I started with a slow sinking polyleader and a #8 MCX double. Having parked in the middle of the beat I clambered up to just below the falls before working my way downstream over the rocks. After about 10 minutes I'd reached this point. As my fly came round towards the dangle a couple of feet out from the rocks and just above the lip of the pool, I had a really good take, turn away and strong kicks from a powerful fish. Unfortunately after three kicks it was gone, unseen, a typical running fish experience. Inevitably with a head-on contact the odds are stacked against you, especially with a soft-mouthed fresh fish.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LoHH5Wyy87D_UbAvg-f5o-otHQGy2nTC8fENbwdt1-u1j5UveUunrU2m-T5opmNKwa61211g1WddQ5S3rTf85TksmtSUz-F60R1CAAkrLxmuN3Rb8UTG9KtdbkJ4PztpiYF4jNMIAh71/s4608/45E850C1-DB52-4AFF-B0AF-B75F5B749637.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LoHH5Wyy87D_UbAvg-f5o-otHQGy2nTC8fENbwdt1-u1j5UveUunrU2m-T5opmNKwa61211g1WddQ5S3rTf85TksmtSUz-F60R1CAAkrLxmuN3Rb8UTG9KtdbkJ4PztpiYF4jNMIAh71/w400-h300/45E850C1-DB52-4AFF-B0AF-B75F5B749637.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">In the next pool I was making my way down the side of the head run against the willows, fishing a very short line - no more than a couple of feet outside the top ring - until I could work the whole width below the white water. As the line came round to the dangle, bang, wallop and 18" of bright silver headed skywards. Unhindered by any weight of line in the water and a fast current in support, a 2lbs sea trout did a full repertoire of its aerobatic tricks before being swallowed by my net. Unfortunately it had taken the fly right down, so the sensible choice was a quick rap with the priest and a fresh solution to our supper menu.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhx58WCVEgsR8KqxOqY2Q4soJ0Oh5XP8rZwHfMQKefPiAhZCWWdvAm5x15KZ9oJMeSDfbQYm0lVW7S4tSvh1tL_uwokggZ2rugM-SbRaIDb9jD3oB1JYI629XHpN4gzN534qbeCf9vLVYb/s4608/587E20BF-0301-4330-A234-1798D3608655.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhx58WCVEgsR8KqxOqY2Q4soJ0Oh5XP8rZwHfMQKefPiAhZCWWdvAm5x15KZ9oJMeSDfbQYm0lVW7S4tSvh1tL_uwokggZ2rugM-SbRaIDb9jD3oB1JYI629XHpN4gzN534qbeCf9vLVYb/w400-h300/587E20BF-0301-4330-A234-1798D3608655.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The pool below the white water is challenging to fish at low levels. There's a ridge down the centre-line, largely comprised of rectangular rocks. The rounded egg-shaped stones we have further upstream usually allow the smooth passage of a line or leader with the flow, but these chunky blocks are rapacious fly-catchers. By the end of the day I'd lost 3 MCXs and bent the hooks of a fourth into uselessness. At this level it's better to resist the temptations of the very fishy-looking water in the other half and concentrate on the narrow channel of deep water just in front of your feet, bounded by a limestone ledge on the near side. Unfortunately there's also a sunken branch in the channel (it's been there at least 2 years) which restricts your fishing angles at this low water height. Indeed, with another 6-8" the good water would extend all the way down to the point on the right and even beyond. As I got down to the beach I had another good take, turn away and kicks, but yet again it didn't stick. This was, however, a much smaller fish than the first. While I was naturally very disappointed to have missed two salmon, in balance I'd been fishing for 90 minutes and was two takes and a sea trout to the good.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqa-WiqNrqAkGLaDec5dUALR6714K4BnZ6KOX4OUOVdmbobA0iXeNsDXqqcfMTlpmKsxQwezAZLQqSTNIsPfsr4HuHK4TqHo0anBEof2AcBU0FdFeg7xg5qNj3Jbk8v2ffJ9ZBemF9x9V/s4608/0D1FC6E6-AF2F-4B1F-A6F7-2298F9F760A5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqa-WiqNrqAkGLaDec5dUALR6714K4BnZ6KOX4OUOVdmbobA0iXeNsDXqqcfMTlpmKsxQwezAZLQqSTNIsPfsr4HuHK4TqHo0anBEof2AcBU0FdFeg7xg5qNj3Jbk8v2ffJ9ZBemF9x9V/w400-h300/0D1FC6E6-AF2F-4B1F-A6F7-2298F9F760A5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom run<br />lowering sky and cold showers</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I fished on down to the bottom, changing to a conehead tube for the very fast water. The tail of both the long pool above and of this run (down under the big tree) both raised my expectations, but without fulfilment. Again, both of these would fish much better with another 8-10" of water. Having reached the bottom boundary I cut back through the trees into the empty lower section of the caravan park and walked back to the car for lunch.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Enjoying my lunch in the comfort of a folding chair overlooking the water, I pondered the effect of the sun angle as the day progressed. When I'd started around 10am the sun had been coming straight up the beat, but by 2pm it was coming round towards right angled on the salmon's left side. Moreover, the light level was changing abruptly from bright sunlight between the showers to deep grey dullness in the rain and hail. Salmon generally don't much like abrupt changes in light level because they lack a quick-acting iris within their eyes, although one some occasions it can stimulate movement in ways that are positive for fishing. On that basis I reasoned that the afternoon session would be less productive, and so it proved.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdxv_gPtgfOlTrjuKbFH0AXYNxeV0LIWxGS8hJcxriBfv9vywN-eE7_j-wAeTM0f93jUVvG-PyoWJEkw9vAz6_KImhM3PzbEipWy0880z61gdnbnGKMGqPRp9l_83jlInGWPT8-_XCsTt/s4608/278C72CE-CB24-4E79-BDC5-80D2F0F936D6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdxv_gPtgfOlTrjuKbFH0AXYNxeV0LIWxGS8hJcxriBfv9vywN-eE7_j-wAeTM0f93jUVvG-PyoWJEkw9vAz6_KImhM3PzbEipWy0880z61gdnbnGKMGqPRp9l_83jlInGWPT8-_XCsTt/s320/278C72CE-CB24-4E79-BDC5-80D2F0F936D6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">There was, however, one unusual highlight. Having started again at the falls and fished down to the large pool, as I came to the point marking the end of the better water I had a solid take and a couple of kicks. The fish then moved off across the pool but not at any great speed. My first reaction was 'kelt', but there was none of the usual head shaking and surface thrashing associated with emigrating kelts. There was also the odd flash of silver in the water. Although the fish was clearly quite weighty it wasn't at all energetic, and pretty soon its head came up, which presented me with a view of a mouth like a two-gallon bucket. It was a humble chub, but a truly enormous member of the breed, by far the largest I've ever seen, so I did it the honour of using the net. From nose to fork it measured a shade under 25", and the weigh net scale said 3kg/61/2 lbs. Bearing in mind that the British record chub is 9lbs 5oz, for any coarse fisherman this would be the chub of a lifetime. So, if in addition to salmon you also are interested in chub, you know where to find this trophy hefalump.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">With that achievement I decided to call it a day. It had been wonderful to be back out on a river with a rod, and even though my left-handed casting had been pretty rubbish, it hadn't got me down. The shoulder had benefited enormously from the movement and exercise, although the upwards and backwards movement of my left hand into a good launch position was still constrained. I had re-learned some old lessons - primarily not chasing the attractions of the far bank because there's probably better water right in front. of you - and revised my knowledge of the beat. Sleningford is a very useful spring-fish venue, but you do need at least 12-15" above MSL (70-80cm on the Kilgram gauge) for it to fish well. You're also well advised to start early to get at least 4 hours' fishing before the sun comes round. In any event at £20 for a day with a realistic prospect of a springer, it's outstanding value.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Next on the agenda is a trip to Bolton Hall for a brush-up casting lesson with <a href="https://www.yorkshireflycasting.com/fly-casting" target="_blank">Brian Towers</a>, which will be followed by a day on the beautiful Rutherford beat on the Tweed at the end of May. By then the best of the <a href="https://www.ryedaleanglers.org.uk" target="_blank">trout season on the Rye</a> will be in full swing, unless of course we have another summer like 2007 or 2012, which might keep the focus on salmon. I also need to obtain and test the two new Vision salmon rods - the up-market Custom and the entry level Hero - from my local friendly dealer before the season is too far gone. With all that and the next step out of lockdown only a week away there's plenty of morale boosting activity in prospect. Tight lines.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p></div>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-82090163795762090972020-11-03T21:31:00.000+00:002020-11-03T21:31:17.166+00:00Pocket Rocket - Sage Igniter 12' 6" #7<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqipp2zp0s1dMAjGT7tTU_FFtiRX9b7ziA5882WbCzGLvRiqPOrZNBHQ3CuThs7F_IBVM2OWpOM6tlnzc4E2wrYeiXh7gFpw5l5uEf2VbdfxWTT_U4lBNxvzONngoU92Adc1am3INJjgro/s4032/79AB2DCF-48E6-44D8-98CC-872F67C825AF.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqipp2zp0s1dMAjGT7tTU_FFtiRX9b7ziA5882WbCzGLvRiqPOrZNBHQ3CuThs7F_IBVM2OWpOM6tlnzc4E2wrYeiXh7gFpw5l5uEf2VbdfxWTT_U4lBNxvzONngoU92Adc1am3INJjgro/w400-h300/79AB2DCF-48E6-44D8-98CC-872F67C825AF.heic" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the final days of this peculiar season, courtesy of Guide Fly Fishing, I managed to get my hands on a Sage Igniter 12' 6" #7 demonstrator, matched with a Spectrum C reel (described at the end of this report) and Rio Scandi VersiTip #7 line. The intrusions of work - the first since February - weather and a fortnight's compulsory isolation as a result of contact with a Covid case left me only a single day on the Ure's Bolton Hall beat to gain my impressions of this rod. I had made a special effort to get hold of it in the belief that its size and rating could put it close to the ideal for fishing most of the upper Ure, and as a result I was excited by the prospect of trying it, even if only for one day.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">First Impressions</span></h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2TTzE6HZUn4ecyXSE6Q0mxmLkpeAhDesoWRPQ4s5fSQ5i_GDQRPC1gONX9Btc4Ieh7QVCqob-K1kA_bxjl66bXquwgNFBFq8ucuNkrt354-tWt8qlQ9j91pYPIEKj1t3B3YCdwlJO-5X/s4032/4E18B45A-4BAF-44CB-931C-68B8FDF0606C.heic" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2TTzE6HZUn4ecyXSE6Q0mxmLkpeAhDesoWRPQ4s5fSQ5i_GDQRPC1gONX9Btc4Ieh7QVCqob-K1kA_bxjl66bXquwgNFBFq8ucuNkrt354-tWt8qlQ9j91pYPIEKj1t3B3YCdwlJO-5X/s320/4E18B45A-4BAF-44CB-931C-68B8FDF0606C.heic" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Igniter's utilitarian appearance belies its £1249 price tag. There's not a hint of bling: indeed, the presentation and finish verges on the austere. I took the message that this is a rod designed for serious fishing in the hands of those who have no time for trivia.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjC-Q1ULkCxAwin4kDFjCG0aTmJGfFNU6bDKltlHaAWq_OwDkyUw7qSO4VSI3NT4HWFJ0aDtNTA8FTWImkx_MJQnS9mJxq_awMoQrYMfjUwCE50wePWv80fBme_NR1xs0eOsH0mQUQJSP/s4032/02BFD8CA-93B3-4489-89E1-D48F0DE376FC.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjC-Q1ULkCxAwin4kDFjCG0aTmJGfFNU6bDKltlHaAWq_OwDkyUw7qSO4VSI3NT4HWFJ0aDtNTA8FTWImkx_MJQnS9mJxq_awMoQrYMfjUwCE50wePWv80fBme_NR1xs0eOsH0mQUQJSP/s320/02BFD8CA-93B3-4489-89E1-D48F0DE376FC.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />That impression is reinforced by the minimalist reel seat, which provides rock-solid placement and locking.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRnXcX5URPNExbiK7Afoad9UYs6gHGVNTYtuPxSzp8ISs0yPfKdjQbC57VdBH88Sxm4ovUqSTwH-Tm-5OHk_-f5mSX-MKoyf6i0lMBOoSOAbkOuWircYTkPogaLLfsIdbfr6caV_YtJVW/s4032/FDDA90A7-32A6-4C50-AD0F-AA2DC91777F4.heic" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRnXcX5URPNExbiK7Afoad9UYs6gHGVNTYtuPxSzp8ISs0yPfKdjQbC57VdBH88Sxm4ovUqSTwH-Tm-5OHk_-f5mSX-MKoyf6i0lMBOoSOAbkOuWircYTkPogaLLfsIdbfr6caV_YtJVW/s320/FDDA90A7-32A6-4C50-AD0F-AA2DC91777F4.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">And also the rings and whippings. The upper rings are simple chrome snakes, rather than the variations on the titanium recoil designs that are common at this price point.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUIQUWCZ8R2AgzSIjFII4piVYdgujMtXEHW4yUWyXW50vP-Mk9NvdVf0jdEJuV_hzrokqc0WfHsp0i1Yc1nlEtxx2SUGnOrgh3AJUEKIL5EaHKoaru6OsNotzP1DCuqI4FFOehZ537pfZ/s4032/C08CEF20-11FB-4A7A-A63D-C54CF86F1B62.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUIQUWCZ8R2AgzSIjFII4piVYdgujMtXEHW4yUWyXW50vP-Mk9NvdVf0jdEJuV_hzrokqc0WfHsp0i1Yc1nlEtxx2SUGnOrgh3AJUEKIL5EaHKoaru6OsNotzP1DCuqI4FFOehZ537pfZ/s320/C08CEF20-11FB-4A7A-A63D-C54CF86F1B62.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I was, however, unimpressed by the cork. Clearly this rod had received some hard use in the hands of an array of testers, but beyond that consideration it didn't match my expectations. I don't wish to sound carping, but at £1249 it's quite legitimate to have expectations, including some alignment marks, which were notable absentees.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On the River</span></h3><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcnOzQBdYZ3jT0Y-qiL_SXG3BOR5g4GMX73K5Hhs1eI_bpFEv37Wvt424BN7q8IMtYUmKqnlrye1Ktfw2M6SIeJqj8Ra2-hYNNDdiiSVS2mETIluqkCknaYrE0cqhqrYYgc40CANTzfYD/s4608/538FECAD-DAC9-45C0-9C9A-B65F54D43B29.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcnOzQBdYZ3jT0Y-qiL_SXG3BOR5g4GMX73K5Hhs1eI_bpFEv37Wvt424BN7q8IMtYUmKqnlrye1Ktfw2M6SIeJqj8Ra2-hYNNDdiiSVS2mETIluqkCknaYrE0cqhqrYYgc40CANTzfYD/w640-h480/538FECAD-DAC9-45C0-9C9A-B65F54D43B29.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The Lord's Pool<br />+18", brown but falling and clearing</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I had no choice over the day and had to cope with whatever conditions prevailed. In the event a small spate the day before had raised the river to a very good fishing height, although it was still carrying plenty of brown colour and particulate clay. Given that the outfit came with just an intermediate tip the situation required a fast sinking poly leader and a conehead tube to achieve the right presentation. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">With a selection of left bank pools, the big issue was a blustery 20-25 mph wind straight down the beat, which blew all day and included occasional gusts towards 30 mph. This severely restricted the opportunities for right-handed casts, especially Single Spey. At full width the Lord's Pool provides a useful representation of average Ure fishing distances, albeit at this level I spent most of the day wading </span><span style="font-family: arial;">4-5 paces out to </span><span style="font-family: arial;">waist deep to keep my Double Spey and Snake Roll D loops out of the Bankside weeds. In sum, the combination of left handed casting, weighted front end and waist deep wading provided a stern test of the Igniter's user friendliness. By any standards this was a less than ideal day for testing a rod and hopefully exploring the detail of its best features.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">One of the Igniter's major advantages in these conditions arose from its combination of short length and slim blanks, which made it much easier to move and control the rod's movement through the wind. The last time I'd fished this pool in similar conditions was with a 14 footer, which presented significant challenges in the upstream sweeps, and the difference here was really marked.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Despite the limitations imposed by deep wading, the little Igniter covered the Lord's Pool with ease, sending the fly exactly where I wanted it to go. On the treed section I had to throttle right back to avoid the overhanging branches. That economy of effort can be hard to achieve when all the components of the environment - wind, wading and distance - are triggering your subconscious to try harder: if it feels tough you tend to respond with toughness, when quite the reverse delivers the best results. This was exactly the case with the Igniter: with minimum effort, a progressive acceleration and a very short delivery stroke, it delivered a delightful result over the water. But if your subconscious escaped, and either the top hand intruded or the early stage of delivery was rushed, the result was messy. Knowing that it is tip-biased, quick and unforgiving you need to combine relaxation and discipline to get the results from this exceptional casting weapon.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAPIaQXz_0crNDgibpnz-UaAyxiWpds2KOhm87NAMydPX8oCe4NY75y5gcmjqGKXRlmFoO1K2Y3kx-fzuJ0nYaK_Z-sDHx96pbkqo8092unNvULOtWcsbsk0s-q5hLhGjzloeC_LSxhL2/s4608/9EEEE5A7-651C-434F-9B2A-00C7C34DC53E.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAPIaQXz_0crNDgibpnz-UaAyxiWpds2KOhm87NAMydPX8oCe4NY75y5gcmjqGKXRlmFoO1K2Y3kx-fzuJ0nYaK_Z-sDHx96pbkqo8092unNvULOtWcsbsk0s-q5hLhGjzloeC_LSxhL2/w640-h480/9EEEE5A7-651C-434F-9B2A-00C7C34DC53E.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Ash Tree Pool</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">After an extended session of cold deep wading in the Lord's Pool I took a warming march upstream to Ash Tree to assess the Igniter's behaviour in close quarter fishing at shorter ranges, when the rod is rarely anywhere near fully loaded.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In the two seasons since I last fished Ash Tree a series of spates have changed its shape and bottom profile considerably. It's now significantly deeper across its breadth and length, which has created more fishable extent upstream of the tree, and especially downstream of the beck. As a result it feels even more fishy, which made the poor underwater visibility doubly disappointing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">To be frank neither the Igniter or I as its user enjoyed this section of the test. It certainly needs the entire SVT head to load, so it would have taken at least a #8 and possibly as much as a #9 to get the required behaviour in short range roll and ad hoc casting. As soon as we approached the beck and returned to full-length delivery, the Igniter reverted to what it does best, laying out. a long straight line. After 40 minutes' experimentation I didn't need any persuading to return to Lord's Pool, despite the cold in prospect.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Conclusions</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Salmon rod preferences are intensely personal. There are lots of 'good' rods in the market, but only a very few are optimal for any individual. Despite its evident capabilities and power to size ratio, the Igniter was not the rod for me. The reason is simple: despite almost 6 hours in my hands it was utterly devoid of 'feel'. It just didn't communicate. Indeed, it was almost as if my hands had been anaesthetised. As a result, unless I watched every element of the Igniter's cast like a hawk, I didn't have a clue what was going on. With my other rods I don't have to look, they tell me. Some of them shout, others speak and one or two sing beautifully with Yar stitched in every note. But the igniter remained mute throughout and as a result we never formed a relationship, which was hugely disappointing in view of my expectations.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">No doubt others will love it. Perhaps they're more attuned to Sage and their more youthful and expert hands can interpret its language. But my experience once again underscores the great truism - Try Before You Buy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sage Spectrum C</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lJkcHsg8CGDMas_mpqtbw56K8eCsLn2jXEfhQIHH-yV-sGpGHY-XCH7wyK6_sBzyCCmBARjYcTYQyXH9ny_LPEvgJsw7dIzkHbYMmV7LPeQOf4xQI_adl6MUvqL7vpi3tAFDv_1m6875/s4032/1FB77B7E-F348-414E-89BD-8CEA24961978.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lJkcHsg8CGDMas_mpqtbw56K8eCsLn2jXEfhQIHH-yV-sGpGHY-XCH7wyK6_sBzyCCmBARjYcTYQyXH9ny_LPEvgJsw7dIzkHbYMmV7LPeQOf4xQI_adl6MUvqL7vpi3tAFDv_1m6875/s320/1FB77B7E-F348-414E-89BD-8CEA24961978.heic" /></a></div><br />The Spectrum C is Sage's entry level salmon reel. it is a solidly built die cast product with minimal machining, retailing at an RRP around £175. This puts it in head-on competition with the Loop Multi and the Lamson Remix, both of which have higher specifications.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There are no frills or embellishments, just pure functionality. This demonstrator displayed a lot of gravel rash, which raises questions over the durability of the black finish.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In addition to the Rio SVT #7 and running line, the demonstrator was loaded with a heroic volume of backing, which suggested that it would cope with a #9 head with ease.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wNjcFv7CWRA950M2WGHNlMZ5z3BPJWsWhbGGeGzxMLsIh9xk3s7hPMjtpneoiTHErxdZCE6vX5V5WI2MWJUfJS5zLV3JofXI2FYGCgm7ZrJcxERIS9PxzWkpWt6eFQ0Q-domxbpagIKs/s4032/83378325-BC2A-4E64-BE33-B9838EEA2F1D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wNjcFv7CWRA950M2WGHNlMZ5z3BPJWsWhbGGeGzxMLsIh9xk3s7hPMjtpneoiTHErxdZCE6vX5V5WI2MWJUfJS5zLV3JofXI2FYGCgm7ZrJcxERIS9PxzWkpWt6eFQ0Q-domxbpagIKs/s320/83378325-BC2A-4E64-BE33-B9838EEA2F1D.heic" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> Its greatest feature is the drag that it shares with its more expensive siblings in the Sage range. This is a serious bit of braking power, adjusted by a chunky easily grasped knob requiring only a single rotation to cover the full range of settings. However, I found that most of the useful range was 4-6: figures above 6 possibly represented braking force in tons.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPd5gA4ZVEJs-1w-TrU92-HaW33ImMd1vs1PrxDo2E2HOrAA4Ku_1THDRyazE8WnjXvTWlsAVXowPCoPfm3jKcHERVCMshooZeRbHD579QZJ49-3-OnSFPa0jruLMRcKgTpxjoDla97RLq/s4032/27E98887-9CAC-426A-B3DD-CA28F633975D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPd5gA4ZVEJs-1w-TrU92-HaW33ImMd1vs1PrxDo2E2HOrAA4Ku_1THDRyazE8WnjXvTWlsAVXowPCoPfm3jKcHERVCMshooZeRbHD579QZJ49-3-OnSFPa0jruLMRcKgTpxjoDla97RLq/s320/27E98887-9CAC-426A-B3DD-CA28F633975D.heic" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The drag is sealed, but the volume of grease present seemed to imply a certain lack of confidence in that department.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In use the Spectrum was competently utilitarian. Unfortunately I missed all 3 salmon that took during the morning, so I failed to secure and opportunity to test its fish fighting capabilities. In the absence of empirical testing I was confident that it would do the business.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In sum this is another competent badge-engineered die cast reel with an excellent brake. It's nothing special at £175 and doesn't stand out against the competition. The Multi is better finished and presented; the slightly more expensive Lamson Remix is more elegant and aesthetically pleasing; and the Lamson Liquid does the same job for much less money. And for £45 more you can have a Danielsson L5W to endow your children and grandchildren.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></h3>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-10678804815215190432020-09-24T12:05:00.004+01:002020-09-24T12:25:18.653+01:00Whatever next?<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> I've now become inured to uncertainty. Nearly 7 months of isolation and lockdown have converged my life's boundaries and underlined the validity of Parkinson's Law that 'commitments expand to fill the available time". In parallel those commitments have become ever more trivial: I love gardening, but it's not intellectually stimulating. Those 7 months have so blunted my expectations that I seem to have lost my capacities for amazement and originality. As each pleasant but plodding day succeeds the last I can feel the light but inexorable weight of a duvet of dullness upon me. Focusing serious thought - including writing this post - requires an extraordinary effort. It would be easy not to write. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">In 1637 the philosopher Descartes (yes, he's been <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/11/looking-back-2013-season.html" target="_blank">mentioned here before</a>) defined the reality of his existence through his capacity for thought - "cogito ergo sum", loosely translated as "I think therefore I am". So this post</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> is a visceral self-indulgent act of defiance and resistance to the anaesthetic of lockdown. The fact that I started writing this while on a business trip to the ghost town called London underlines my rebellion. My only fear is that in the absence of salmon this post may be as dull as the times through which we are living.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCaXUunGMkq8kQ4yxK9Ae0KsKGW_aaNIKeQ9vg809hcNtndj4k5Z9cRxy7w1ZWHcG5J63b9QXFdmHHoxd6k0mecD-BlmnqgicaLsBnXDRu0KQpd0BX85dFKe1vPdmc3x_hnxNqfx5b2RF/s4608/02603CD1-55B6-410E-BBD6-221A6691B563.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCaXUunGMkq8kQ4yxK9Ae0KsKGW_aaNIKeQ9vg809hcNtndj4k5Z9cRxy7w1ZWHcG5J63b9QXFdmHHoxd6k0mecD-BlmnqgicaLsBnXDRu0KQpd0BX85dFKe1vPdmc3x_hnxNqfx5b2RF/s320/02603CD1-55B6-410E-BBD6-221A6691B563.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">In my last post '<a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2020/07/frustration.html" target="_blank">Frustration</a>' I recorded the emotional impact of dashed hopes on an otherwise perfect day for which I had yearned for 4 long months. The upper Ure was full of fresh fish, but they couldn't see a fly owing to the intrusion of tiny particles of grey clay. Being defeated by the might of the weather is one thing, but being frustrated by inanimate particles of soil released by vandalistic forestry practices is far, far worse.