North Wales Premier Fly Fishery

Fun Day

Friday the 27th July was the day chosen to hold our Open Day in conjunction with both Foxon Tackle of St. Asaph and Scientific Anglers Mastery Fly Lines.

A belly-busting breakfast bap was the prize awaiting the early bird arrivals to the site as "Master Chef" John Boag practised his barbequing and culinary skills ready for the Burger and Sausage sizzle that was to take place throughout the day.

 A bemused Bob Connor looks on as John struts his stuff 

The day looked to be promising as the early sun, beaming down on us, warmed the landscape and took the slight morning chill away.

Derek Turner, our A.P.G.A.I. instructor, arrived on cue to set up the Winston Fly Rod Stand, ready for the visitors to try out and test the rods throughout the day.

 Derek demonstrates the Double Haul using a Winston Fly Rod 

Derek was also on hand all day to offer advice and guidance on Fly Casting as well as actually demonstrating the remarkable qualities of the Winston Fly Rod.

Scientific Anglers were represented by Andrew Szoradi demonstrating the excellent Mastery flyline. A talented fly tier, Andrew also held a Fly Tying clinic for those of us wanting to improve our tying techniques.

 Not another Red Cheeked Buzzer... 

Starting by finding out what insects were hatching on the water, he proceeded to replicate them with a size 20 CDC dry fly - the quality of which was quickly tested by Dave Fink who promptly landed a 6½ lb rainbow with it.

Arthur Foxon of Foxons Premier Game Fishing Tackle Shop in St. Asaph, kindly donated the use of his personal Float Tube for the day to anyone wishing to try it out.

All went well until Tom Turner (by now out in the middle of the lake) decided to investigate the tubes submarine properties by knocking out the inflator valve.

 Tense moments as the rescue is completed 

The High Speed Rescue Launch (Neil in his rowing boat), regardless of the huge costs, was immediately scrambled, negating the need for the Air/Sea Rescue Helicopter from nearby RAF Valley.

Numerous other regulars and visitors alike (including Jerry, John Boag and of course Skeatesy - no show without Punch !) all tried it without misadventure....

 Jerry demonstrates his tubing expertise.. 

The offer of the specially reduced fishing tickets proved to be highly successful with numerous novices, improvers and experts alike taking to the banksides to try their skills at catching a trout - with varying degrees of success...

 'Both' the trout were caught ! 

We are pleased to be able to announce that the raffle that was held was very well supported and raised £140.00 for C.L.I.C. (Cancer and Leukaemia In Children) - our thanks to everyone who participated.

Prizes were donated by Foxons, Mastery Lines, Steve Wynne Wilson and, of course, ourselves.

As the sun sank in the western sky (where do we get this drivel...??), the day was properly brought to its conclusion by means of a good Social Evening in the confines of the Lakeside Inn, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Many a bankside tale could be told but we will keep you in suspense to protect the identity of the guilty parties....