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5ai975KfCzl7M8ZnrdzRTI69dlZmf4t3SIM_qxi6g_zC08BsUczFOzbrIWEyi_9uv3fnkvtUW5mKrT8WCyoE_mqwfezV_u9YhemQQZkkb-YdozvnOfGGTy8rniSsv_KdedRJfI9EriCm/s4608/0E82AAB9-2297-4201-847E-BB6EDB1F2232.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5ai975KfCzl7M8ZnrdzRTI69dlZmf4t3SIM_qxi6g_zC08BsUczFOzbrIWEyi_9uv3fnkvtUW5mKrT8WCyoE_mqwfezV_u9YhemQQZkkb-YdozvnOfGGTy8rniSsv_KdedRJfI9EriCm/s320/0E82AAB9-2297-4201-847E-BB6EDB1F2232.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Fortunately good conditions recurred in late August, which allowed me to invite a guest down from Northumberland. He caught this lovely plump 13 pounder, still with the sheen of summer on its flanks, his first Yorkshire salmon. This one had entered the river in July and you will note that its kype development has barely started. The other notable feature was its build: it had clearly had a couple of wonderful years at sea gorging on prawn and capelin pies. In poor feeding years some 2SW salmon may be as small as 7-8 lbs, whereas in good years they might attain as much as 14 lbs.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For my part, despite a number of takes, I just could get a fish to stick. However, I was so delighted for Roger that I felt none of the frustration that had soured the day in July.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Coquet</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">My guest returned the favour by inviting me up to his beat on the Coquet the following week. I'd never fished this river before but had been keen to do so for some years ever since he first raised the possibility. It also has a historic familial connection, a sense of place for me, because my distant forebears had farmed beside the Coquet for 5 centuries before moving to Yorkshire.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTUTsiyZcy1NAC08pIN-LV4eZYfkoMCsgFI1Kez9F80Pzfyr5dgidQgfiLYOkLev9me6AAfe_79LVTI5adB5NW1AIoWCG29LuQ2yPqJuKgjwgVsT5-VL9FhBrWDtI-Ozf9blBdxFWkZkV/s4608/2C3FB3C8-8F83-4AB9-872A-762461DD3666.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTUTsiyZcy1NAC08pIN-LV4eZYfkoMCsgFI1Kez9F80Pzfyr5dgidQgfiLYOkLev9me6AAfe_79LVTI5adB5NW1AIoWCG29LuQ2yPqJuKgjwgVsT5-VL9FhBrWDtI-Ozf9blBdxFWkZkV/w400-h266/2C3FB3C8-8F83-4AB9-872A-762461DD3666.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The bright sunlight was less than ideal for salmon fishing, but did allow me to appreciate fully the beauty of this little green gem of a river. The beat we fished was enclosed in steep sided valley - almost a gorge - just west of the A1. Its peaceful tranquility and visual pleasures provided me with a magical day. The birds and their songs were wonderful: I saw 3 kingfishers at close quarters, something that always lifts my spirits. Going down to the river and into the water was like entering a different world from the one through which I had just driven, with the urgency and pressure of the great North Road.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgom41oIXhShNej2Dkj61cj0J9grZ9rS3-UCpXmCC2a7a3uK7iYh6SsBtiZnlWTXRG3y1LGmff1P-eYZ0VBmuWsryWmZ3RukcxXzlleJKztiO85pIHjRL38GJzccMBhRZN9EONc2OUPeG/s4608/428BEC6D-09FF-4A75-8B36-664FDD3D25EA.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgom41oIXhShNej2Dkj61cj0J9grZ9rS3-UCpXmCC2a7a3uK7iYh6SsBtiZnlWTXRG3y1LGmff1P-eYZ0VBmuWsryWmZ3RukcxXzlleJKztiO85pIHjRL38GJzccMBhRZN9EONc2OUPeG/w400-h266/428BEC6D-09FF-4A75-8B36-664FDD3D25EA.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>My reverie was disturbed only twice: first by sporadic shots from the nearby Bywell shooting ground (it's nowhere near the Bywell beat on the Tyne); and second, by a group of young wild swimmers downstream of the lower limit of the beat. With a water temperature of 12.5C they emerged frequently to warm in the sunshine, except for the blonde girl most sensibly clad in a wetsuit. I took this photo after their departure when I had just missed a pretty violent sea trout take on the edge of the fast water.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Vv4jxhqBBn30eH_JoYt-xrBB6R3cMRg6CNPR-mwjDRcuXR0VlA-u4Qg9x2Owz1wHrinJUI7J7JvbbAGGQbQQcHp3EDYHd47SD8cGtWk8Len_DSgkeRQh43_R-MQF_avIT4w943D5e4q6/s4608/1518AE61-0881-4AA8-B94C-84DB42370F8D.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Vv4jxhqBBn30eH_JoYt-xrBB6R3cMRg6CNPR-mwjDRcuXR0VlA-u4Qg9x2Owz1wHrinJUI7J7JvbbAGGQbQQcHp3EDYHd47SD8cGtWk8Len_DSgkeRQh43_R-MQF_avIT4w943D5e4q6/w400-h266/1518AE61-0881-4AA8-B94C-84DB42370F8D.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Roger was the most assiduous host, always placing me in the best pools and entirely forgoing his own chances. This was a case in point in the afternoon: this stretch positively screamed 'salmon', whereas Roger took short commons upstream. I was surprised not to take a fish from here, but I fished it with the most eager anticipation.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTEIFrBJxoRLoZRCSxpqvCk3v0DHI6KPfsZfeBCbfDJu1SbEBCNEZvWyPf_pCiyMXHOK4CU3XeYC3xEDkD3q9DGkxTt8veKW2mabg5H1hol-WghTNVKFl2q4PtTyhv_oOFaWZIWU1mGF-/s4608/69949725-26A4-4CE1-9178-A466DAD139EA.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTEIFrBJxoRLoZRCSxpqvCk3v0DHI6KPfsZfeBCbfDJu1SbEBCNEZvWyPf_pCiyMXHOK4CU3XeYC3xEDkD3q9DGkxTt8veKW2mabg5H1hol-WghTNVKFl2q4PtTyhv_oOFaWZIWU1mGF-/w400-h266/69949725-26A4-4CE1-9178-A466DAD139EA.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">When the salmon did come about 20 minutes before the end of the day, it almost took me by surprise in the bland water under the far bank beyond the small croy. The fight, however, was anything but bland, with the ring bounded by the Croy above, rocks below, overhanging bushes and trees on the far side and a gravel ridge nearest me. Trying to control a feisty 8 pounder in a channel barely 15 feet wide with an 11' 6" switch rod was an interesting challenge, reminiscent of my Devonian youth. On the other hand the little Tool takes prisoners gladly!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8Apr0-BbWblkQU2VrasuR9kn6SpW_4gAKU2WDSP5V5s5VGcO8NqaB8W9DZwwxBuf_Zz9WZ3ld6uWHVS0mecUxUH5Wpy4aGcRImjKMbaxDPzm1_LfkuI4PG2w50EzT-9P6jESU7ndzPp2/s4608/8AD4A238-4630-4405-8A6E-9F4E9ACDB019.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8Apr0-BbWblkQU2VrasuR9kn6SpW_4gAKU2WDSP5V5s5VGcO8NqaB8W9DZwwxBuf_Zz9WZ3ld6uWHVS0mecUxUH5Wpy4aGcRImjKMbaxDPzm1_LfkuI4PG2w50EzT-9P6jESU7ndzPp2/w400-h266/8AD4A238-4630-4405-8A6E-9F4E9ACDB019.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a close up of the ring. The fish took under the large angled tree on the opposite bank. The gravel ridge in the foreground is clearly visible: at least it precluded the fish getting between my legs in the closing stages.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x5VxB1bKcjGtcAko-94p9DLk2j1LK1MUySvY_Di_7B-Vx2yzkyA_fuHJEhWaOgeQWc-CAnRFZ9Lam8PnL7pPx6hbFEIe-6E3xyytvESze8R1v6sNTfXIeL_1j5He3ep368_7N_GWtFKS/s4608/3276B6EA-60DE-4D30-A1C6-A26AB226BF92.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x5VxB1bKcjGtcAko-94p9DLk2j1LK1MUySvY_Di_7B-Vx2yzkyA_fuHJEhWaOgeQWc-CAnRFZ9Lam8PnL7pPx6hbFEIe-6E3xyytvESze8R1v6sNTfXIeL_1j5He3ep368_7N_GWtFKS/s320/3276B6EA-60DE-4D30-A1C6-A26AB226BF92.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">My first Coquet fish was in perfect condition with a lovely silver sheen. Naturally I was delighted, which overcame all the earlier disappointments on the Ure. Although Roger had recommended a local pattern, this one fell for the trusty MCX Dark #10. Light heartedly one might speculate that its novelty to Coquet fish did the trick. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It crowned an absolutely beautiful day in a parallel universe far removed from thoughts of disease, lockdowns and the pressures of life. And if you are fishing on a bright sunny day, persistence is a virtue: just keep going.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Back to Tomatin</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We'd been alerted in February to the possibility of a week being available in September at Tomatin. Needless to say I was excited. As I've said many times before, it's not the fishing but the delights of a week in a beautiful place in the company of our closest friends, with the highly variable fishing as an extra. Once the lockdown came into force I looked forward to the week with a mixture of anxiety - would it be allowed? - and anticipation. Indeed, it became an overpowering focus that offered the prospect of an escape from confinement, a change from the boundary walls of home and garden, and an expression of freedom. With the shortage of more substantial things to occupy my mind I've never thought so much about a week's fishing for so long. At first it was the ebb and flow of alternating optimism and pessimism of likelihood. Then as summer approached and fishing became my primary form of escape from the boredom of lockdown, so the intensity of my hopes for Tomatin grew. I was acutely aware of the risks of '<a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/11/2016-amidst-great-joy-season-of.html" target="_blank">anticipointment</a>' - the more desperately I wanted the week to be a success the more likely it was to fail through any of many factors - weather, water, fish and of course legal prohibition. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The Findhorn had been without a spate since June and was bouncing on its bones for the whole summer. Come late August it desperately needed a full 6 footer to flush out all the gunge and pull through the fish locked in the middle river. The approach of Storm FRANCES offered great hope, which was cruelly dashed when it stalled over Perth, inflicting 24 hours of thunderstorms, torrential rain and flooding on the surrounding district. Meanwhile the normally gloomy Monadliath mountains experienced cheerful sunshine and the Findhorn dropped lower still.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxFFER-ecHKi8S34BFnM5y5X21d524DP7R4Q7oBAEtrQBcUNUtJufPT2qVJhS0UyXk6qWYv25VWIZYLt6dAkw07_xxKUwyeYqJ5n6QV-TfhCcGrE8BFlXKbaqPokQUQGhkS0Fqa3kszWi/s4608/71DD112D-E06B-45A2-BD3C-D5AB21A9ABBE.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxFFER-ecHKi8S34BFnM5y5X21d524DP7R4Q7oBAEtrQBcUNUtJufPT2qVJhS0UyXk6qWYv25VWIZYLt6dAkw07_xxKUwyeYqJ5n6QV-TfhCcGrE8BFlXKbaqPokQUQGhkS0Fqa3kszWi/w400-h266/71DD112D-E06B-45A2-BD3C-D5AB21A9ABBE.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Bank at MSL<br />Upstream nymphing<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We drove north in beautiful weather: my wife, being charming and ever-tactful, passed no remark. Fully aware of the effects of excessive expectation I was already resigned, but the euphoria of escape trumped any possible feeling of disappointment. We arrived to find a river that was more rock than water. There was no point using conventional tactics: those had yielded just 2 fish to the preceding party. Freed from any pressure to perform I experimented with every option in the book, some that weren't, as well as all the methods that had caught Tomatin fish in low water. This photo was taken during bit of upstream nymphing with an MCX Snaelda. For good measure I also tried Finnish indicator, Czech dibbing with a tungsten bomb and even a sideways French with an ultra-short leader. After that I scraped the bottom of the deeper pools with weighted tubes on T11 tips. I don't know what the salmon thought of all this, if anything, as they remained steadfastly asleep.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLyYvNkLt6ThXVeK9ETgFwPaPEumwwnzipR7pxn3RTIr3z8sGwnD32hFBvrL6tZGwWh2CgxMmlRYBuIqAvhMxlyXOiRV4n6VSZqjpRaNknYny0R69QDb0P9DX0pxkjlpnBjbdTjgU9_v5/s4608/15E1F2ED-DF71-45DB-B908-55C2DD1B171B.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLyYvNkLt6ThXVeK9ETgFwPaPEumwwnzipR7pxn3RTIr3z8sGwnD32hFBvrL6tZGwWh2CgxMmlRYBuIqAvhMxlyXOiRV4n6VSZqjpRaNknYny0R69QDb0P9DX0pxkjlpnBjbdTjgU9_v5/w400-h266/15E1F2ED-DF71-45DB-B908-55C2DD1B171B.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden at first light<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>In accordance with Tomatin tradition I rose before dawn to strip an MCX Sunray across the heads of the pools in the hope of irritating an over-sexed cock fish, but clearly their testosterone level was as low as the water.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkAKMBkEC4lrt-LN6YkZiH2hnLaP1wrV6rWvXzgFmNIYtu1WDd0F87YW3Bi1BlBU1_y63KkeBt_oF3vVbejiEPDWJxJo-_da3O9wOt35WcL4mWCnllk_aJS7FKgOwBfKgfNLBiSm0VVyQ/s4608/4E7705A8-6C20-4A4F-AA61-4C99C0DABFC0.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkAKMBkEC4lrt-LN6YkZiH2hnLaP1wrV6rWvXzgFmNIYtu1WDd0F87YW3Bi1BlBU1_y63KkeBt_oF3vVbejiEPDWJxJo-_da3O9wOt35WcL4mWCnllk_aJS7FKgOwBfKgfNLBiSm0VVyQ/w400-h266/4E7705A8-6C20-4A4F-AA61-4C99C0DABFC0.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking downstream from Garden at dawn<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The sunrises were as unfailingly beautiful as the fish were disobliging. This photo was taken in ankle deep water from the point where in 2017 I had caught belt-fed grilse every morning. I had no doubt that there were fish in Garden pool - big, strong spring runners - but the lack of any surface show didn't prove their absence.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaX3h1z_Tw-7tOvdQTRNp-7NF4WXYbvQvh_Cq87OM7lVfOAb5DjPgrgfDDFjBpdRoap222sMhxJC1I3N6gZKPpm6vvvsIrsoUckQfDWS_yiyiNVnwokobsG0NjkOY_kYdW9ZP5jGzeowg/s1334/B5A19AC5-7776-411E-9F75-A420F15A9DA8.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaX3h1z_Tw-7tOvdQTRNp-7NF4WXYbvQvh_Cq87OM7lVfOAb5DjPgrgfDDFjBpdRoap222sMhxJC1I3N6gZKPpm6vvvsIrsoUckQfDWS_yiyiNVnwokobsG0NjkOY_kYdW9ZP5jGzeowg/s320/B5A19AC5-7776-411E-9F75-A420F15A9DA8.png" /></a></div><br />This forecast gave grounds for optimism - the Findhorn's catchment is under 'Augustus' - but this was severely tempered by my long experience of the '<a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/09/d-7-divine-madness.html" target="_blank">Vanishing Rain of Inverness</a>'. Like a mirage it always stays out of reach, never materialising. Theoretically that volume and duration of rain would normally put the river up by 4 feet. What we got was 8 inches, with the certainty that it would run off quickly. At least it was better than nothing and even if it wouldn't suffice to pull any fish up the river it might wake up the dozing residents.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GsRbzBEWDfBZg9sGDeBG0ehpJjrWMvvvz1jw9lbAMA-gFBg4lq8QwA-hKcURJPbIVIECpTvi8pTnGpIAB3da8q55ouatipf8oTgShjS9MUyxI6v_G8NLSubKqOBALRLfPU9fh3FXEyPu/s2033/B12091D7-DB23-4EDB-A748-99E59D5796D8.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="2033" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GsRbzBEWDfBZg9sGDeBG0ehpJjrWMvvvz1jw9lbAMA-gFBg4lq8QwA-hKcURJPbIVIECpTvi8pTnGpIAB3da8q55ouatipf8oTgShjS9MUyxI6v_G8NLSubKqOBALRLfPU9fh3FXEyPu/w400-h181/B12091D7-DB23-4EDB-A748-99E59D5796D8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A senior Tomatin resident<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>And so it proved. This was one of two senior residents who woke up enough to get caught on the Wednesday. This one, 37" from fork to natural jaw line, probably came up to Tomatin in June at close to 20 lbs in weight, but was now around 16 lbs. The other, almost identical and also caught in Garden pool but not the same fish, was caught after lunch.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">From the Thursday the weather fragmented into sunny spells interspersed with sharp cold showers, with strong gusty winds most of the time. Fed from the catchment at much higher altitudes the water temperature plunged from 13C on the Monday to 7.8C on Friday. Depending on the weight of the showers we received a series of very small lifts in the range 3-5".</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2inFtptUf3qU0Ip4JjmYK3F2CY7QIwOp8sWdzCYGJsbZqhQc6Fe61lwkifGwMG4SfGb3hqBiLCXesRyPE7NDfAinEq0a3Jt_9gM462gARpobxYxeG6iRIaDqntCpWlbpcXFZwnna3B3y/s4608/BA8EBC16-41BC-4722-BDD6-4D82EC5DA365.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2inFtptUf3qU0Ip4JjmYK3F2CY7QIwOp8sWdzCYGJsbZqhQc6Fe61lwkifGwMG4SfGb3hqBiLCXesRyPE7NDfAinEq0a3Jt_9gM462gARpobxYxeG6iRIaDqntCpWlbpcXFZwnna3B3y/w400-h266/BA8EBC16-41BC-4722-BDD6-4D82EC5DA365.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Head of Churan looking upstream in a squall</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebrD2ioniRYpQR4Xt1HPeDC21zCO4Bpw7IM7WWHSzumfZ3MrxXg2PCqs9jtSlwcsYii6OpNPPbyiH_XdnYIVAO8w5QIBeZA_vS6byEIA_G1IpzjRaOekQfqZTkmTym0H7W_lqGrsjBtgF/s4608/F6681FB4-8750-44B8-A163-5F38081A57F0.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebrD2ioniRYpQR4Xt1HPeDC21zCO4Bpw7IM7WWHSzumfZ3MrxXg2PCqs9jtSlwcsYii6OpNPPbyiH_XdnYIVAO8w5QIBeZA_vS6byEIA_G1IpzjRaOekQfqZTkmTym0H7W_lqGrsjBtgF/w400-h266/F6681FB4-8750-44B8-A163-5F38081A57F0.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Colonel's looking downstream into the teeth of the wind</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggC-etXUhE-jMNmdYdopti17mtGGOEvLcnXnPYW3E2AyBPv-Tj3-O42sS6z-Lfaj9VyIipRrmHcmDWqEOdXJQIpahGDLuL_-_UE3J5Mc3Gtjz4SY1Uls32qV92mQf-2_laI7Y7mIeJmutP/s4608/D1740992-0AD6-4005-A692-EECC2E9C88F2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggC-etXUhE-jMNmdYdopti17mtGGOEvLcnXnPYW3E2AyBPv-Tj3-O42sS6z-Lfaj9VyIipRrmHcmDWqEOdXJQIpahGDLuL_-_UE3J5Mc3Gtjz4SY1Uls32qV92mQf-2_laI7Y7mIeJmutP/w400-h266/D1740992-0AD6-4005-A692-EECC2E9C88F2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Fishing Down Churan, next squall coming in</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzwNFjMiQC5Bdf9AE0ZJn2d9YX8YJIbTlEwwDPCoMg7bwjguucpMbnKi3ktIqRaC14dNdTPE_xFhbJbreBTzg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Casting into this sort of weather was tough but satisfying in a rather masochistic way: you could take pride in delivering a sensible line, even if there weren't many fish to take any notice of your virtuosity. However, by Friday afternoon pods of grilse started to run through the beat, occasionally announcing their passing with some joyful splashing or a sharp knock on the fly. Wading calf-deep down Churan with the sun over my shoulder between the squalls I observed a series of bright flashes around my legs as grilse turned abruptly away while running hard in less than 12" of water. Further into the stream was the odd larger fish, head down and firmly intent on running, unwilling to take the least notice of a fly. If there had been more of them I would have gone directly to one of my <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/10/ambush-tactics-close-personal-and.html" target="_blank">favourite ambush spots</a> and fished it hard, but the odds looked so poor that I didn't bother.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">By Saturday morning the prospects of catching a fish and my motivation coincided at zero. Despite being allocated the delightful Garden pool, I spent a very happy hour making sandcastles beside it with my 2 year old granddaughter. Dropping stones into the water and splashing about - seriously forbidden in more promising times - became her and my entire delight. There are some things - a very few perhaps - that are more valuable than salmon. We enjoyed biscuits and juice together on the bank while HMCX's Jack Russell and Cocker ran themselves ragged, before I eventually sallied forth with a rod to catch a fish on cue for her enjoyment.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_w9ce7j97EOOwGpm7trKtvsW7-C2IKZKM5BtUScPcvBMWCBw7l_MlfOtmp0J09MQEgjj5pCOnBLwBzccwNqFnD09cnWILzxouPx6gATEif57rKQLHHxvLNHL3HasKSchHiGrTEuLut1L/s1024/7CC35185-6663-4E32-9001-67E730D82BE8.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_w9ce7j97EOOwGpm7trKtvsW7-C2IKZKM5BtUScPcvBMWCBw7l_MlfOtmp0J09MQEgjj5pCOnBLwBzccwNqFnD09cnWILzxouPx6gATEif57rKQLHHxvLNHL3HasKSchHiGrTEuLut1L/w300-h400/7CC35185-6663-4E32-9001-67E730D82BE8.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">MCX with a resident of Garden pool</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5xMmKF2sMCcFC5Mlts_CFmsk95_joPc4aB2uSxvt_OJHPWRh5IC1ojL8HoY812FrZKYSXWOJpaV6p8p3HR7ZWZCdWKfkHIy-jogfatc8CCL7Hv_6E0MAoE_aEdZVtlpPVUNp3fquHx3l/s4608/AB4D9618-7929-4085-98D0-9F970CF8799A.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5xMmKF2sMCcFC5Mlts_CFmsk95_joPc4aB2uSxvt_OJHPWRh5IC1ojL8HoY812FrZKYSXWOJpaV6p8p3HR7ZWZCdWKfkHIy-jogfatc8CCL7Hv_6E0MAoE_aEdZVtlpPVUNp3fquHx3l/w266-h400/AB4D9618-7929-4085-98D0-9F970CF8799A.jpeg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not impressed<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>My dog summed the week up neatly one early morning. This was my first blank at Tomatin since the disaster of 2009, when there was even less water and fewer fish in the river. I tried every innovative technique known to man, but without a proper spate we were always on a hiding to nothing. All three of the 'experts' - John, Patrick and I - blanked. The three fish, 2 lumps and a stale grilse, were all caught by novices, underlining the random nature of fishing in such conditions.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Unusually, I have not a single useful lesson to offer from the experience, other than just keep doing something sensible and don't get downhearted: it's much better than being locked down.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">For my own part I loved the escape, the freedom, the air, the wind, the surroundings, being in one of my favourite places in all the world with close friends and family, and making lovely memories.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Next week I start my autumn assault on the Ure, which has also been a bit short of water, although I know there are salmon. When it's over I'll write again. But in the interim I have an apple harvest to complete.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHWpuS__Z1_IPyPSwrvxXFkTqqlux7KV8uy7VqCOXZBYY11JVcIDphQO1pYDwHzs6vzMRdglqCYRg47BWTBH2upBGF9RNdCOIS0fAfiNAuO-_lTaJdBr7EOPnv8knFlB3eTLqAAY_lrp2/s4032/BBE72A32-72BA-4931-B87C-80745E5861D7.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHWpuS__Z1_IPyPSwrvxXFkTqqlux7KV8uy7VqCOXZBYY11JVcIDphQO1pYDwHzs6vzMRdglqCYRg47BWTBH2upBGF9RNdCOIS0fAfiNAuO-_lTaJdBr7EOPnv8knFlB3eTLqAAY_lrp2/w480-h640/BBE72A32-72BA-4931-B87C-80745E5861D7.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-91774720882668886562020-07-25T17:21:00.006+01:002020-10-13T14:55:06.833+01:00Frustration<font face="arial">We truly are living in extraordinary times. When I wrote my last post on 4th March from a hotel room in Abu Dhabi, we still had freedom of movement and association. We could go where we wanted, when we wanted, and associate with whomsoever we wanted. It was normal and we took it for granted. Then the world changed and our perceptions of normality evaporated within days. I flew back into Manchester in mid-March through a succession of deserted airports that echoed the slamming of doors all over the world. With no idea of how long the pandemic might persist, the situation brought to mind Lord Grey's comment as Foreign Secretary August 1914 that "the lamps are going out all over Europe and we shall not see them re-lit in our lifetime". Let us hope the second clause is as incorrect now as it was then.</font><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jQWeqmvIJuU-3hr8e6Zri_C3gf21ZCWjBxvstEcMXXEELseaeb_T7Xog8Q_8B3GDgbyPv3T4Qazl-FmUscQFN3YpBrEUpAUo57g6oXKGc1ZIsJnfZpkW8KY4G4zSZ9in2HESYRyzDCIu/s4032/BD034CB3-D46A-44E9-8DF1-26B158680802.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jQWeqmvIJuU-3hr8e6Zri_C3gf21ZCWjBxvstEcMXXEELseaeb_T7Xog8Q_8B3GDgbyPv3T4Qazl-FmUscQFN3YpBrEUpAUo57g6oXKGc1ZIsJnfZpkW8KY4G4zSZ9in2HESYRyzDCIu/w240-h320/BD034CB3-D46A-44E9-8DF1-26B158680802.heic" title="The joys of the garden" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The joys of the garden<br />Rose Felicite Perpetue</td></tr></tbody></table>Since then we've lived through lockdown and its partial relaxation. I must confess that lockdown was much easier for me than most others. The wags might say that social distancing comes easy to a Yorkshireman: perhaps they're right on that score. Living in a village with a shop and Post Office surrounded by beautiful countryside laced with delightful walks and deserted lanes for cycling is a rare privilege and advantage. So is having a large garden, which is now repaying the 3 months' effort expended in lockdown. And at my advanced age I'm not in a tearing hurry to get out to do things, except insofar that I'm increasingly aware of the diminishing number of fishing seasons that may be left to me. Like everyone else I've missed my family and friends most of all. Now I'm finding reunions with our children and grandchildren very emotional, especially when they have to go home.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="arial"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Rye Trout</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The reopening came too late to save a friend's invitation to the Tweed and the better part of the Mayfly period on the Rye. I did, nevertheless enjoy some success, albeit without ever coinciding with either a Mayfly hatch or an evening spinner fall.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAxDmEpGag6kezusUHqDYBfbYyHwElJxTFs-xbTXn4Q_Zh6VuZcXiUPv3M8cTmi-PFI72wbzwsEsxEIquWmalmMFWOgd2h6_0tlIMEuDQybyuf6XOPC87TwZ-lDVkbWrsqdEgTmAggy7K/s4608/226F0067-9A7D-4260-9FC7-F4902E4E2163.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAxDmEpGag6kezusUHqDYBfbYyHwElJxTFs-xbTXn4Q_Zh6VuZcXiUPv3M8cTmi-PFI72wbzwsEsxEIquWmalmMFWOgd2h6_0tlIMEuDQybyuf6XOPC87TwZ-lDVkbWrsqdEgTmAggy7K/s320/226F0067-9A7D-4260-9FC7-F4902E4E2163.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5lbs 3oz - Pheasant Tail Nymph<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vtjdw8HJ-gY_REuyxBra4w7i7OycG63rPHgHubYKomBGVb2DAoMmpoun4pa8VIiPRFx_GDcv7ectxFkQ0nc68Jas0MXU0fzlar4yRTkUYnJujw5GcFwKlXh-INTATd-eVx4yMe2pQFBW/s4608/8FFF5209-9196-4A79-B8BA-F4D30D77CBC3.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vtjdw8HJ-gY_REuyxBra4w7i7OycG63rPHgHubYKomBGVb2DAoMmpoun4pa8VIiPRFx_GDcv7ectxFkQ0nc68Jas0MXU0fzlar4yRTkUYnJujw5GcFwKlXh-INTATd-eVx4yMe2pQFBW/s320/8FFF5209-9196-4A79-B8BA-F4D30D77CBC3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3lbs 9oz - BWO Spinner<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">The larger fish presented real challenges with fighting under an overhanging tree, which precluded having the rod upright, and keeping it out of the bushes on the opposite bank only 12-14 feet away. It gave me some really nervous moments, culminating in its inability to fit into my little landing net, which is why you see it some way up the bank! The smaller fish - itself no dwarf - actually gave me much more satisfaction. First, I love the thrill of the one-to-one combat of close quarter dry fly fishing for wary wild trout: nymphing doesn't compare unless you can see a fish taking rising nymphs near the surface. And second, for my birthday my wife gave me an utterly wonderful little Vision Sisu 8' #3 brook rod, a tiny delicate little wand weighing less than 2 ounces, and this was its baptism as darkness fell on an evening rise. This fish was tucked under the bank of one of the few open pools on the Rye in an awkward current seam, which required a slow and careful stalk to get into the best position for ideal fly presentation. The size of the pool gave the trout ample opportunity to show off its strength and aerobatic urges. Fighting a wild trout of this size on a tiny rod is one of the greatest rushes that fishing can give. It was a truly perfect evening.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial">Ure Salmon</font></h3><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Amidst all this I wasn't too concerned on the salmon front because after 3 months of near-drought with barely 8% of average rainfall between March and May there certainly wasn't any kind of spring run in the Ure. I hadn't missed anything and could look forward to when the rain arrived, which it did in excess in June, triggering a summer surge of salmon from the North Sea into the Ure. My hopes of intercepting them at Sleningford came to naught owing to Covid precautions at the caravan site, so I had to wait a little longer for the best possible conditions up at Thoresby.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Everything aligned perfectly in early July, with the river falling from +1.3m at Kilgram and clearing nicely. I was doubly excited because this was the first July opportunity on the Ure since the (non) summer of 2012. Arriving on the water at 9.30 it looked absolutely perfect and my anticipation and morale were both sky high: who wouldn't be inspired by a view like this, especially after 4 months' lockdown?</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7vyOHdmEPS8Ufq_kRerUiprW7LpjDrYGt5oEL-KM2RpJ2aaCkE7sskNx0YE-tCOgYAPfbGW6FKKkjq65Vx4AbYYhc6D6G5LrP-spSva67HESfIGVpK64UcJnFPXp0qICaYxDCkJQ8pi8/s4608/02603CD1-55B6-410E-BBD6-221A6691B563.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7vyOHdmEPS8Ufq_kRerUiprW7LpjDrYGt5oEL-KM2RpJ2aaCkE7sskNx0YE-tCOgYAPfbGW6FKKkjq65Vx4AbYYhc6D6G5LrP-spSva67HESfIGVpK64UcJnFPXp0qICaYxDCkJQ8pi8/w500-h333/02603CD1-55B6-410E-BBD6-221A6691B563.jpeg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><font face="arial">The Perfect Summer View<br />Frodle Dub tail 10th July 2020</font></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><font face="arial"><br /></font><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I put the Brigadier on Frodle Dub and went upstream to fish the Hut pool and the junction with Bishopdale Beck. It needs plenty of water to fish well and the height couldn't be bettered even if it was running slightly brown. Applying the '<a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-to-water-part-1.html">Walking to the Water</a>' formula a 1" MCX Conehead tube and a slow sinking polyleader would give the right presentation.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZHOofbSZdpOJhTB8sKwD0aePhUDx6to7gJoEFqhoimP32Delu1JpSvc3cG6Ozu8KB-CBJpI8BAeRuCTI7pPoKY_D8RzuWdwTV8BiPI0_94gzOrshydr2yYvrdXYuNonuwfXutZpafQUa/s4608/1E4A7268-4388-47DC-9206-D0018E04E35C.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZHOofbSZdpOJhTB8sKwD0aePhUDx6to7gJoEFqhoimP32Delu1JpSvc3cG6Ozu8KB-CBJpI8BAeRuCTI7pPoKY_D8RzuWdwTV8BiPI0_94gzOrshydr2yYvrdXYuNonuwfXutZpafQUa/w400-h266/1E4A7268-4388-47DC-9206-D0018E04E35C.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><font face="arial">Hut Pool<br />Bishopdale Beck joins on the right<br /></font><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><font face="arial">It's essential in this pool not to wade too far out from the bank - 3-4 yards is plenty. It doesn't give you any advantage and certainly isn't necessary for casting distance as you can cover the water with only a partial D-loop. More importantly, some of the best lies are on the near side, including one within 6-8 yards downstream of where you enter the water, so the old adages apply: clear the water nearest you before extending to casting distance; and fish the dangle positively.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">After a couple of minutes removing some cobwebs from my casting I set off down the pool. About 10 yards below the point at which I took the photo I had a good strong take - probably a grilse - close in to the bank. It didn't stay on; nor did the one 3 casts later. Missing fish is sad, but getting a couple of good takes within 10 minutes of starting is definitely good for morale. As my fly was fishing about level with the end of the fallen tree on the left, between there and the well known lie in the middle, I had another much more forceful take and turn, which took my rod right over. Without being too firm I leaned back to set the hook - and failed. I was frustrated but unworried: there were clearly plenty of fish present and active.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXDhtR4oGF91F5sLb7BXz3WZFdD1097N0xEel2WCg_kw-tDPoK6ivJDjexIVhlNZXLzgVhv-GoS4xlbz8aMAHE-bvVMP3-tEVfnLCwKJtkLiobL5gTSPhCIBltPK9FUy4MGfUeN0cePnB/s4608/96264F59-59FE-4639-AADC-CF8AB14824ED.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXDhtR4oGF91F5sLb7BXz3WZFdD1097N0xEel2WCg_kw-tDPoK6ivJDjexIVhlNZXLzgVhv-GoS4xlbz8aMAHE-bvVMP3-tEVfnLCwKJtkLiobL5gTSPhCIBltPK9FUy4MGfUeN0cePnB/w400-h266/96264F59-59FE-4639-AADC-CF8AB14824ED.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flesh Dub<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After finishing off in Hut I progressed through Frodle and on to Flesh Dub, which was looking lovely and very fishy in the sporadic sunshine. In the circumstances I was </span><font face="arial">surprised not to get a take in the large lie at the head of the pool, usually one of the most reliable spots in the whole river. However, as I progressed I became aware that the river was rising quite quickly and changing colour. This was unexpected as the main rain front had passed through the previous night, and up until then the river had been falling quickly and clearing.</font></div></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I wasn't too worried about the lift as there was no reason for it to be large or sustained, but the discolouration was a greater cause for concern owing to the effects of back-scatter of the sunlight underwater, which becomes much more pronounced in bright conditions and when the sun is high in the sky. There's a fuller description of back-scatter (and other phenomena of light behaviour underwater) in '<a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/01/sparkling-water.html">Sparkling Water</a>'. There was a serious risk that my fly would shortly become invisible to the salmon, no matter where or how it was presented.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sQzokT5BLo_Qim0IfhX-h0Y40mI30AUU-7lQc44oYfQZEKBOJMlKZvPEKTMpFTnHOeSxrqu5QnSxWDpeHKKCMLd60UoFm_U-XvigxSw8dCs6iszTatQ0K87yyKzVWwxoWVNZsXGMGiLY/s4608/BDEAE5A1-CEF6-4DCC-B119-09A3B72DFC9A.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sQzokT5BLo_Qim0IfhX-h0Y40mI30AUU-7lQc44oYfQZEKBOJMlKZvPEKTMpFTnHOeSxrqu5QnSxWDpeHKKCMLd60UoFm_U-XvigxSw8dCs6iszTatQ0K87yyKzVWwxoWVNZsXGMGiLY/s320/BDEAE5A1-CEF6-4DCC-B119-09A3B72DFC9A.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backscatter<br />The effects of clay and <br />bright sunlight in water<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>If you're uncertain what is really happening under the water in terms of visibility and light level, the simple solution is to put your waterproof fishing camera to use and have a look. This was the result. In the space of 10 minutes the river had gone from falling and clearing nicely to total obscuration. Even a salmon would be unable to detect a fly in the murk, even if you fished it closer to the surface. The colour is the give-away: this was particulate grey clay, which because it is so fine would hang in the water for as long as this flush persisted, probably at least 12 hours, possibly longer. At a stroke my perfect day (and my ambition to put the Brigadier into a fresh silver salmon) had come to naught.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">My frustration was exacerbated by knowing whence the clay had come. This was not a new occurrence. Some years ago a large block of forestry on the flank of the hills beyond Hawes had been clear-felled. The ridge ploughing to prepare the ground for new trees had breached the surface layer, exposing and disrupting an extensive layer of pale grey clay, which runs off into the adjacent beck. If the rain is heavy enough it will displace sufficient clay to affect the main river, and the effects can persist for days. In this case it brought the streak of July catches on the Ure to a shuddering halt, disappointing and frustrating many others with equally high hopes.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I fished on to the end of the day in hope but without expectation. Lunch with the Brigadier was as pleasant as ever - we've been friends for 50 years and are totally relaxed in each other's company. The disappointment would have been far, far worse if I'd been fishing alone.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial">Learning Points</font></h3><div><font face="arial">So amidst my frustration, what learning points did I gather from the day?</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><font face="arial">Grilse are less tied to specific lies than larger fish. They range all over the width of the river and can take anywhere, including the most unlikely places and in shallow water. Don't be surprised when it happens.</font></li><li><font face="arial">Grilse are much less powerful and efficient swimmers than larger salmon, and when the river is up will usually run in the easier water close to the banks. Don't wade unnecessarily deep. Expect takes at the dangle and fish it positively. Most of the hookings will be near the front of their soft mouths, so resign yourself to losing lots of them, but don't despair.</font></li><li><font face="arial">There are as many fish on your side of the river as the other.</font></li><li><font face="arial">Don't rush. Always clear the water closest to you with a short line before extending to full casting distance and heading off down the pool.</font></li><li><font face="arial">Buy a waterproof camera and put it to good use to help you understand the conditions. They're not unduly expensive and spare you all the worries of dropping your phone or smart camera in the water.</font></li></ul><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><font face="arial">Looking Ahead</font></h3><div><font face="arial">Given the clear evidence of plenty of salmon in the Ure we can only hope for a bit of rain and water in August (but not too much - no more clay please). In 2011 and 2012 I caught some wonderful fish in August, large and in prime condition, so it would be lovely to repeat the achievement. In September, lockdown permitting, we're back to Tomatin for Just One Week, somewhat earlier than in the past, but it will be a wonderful week with friends to savour. HMCX is also coming up for a couple of days with his family to share my rod, which will be an added treat. Let's hope for some water there too!</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Unless I get some fishing on the Ure in August I won't have anything useful to write about until October. </font><span style="font-family: arial;">For those of you lucky enough to be fishing, tight lines.</span></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-66837254360817623422020-03-04T19:33:00.001+00:002020-03-04T19:33:30.490+00:00Estimating the Weight of Salmon<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_WGfwE2UGpqdGRs70V_C9Rs27GEJU5PKTED0CT8AdSJqi6ShFF6NKMADV15FH0_rOwXxVeMxn2NpGdlYDJDp_0QnXPrP-ibiazXGKS7NiLhOBUrDG3ePzlPZ-8CKkjho7iyhOBCN0R9n/s1600/IMG_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_WGfwE2UGpqdGRs70V_C9Rs27GEJU5PKTED0CT8AdSJqi6ShFF6NKMADV15FH0_rOwXxVeMxn2NpGdlYDJDp_0QnXPrP-ibiazXGKS7NiLhOBUrDG3ePzlPZ-8CKkjho7iyhOBCN0R9n/s640/IMG_0901.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How heavy?<br />Dalnahoyn Pool<br />Tomatin House<br />River Findhorn 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, Rory's fish was big, but just how heavy? Please make your estimate now and then review it at the end of this article.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In this era of near 100% catch and release the whole question of weight has become a vexed issue. In the old days you knocked it on the head and put it on the kitchen scales (or bathroom if it was truly huge). It's simple if you've invested £100 in a Maclean weigh net, but that's not an economic proposition for those who only fish one week each year. I'm fortunate: one of the advantages of having grown up children is that they can afford to be generous and give you a weight net as a birthday present. Most salmon anglers face the challenge of coming up with a good estimate of the weight of a large fish. Length alone doesn't cut it: there's no real substitute for pounds and ounces, as AA Milne might have put it, because <i>"Tigger always seemed bigger on account of his bounces"</i>. Estimating the weight of salmon is difficult for the inexperienced, especially when they're tiggerly excited and bouncing about on the river bank with post-landing euphoria.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifCLVQjHqZMx8k53nd0OBph5tkSJaMzCg6XUFvd2fHjHfQe3Tp3cni4URnxu-8ZRtDhJBe4GW4MItLawREMDSO-TMDkbQOx59NaU_LcEWEPjRSNuDOYmMFX-gl_J1tzuG6wrNLHGfSZUi/s1600/Teviot+9lbs+0908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifCLVQjHqZMx8k53nd0OBph5tkSJaMzCg6XUFvd2fHjHfQe3Tp3cni4URnxu-8ZRtDhJBe4GW4MItLawREMDSO-TMDkbQOx59NaU_LcEWEPjRSNuDOYmMFX-gl_J1tzuG6wrNLHGfSZUi/s320/Teviot+9lbs+0908.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course ghillies have an experienced and sceptical eye. Most tend to be very accurate with early season fresh fish. Eoin Faigrieve was within 4 ounces with this chap who'd only been in the river a couple of weeks in early May 2008. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, from June onwards it starts to become more difficult, especially for the less experienced angler. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Length to weight estimating scales</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The usual recourse is to use one of the scales that you can find either via Google or in various publications. However, this is where the more vigorous (and sometimes vicious) debates on salmon weight begin in earnest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Edward Sturdy, who gave his name to the scale, fished in Norway on the Vosso system, where large salmon are commonplace. His scale is based on a formula, with the input in inches and the output in pounds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>(Length x 1.33) x Girth x Girth</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The drawback with Sturdy's scale is that on the Vosso he was dealing with fish built like South Devon bullocks - big and massively broad and deep. Those Norwegian characteristics are what made the genetic strain so popular with the salmon farmers when choosing their brood stock. Traditionally Dee fish were viewed as being heavily built. The squaring of the girth places more emphasis on that feature than the length. That is appropriate for very big fish, when every extra inch of length sees a disproportionate increase in girth and weight.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulI2NfOLdbBsOGOxr16l-wZa7oJlFyBUwAkzjblM7_z5xh6pmMrIjjCugQdyiT227TSGbYnTLBg0pX8tcsAUIeawi2BGeAKVsdSAXFwMoeIE-HeLq5ly27Z8R6Wd9lyCqIHm0O3ZWJPuh/s1600/P1020032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulI2NfOLdbBsOGOxr16l-wZa7oJlFyBUwAkzjblM7_z5xh6pmMrIjjCugQdyiT227TSGbYnTLBg0pX8tcsAUIeawi2BGeAKVsdSAXFwMoeIE-HeLq5ly27Z8R6Wd9lyCqIHm0O3ZWJPuh/s320/P1020032.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sparkling fresh<br />Helmsdale in April</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Sturdy Scale seems to work quite well for hefty fresh-run spring fish up until early June.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can see the high girth to length proportion of this lovely example of an average 2SW spring fish from the Helmsdale.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KsE8X_TmSiNAPMR4j4m7_qDJ03YJ6EZ2lVvAFaploOrUHuVfFr2T6s_FIf8D5rX1GB1R87vRIZTO_t-mB7vN-DgIgdMfeMFZjDI6hsvAYEkgJVFcguJeNb3m9y4vSa85EruLdBYAOWic/s1600/P1020024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KsE8X_TmSiNAPMR4j4m7_qDJ03YJ6EZ2lVvAFaploOrUHuVfFr2T6s_FIf8D5rX1GB1R87vRIZTO_t-mB7vN-DgIgdMfeMFZjDI6hsvAYEkgJVFcguJeNb3m9y4vSa85EruLdBYAOWic/s320/P1020024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Same river, same week, different shape</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But even on the same river you get variations in shape and hence weight to length ratios.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sturdy does allow for this in spring fish at least. However, I suggest that his scale starts to run into problems later in the season and thus must be allied to judgement.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2Dc1ex9I5wKiGM13u0_Y_rgb4q5T5bf1f7iM0Pp-NqAl1xtz_pyf8LEl6NhZYPxARj7lHt2sBsQgFV1NTgd8yxgWYaW_nY9qugEVH6ZkGBs1TfXa_bTXnoje3zc6ah1QSltFqat1GwGa/s1600/P1010633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2Dc1ex9I5wKiGM13u0_Y_rgb4q5T5bf1f7iM0Pp-NqAl1xtz_pyf8LEl6NhZYPxARj7lHt2sBsQgFV1NTgd8yxgWYaW_nY9qugEVH6ZkGBs1TfXa_bTXnoje3zc6ah1QSltFqat1GwGa/s320/P1010633.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">River Ure<br />Early October 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you apply Sturdy to the dimensions of the Beast of Wensleydale - 42" long, 24" girth - you arrive at a highly improbable weight of 40 lbs. Clearly something's wrong: I shall explain why shortly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was the biggest salmon of my life, but I'd be the first to say it was nowhere near that heavy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">General Scale</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What I call the 'General' scale on account of its very wide circulation is probably probably based on blending Sturdy's formula with empirical experience of British fish. I've seen it reproduced in T&S, on blogs and in fishery board leaflets. You will find a nice clear reproduction on <a href="https://www.richarddonkin.com/Archive/Source%20Material/Sturdy_Scale.pdf" target="_blank">Richard Donkin's website</a>. The copy on the desk beside me as I type is printed on water-resistant paper and appears to have been cut out of a fishery board pamphlet.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxDMw1eQUPTbwD02SvyeEJp6xk3knQtKoUMpGp3BKUlaI_HTiZxkclaP80dge1cZctnxxZR4TQymEdZFh0USO7UhP8Zog4pUZA-1ZnozOrsUU6Co6EGUcHqg2xzfmgbh2xVCaIeYr8Rlq/s1600/fullsizeoutput_8e1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxDMw1eQUPTbwD02SvyeEJp6xk3knQtKoUMpGp3BKUlaI_HTiZxkclaP80dge1cZctnxxZR4TQymEdZFh0USO7UhP8Zog4pUZA-1ZnozOrsUU6Co6EGUcHqg2xzfmgbh2xVCaIeYr8Rlq/s640/fullsizeoutput_8e1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like Sturdy it's pretty good on normally shaped fresh run fish until early June. From that point onwards things start to go awry</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Look at the changing profile of fresh fish as the months advance. The August fish is much the biggest of the sample, but it may have been hanging around in the North Sea for a few months before running the river, and it came 130 miles to the point of capture, which might explain its reduced profile.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk7vzAcusFC8zsVTVf0NJpWNNzBSm6xaTF9c8C7TPxVn9iW-LNO_BVK2IPU4TIco0UwVjgULQAzJI-rqX6gmvMGTiHTyqp3E2Iso4-y8nUmO8nahhyphenhyphen23k7nHntlrCyt9X5Z8k3E5YX8rB/s1600/P1020119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk7vzAcusFC8zsVTVf0NJpWNNzBSm6xaTF9c8C7TPxVn9iW-LNO_BVK2IPU4TIco0UwVjgULQAzJI-rqX6gmvMGTiHTyqp3E2Iso4-y8nUmO8nahhyphenhyphen23k7nHntlrCyt9X5Z8k3E5YX8rB/s320/P1020119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Scale about right</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjCV8csd-vdYkaKnu3qABGRTflKIfOAls2x_neC0CwTVdmQ_h4sjT6_N7qWKRNkjB834RIeX7pbVVJbZ-0j-wugCO4hbwZOsYjz97umVfEwNl_rCUwIVLDTyj88EOhj4mfUZiETA-Z0fJ/s1600/P1020044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjCV8csd-vdYkaKnu3qABGRTflKIfOAls2x_neC0CwTVdmQ_h4sjT6_N7qWKRNkjB834RIeX7pbVVJbZ-0j-wugCO4hbwZOsYjz97umVfEwNl_rCUwIVLDTyj88EOhj4mfUZiETA-Z0fJ/s320/P1020044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">July</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Scale overestimates by 1 lb</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7b-zGVd610bO0igFpw2V81aWdFqDdgZHx-4ngigNV5C3HVtjIb2NmIZd0q5vh1NWeSC5dqR7RJga74ngQk7-lbme0lwpov8nS-BBsjDA5uVjXdW0EOlf4kLWRos1g6sYYYEzpJnL5B32/s1600/Summer+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7b-zGVd610bO0igFpw2V81aWdFqDdgZHx-4ngigNV5C3HVtjIb2NmIZd0q5vh1NWeSC5dqR7RJga74ngQk7-lbme0lwpov8nS-BBsjDA5uVjXdW0EOlf4kLWRos1g6sYYYEzpJnL5B32/s320/Summer+15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Scale overestimates by 2.5 lbs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what's the problem with length to weight scales?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Actually there are 5 problems:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the moment they convert to fresh water salmon start to lose weight because they are living on stored energy. The rate of loss accelerates as the months pass.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grilse and smaller salmon are less efficient swimmers than big fish and so burn off a higher percentage of their stored energy during migration. They are also more mobile and erratic while running.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hen fish are better at energy conservation than their testosterone-laden brothers, especially in the later summer and autumn. They do, however, convert a great deal of flesh protein into eggs and the process is not a straight exchange of mass.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Very large fish are the most efficient swimmers and once in the river display extreme levels of energy conservation. In a secure lie they seem able to go into a state of limbo, with all their body systems just ticking over.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And cock fish grow their kypes, which serve to exaggerate their length. This is a major source of error in estimating their weight unless the extra length is discounted.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How much weight do they lose?</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdmTM4LCbQuGCU3ILspFpCDRPtpEwiFwWQTO8wcXArUAVi9Rhv0_LMhayjoj6dKG764X1ktsYCbp8aCPYo2Cs278Szs70AXI8ACZWdsTbHR74RyLBMpmnoPsHRkfWvPecoKaEZpbN4iMb/s1600/Ure+Salmon+31052011+Poster+Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdmTM4LCbQuGCU3ILspFpCDRPtpEwiFwWQTO8wcXArUAVi9Rhv0_LMhayjoj6dKG764X1ktsYCbp8aCPYo2Cs278Szs70AXI8ACZWdsTbHR74RyLBMpmnoPsHRkfWvPecoKaEZpbN4iMb/s320/Ure+Salmon+31052011+Poster+Crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ure Kelt 2011<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The simple answer is an awful lot. The mended kelt in the picture died during the fight and I couldn't revive it. It was just over 36 inches in length, so it's reasonable to suggest that when it had entered the Humber a year earlier it was some 20 lbs in weight. At death it weighed less than 12 lbs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">About 70% of a salmon's weight is flesh. The other 30% comprises head, bones, skin and internal organs. So during the last year of its life, this specimen lost more than 50% of its flesh mass and 40% of its original overall weight. Those figures provide an objective anchor for the bottom of any weight loss graph.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDz-Jz6DVapuxQ6CMdVLPf_4J1lsmb9h9OgDJleYKGiSI8YEgT4N9yrv4h71EPhzNs4D33QPviqL4yswMTWAKlyEku3Y1Z49c0ichTby8mYMfHR-TyEBAMuspMl5pn6-RGcIm83MZLrLR/s1600/P1010205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDz-Jz6DVapuxQ6CMdVLPf_4J1lsmb9h9OgDJleYKGiSI8YEgT4N9yrv4h71EPhzNs4D33QPviqL4yswMTWAKlyEku3Y1Z49c0ichTby8mYMfHR-TyEBAMuspMl5pn6-RGcIm83MZLrLR/s320/P1010205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mr Angry<br />a colourful shadow of a former 14-15 pounder<br />September<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I said earlier, most cock fish lose weight faster. This chap is a good example of the effects of the testosterone-driven territorial behaviour that is prevalent in the autumn. He was the 'Pool Boss' of the tail of Flesh Dub: every time another male fish ran through his patch he would launch into an </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">energy-sapping aggressive display. Indeed, he was so punchy that he came after a small Ally Shrimp being stripped quickly from a range of 15 or more feet: the visual spectacle and tension was like something out of Jaws. He was 35" long including his kype, but you can see how much body mass has already gone. By spawning time he would have been knackered and down to a weight of 9-10 lbs. That's why many fewer cocks than hens survive the spawning process. it's quite possible that Mr Angry didn't make it to the spawning start-line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Compare his body profile and mass with a hen fish caught a fortnight earlier 400 yards upstream.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Compare him also to this much bigger chap caught at exactly the same point of the season and place. It's not a good photo, but make no mistake this was a very good fish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He's a 37" 3SW who clearly hasn't wasted his energy on pointless behaviour. But he most certainly isn't the 22 lbs that the scale might suggest on first inspection. Not only has he lost 2-3 lbs in mass wastage, but also he's grown by 1.5" with the development of his kype. He's actually somewhere around 15 lbs.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Definitely not a pretty fish<br />Tomatin 2005</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Smaller fish also lose a larger proportion of their flesh mass. Most grilse are male, so they are caught by the double trap of inefficiency and hyper-activity. This especially ugly exemplar was my second-ever Findhorn fish on the fly, taken in very low warm water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was very much a novice then and delighted to have caught the fish after blank years in 2002 and 2003. The sharp-eyed tackle geeks will spot an Aircel double-taper line and the Fibatube 13 footer I inherited from my father. Those were indeed the early days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This graph, based on an estimate for two identical 15 pound fish that entered the Ure in May, attempts to show with the blue line how the cocks' weight loss accelerates as the testosterone rises. The main weight loss for the hen in Nov/Dec is the loss of egg mass at spawning: the milt mass in cock fish is significantly less.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Large Ure hen<br />3rd week of October<br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The visible effects of flesh mass loss in hen fish is often concealed by the 'plumping' effect of egg development. You can see the well-stuffed appeared of this very large early October hen fish. The sharp-eyed readers will spot the figure on the tape measure - 38" - which suggests that in May she was around 24 lbs. Unfortunately, with flesh loss she was probably nearer 19 lbs by this time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Note also the very short distance from the from the front edge of her eyeball to her nose - just 2.5" - which is germane to the next heading.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I got into a complete mess landing this fish, which explains why she's covered in sand. Someone else had my landing net; just as I got hold of her tail in shallow water she went berserk; I fell over; and in the melee between us we broke the top section of my rod. What a shambles!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How much does the kype extend?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kype growth is one of the most important factors that lead to the overestimation of the weight of late summer and autumn cock salmon. It is essential to grasp that the kype is not an integral part of the salmon's skeleton. The hormone-driven growth of the cartilaginous extension is a temporary addition to the fish's body. And of course, both estimating scales are based on skeletal length, not overall length.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The easy answer to this question is that it all depends. Not all kypes are equal, nor do they grow at the same rate. The first variable is whether the fish has run a river before (note the 'a river' - it could be a strayer). If the fish survives spawning, its hormones subside and the kype shrinks as the kelt mends, but the nose doesn't return to its start state. There's always an extra bit of bone and cartilaginous material that remains. That gives it a head start on the next occasion. Thus you can have 2 fish of the same birth age, one a 3SW first-timer and the other a former grilse, similar in most respects apart from the rate and extent of kype growth. You can of course then play all the various permutations, but it won't necessarily give you a consistent explanation. Then the equation is further complicated by latitude and when the salmon start spawning: as a general rule Findhorn and other northern Scottish cock fish are 4-5 weeks ahead of their Yorkshire cousins in testosterone levels and kype growth.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikL1h_QEr6ygFE7b4BeFDhmdfzsKjcbUtbWPKUKkrAh5pbpxhbPV4Z_DT5umsVLtdk8_GKOq-0FthoC2Eqy7y-224QjX4AWX-qsXJ2pYHuvoRB1d5qwUc0ZCBD0n6PImW_iimukF6EbgQM/s1600/P1020192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikL1h_QEr6ygFE7b4BeFDhmdfzsKjcbUtbWPKUKkrAh5pbpxhbPV4Z_DT5umsVLtdk8_GKOq-0FthoC2Eqy7y-224QjX4AWX-qsXJ2pYHuvoRB1d5qwUc0ZCBD0n6PImW_iimukF6EbgQM/s320/P1020192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a pair of fairly typical late season 2SW cock fish taken on the Ure in early October. The were probably around 8-9 lbs on entry and by then were down to 7 lbs or so. I apologise for the poor focus on the top one caused by haste to get a good profile of the kype. They've both got just over an inch of kype growth. The one to the right is more interesting, especially if you examine his upper jaw in close-up.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What a fine manly jaw<br />River Ure<br />October 2019<br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Here you can see the mark on the upper jaw showing the underlying bone profile from which it has extended by about 1.25". It looks more, especially if you focus on the lower jaw, but that's fairly typical. It will, however, extend further towards 2" before spawning in late November - early December.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But it does suggest that with a 2SW cock fish at this point in the season, or in September at the Findhorn's latitude, you need to knock about 1.5" off the length as well as applying mass depreciation in arriving at an adjusted weight. But to be frank, we're not much concerned with exact weights at this size.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06J_dKl87oYgeoZ3WQ7YfL8v2BHggOqjzJso4ebDNjEOkaSwJopxkKwdfQ7755-KKouyHbOIx2mNykXQ90z819_gvI9QxOXuVlk5JpOqO9ZhH14raklnC4BH_hElqxB00ar74cZt36quB/s1600/Ure+17lbs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06J_dKl87oYgeoZ3WQ7YfL8v2BHggOqjzJso4ebDNjEOkaSwJopxkKwdfQ7755-KKouyHbOIx2mNykXQ90z819_gvI9QxOXuVlk5JpOqO9ZhH14raklnC4BH_hElqxB00ar74cZt36quB/s320/Ure+17lbs.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mid-September<br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's now look at some bigger fish where the estimates of weight take on a whole new meaning. We'll start with the 37 inch 3SW you saw above. He probably turned Spurn Point at a spanking 18-19 lbs, but then he was only 35.5" long, not 37". He hasn't been in fresh water as long as Mr Angry, so I reckon he's lost about 2-3 lbs of body mass. So looking at the General Scale at 35" (18.5 lbs) and knocking off 3 lbs leads to my estimate of 15 lbs.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No, he's not one of my sons</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's Rory's first large salmon, taken at Tomatin in early September 2011 and he's rightly proud of this warrior who was led astray by testosterone and chasing a rapidly stripped fly in the early morning. See the post <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-glory-sex-and-fly-havea-look-at.html" target="_blank">'Morning Glory - Sex and Flies"</a> for an explanation. The latitude effect is evident. The kype is much more developed than the bigger fish above. There's close to 3" of upper jaw extension beyond the growth line. Leaving aside the effect of the well-advised pose, once you deduct 3" of kype and apply appropriate mass depreciation its much-reduced real weight is exposed. By such means does a 36" fish shrink from 20 to 12 lbs (it was killed and weighed).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And then you get the exceptions. This brute was caught on the Deveron the week after I caught the Beast by an acquaintance who has a well-established reputation for catching very big late season fish and the prize rods to prove it. It measured 41.5" in length and had a girth of 21.5". This fish was therefore slightly shorter and 2.5" slimmer than the Beast and had a similar upper jaw extension of around 2.5 - 3". With a net length of 38.5" and adjusted at the rate of mass depreciation you see in mid-teen fish, you'd be thinking of 24 lbs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In fact it was weighed in front of a reliable witness at 31 lbs 4oz, earning the captor the prize for the biggest Deveron fish of the year. Incidentally, as his prize he chose a Vision MAG 13', which goes to prove that I'm a better judge of rods than I am of the weight of very large cock salmon. In any event there's little doubt that very big fish are different: they're highly efficient swimmers; they don't waste energy being stupid; and they're a very different shape. This means that hypotheses that work for fish in the 14- 20 lbs zone aren't reliable for 30 pounders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To get a better estimate of the weight of your salmon apply the following adjustments:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until June use the General scale and apply only minor adjustments for mass loss, based on what you see. Moderate or increase the mass loss to allow for size above or below 15 lbs/33".</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After June continue to use the General scale but apply the following adjustments</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Hen Fish</u> Measure from the nose to the fork in the tail and correct for mass loss using the orange line in the graph above and a degree of judgement. Don't be fooled or flattered by the 'plumping' effect.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Cock Fish</u> Measure from the bone line in the upper jaw to tail fork. Correct for mass loss using the blue line and common sense. To guide that judgement remember that the girth may still be roughly the same as it was in the spring, but by by September the stomach cavity walls have already lost much of their mass. And invisibly, most of the heavy high-energy fats interleaved in its flesh have gone.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Very big fish are where you can go badly wrong: I certainly did in my early years and even now in the post-fight euphoria my judgement gets seriously frayed. Measure the length and girth; take a good photo side on; and pick it up with both hands to feel the weight (30 lbs is your wife's checked-in bag for holidays). Please don't commit to an estimate until you've calmed down. But do embrace the adrenalin, euphoria and accolades; enjoy the moment and the years of pleasurable glow to come; congratulations! No matter what the exact weight it was very big and you caught it.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What was your estimate of the weight of Rory's fish at the top of the post?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The correct answer, courtesy of Mr Maclean, is 16.5 lbs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Looking Ahead</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the wettest February on record - albeit strangely in Swaledale but not Wensleydale - at the end of a wet autumn and winter, there's water everywhere. Let's hope the river levels are still good on 6th April when the Yorkshire season opens, because this year I really hope to catch Yorkshire silver. On the other hand I say that every year, don't I?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Come March it will be time to launch into my spring routine. The anticipation is already climbing. For you lucky folk who have started the new season, tight lines.</span></div>
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MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-18488906820809982872019-11-14T19:14:00.002+00:002019-11-14T19:14:47.132+00:00MCX's Christmas Stocking 2019<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's that time of year again. As I get older it seems to come round with ever-increasing speed. I suppose it's the fault of all those little monsters who "can't wait for Christmas" causing clocks to accelerate. On the other hand, I need to be a bit more charitable about little people after the grandchild count reached 5 earlier this year. They're still too young to start fishing but I'm looking forward to the 2022 season when they will enter the frame. From the moment I caught my first trout I was totally hooked: the magic of the take; the excitement of the fight; its beautiful red spots; and the pride of success. It's still crystal clear in my mind, yet so, so long ago - Winston Churchill was then the Prime Minister. I desperately hope that they in their turn will enjoy the same thrill as the foundation of a lifetime's pleasure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wrote the first Christmas Stocking in 2013 and with the exception of 2017 it's been an annual event, in the belief that you may find it useful in advising Father Christmas (or in my case Mrs Christmas). The items described:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Work well and add value on the river</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";">Are cheap enough to consider putting in a Christmas stocking</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";">Offer good quality and value for money</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";">Can be purchased without technical knowledge by internet or phone</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fit in a large sock</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Followers of this blog will of course note that there are hardy perennials. It's not that I lack originality: if something's good and worth having, it wouldn't make sense to displace it purely for the sake of doing so. Anyway, I doubt that many readers will bother to go back through the back numbers, so I hope that repetition bothers you less than it does me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Budget Nippers</span></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcSK6vSWRWr2lwftDHGrlMAvCki7dOQLY9iBXU1NGn2jJL8HI6whzKRMQ9BLbWf62AjuvVwX-O-lqQZopsbKNL7D6G_DGzcKa90xYqCtSKKj9lymNfmB0_XVu5gkM4RmMZXznfnWdWsGS/s1600/IMG_1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcSK6vSWRWr2lwftDHGrlMAvCki7dOQLY9iBXU1NGn2jJL8HI6whzKRMQ9BLbWf62AjuvVwX-O-lqQZopsbKNL7D6G_DGzcKa90xYqCtSKKj9lymNfmB0_XVu5gkM4RmMZXznfnWdWsGS/s320/IMG_1663.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sportfish own-brand nippers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Year after year I've bemoaned the price charged by some brands for nippers. Abel's £159.99 effort is an especially egregious example. I suppose someone must buy them, but I can't for the life of me think why. The search for good budget nippers has thus become something of a personal crusade, during which I have sampled 4-5 different designs across the price range £3.99 - £14.75. The cheapest ones rapidly disintegrated, and the more expensive Fishpond is still going strong, albeit after 4 seasons it's showing signs of going blunt. Last summer I needed a new pair for trout fishing, which led me to <a href="https://www.sportfish.co.uk/sportfish-deluxe-clipper.html?sqr=cli&" target="_blank">Sportfish's own brand</a>. They're described as de-luxe, but are absolutely austere and fuss-free. More importantly, they're very sharp and do exactly what's required. It may be that they'll go blunt after a couple of seasons, but on that basis you should get 50 years' fishing before you equal the outlay on the Abels, and you'll never worry about losing these.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gloves</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXsh6JGAdDI-MjDCdqWjr42OjWKhoi-wUJnZdVAYnlweB-2HZ4SqWn2_vOkY8T0CQQKRSWsxlflmBeqbidaXb1gUY0h2InVLa9_gVeL7jsfhJFaBrlUDLl8ptvnTrPNOn2nKZGZ_Z8Eyl/s1600/Xmas+Gloves+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="348" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXsh6JGAdDI-MjDCdqWjr42OjWKhoi-wUJnZdVAYnlweB-2HZ4SqWn2_vOkY8T0CQQKRSWsxlflmBeqbidaXb1gUY0h2InVLa9_gVeL7jsfhJFaBrlUDLl8ptvnTrPNOn2nKZGZ_Z8Eyl/s200/Xmas+Gloves+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="https://www.sportfish.co.uk/snowbee-lightweight-neoprene-gloves.html?sqr=snow%20bee%20gloves&" target="_blank">Snowbee gloves</a> are the ultimate perennial, featuring in every edition of the Christmas stocking since 2013. At a mere £12.99 they're unbeatable value. On average they last 2-3 seasons and work well in all but the lowest temperatures. As the years go by, the blood thins and my resistance to cold declines, I need the gloves more often than before. I wouldn't be without them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mitten Clamps</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhDKb4ABebQ9wWUVav7s-Y4Am3E_Plr-3aDtxastGnND5DRzyjmKdeScdY6JnXfcpwuB4VY6l4T43Y-jCfxeVS1Wsl80Y0KGmhI2OHr2Y_yGZQ9C1krtjZmXlUn49puLM0B-LYVftx9pz/s1600/1b6d4da69214563b0fcbb3a4d62a3b25_1600x1600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhDKb4ABebQ9wWUVav7s-Y4Am3E_Plr-3aDtxastGnND5DRzyjmKdeScdY6JnXfcpwuB4VY6l4T43Y-jCfxeVS1Wsl80Y0KGmhI2OHr2Y_yGZQ9C1krtjZmXlUn49puLM0B-LYVftx9pz/s200/1b6d4da69214563b0fcbb3a4d62a3b25_1600x1600.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every time I come to unhook a salmon I give thanks for my clamps, which are so much easier to use and far more powerful than conventional forceps. My trusty William Josephs are now longer in production, but these <a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/products/loon-rogue-mitten-scissor-clamps" target="_blank">Loons at £21.99 from John Norris </a>are first class. The advantages of having a full-hand grip on a nice rubbery handle are huge, especially when you're dealing with a lively fish in the water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Digital Thermometer</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4NFIbQQnR1EHY_5fY42XHd-rBp0FmvtcDztN0QGnY_NaT0MF5kdMu9H4TaFBZ49N_Jp13cp5P3kTMNEDKyZY2F2_0BpvlR0Jkj1SN34Db4sfYBPeCcez2Pu6lN2MWuXxuZ22LUKENZLS/s1600/IR+Micro+Thermo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4NFIbQQnR1EHY_5fY42XHd-rBp0FmvtcDztN0QGnY_NaT0MF5kdMu9H4TaFBZ49N_Jp13cp5P3kTMNEDKyZY2F2_0BpvlR0Jkj1SN34Db4sfYBPeCcez2Pu6lN2MWuXxuZ22LUKENZLS/s200/IR+Micro+Thermo.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My little device continues to be an object of remark everywhere I go to fish. All you have to do is walk to the water, point, press and read the result on the screen, all in less time than it takes to read this sentence. It weighs about an ounce and the batteries last for years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Specialised digital fishing thermometers are about £40-50, but this device from <a href="https://www.labfacility.com/ir-micro-infrared-thermometer.html" target="_blank">Labfacility in Sheffield</a> costs £13.20 inc VAT. They do charge you a whopping £9 for P&P, but even so you are still saving a full £20 and more against examples sold by angling retailers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wader Repair</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlvbaOKwYFi_oR4Dg76E78BKVhXrYbv5nm_97TeJrdYPOSa63eSKdtKgVyAhICHEHw_UXKRs21XJYRVnYJg-cU75fiLgPnv3ZkaP1XCxFa03Ob2L9_sh10o7_4tqfkjJXG3qAOPSJSnJd/s1600/KITLEEGORREPKITONE_1280x1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlvbaOKwYFi_oR4Dg76E78BKVhXrYbv5nm_97TeJrdYPOSa63eSKdtKgVyAhICHEHw_UXKRs21XJYRVnYJg-cU75fiLgPnv3ZkaP1XCxFa03Ob2L9_sh10o7_4tqfkjJXG3qAOPSJSnJd/s200/KITLEEGORREPKITONE_1280x1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For many years Aquasure was a hardy perennial. However, I've generally found that you buy a 60 gm tube, use 3-4 grams and then throw away the other 55 grams that have gone solid. To answer the requirement for quick, easy repairs to waders and jackets on the riverbank, without the need for curing time or hairdryers, McNett have come up with self-adhesive, instantly curing Goretex patches, <a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/products/mcnett-gore-tex-repair-kit" target="_blank">2 in a pack for £6.99</a>. That's the same price as a tube of Aquasure and there's no waste. As an alternative you could also consider the <a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/products/aquasure-instant-repair-kit" target="_blank">Aquasure quick kit at £7.99</a>, in which the tube only contains 6 grams, for more deliberate repairs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Basic Fly Box</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZBUguZMXVNGdH3GNSMpl7Jvhn5seV3oTZqQqlhQn6rM_WezxO57YBIzpgba9ThVhTaSH-CjT9WNQ98GXUmcdNTiuuohyvWfiYIlFzC11d1iNtjUtzc4y_-B9rPnY92f9E_2rVqnF-Ivc/s1600/9606-copy_large.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="475" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZBUguZMXVNGdH3GNSMpl7Jvhn5seV3oTZqQqlhQn6rM_WezxO57YBIzpgba9ThVhTaSH-CjT9WNQ98GXUmcdNTiuuohyvWfiYIlFzC11d1iNtjUtzc4y_-B9rPnY92f9E_2rVqnF-Ivc/s200/9606-copy_large.gif" width="197" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="https://www.richardwheatley.co.uk/products/comp-lite-fly-boxes?variant=935329963" target="_blank">Wheatley Comp Lite fly box</a> I recommended last year has given a good season's service. Its price is now £12.99 for the 6 inch version. It's simple, functional and does just what I need. I don't carry a lot of flies and have just 2 boxes for doubles - one marked 'High' and the other 'Low' reflecting the prevailing water level.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoPvBIWIlZV8ylWb0KVZI4u2yPB0RFTwErrjdmetLlZlouYYOEnNhogNhs3oEart7Jhsd2RIOOvsPYkAZneypi7HfoMiIl0aVnZ_LwFs2cIm4yogkjMreme2jkMbUpHoOChGqjqnxK-4D/s1600/C%2526FSmallBox.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoPvBIWIlZV8ylWb0KVZI4u2yPB0RFTwErrjdmetLlZlouYYOEnNhogNhs3oEart7Jhsd2RIOOvsPYkAZneypi7HfoMiIl0aVnZ_LwFs2cIm4yogkjMreme2jkMbUpHoOChGqjqnxK-4D/s200/C%2526FSmallBox.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I continue to miss the baby Snowbee box - they've gone all flashy, plastic and big now. The neatest design around at the moment is the <a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/collections/fly-and-lure-boxes/products/c-f-design-tube-fly-case" target="_blank">C&F Small Case</a>, which is suitably compact and works well. The clear plastic internal lid that keeps the tubes safe has a cunning magnetic latch. I bought one of these 4 years ago and it's thoroughly satisfactory. It's a bit more than an average stocking price at £27.99 from John Norris (£2 cheaper than Sportfish), but I haven't found anything as good at a lower price.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seat Covers</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKYgIOn93S8AA9dkhsOrKsdwYxP26zKxn7Cry3uwprLIORmt3vcSVr_WQEZ3tT2hWkLPBqaa-IhDqy3jNhwYxM_l0tvS9eB8EiKgZxmh6pRSedFAGs-nhAleu9RfVCYywxwQ2wGh8bPK8/s1600/e1f106b5e1b54fc31750c7a26a7f25e7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKYgIOn93S8AA9dkhsOrKsdwYxP26zKxn7Cry3uwprLIORmt3vcSVr_WQEZ3tT2hWkLPBqaa-IhDqy3jNhwYxM_l0tvS9eB8EiKgZxmh6pRSedFAGs-nhAleu9RfVCYywxwQ2wGh8bPK8/s320/e1f106b5e1b54fc31750c7a26a7f25e7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I discovered these handy things 5-6 years ago and keep a pair in the car. If you need to drive between beats (or to the pub for lunch) in wet waders, they are a very cheap and convenient way of protecting your car upholstery at <a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/collections/fishing-accessories/products/wychwood-car-seat-protector" target="_blank">£8.99 from John Norris</a>. They're very quick and easy to fit and pack away into a pouch no larger than a pair of socks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cranky Kit</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHEbf_GIXQIS8qMa7O9-Gwwk0HyUtiq_KFmKY2QXKJ_R4voDApppkz1mQxwT5bjmbXy_7fU5vlxXIQjAhGx_w7cnUBG4nPlMXpyPSVueb7tyD18leGoQXZRjcQ5TEWL4fSrCMD5jnNwXk/s1600/ba47bdf75bd52a613a331e623430a3c9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHEbf_GIXQIS8qMa7O9-Gwwk0HyUtiq_KFmKY2QXKJ_R4voDApppkz1mQxwT5bjmbXy_7fU5vlxXIQjAhGx_w7cnUBG4nPlMXpyPSVueb7tyD18leGoQXZRjcQ5TEWL4fSrCMD5jnNwXk/s1600/ba47bdf75bd52a613a331e623430a3c9.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I change lines and shooting heads I meticulously coil them to fit in an old cardboard reel box. This is all very fine but it's time consuming, especially if the head in question is 55 feet long, and it also puts a slight twist in the line. This year Rio have come up with this clever device to allow you to wind the head straight onto a line holder that you then detach and stow. Unusually for Rio it's sensibly priced at <a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/collections/fishing-accessories/products/rio-cranky-kit" target="_blank">£7.99 from John Norris</a> and other suppliers. Purist coilers will probably say it's unnecessary but I'm going to drop the hint to Mrs CX. It will certainly work much better than the C&F shooting head winder that I tried and discarded 7 years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stocking Fillers</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a selection of low-cost but useful items to fill any gaps in your stocking.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6k4oJfSPMUXD-Qjbr0N_vmoGzpiZeZz9X92ymKHwJKP1oHKrvm8ZayLiXc9HRF-tTr583_NMRPZQXxFvQbnpRVCgxNS4WQ23DZRVkVsqUGSwmTLJHVXH8T7w7OZA0EeKSefTLcYS93Hl/s1600/00Poly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6k4oJfSPMUXD-Qjbr0N_vmoGzpiZeZz9X92ymKHwJKP1oHKrvm8ZayLiXc9HRF-tTr583_NMRPZQXxFvQbnpRVCgxNS4WQ23DZRVkVsqUGSwmTLJHVXH8T7w7OZA0EeKSefTLcYS93Hl/s200/00Poly.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Airflo polyleaders are a hardy perennial that I request every year. They're currently discounted by £2 to £4.99 for the <a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/products/airflo-polyleaders-10ft-salmon" target="_blank">10' salmon version at John Norris</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA5NVJHYBuDSX3T5OdeyJINye7RMUJdrjaoPJGxc95yuD08wFMUGVjtOkoNK2td2zJTi0t6NyKLf6emKac9pvJGxikO4RgM_WAjOUJHOm1913H-biCLeIUczwz8Vobf3Gh1pc63ZzKG_j/s1600/bdb51ed012554e9c30b363d5a4527bc7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA5NVJHYBuDSX3T5OdeyJINye7RMUJdrjaoPJGxc95yuD08wFMUGVjtOkoNK2td2zJTi0t6NyKLf6emKac9pvJGxikO4RgM_WAjOUJHOm1913H-biCLeIUczwz8Vobf3Gh1pc63ZzKG_j/s200/bdb51ed012554e9c30b363d5a4527bc7.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/products/riverge-leader-rings" target="_blank">Leader rings</a> are a very convenient way of joining elements of your built-up leader and of providing a durable junction at the bottom of a polyleader. When you need to replace the tip section it's much easier and quicker to tie a single Blood knot to a ring than fiddle about doing a full double. £1.99 for 10.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRZ4kYTw6WxN0ZRHYtCZq8qbloZS5NP8-NepRalgnhCUezy48GQtfXn_3_GZ22Tayz3DgAvncyx7Bx1z6YkkiQRSTykynnmhIfNOVtaNQmrBx22ACZAiOotp-8DgBJuNsyE6X-iKRckmo/s1600/Xmas+Glue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="213" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRZ4kYTw6WxN0ZRHYtCZq8qbloZS5NP8-NepRalgnhCUezy48GQtfXn_3_GZ22Tayz3DgAvncyx7Bx1z6YkkiQRSTykynnmhIfNOVtaNQmrBx22ACZAiOotp-8DgBJuNsyE6X-iKRckmo/s200/Xmas+Glue.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/products/loon-uv-knot-sense" target="_blank">Knot Sense</a> is another hardy perennial. I like the ease with which you can form a smooth shape over a knot, which renders it less vulnerable to abrasion. There's also a degree of flexibility with Knot Sense that you don't get with cheaper super-glues. I've never had a knot fail while using this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Father Christmas Goes Bonkers</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWWRjc8aOL_i1kIk9q1ABzIYLtxsN13KP55ZKYQkJf-ihlbVIg9YyncXoknkxONdoNGZa9rOM35JLT3vB4PqO3DyIP7YvMsfXxDnHqRgDhBa5aL-UTQBatTXy3Bjgeo6BfLkjnXTWpmzN/s1600/7a1f48ead9dc8bfe6102aa37488b5438_1280x1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="750" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWWRjc8aOL_i1kIk9q1ABzIYLtxsN13KP55ZKYQkJf-ihlbVIg9YyncXoknkxONdoNGZa9rOM35JLT3vB4PqO3DyIP7YvMsfXxDnHqRgDhBa5aL-UTQBatTXy3Bjgeo6BfLkjnXTWpmzN/s320/7a1f48ead9dc8bfe6102aa37488b5438_1280x1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As in 2018, the retailers seem to be holding their nerves and breath in the run-up to Christmas. There's very little discounting of kit in the 'bonkers' zone. I have, however, found one superb offer. <a href="https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/collections/reels-spools/products/lamson-guru-hd-fly-reels" target="_blank">John Norris is selling Lamson Guru reels with 30% off</a>. This brings the 4.0 model - a perfect #8/9 to match most 13' and 13' 6" double handed rods - down from £290 to £202, which is below the price of die cast models from some other makers. I've used this reel for years on the MAG and Charles Burns, and as a result I'm a great fan of the elegant simplicity of the Guru's design, manufacture and utility. It's a delight to behold and use, and requires minimal maintenance. I suspect that this model is about to be superseded, but I can't see that they can improve its function. The changes are likely to be purely cosmetic. At £202 it's a great bargain and will probably sell out quickly. The smaller 3.5 at £188 is a #7/8 and would work nicely on a switch rod.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I wish you a very Happy Christmas, a great New Year and hopefully a nice average season's weather in 2020. Tight lines!</span></div>
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MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-11369714728015958582019-10-25T18:36:00.000+01:002019-10-25T18:36:31.923+01:00Truly Unpredictable - Looking Back at 2019 & Lots of Lost Fish<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzScriXQwk6X2R6KrvGvf4MVjU2LG_MORXgdKf-lrUr4plrKBbAWtPFYc8VnGCqLtAAulMG48S602Iaskt0OdGa-5-rfoz-tcDFm51EJMsNLGixl7kg6GRcrFhOnsK8goPXjUlkWMnYS4/s1600/P1020199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzScriXQwk6X2R6KrvGvf4MVjU2LG_MORXgdKf-lrUr4plrKBbAWtPFYc8VnGCqLtAAulMG48S602Iaskt0OdGa-5-rfoz-tcDFm51EJMsNLGixl7kg6GRcrFhOnsK8goPXjUlkWMnYS4/s640/P1020199.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Glories of Autumn<br />October on the Ure</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The weather - again!</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In closing my last post of 2018 I raised a small prayer for a nice average year. Like most salmon fishermen I was fed up with bizarre weather patterns and seemingly endless droughts. In the 6-year period 2013-18 we had well below average rainfall during the salmon season in 5 of them. You can't catch fish in the puddles between bare rocks. The exception was 2017, when it poured. Every time I so much as looked at a salmon river it rose by 6 feet. But after so much abnormality all I wished for in 2019 was bland normality.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLvDBvOG1kskq_6u2tRPMyYm4cRDJk_W_ALu-Hyh4il-6JB9koxtzpZu4vuJ-CL_TPVbV2JkVc9O8f5cNy39bBVf9HjhMgZ8-BDCvIsSb9UTt0Ow-jof1UXeE1-cddmPA63uRBYvFsGTF/s1600/P1020119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLvDBvOG1kskq_6u2tRPMyYm4cRDJk_W_ALu-Hyh4il-6JB9koxtzpZu4vuJ-CL_TPVbV2JkVc9O8f5cNy39bBVf9HjhMgZ8-BDCvIsSb9UTt0Ow-jof1UXeE1-cddmPA63uRBYvFsGTF/s320/P1020119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An outrageous but delightful fluke<br />Tweed at Rutherford<br />May 2019</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It didn't work out that way. Following an unusually dry winter - I drove an excavator across the lawn in February without the need for crawler boards - we looked set for another drought. The arrival of Storm Gareth in March prompted both a surge in morale and a very strong spring run into the Ure. But by the time I returned from work in the Gulf the water had dropped back to summer lows and I'd missed the chance, apart from <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/06/vision-onki-13-8.html" target="_blank">the outrageous fluke of catching 2 spring salmon on the Tweed </a>in impossible conditions. It then stayed dry for the next 4 months until mid-August. Sadly the summer was also cool and very windy, which gave us beautiful roses but rather spoilt the joys of the trout season.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coul silver on the Conon<br />August 2019</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The August spates reasserted some normality and prompted another surge of salmon into the Ure. At the end of a day's fishing (my guest had caught, I'd blanked) I stood at the bottom of a pool watching a steady succession of fresh fish arriving into the tail with a mixture of joy and relief: we might actually have good</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> autumn</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> fishing. At the end of August we spent <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/09/coul-fishing-just-one-week-on-conon.html" target="_blank">a delightful week on the Conon</a> with our friends, enjoying great company, excellent conditions </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and catching salmon.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObJkukT65Cd76bZ0MKX1h-_7i1X603Kl9PVi_Iu7mhiVacLfphI2i6zZyKzveWMq3VaJGchJBF_5s6vM0m4VGanQGSP7GMrUsymX-dSgk3sWxYF931_gDScPA9XlayaHxi7HmaI95XpHZ/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObJkukT65Cd76bZ0MKX1h-_7i1X603Kl9PVi_Iu7mhiVacLfphI2i6zZyKzveWMq3VaJGchJBF_5s6vM0m4VGanQGSP7GMrUsymX-dSgk3sWxYF931_gDScPA9XlayaHxi7HmaI95XpHZ/s320/IMG_1563.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Work<br />It's called the Empty Quarter for a good reason</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was away for most of September working (I'm not fully retired) and on holiday. In the middle of the month it started to pour with rain. In the last 2 weeks of September and the first week of October we received 3 months' rain, which was topped up by successive showers. The land has been so wet and releasing so much water that the Kilgram gauge has been at or above good fishing height for the past 6 weeks. It's most welcome, but you certainly can't call it average - they're forecasting 2 months' rainfall over this weekend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've reached the end of the season feeling content. It's been an unusual year in that its most memorable moments haven't been the salmon I've caught, but rather the marvellous fish I lost on the Conon and Ure. Indeed, it's been a season of missed takes and lost fish in unusual numbers. If I'd landed all the losses my season's total catch would have been closer to 30 than the dozen, and I lost count of the missed takes. But all this activity made me feel positive, engaged and optimistic: there were plenty of fish available for the next cast.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From top to bottom<br />Gallander's at + 2' 6"<br />August 2019</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Two memories from 2019 will stay with me forever: the first is the excitement of a fresh 20+ running the full length of Gallander's Pool on the Conon in heavy water while I pursued it down the bank praying for it to turn; and the second is the magnificent sight of a yard or more of perfect silver Ure salmon in a vertical jump clear of the water, glistening in the autumn sun, kicking and turning in its successful attempt to throw my fly. Of course I was disappointed to lose them, but the experiences, excitement and imagery were unforgettable and uplifting.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It may not be silver,<br />but a first salmon is always the most <br />beautiful fish in the world<br />Thoresby 10th October 2019</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another great memory is helping the Brigadier, one of my oldest friends of almost 50 years' standing, to catch his first ever salmon. His excitement whilst playing it and the look on his face once it was safely in the net were worth a million. It was as if all the years since his first childhood trout in Wales had been pulled back like a curtain to let the joy shine out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The two salmon I caught later in the day in the space of 20 minutes were purely incidental.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When not working in London he lives up in Bishopdale overlooking the Ure, so there will be nothing holding him back now. I'm looking forward to days with him during the coming years. Two old codgers on the river bank chewing over half-remembered reminiscences of their military youth: <i>"we were soldiers once and young"</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As always I enjoyed the annual father and son bonding trip to the Ure with HMCX in early October. We had rather too much water at close on +4 feet, but that didn't stop him from out-fishing his father 2:1.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Despite only a fishing a couple of days per year it only takes 20 minutes or so for the rhythm of his Spey casting to emerge from hibernation. It's a great pleasure for a father to watch, and even greater when he gets a fish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the first day it was a 14 pounder, taken on a fast sink tip and big Cascade conehead tube fly in very heavy water close to the tail of Frodle Dub, which kept him fully occupied for close on 20 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amidst all the demands of a City career, family and fatherhood, his 'salmon' smile never changes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">His second fish, taken on Day 2, was one of the August runners, still holding a nice light colour and with little body mass loss at around 9lbs.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Between Frodle and Flesh Dub</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I finished my season with 2 days on the Ure with John and Patrick, arriving late in their week to fish the Thursday and Friday. In very high water they'd been averaging something over a fish per day, including Patrick's 20 pound hen on the Wednesday. By the time I arrived it was down to +3' and falling and clearing nicely. Things certainly looked very positive.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Frodle Dub<br />Looking perfect on Day 2 at +18"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I fished Flesh Dub first without result or even a touch. This came as a surprise because over many years this has always been my 'banker' pool. Blanks have been very rare here, and on one occasion I </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> landed </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4 and lost 3 in a morning. Howeve</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">r, on this occasion, over the 2 days I fished Flesh Dub 4 times without the least sign of a fish. On reflection I put this down to the level of disturbance by the rods on the opposite bank, who in their desperate desire to reach our side (where there are no fish) wade too deep, through or very close to a succession of lies on the flow line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Undeterred I went down to Willow Bush, confident in the knowledge that it's rarely fished properly from either bank. The secret is that the most catchable fish lie near the tail, not the head. There are fish just below the head of the run, but you need 10 feet of T14 and a tungsten tube to get at them effectively.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This one of around 7lbs came from the tail and fell to a 1/2" MCX conehead on a slow sink tip. The weight of water flattered his mass and made for a good fight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The water level brought into play the Hut Pool into which Bishopdale Beck flows at the top of the Thoresby beat. There are lies across its entire width - at +3' there are 2 good ones within a couple of yards of the near bank, and another under the trees on the far left of the photo. Although it looks bland, the wading is awful, with lots of egg-shaped boulders. Fishing after lunch on Thursday I missed a grilse on the way down. On Friday morning I'd lost one fish before even taking my first pace, followed a few casts later by hooking and landing a 10lbs cock from under the ash tree on the right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, the real excitement was down towards the tail, where the flow from Bishopdale Beck comes in on the far side. The best approach is to stay close to the near bank to fish the lie on the near left side of the photo; then the lies in front of and each side of the obvious rock in the centre; and finally the channel beyond it and onwards down to the break into Frodle Dub. I followed this formula on Thursday afternoon. After a brief handshake with a fish on the near side of the rock I extended my line to reach the 30+ yards needed to get the fly into the channel with an oblique cast to avoid the drag around the rock. The water level was almost a foot higher than in the photo taken on the Friday (into the morning sun), which meant near waist-deep wading very close to the bank, seriously limiting the size of D-loop I could deploy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On about the fifth cast there was the most almighty thump as a very strong fish turned away and kicked violently. Meanwhile my line was entering the drag zone behind the rock putting further unwelcome downstream pressure on the fish. With 30' of running line outside the top ring there was nothing I could do to solve the problem. At first it held its position against the force - I could feel each kick of its tail - before accelerating upstream and then jumping vertically clear out of the water, showing its full length. It was silver, fresh and beautiful, a yard and more long and probably around 15-16 lbs: the image is printed on my mind. With the line bowed in the heavy water below the rock I was unable to give the slack needed for its landing back on the water, so when the hook hold failed it was no surprise. Some you win, some you lose. The established trend continued right to the end on Friday, when I lost another good fish from behind the rock with my penultimate cast of the season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was surprised that I hadn't caught more in perfect water that screamed salmon. Nevertheless I wasn't greatly disappointed. There were plenty of salmon in the river of every shape and size from solid grilse to a 4 foot submarine that showed briefly in the evening light, and lots had paid attention to my MCX Dark. On the other hand, if all the losses had stayed on and half the takes had converted I would have wound up with about 10 fish in the 2 days, which I haven't equalled since 2011. Certainly the potential was there and events underlined the Ure aphorism - <i>"Give them water and you'll catch them"</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While the season was far from average, it suited me very nicely, thank you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lessons from 2019</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I always to try to derive some learning from every moment of my fishing, so here are some thoughts from 2019:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unless a fish is heading somewhere truly disastrous or getting too far away for comfort, take it easy in the opening minute or two of the fight. In the salmon's initial panic there's lots of random force and some odd angles that may combine to lever the hook out, especially with the softer mouths of fresh fish and grilse. I lost several fish this year by being too firm too early.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If there's space and no hazards, let them run, because that wears them out most quickly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year I've watched plenty of people wading much too deep when there was no need to do so. In most cases it was driven by a pointless desire to reach further. There are plenty of lies on your side of the river, and most fish will be on or near the flow-line. Salmon will hold in short halt lies in about 30" of water, so once you reach mid-thigh depth you are amongst them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Clear the water under your feet before extending your line to full casting length. There may be fish lying close to you. This year I hooked (and lost) 3 fish before I'd even taken my first pace downstream.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While you may be casting a consistent 25 yards to cover the pool, you should be ready to shorten your line and change the angle of delivery to fish closer lies more effectively by adapting to the flow or offering the salmon a more rectangular view of your fly. Make a plan for each lie you identify, don't just rely on mechanical progression down the water to do the job.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes, like the Bishopdale case, there's no perfect way to get the fly to the fish. Manage the risks you can, live with the rest: it's fishing not nuclear physics.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The MCX Dark works very well. Yet again I fished the same pattern for the whole year, only changing the size and depth to match the conditions. By the end of the season it had bettered the totals of any other fly used by my peers. No doubt the confidence it engenders helps.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wading the Hut Pool at +3' taught me that after 3 seasons it's time to put some new studs in my wading boots.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Never despair: at 1st August this season looked totally dire, but lo, it worked out well in the end.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking Ahead</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I'm old time seems to go faster than ever. In the blink of an eye the salmon fishing has finished for another year and we're into the shooting. Christmas will be upon us in no time, so I must now turn my mind to that hardy perennial, MCX's Christmas Stocking.</span></div>
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MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-37599340097778720372019-09-25T16:35:00.001+01:002019-10-02T22:16:33.869+01:00Vision XO 13' 6" #8 - Yar in Excelsis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU64r1DGfWEVAXemczZOM_OtmWaH3sobho35OCQK1spU-X21IBTxatpXPW2Z-xTFH1I_iItzCDj-jt1aeTcGZp-P9-agfOe_GDW-mRtGtzE4salFolp5uJ7cogugrl6XTVtuJRVcjKVYdP/s1600/P1020174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU64r1DGfWEVAXemczZOM_OtmWaH3sobho35OCQK1spU-X21IBTxatpXPW2Z-xTFH1I_iItzCDj-jt1aeTcGZp-P9-agfOe_GDW-mRtGtzE4salFolp5uJ7cogugrl6XTVtuJRVcjKVYdP/s640/P1020174.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sharp-eyed readers of J1W might have spotted something in my last post about the week on the Coul fishings of the River Conon. I'm showing the picture again at a larger size. The Danielsson LW5 reel is familiar enough and has previously featured in my writings. It's the rod you haven't seen before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Following Trout & Salmon's rave review of the Vision XO 13' 6" I was keen to get my hands on an example to see whether it lived up to the hype. A coaching session on the Ure with <a href="https://www.yorkshireflycasting.com/about-brian-towers" target="_blank">Brian Towers</a> - one of the testers - further whetted my appetite. In his opinion it was one of the most remarkable rods he'd ever handled. With that in mind I laid siege to my local friendly Vision dealer. After a brief negotiation the rod shown above travelled up to the Conon for a week's intensive use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A bit of background</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The XO range is Vision's first foray into the premium segment of the rod market. Over the 20 years that they have been designing their own range of products, Vision built an excellent reputation in the mid-price range with successive generations of rods that offered casting and fishing pleasure at a sensible price. Their naming, branding and packaging may seem a bit eccentric, but the underlying theme was their consistent adherence to a fuller action than you usually encounter in some other Scandinavian brands. They considered that bringing the entire length of the rod into the casting and fishing equation was not only more efficient but also more pleasurable for the angler. From the early days of the GT and Catapult models, through the Cult, MAG and Tool you could detect this clear design intent. Of course there were variations from the centre-line, with the softer Cult and firmer MAG and Tool actions reflecting opposite boundaries, but the basic feel was consistent. The XO action is faithful to that tradition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It isn't easy to design and manufacture a double-handed salmon rod down to a price. You have to make compromises and hard choices. In the mid-price range you see this immediately in areas like the quality of the cork and the choice of fittings. Some years ago I tried to explain all this in detail in <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/rod-value-where-money-goes.html" target="_blank">Rod Value - Where the Money Goes</a>. Because salmon rods are generally made in relatively tiny quantities, the hidden sunk costs are disproportionate. If, say, you want a range of 4 rods - 12, 13, 14 and 15 feet - you need one or more of each for prototype testing. These are one-off bespoke builds and correspondingly expensive. And you may not get it right first time, which adds more time and cost. Quite soon you're looking at serious money, all of which the company has to recoup in sales margin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many anglers baulk at the price of salmon rods, protesting that the manufacturers are ripping them off and making a fortune. In fact the reverse is the case. Very few salmon rod brands make a sensible profit, several lose money (Hardy was losing plenty before it was bought by Pure) and others like Loop rely on enthusiastic and philanthropic owners. Once you've delved into the manufacturing economics you realise that by and large you get what you pay for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What makes the XO different is that for the first time Vision chose to make a rod up to a standard without any compromises, which explains the £899 price tag. That poses the question, is it worth the money? Obviously a lot of other people think so: the 13' 6" #8 is currently the fastest selling rod in Vision UK's range and to date not one has appeared in the used market. But for me the question was simpler: is this a truly great fishing rod, blessed with the magic quality of "yar".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First look</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In common with other premium rods the XO comes in a well-engineered screw-capped protective alloy tube. The weight alone suggests that it could protect the rod from the most severe impacts. Inside is a neatly machined buff rod bag. It all reeks of quality, but personally I just love the ease and convenience of the compartmented tubes in which their earlier models arrived.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The real delight comes when you take the rod out of the bag, culminating in the butt section. The down-locking reel seat is conservatively decorated with curly birch wood, but in all other respects entirely functional. The two-nut locking is bomb-proof and didn't move at all in a week's fishing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a bit of cunning I first detected in the MAG 13, the base of the butt is ballasted. This allows the rod to balance with a lighter reel and achieve a lower overall weight of rod and reel than would otherwise be the case.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But the ultimate delight is the cork. It is so smooth and tactile it's almost erotic. The first time I held it I was struggling for an appropriate metaphor. My current experience as an enlightened, modern nappy changing grandfather steers me away from the classic 'baby's bottom' analogy on the grounds of unpleasant collateral. The same modernity makes me wary of possibly sexist references that might upset any female readers of this blog. But make no mistake, any supermodel would be jealous of its smoothness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When a carbon rod is made the resin impregnated cloth ('pre-preg' as it's known) is wrapped around a steel mandrel and then held tightly in place by heat resistant tape to ensure consistent adhesion between the layers during the heat curing process. On completion of curing the tape is removed, leaving a slightly ridged outer surface. Most manufacturers remove this surplus - you can machine carbon like metal - to give the blanks a smooth gloss finish. As you can see here, Vision have chosen to omit this process. They've done this before: the Cult was only partially machined. However, on the XO the ridging is much more pronounced, which jars slightly on first inspection as your thoughts stray from supermodels to lugworms - a major mental shift. Outwardly it's typical Vision eccentricity, but I suspect there are some good reasons for the choice and that final retail price wasn't a determinant. Consider these points. First, when you're striving to make anything as light as possible, the less machining you apply, generally the stronger it will be. Second, when you're making prototypes to test the action of a rod you don't want or need to spend money on cosmetic finish. But once you've got the action just how you want it to be, why take the risk of removing material and possibly changing something? And in any event, like all Vision's little quirks, you cease to notice it very quickly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The rings and whipping are everything you would expect at this price point. The colour and decor is extremely conservative.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The titanium bendy recoil guides are an expensive luxury, but seem to be what wealthier customers expect nowadays, even if they rarely if ever put their characteristics to the test.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, it's beautifully presented and finished. What's it like as a fishing rod?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This pool presented a nice easy start, beginning with a very short line to clear the water under my feet. At this height most of the fish in Upper Boat are on the flow line and the near side, so no great effort was required. This was convenient because fishing from the left bank with a blustery downstream wind meant that I spent most of the morning casting left hand up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first thing that strikes you is a feeling of extraordinary lightness in the hand. The extra 6" makes it feel bigger than the 13 MAG, but it's lighter. Indeed, it's nearly 20% lighter than the 13' Tool, itself no bunter in the weight stakes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Compared to the 13' 8" Cult, a mere 2" longer and to date my choice for larger rivers, the XO is much lighter and in the first minute you discover that it is far, far more responsive and dynamic in every phase of a cast. I love the Cult dearly, but by goodness, it really does feel pedestrian in comparison to the XO. In my earlier tests of the Onki and Tool I used the analogy of the BMW 320 and 320M to compare their feel and performance. On that scale the XO is the full M3, but thankfully with the savage bits removed (and a beautiful handle added).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was only later that I had the opportunity to explore a bit more distance. Towards the tail of New Pool the fish are more spread across the width than they are at the head. The tall tree on the far bank marks the start of a succession of lies on and beyond the centreline, which require a a cast of some 30 yards to cover. You are limited in achieving that by the depth by the near bank: once you're a couple of yards out, the minimum for any sort of a D-loop, the water is at the top of your thighs and the conditions underfoot dissuade you from venturing further.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, you're thigh deep, casting left handed double Spey in a nasty wind, using a 13' 6" rod with a 15' sink tip and a tube fly, and you, a very ordinary caster, wish to go to 30 yards? With a sceptical ghillie watching? Relax, look up, lighten the grip, slow down and don't apply power too early and blow the anchor. Feel the load and stop! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh yes, <span style="font-size: large;">yes</span>, <span style="font-size: x-large;">yes! </span> (and repeat for 20 minutes).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"What length is that rod?" the ghillie enquired. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"13 foot 6", I replied with a self-satisfied smile. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"That's something really different (or words to that effect). When you get to the bottom of the pool can I have a try?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not sure which provided him with the greater amazement - the rod or its £899 price.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyRUPpzMcZAOwhO9MCoFEYerWzRWbJ54MgQJeyZogmtk7xqdJdLhIfvhpaeuZWkDXJdXsZ258AtY7R0lM3Qj64GHXuBPuz1fSJL2MZpWKYbnMQcK6v97gEzfEnsrrGXaipF70bmEHZbc8/s1600/P1020173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyRUPpzMcZAOwhO9MCoFEYerWzRWbJ54MgQJeyZogmtk7xqdJdLhIfvhpaeuZWkDXJdXsZ258AtY7R0lM3Qj64GHXuBPuz1fSJL2MZpWKYbnMQcK6v97gEzfEnsrrGXaipF70bmEHZbc8/s320/P1020173.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Junction Flats<br />Coul Fishing</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On subsequent days, further down the beat when and where the wind direction allowed, I could use single and C Spey casts. At Junction Flats with the wind over my right shoulder it took no effort whatsoever to hit the wall on the far side. Of course in casting everything always works better with less effort. Nevertheless, the sensation of the rod loading right down to the butt was utterly delightful. The XO communicates clearly and precisely: you know exactly what's going on at every stage. For me that's an absolutely essential quality in a salmon rod, especially as it helps me to detect and correct my frequent errors.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMNs1PYl1dWJmqjjIu2Js29BzOgGPltlwVeB9u89c8RzmIN7sCPYCVJ-5IXyBnlmbBiap3I4o2HZ-3ZFnZ2BZP1AlfIDOzOfextRH8jTRHNL0DUNJSfjHXyaldSeBdTiaQn_EwR3RT7-N/s1600/P1020175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMNs1PYl1dWJmqjjIu2Js29BzOgGPltlwVeB9u89c8RzmIN7sCPYCVJ-5IXyBnlmbBiap3I4o2HZ-3ZFnZ2BZP1AlfIDOzOfextRH8jTRHNL0DUNJSfjHXyaldSeBdTiaQn_EwR3RT7-N/s320/P1020175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gallander's at +2' 6" and rising<br />Friday afternoon<br />Coul Fishing</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sternest test of the XO's performance was on the last day, in a big pool, with rising water and a weighted MCX Dark conehead at the far end of a 15' sink tip. The far bank is more than 55 yards away. I was less than 2 yards out, thigh deep in heavy water and difficult ground underfoot (not conducive to relaxed casting), with a stiff wind downstream and slightly into my face. The lie I needed to cover was more than half the way across: its back edge is just visible at the extreme right of the photo. I couldn't cast square owing to the uneven weight of the flow between me and the lie. Around 60 degrees was the most I could allow if the fly was to be moving sensibly as it passed over the lie. After 5 days with this rod I was confident that I could pull it off. Relax, look up, 3 good loops of running line on the bottom hand, and hope the D-loop doesn't catch on the grass (</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">only one did </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">thanks to the strimming by Head Ghillie Ian Menzies). On about the tenth cast I felt the kick of a very big salmon, which when it showed was clearly a 20+. The full story was recounted in <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/09/coul-fishing-just-one-week-on-conon.html" target="_blank">Coul Fishing</a> and need not be repeated here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Summing Up</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over the years I've owned a wide variety of brands of salmon rod from bargain basement to premier league. Some suited me well and I loved them, others were complete dogs with which I never achieved happy union. Price was never a good guide to affection, and the worst rod I've ever owned was the most expensive (albeit I bought it second hand). The mid-range Vision rods have in most cases always served me well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The XO is a truly beautiful fishing rod that I really enjoyed using. Day after day in all conditions it put a beaming smile on my face. For someone of my age with a seriously bad back its lightness is a real boon. Its communication and feel through your hands is a delight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is it a "game changer"? No, fishing is still fishing, and performance gains are incremental.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Did it help me catch any. more fish? No: of the 9 I hooked, 7 were within easy range for the 13 MAG, so arguably would have been hooked anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Did it help me cast miles further? No, not miles, but perhaps a useful few extra yards beyond what I could achieve with the Cult.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But the real secret was that with the additional confidence it engendered I relaxed more and as a result cast better and further with less effort, thereby gaining more pleasure from my fishing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">According to Tracy in the musical High Society, the definition of 'yar' includes the words quick, responsive, taut and agile. On that basis the XO 13' 6" is 'yar' in excelsis. Sometimes you find things that are just so beautiful to use and deliver so much joy that you just can't resist them. If I'm lucky I may have 10-12 seasons of salmon fishing left to me, so why not maximise the joy?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I bought it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-66872991431912450192019-09-05T23:37:00.000+01:002019-09-05T23:37:33.870+01:00Coul Fishing - Just One Week on the Conon<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RKXVNABAzHgmEavwB47nrlU5xUD2Y8nfEpj-QdkN3b9I2EluNUMqsBDAqmqLcUocGhoWTEdo1d2d37i2Tx8hEP5WXZT3Kb6kL5f2BAa8mkxHLGJBf7hAUfyeJgVGUyyqk44hrUySnrC6/s1600/P1020145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RKXVNABAzHgmEavwB47nrlU5xUD2Y8nfEpj-QdkN3b9I2EluNUMqsBDAqmqLcUocGhoWTEdo1d2d37i2Tx8hEP5WXZT3Kb6kL5f2BAa8mkxHLGJBf7hAUfyeJgVGUyyqk44hrUySnrC6/s640/P1020145.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coul Fishing<br />Upper Boat Pool</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The River</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the end of last year, with no Findhorn week in prospect for 2019, Patrick started the search for an alternative location for Just One Week. During his research he identified an opening on the Conon, a river about which we collectively knew absolutely nothing. After a bit more work and some enquiries on various forums it became clear that the Conon was a very good option and well worth a try, so we went ahead and booked the last week in August. This isn't usually available, but this year the owner - a Yorkshireman - was unable to take up his regular week, which created the opportunity.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxchfSZP7wiFVSZD7mBxQ1zbf0mwWAAOb45gou12gkq6HdhsUI7PTZolq4msCBWkBQ61LAAiV_7R3dVwLYU3ObXkcb5U4Wjr-vkA-PqdrhAdeZp7LLaKlOsk6ZFbLeA-2nBU-l99-Ua63A/s1600/Screenshot+2019-09-03+at+21.46.49.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="1512" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxchfSZP7wiFVSZD7mBxQ1zbf0mwWAAOb45gou12gkq6HdhsUI7PTZolq4msCBWkBQ61LAAiV_7R3dVwLYU3ObXkcb5U4Wjr-vkA-PqdrhAdeZp7LLaKlOsk6ZFbLeA-2nBU-l99-Ua63A/s320/Screenshot+2019-09-03+at+21.46.49.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">River Conon (blue)<br />Coul Fishing (red)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Conon isn't especially well known. It's located about 20 minutes north of Inverness and flows into the head of the Cromarty Firth. Like its neighbour the Beauly, the Conon is heavily exploited for hydro-electric power. The main fishing section is below the final Achonachie dam, with the Coul fishing highlighted in red and amounting to approximately 2 miles/3 km of river.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Salmon that run up to the dam enter a fish lift that allows them to access the 10 miles of river between the Achonachie and Luichart dams. However, there's no return route for kelts and smolts, other than taking their chances with the turbines. Fortunately, significant numbers of fish spawn in the bottom section of the river.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It may not be well known, but it's certainly pretty and a classic fishing river about 50-60 yards across.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIycCL9ouIRkT4xJdo22y_EwPPAPx5xY9rx55IoJ71gfF8f9vkeiVHkDJTrrxAazDE2iCFQCsr8pj6wKWIFB_nrPsxRgRdmq1SRHeEyX6hMoM_uvQBR6zY_Ebl0rspANZrGvV1VV7eCWyk/s1600/P1020168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIycCL9ouIRkT4xJdo22y_EwPPAPx5xY9rx55IoJ71gfF8f9vkeiVHkDJTrrxAazDE2iCFQCsr8pj6wKWIFB_nrPsxRgRdmq1SRHeEyX6hMoM_uvQBR6zY_Ebl0rspANZrGvV1VV7eCWyk/s640/P1020168.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Robin's Run from the Gap<br />looking upstream and across to the north bank in low flow conditions</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHjf4za_kPka5EJFv04clhNEX7i1lD44_cNCNdUYig4V7iiqVP1585uE2KgHp-Tb3OUuON-anofGvtDVxUc9fcoQ2poGRLAq5o2S_Jmi90M1p6atFXezVZrm_psNmXSpSY06R6MtaNVZL/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHjf4za_kPka5EJFv04clhNEX7i1lD44_cNCNdUYig4V7iiqVP1585uE2KgHp-Tb3OUuON-anofGvtDVxUc9fcoQ2poGRLAq5o2S_Jmi90M1p6atFXezVZrm_psNmXSpSY06R6MtaNVZL/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Coul fishing is predominantly on the north bank on the opposite side to the road, a variety of lodges and the hut. Access is by rowing boat from 3 points at the top, middle and bottom of the water. There is no road access to the far side - the significance of that point will become apparent shortly. We found that with 5 rods and a single ghillie, getting everyone over to the other side of the river each morning, back for lunch, the afternoon and at the end of the day involved all manner of time consuming faffing about. However, by Wednesday the head ghillie was satisfied that my rowing skills justified independence, which made life easier all round.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">SSE's Conon hydro operations are controlled by a computer in Perth, using all manner of clever algorithms to balance predicted demand, water availability and wind power inputs off the surrounding hills. As a result there are 4 general water states:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Minimum sustainment, when they aren't generating and there isn't enough water in the reservoir (or rain in prospect) to allow greater release. In this situation the gauge goes down to around 8-10" but the river never goes onto its bones.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Base flow, which obtains either when SSE are generating at a low level or are spilling some excess water, giving levels in the range 10-18", creation very pleasant fishing conditions.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Full generation, which lifts the level to anything between 18" and 2' 6", when you can have good fishing.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Full flow, which pertains when they are at full generating capacity and are spilling high levels of excess flow, taking the level to 3' and beyond and placing clear limits on fishing.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Changes of level are announced by the sounding of the 'Death Ray', a warbling siren at the dam, with a tone reminiscent of 1960s sci-fi films. Whenever it sounds you half expect to meet Captain Scarlet in waders. However, the changes in level - generally steps of 4" or so - are much less rapid and pronounced than those I have experienced on some spate rivers, most notably the Findhorn. Nonetheless it does pay to keep a close eye on the gauges positioned near the 3 boat stations, because once it reaches 3' boating stops and you would be stuck on the far side without road access and have to walk 2 miles down the bank to the main road to get picked up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It all sounds like a lot of bother but by the end of the week we'd all got used to the routine and the shortening of fishing time involved. We also noted that the hydro operations had very little effect on water temperatures: at base flow the river generally ran at 16C, which only dropped a degree to 15C in full generation. Nor did they seem to trouble the salmon much: we caught fish at every water level throughout the week, and they ran into the beat in all conditions except minimum flow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The following pictures give some idea of the effects of different flows:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Upper Boat Pool</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Low base, around 10"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Low flow on a gloomy morning</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Full generation</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKu5mqXfBkFmCZJ4aHSR-JIaUz3f3VNRjh-XVclIvHjJJZg1AT5YMbPq8v-V0wWRrirpKf60q5LyELG6FzWI7ESjVxfY-bBoNieiJPUIfmEt9uzSjXG5WSN2gnI1-HyrXSm4cwhaYP8Z-/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKu5mqXfBkFmCZJ4aHSR-JIaUz3f3VNRjh-XVclIvHjJJZg1AT5YMbPq8v-V0wWRrirpKf60q5LyELG6FzWI7ESjVxfY-bBoNieiJPUIfmEt9uzSjXG5WSN2gnI1-HyrXSm4cwhaYP8Z-/s320/IMG_1432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In full spate 5' 6"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">looking across to the north bank</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Fishing</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLEl5Rjfsn86w07NmdTqqEY0WN0wAQepaz2e2YlmG-NIW10fhbhCf6ts-0AJOB8gRcmfN-_Alq6yA7ndzCGpfCWXA5_Z-me3JXCwgNUFLuEmAFJl2hLpvSoAJRx7ATAtifaCQQvUOx9pT/s1600/P1020146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLEl5Rjfsn86w07NmdTqqEY0WN0wAQepaz2e2YlmG-NIW10fhbhCf6ts-0AJOB8gRcmfN-_Alq6yA7ndzCGpfCWXA5_Z-me3JXCwgNUFLuEmAFJl2hLpvSoAJRx7ATAtifaCQQvUOx9pT/s320/P1020146.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upper Boat Pool<br />Upstream view - Monday morning</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My week began in Upper Boat pool with good water at around 16-18" in pleasant sunshine. It was lovely to be back on the water with the prospect of a full week ahead. On the MCX booze analogy scale the water was a light Amontillado shade but clear and running well at a delightful 15.5C, and the <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-to-water-part-1.html" target="_blank">MCX score</a> came in around 7. The resulting solution was a slow sink tip, 13' of Seaguar leader and an MCX Dark #10. With a swirling downstream wind you never knew what cast you would need next. While that precluded establishing a steady rhythm it did at least keep me on my toes. About 1/3 down as the line approached the dangle at the edge of the faster water I had a good grilse take, followed by some head shaking and surface splashing - never a good combination in my experience. Fresh run grilse have very soft mouths and frequently take the fly end-on near the dangle. The result is a weak hook hold near the front of the mouth and a consequently high loss rate, which is exactly what happened in this case. I was mildly upset but for several reasons not unduly concerned: grilse are rarely singular; the presence of a fresh fish was a good sign; there were several showing; and my choice of tackled was vindicated. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2BOcTlqyGJYgbZY9G2hx_2lYMpxzjpKDMDSQ4_rdOZA84vcXVIu2Tj7N0Z5xmXT-4liujSy_GQfl7vSB1Qg_YvVxNlsiQv6LX4nh7qKqCa9GLtJVl13AOlT7jAx5GH9gEKe1WoTQuzlF/s1600/P1020150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2BOcTlqyGJYgbZY9G2hx_2lYMpxzjpKDMDSQ4_rdOZA84vcXVIu2Tj7N0Z5xmXT-4liujSy_GQfl7vSB1Qg_YvVxNlsiQv6LX4nh7qKqCa9GLtJVl13AOlT7jAx5GH9gEKe1WoTQuzlF/s320/P1020150.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upper Boat Pool<br />Low flow - Monday midday</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">As I fished down the pool the water level was falling steadily: by the time I went back up to the top to repeat it had gone down by 8-10", which called for a change of fly to a #12. Apart from a half-hearted effort in the fast water things remained quiet until lunchtime.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf_pf86Mgg6X-m1ubXxS5fmIOTAPLHXs5TPALDaHWpweKLErAJ9yDO1CC_s-1cZRtNviyJdq5kuuOFpymKykVpdXF68Guib-opk4TNGHBioJyXDnnG4PGkRUqkwZ-TZ62ww3tZPpD-Zzt/s1600/P1020155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf_pf86Mgg6X-m1ubXxS5fmIOTAPLHXs5TPALDaHWpweKLErAJ9yDO1CC_s-1cZRtNviyJdq5kuuOFpymKykVpdXF68Guib-opk4TNGHBioJyXDnnG4PGkRUqkwZ-TZ62ww3tZPpD-Zzt/s320/P1020155.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gallander's Pool<br />looking upstream towards the dam<br />Low flow - Tuesday<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In the afternoon I went upstream to Gallander's, directly below the dam. The best holding lies are towards the head of the pool - a large boulder field in the mid-stream - and in the tail. However, in the low flow conditions on Monday and Tuesday the tail lies were very difficult to fish without snagging. Indeed, I hooked and lost a 2 ton rock salmon at the end of the afternoon. My session was lightened by another grilse hooked and lost on the near edge of the flow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">At the end of the day I was in good spirits: there were fresh fish in the river and what I was doing was working, even if for the moment they weren't staying on the hook. It was one of those "Keep calm and carry on" times.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLi9jtgx9ZxDl-7t-dEsqpkCsKjFK5QqWPmujpkqa4OXGvrXbpz3XE-SVRglJGfTi7mw-8l09TDZS5y95fOX-movcJREDiw563ywEcr1E_NSuVCDjtyvV4vLzP5MTz5NZZYxLN8RxZoW2/s1600/P1020156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLi9jtgx9ZxDl-7t-dEsqpkCsKjFK5QqWPmujpkqa4OXGvrXbpz3XE-SVRglJGfTi7mw-8l09TDZS5y95fOX-movcJREDiw563ywEcr1E_NSuVCDjtyvV4vLzP5MTz5NZZYxLN8RxZoW2/s320/P1020156.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Pool<br />Rising water - lunchtime</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">On the Tuesday morning the water was still low. I returned to Gallander's for the first session. By the time I had fished down to New Pool the water had risen by 8-10" and was looking very nice indeed. After clearing the water immediately around me at the head, I progressively lengthened the line before starting to move down. After the third step and about 2 minutes after this photo, a nice fish took on the edge of the fast water in the centre of the view. Again it was close to the dangle and came up to the surface, from which I judged it to be around 8lbs and nicely fresh. As it turned to run downstream the hook came out, my third straight loss, which earned me a fair amount of good humoured ribbing over lunch.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oystercatcher<br />Low flow - Tuesday afternoon</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately the water dropped again in the afternoon when I went down to Oystercatcher and Junction. It was low enough to allow Philip and me to wade across from the boat station on the bend barely wetting our knees. The whole way down this long sweep to Junction the lies are beyond the centre line and commonly close to the far bank. Nevertheless throughout the week we saw grilse moving across most of the width. To be frank it was rather dull work in low water. True to form I hooked and lost yet another grilse near the head of the pool.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Overnight the water rose slightly to a nice fishing height. This gave me a thoroughly pleasant morning in New Pool, where, as you might guess, I lost yet another grilse near the dangle. While disappointed with the number of fish I'd lost (5) I wasn't at all despondent. What I was doing was hooking fish, so if I kept on doing the same thing, eventually one would stick. And in any event I was enjoying the company of my wife and close friends (despite their teasing) in delightful surroundings: apart from a fish, what more could you reasonably ask?</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Robin's Run<br />from the Gap on the south bank<br />Low flow<br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">By now the head ghillie Ian Menzies was taking pity on me and was utterly determined that I should catch. In fact I reckon he was even more determined than me, a condition that it not often encountered. He directed me to Robin's Run, where under his direction I worked the obvious lies in the centre of the picture to death, to no effect whatsoever. There were probably fish in residence but they just weren't interested. Ian was so determined that he rowed me over to the other side to attack the lies from the north, again to no effect. Ironically, at the end of the session, as he was rowing me back to the hut and I was casting idly from the boat, I had a light grilse take that failed even to achieve a hooking.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Junction Flats looking down into Junction<br />Moderate flow - Thursday afternoon<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">By Thursday morning the river had risen back to a decent fishing height and continued to rise steadily after lunch. Following a quiet morning I went down to the bottom. After positioning David on Oystercatcher I started on Junction Flats before following an angler on the opposite bank (Lower Fairburn) down into Junction. At 3pm, as I approached the grassy point in the left of the picture fishing a 1" MCX Dark conehead, I had a strong take on the centre of the flow about 3/4 of the way across. At last I had grounds for optimism that this one might stay on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">And it did! It was a lovely fresh solid 8 pounder, a picture-perfect salmon fit to put me on Cloud 9 of elation. Its inclination to run upstream repeatedly made my job easy. Provided a fish doesn't get too far away, let it go upstream and tire itself out against the current and the drag of the line. The challenge in this case was the netting because the foreground was very shallow. Once I got out far enough to bring the fish to the net I was dealing with quite a strong flow, against which it was hard work holding the net left handed. Despite the flow the fish could not be persuaded to head downstream into the net: for it the only way was up. Anyway, on the third attempt it came good and I took it into shallower water for unhooking and a quick photo. It never left the water. Once unhooked it was so full of beans that it tried to swim off with the net until I lifted its head over the rim to allow it to stage one of those splashy departures you see on YouTube videos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinner that night was a happy affair: I'd broken my jinx and by now everyone else had caught fish. John topped the leaderboard with a shining 15 pounder, closely followed by David's 14 pound tartan warrior resident.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Junction<br />Full generation flow - Friday morning<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday morning saw me back on Junction after a long walk through the fields (the level was too high for Ian to let me use the boat at the lower station). The river was in perfect shape at an ideal height of 2' and running clear at 15.5C. I was feeling optimistic and as positive as ever on a lovely bit of water that screamed salmon. The wind was onto my right shoulder, so I settled into a steady rhythm of the left handed double Spey - 2 loops in the right hand, lift, cross, sweep, lift, shoot - to put the MCX conehead as close to the far wall as possible.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 lbs 12 oz<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd progressed about 30 yards down from the photo when this nice fresh grilse took on the flow line. After a brief and uneventful scrap it came cleanly to the net in a small area of slack water. The Conon is a Category 1 river so C&R isn't compulsory. However, the local agreement is that each rod may keep a fresh grilse, so I had no hesitation in banging this one on the head. It will feed at least 6 people well, and be utterly delicious with Hollandaise sauce and a good Chilean chardonnay or white Burgundy. My wife, who doesn't understand C&R at all, was utterly delighted. As a Cordon Bleu trained cook she'd much prefer that I always fished Cat 1 rivers.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gallander's (middle)<br />Full flow and rising from 2' 6"<br />Friday afternoon<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Over lunch the river continued to rise, with the 'Death Ray' sounding at regular intervals. I rowed 3 other rods across from the upper station in 2 trips in heavy water in a boat that is about as responsive to oars as a carnival raft before making my way up to the top of the fishing. With no one on Upper Fairburn I could start at the very top and get the best possible angle on the premium lie in the mid-stream. Its back edge is at the right margin of the photo. With the steeply shelving bank it was only possible to wade safely out 4-5 feet to give just enough water for a minimal anchor (well trimmed banks are such a blessing). With a 13' 6" rod I could only cover about 2/3 of the width, but that was enough to reach the best lies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Spot on cue, as the MCX conehead passed over the premium lie, it was taken by what was unmistakably a very large fish. The sheer weight of the first kick said it all. I leant back to set the hook with the line at about 45 degrees to the current. To my surprise the fish responded by coming to the surface about 5-7 yards upstream of where I expected it to be, such was the drag of the increasingly heavy water on the line. This allowed me to see the tail and rear half of a very big fresh salmon. I've caught enough 20+ fish to know what they look like, and this was a fully paid up member of the heavyweight fighters' club.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Its first run was upstream, about 30-40 yards, to the far end of the running line and beyond, where it held briefly at an angle to the current. This gave me the time to sort myself out, get out of the water onto the grass and prepare for a long struggle and no doubt some running. The plan was simple: at all costs stop it going out of the bottom of Gallander's into the fast water above New Pool because I couldn't go past the trees in pursuit; try to keep as much of the line out of the water as possible; and pray for a good hook hold by the Loop #8 double.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The fish turned, came briefly towards me and then set off downstream at speed to the tree in the right of the photo, a distance of about 80 yards. Palming a reel and running at the same time is not a good option, so I relied on tightening the Danielsson's formidable drag. Warning David and Rachel with a bellow of "coming down" I lumbered along the bank in pursuit. For whatever reason and by the grace of the Almighty the salmon decided against going further downstream, crashed about on the surface ("don't roll over the leader, please!), turned and went rapidly back up to its lie, where it showed again. I duly followed. The next run was back down to the tree with me following; then back up to the bench in the middle of the pool; and next down again for about 20 yards. I reckoned that in the heavy water this was going to take an hour to finish. Would the #8 double last the distance? Would I? At the end of 40 minutes with the Beast of Wensleydale I was seriously worn, and that was in easy water. Here I was fighting 50% salmon and 50% a big and rapidly rising river.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Its next run was straight at me at about 30 degrees to the flow at high speed. Reeling frantically and reversing up the bank I struggled to keep the line tight while watching an ominous bow developing in the line. It came into the rocks under the near bank, paused, turned and headed for the middle. At some point in the turn, for reasons unknown, the hook came out: I saw no point in speculating. I was simultaneously sad and elated. I'd lost a magnificent fish, but landing it in the conditions would have required a miracle. It was gone, but I'd enjoyed 5-6 minutes of the most incredible fight I've ever had with a salmon. My adrenaline and endorphin count was off the scale; my pulse rate was around 170 ( a zone I know well from cycling); and I felt tremendous. I was incapable of feeling disappointed: the fish deserved to win. It was an utterly magnificent note on which to end the week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">With the river in full spate we couldn't fish on Saturday. In a comprehensive display of balance, in the morning I joined my wife and our friends for a walk up to Rogie Falls, getting well soaked in the downpour, and in the afternoon played bridge. That evening we enjoyed a very cheerful final dinner and toasted our thanks to Patrick and Tricia for all their work in organising such a successful week, and each other for the great pleasure of the joys of friendship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">You can't measure the success of a week in fish alone. We only caught 9 between 5 rods - about half our long-term average - but we had a tremendous week that left me happy and relaxed. In refreshment nothing else comes close to a week on a good river in the company of our friends.</span></div>
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MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-91280283101814697602019-06-13T19:08:00.000+01:002019-06-13T19:08:13.734+01:00Directory of Posts 1-100<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Salmon Behaviour</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Taking a fly</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/01/revelation.html</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 50); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Feeding impulses</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Fast Food & Broad Beans</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/fast-food-broad-beans.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/fast-food-broad-beans.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>The Dynamics of the Take</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Crash! Bang! Pluck</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/10/crash-bang-pluck-dynamics-of-take.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/10/crash-bang-pluck-dynamics-of-take.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Hen fish taking times</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Good Morning Ladies</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/good-morning-ladies.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/good-morning-ladies.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 41); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Survival - running & choice of</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>lies</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Where are they?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2012/11/where-are-they.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2012/11/where-are-they.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Taking radius</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Deep Thinking</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/deep-thinking.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/deep-thinking.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 22); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Cock fish & hormones</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Morning Glory</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-glory-sex-and-fly-havea-look-at.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-glory-sex-and-fly-havea-look-at.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 22); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Migration</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Annual Miracle</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/12/happy-new-year-annual-miracle.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/12/happy-new-year-annual-miracle.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Salmon Characteristics</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Vision</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Windows on the World</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/windows-on-world.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/windows-on-world.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 48); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Imaging - how and what salmon</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>see</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Here’s Looking at You</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/03/heres-looking-at-you.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/03/heres-looking-at-you.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 22); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Sensor systems: hearing,</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>vibration & smell</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">CNE 3</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-3.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-3.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Sense of Smell</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Importance of Smell</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-importance-of-smell.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-importance-of-smell.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 41); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Underwater glare</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Blinded by the Light</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/08/blinded-by-light.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/08/blinded-by-light.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 43); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Sound & Vibration</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Speaking Salmon</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/12/speaking-salmon.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/12/speaking-salmon.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 26); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Flies underwater</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Eye of the Beholder</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/07/eye-of-beholder-search-for-perfect-fly.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/07/eye-of-beholder-search-for-perfect-fly.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Light in Water</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Sparkling Water<br /><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/01/sparkling-water.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/01/sparkling-water.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Fishing Craft</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Reading & fishing a pool</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Reading Railway Maps</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/03/reading-railway-maps.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/03/reading-railway-maps.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 50); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Reading a pool – the MCX</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>scoring system</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Walking to the Water Part 1</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-to-water-part-1.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-to-water-part-1.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 52); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Reading a pool - examples</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Walking to the Water Part 2</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-to-water-part-2.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-to-water-part-2.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 59); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Choosing fly Size</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hot & cold Running Water</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2012/11/hot-and-cold-running-water.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2012/11/hot-and-cold-running-water.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Trying too Hard</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">CNE 4</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-4.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-4.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 22); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Forgetting the Fly</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">CNE 5</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/07/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-5.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/07/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-5.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Depth & sink tips</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Deep Thinking</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/deep-thinking.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/02/deep-thinking.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 48); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Using Google Earth to read</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>pools</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Rod, Reel, Flies & Satellite</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/04/rod-reel-flies-satellite.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/04/rod-reel-flies-satellite.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>My flies</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Inside the Box</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/03/inside-box.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/03/inside-box.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 33); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Error! Filename not specified.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Fishing in cold water</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Brass Monkeys & Tubes</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2012/11/reflections-on-2012-brass-monkeys-and.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2012/11/reflections-on-2012-brass-monkeys-and.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Fishing tricky pools</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Walking to the Water Part 3</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-to-water-part-3-tricky-pools.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-to-water-part-3-tricky-pools.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 19); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Fishing in low water</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Calm Reflections</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/07/calm-reflections-fishing-in-low-water.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/07/calm-reflections-fishing-in-low-water.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 13); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Ambush Tactics & Running Fish</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ambush tactics – Close personal and a little dirty</span><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/10/ambush-tactics-close-personal-and.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/10/ambush-tactics-close-personal-and.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>The Week at Tomatin 2013</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Week</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-week.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-week.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 22); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Don’t cast too far</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-1.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-1.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 22); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Forget the far bank</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-2.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/06/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-2.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 22); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Avoiding surprise</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">CNE 6</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/07/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-6.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/07/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-6.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 22); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Thinking & Analysis</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">CNE 7</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/08/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-7.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/08/seven-deadly-sins-common-novice-error-7.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Spot the Lie</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/08/spot-lie.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/08/spot-lie.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 46); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Tomatin 2017</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/09/welcome-back-return-to-tomatin-house.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/09/welcome-back-return-to-tomatin-house.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 61); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Autumn Glory – October Ure</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Autumn Glory</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/10/autumn-glory-october-on-ure.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/10/autumn-glory-october-on-ure.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 55); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Looking Back – the 2013 Season</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Looking Back</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #420178; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/11/looking-back-2013-season.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/11/looking-back-2013-season.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="border-color: black black rgb(0, 0, 38); border-style: solid; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1.5pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Spring on the Dee</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Spring on the Dee</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/04/spring-on-dee.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/04/spring-on-dee.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 46); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-top-color: black; border-top-width: 1pt; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Lessons from 2014</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Lessons from 2014</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/11/lessons-from-2014.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/11/lessons-from-2014.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 31); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>4 Lessons from 2017</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/09/sins-virtues-4-lessons-from-tomatin-2017.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/09/sins-virtues-4-lessons-from-tomatin-2017.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Review of 2017</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/12/water-water-everywhere-2017.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/12/water-water-everywhere-2017.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Rutherford (Tweed)</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Pearl of the Tweed</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/06/rutherford-pearl-of-tweed.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/06/rutherford-pearl-of-tweed.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Ure Spring 2014</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Joys of Spring</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-joys-of-spring.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-joys-of-spring.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Bonny Dee</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Hope Expectation and Reality</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/04/bonny-dee-hope-expectation-and-reality.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/04/bonny-dee-hope-expectation-and-reality.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Walking in the Park (Ure)</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Walking & Casting in the Park</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/06/walking-and-casting-in-park.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/06/walking-and-casting-in-park.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Deveron 2015</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/09/deveron-2015-delightful-but-dirty.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/09/deveron-2015-delightful-but-dirty.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Top of the Water</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Upper Bolton Hall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/05/top-of-water-upper-bolton-hall.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/05/top-of-water-upper-bolton-hall.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>The Beast of Wensleydale</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-beast-of-wensleydale.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-beast-of-wensleydale.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Swinton Park (Ure)</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/09/river-ure-swinton-beat.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/09/river-ure-swinton-beat.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Helmsdale April 2018</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-edge-of-known-world-helmsdale.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-edge-of-known-world-helmsdale.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 28); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>North Tyne Chipchase 2018</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2018/08/costa-del-chipchase.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2018/08/costa-del-chipchase.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Norway 2016-17</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>The Preparations</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/07/just-one-week-in-norway-preparations.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/07/just-one-week-in-norway-preparations.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Just One Week on the Gaula</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/07/just-one-week-on-gaula-16-23-july-2016.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/07/just-one-week-on-gaula-16-23-july-2016.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>You Want to Go to Norway?</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/07/you-want-to-go-to-norway.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/07/you-want-to-go-to-norway.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Too Much of a Good Thing</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/07/gaula-2017-far-too-much-of-good-thing.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/07/gaula-2017-far-too-much-of-good-thing.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Equipment</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Rod choice</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Springtime – Swallows, Primroses & New Salmon Rods</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/04/springtime-swallows-primroses-and-new.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/04/springtime-swallows-primroses-and-new.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Lines</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Half the System – Thinking about Lines</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/04/half-sysytem-thinking-about-lines.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/04/half-sysytem-thinking-about-lines.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Choosing a Budget Reel</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Reel Value</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/reel-value.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/reel-value.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Rod costs</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Where the Money Goes</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/rod-value-where-money-goes.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/05/rod-value-where-money-goes.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Lamson Guru vs Loop Evotec</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Head to Head in the Midfield</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/02/head-to-head-in-midfield-lamson-guru-vs.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/02/head-to-head-in-midfield-lamson-guru-vs.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Vision Tool 11’ 6” #8</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/09/smile-machine-vision-tool-11-6-8.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2017/09/smile-machine-vision-tool-11-6-8.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Vision Rulla Reel</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Koma is Dead – Long Live the Rulla</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-koma-is-dead-long-live-rulla.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-koma-is-dead-long-live-rulla.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Rio Grip Running Line</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Running Lines & Dog Days</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/06/running-lines-and-dog-days.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/06/running-lines-and-dog-days.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 16); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Vision Onki 13’ #8<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">User review<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/06/vision-onki-13-8.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Vision Tool 13’ #8<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">User review<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/06/vision-tool-13-8.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 16); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Balancing Rod & Reel<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">How to find the correct reel weight for your rod<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/04/balancing-rod-line.html</span></u><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
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<b>Organisation & Preparation 1</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">It’s here - the new season</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/02/its-here-new-season.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/02/its-here-new-season.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 33); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Organisation & Preparation 2</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Loading Up</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/03/loading-up.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/03/loading-up.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 41); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Line Maintenance</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">D-14 Countdown</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/09/d-14-countdown.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/09/d-14-countdown.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 48); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Packing & Shopping</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">D-7 Divine Madness</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/09/d-7-divine-madness.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2013/09/d-7-divine-madness.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Vision MAG 13’</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/09/vision-mag-13-89.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/09/vision-mag-13-89.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 10); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Wading Jackets 1</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Great Jacket Hunt Chapter 1</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-great-jacket-hunt-chapter-1.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-great-jacket-hunt-chapter-1.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 10); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Wading Jackets 2</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Great Jacket Hunt Chapter 2</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-great-jacket-hunt-chapter-2.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-great-jacket-hunt-chapter-2.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 10); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Wading Jackets 3</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Great Jacket Hunt Chapter 3</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-great-jacket-hunt-chapter-3.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-great-jacket-hunt-chapter-3.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(13, 0, 13); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Budget Wading Jackets</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/06/terminator-return-of-oscillation.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/06/terminator-return-of-oscillation.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>The MCX Shrimp V3</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/10/meet-mcx-family.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/10/meet-mcx-family.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">General Posts</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Philosophy</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Balance</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/11/balance.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/11/balance.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Meteorology</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">How long can this go on?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/09/how-long-can-this-go-on.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2014/09/how-long-can-this-go-on.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Water Flow</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Vital (Missing) Ingredient</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-vital-missing-ingredient.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-vital-missing-ingredient.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 22); border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Water Flow 2</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Look Back in Sadness – 2015 Season</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/11/look-back-in-sadness-2015-season.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/11/look-back-in-sadness-2015-season.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-width: 1.5pt; border-left-color: black; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: black; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0.75pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>Unusually Slow</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/11/look-back-in-sadness-2015-season.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2015/11/look-back-in-sadness-2015-season.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Amidst Great Joy</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/11/2016-amidst-great-joy-season-of.html"><span style="color: blue;">https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2016/11/2016-amidst-great-joy-season-of.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716965718852638138.post-7390604309436157062019-06-08T17:50:00.001+01:002019-06-08T17:50:46.777+01:00Vision Tool 13' #8<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This post follows directly from the review of the Vision Onki 13 footer, which saves me having to repeat all the background and contextual information. If you haven't previously read the <a href="https://mcxfisher.blogspot.com/2019/06/vision-onki-13-8.html" target="_blank">Onki 13 post</a> you would find it useful to do so before starting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although the Tool and Onki share a common parentage in the original Vision Catapult, they are distinct in design intent and outcome. Nevertheless there is overlap between them. For example, while the Onki has a forgiving through action that is ideally suited to novices, less experienced anglers and ordinary casters, well established fishermen would enjoy using it. Conversely, the Tool is sufficiently forgiving to allow less experienced anglers to use it with pleasure, although it will be less tolerant of their faults and limitations. The Tool requires more casting proficiency than the Onki, especially if you are to get anywhere near the best out of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can best explain what I mean by analogy. Just about everybody will be familiar with the BMW 320 saloon car, which is widely acknowledged as the leader in its class. It's very easy to drive, has excellent handling and its general behaviour flatters its users. The M Sport version (not the full spec M3) looks very much the same to the untutored eye, and if you're just pottering about, feels much like the original. However, once you push a bit harder the differences, especially in the 'feel' of the car, become apparent. If you've added the right options there is an additional athleticism in the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">dynamics of the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">steering, suspension and response. Of course there are thousands of people who pay an extra 20% to buy an M Sport variant for reasons other than the driving feel, and probably never explore its limits - which of course is difficult to do legally on British </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">roads. Moreover, in the hands of the average user under normal road conditions, the difference in time from A to B between the two models is unlikely to be significant. But in any event the difference in feel is undeniable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So it is with the Tool. When you pick it up for the first time, it has a distinct 'feel' that is athletic and purposeful, which sets it apart from the relaxed and reassuring Onki. Old time salmon fishermen might have expressed it in terms such as 'heft' or 'yar'. The word heft has its roots in old Norse. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not all axes are the same, ask a Norwegian: differences in head weight and shaft length and shape impact their character, usability and 'heft'.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> M</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y father explained to me as a child that 'heft' was an essential quality in all things that you used with your hands, which expressed the quality of their dynamic balance and fitness for purpose. The same is true of salmon rods. 'Yar' is </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">an American term (derived from Old English) used in relation to the handiness of sailing boats, well explained by Tracey in the musical High Society (showing my age again!) as responsive, quick to the helm and taut. It applies equally to salmon rods.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Vision Tool has long had an outstanding reputation as a formidable casting weapon, capable of delivering anything up to Admiralty anchor chain. In this evaluation I did not set out to explore that aspect, not least because I lack the casting skill to explore its full envelope, but rather to assess its worth in practical fishing use in the hands of a moderate user. Would it meet my notions of heft and yar?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tool Overview</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At £550 the Tool is squarely mid-field amongst premium salmon rods, in a -/+ £100 zone bounded by the Guideline LPXe below and the Hardy Jet above, that also contains the new Mackenzie NX1. It's certainly a high quality product.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Tool arrives in the same WAG styled triangular cordura tube as its little switch brother. I've long since got used to the colour scheme and I do like the triangular section, which stops it rolling about in the car. Inside the 4 sections are contained in a plain black cloth bag.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The aesthetics are understated, with unpainted blanks and modest counter-point whippings. The rings are high quality, probably PacBay but not labelled as such.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The reel seat is a simple down-locking design that exposes the blank beneath. The locking held secure throughout the 2 days, with only one check.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The cork is average for this price point and well finished with composite butt cap and endings to increase durability. The grip thickness is somewhat larger than suits my small hands but it didn't cause me difficulty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The balance test indicated an optimum reel weight in the range 220-240 grams. The Rulla shown here is at the light end of that range, but produced acceptable balance for the purposes of the test.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Test Conditions</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The conditions were exactly the same as those for the Onki: two days on the Tweed at Rutherford in very low water, with an awkward swirling downstream wind. The need to stay out of the water, or at most restrict wading to ankle depth, had more effect on the Tool than the Onki, for reasons I shall explain later. During the test I employed the full range of casts (inexpertly) from both shoulders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I tried 3 different Rio Scandi heads - 34, 37 & 39 grams. While the Tool handled the heavier heads with ease and the 37 gram produced excellent loading, for me the sweet spot was at 34 grams, which produced the ideal combination of loading, communication and aerial performance. It was so nice and well suited to the conditions I didn't bother with the 50' head in the car box.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tool Impressions</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7z3EUumar-ko1nvUboGAL_009Y0Ll4nZ_rB5lqduhCqwuERT1gtHwjKmmfwvar_CqdRBjJow9p5N78jlXsGkFifBBStPcbbTrF-UYP7NcTTxvf845F9hIcgMfa6ndtFozTaAsbkt4iNNc/s1600/P1020127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7z3EUumar-ko1nvUboGAL_009Y0Ll4nZ_rB5lqduhCqwuERT1gtHwjKmmfwvar_CqdRBjJow9p5N78jlXsGkFifBBStPcbbTrF-UYP7NcTTxvf845F9hIcgMfa6ndtFozTaAsbkt4iNNc/s320/P1020127.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tail of Lovers' Leap<br />Tweed at Rutherford</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I noted earlier, from the moment you first pick up the Tool you are struck by its 'feel' - athletic, purposeful and most definitely 'heft'. Nonetheless I had a frustrating start, because on Friday afternoon Lovers' Leap was a pale shadow of its normal character: I'd been looking forward to opening my shoulders (left handed) but rather was faced with a series of streams between awkwardly located rocks. It wasn't fun as I had to expend all my concentration on fishing the fly briefly in each runnel before rapidly extracting it to avoid snagging and to cover another. In terms of fishing the conditions were hopeless. It certainly wasn't fair on the rod.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodBy0GxRpKqcRHuSBVqzwRnouiVCx7-GDCCF8dBV3neKh2IxV30ksjYd5fV-jT8Mh0GP9dG98K8WrUHS7u1UwlJw0TsgxrXG7SrlO5vacPPGqatjuSexEHwe1WP4ex7ajJkmYNc7-s_Yf/s1600/P1020130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodBy0GxRpKqcRHuSBVqzwRnouiVCx7-GDCCF8dBV3neKh2IxV30ksjYd5fV-jT8Mh0GP9dG98K8WrUHS7u1UwlJw0TsgxrXG7SrlO5vacPPGqatjuSexEHwe1WP4ex7ajJkmYNc7-s_Yf/s320/P1020130.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Between the Caulds<br />Tweed at Rutherford<br />Day 2</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What a difference: Day 2 was overcast and gloomy, which made even shallow water seem more fishy. On Between the Caulds I was fishing the left bank, right handed for the Single Spey when the wind permitted, and left handed for the Double and Snake when it didn't. However, the need to stay close to the bank brought the luxuriant grass behind me into play, thereby restricting the D loop for the left handed casts. Although the water was very low, the fishing width was the same as that at higher levels, which meant that whenever the wind dropped enough to allow a Single or C Spey I could load up the Tool and let fly. And fly it did. Over the years that Tony has kindly hosted me at Rutherford I've fished this run several times at +12" with a variety of 14 footers (including the Loop Classic, Cross S1 and Hardy Marksman). In broad terms the Tool 13' was covering the same acreage of water with no greater effort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The communication and rod feel during casting was clear, albeit not amplified to the extent of the Onki. In this respect the Tool is better suited to a more experienced angler. It loads all the way down to your hands, even at 60-70% effort. It most certainly is not some kind of tippy Scandinavian shooting head launcher, but rather a properly integrated through-action fishing rod with serious sinewy muscle - Lasse Viren comes to mind - that brings the energy of all 4 sections into the action.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Island in the sun<br />Friday</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After lunch I moved up to Island, where I'd fished the day before in blazing sunshine. On Saturday it was gloomy and rainy, with a rising wind. These conditions darkened the water, made everything look fishy and increased my confidence and focus enormously. The wind wasn't helping my casting with either hand but the Tool made short work of the challenges - point and shoot. As my MCX Dark #10 swung into the V-seam holding area below the second croy a nice fish took and headed off downstream towards Kelso. Having been dissuaded from that option by a good bend in the Tool, it then made a bid upstream for Peebles. It wasn't large but it was certainly energetic, putting in some nice runs and a little aerobatics for good measure. I was much more forceful than I had been with Friday's larger fish and so brought it to the net still full of beans. Indeed, Michael had no sooner got the hook out and it was off between his legs and away like a rocket before I could get the camera switched on. Michael Farr reckoned it was about 6 lbs and had been in the river 8-10 weeks. The Tool had shown that it was an effective fish-fighting weapon, with enough flex in the top to absorb shocks and good power throughout its length to get the job done quickly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We then dashed down to the Slap in a desperate bid to cash in on my lucky streak and catch a third fish before tea and the drive back to Yorkshire. I had one firm tap about 6-8 feet downstream from where I caught the fish on Friday but didn't get a hook hold. Casting left and right handed I explored all the water, sadly to no avail. One point I took from the casting was that the Tool wasn't as easy as the Onki in rolling short lengths of line. Another was from extracting line into the back cast of the Single Spey that had sunk in the back eddy, which the Tool managed in short order. I concur with Alan Maughan's view that extracting a sunken line efficiently - especially sinking heads - is a real test of design coherence. Through action rods do it best with least effort because all 4 sections are involved in the process. Some years ago I had a very prestigious rod but only its top 2 sections took part in extraction: as a result it was a complete pig to use with sinking heads, which persuaded me to sell it. Vision have certainly appear to have got this right with the Tool, and I should have loved to have given it a real workout in big water with an S3/S6 to confirm my views.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Summary</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Tool is not just a first class casting machine but also an excellent all round fishing rod. It has a delightful athletic feel in your hands - near perfect 'heft'. I really liked the way in which the action brings every inch of the blank to bear on every activity - extracting, casting and fighting a fish. It matters little whether you call it full, through or whatever term the marketeers might coin, this type of action makes life easier for the user while exploiting to the full all the energy stored in the blank during casting. As Yorkshireman I have difficulty with the notion of paying for 4 sections of expensive carbon when only the top two do the business and the role of the bottom pair is limited to adding altitude to the top ring. Putting all 4 to work feels like much better value for money, and for me it's certainly more pleasurable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Two days with the Tool on the Tweed was a most enjoyable experience. It's a great rod that I can recommend to any competent angler and caster. You will be able to cover acres of water with minimal effort and without fatigue. However, if you're not confident in your casting, stick to the Onki, which will suit you better. But if you fish for more than just one week a year, have the skills to match and are looking for a 13 footer, then the Tool is a 'must try' option.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It certainly has great 'heft' - someone did a first class design and development job to achieve this sort of feel. But is it 'yar'? Its 11' 6" little brother is certainly yar, but bearing in mind that the sailboat that Tracey was describing was named True Love, I must confess that at 13 feet, it's the MAG that's most yar.</span></div>
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MCXFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462533739284879845noreply@blogger.com0