Thursday, 30 January 2014
Monday, 27 January 2014
Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Available now starting @ $4
‘Fly fishing is an international affair. In each locale, fly fishing is surrounded by unique, foreign cultures that have evolved their own approaches and styles for the sport. The general, technical aspects of fly fishing are the same: rod, reel, waders, dry-fly, nymph, etc. The behaviour and environment are what alter. Differences aside, we all tell tall tales of fish caught and lost; we all miss work; we all threaten our relationships with excuses to fish; we all wake up at ungodly hours on a Saturday morning to arrive in time for a hatch – fly fishing is a powerful current that binds an even stronger worldwide community.
The Mission. Meet up with three guides in three very different places: Iceland, Argentina and the Bahamas. The locations are unique, the cultures vary, and the styles pointedly their own, but more importantly how is it all similar? Envision the contrast between the lives of a Bahamian flats-drifter, a Patagonian trout bum, and a midnight-sun Icelander – who are these people? Travel along as we seek the common threads that gravitate and connect each of them to our shared passion: fly fishing.’
Reality bites
“Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don't tell them where they know the fish.” Mark Twain
Monday, 20 January 2014
Friday, 17 January 2014
Rural coastal survival?
Diversification key to sustainability of coastal communities: Fisheries sub-Committee
An Oireachtas sub-Committee has this afternoon called for government policy to focus on the survival of rural coastal and island communities by promoting a diverse range of activities. The sub-Committee on Fisheries has outlined how aquaculture, inshore fishing, sea angling, marine tourism and seaweed activities can contribute to vibrant coastal and island areas.
Some of the recommendations include
- The current fragmented governance of the maritime sector be rationalised, along the lines of Marine Scotland across the water;
- Certified, practical courses for fishing communities be established by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, in conjunction with new training agency SOLAS;
- Inland Fisheries Ireland work more closely with tourism agencies to ensure the integration of sea angling into tourism packages and marketing campaigns;
- The Department of Transport explore the licensing of dual use fishing vessels both for commercial fishing and tourism angling and how their conversion might be grant-aided; and
- The Departments of Marine and Environment resolve the regulatory licensing issues that pose an impediment to the development of the seaweed industry.
For the full report visit this link below
Wednesday, 15 January 2014
Grasping what is beyond the simple fundamentals
I believe the essence, the real secret of learning fly-casting lies almost completely in the very able hands of the student, and the necessary ingredients are persistence and patience; that the principal role of the instructor is essentially directional and most of all - encouragement and inspiration. I feel that the first requisite in teaching fly-casting is to communicate just that to the student.
Confronted with the usual photo cliché of a large fish and grinning fly fisher ,a recent convert to our sport wisely observed " The fish takes far too much credit for his or her catch. In fact, it is the fish that makes the decision to take the fly!. It is, dear friends, the student who teaches him or her self to cast a fly!
The quintessence of learning is doing. The quintessence of teaching is inspiration. At some point the learner should understand that ultimately, beyond the simple fundamentals of fly-casting, they must stand alone, and that the joy of self discovery is the real essence of learning. That concept can only be communicated when people develop genuine trust in one another.
Observations On Teaching Fly Casting by Mel Krieger © 2005
Monday, 13 January 2014
Coastal Destinations
Saltwater Fly Fishing for Bass and sea trout under the stars.
These 4 night and 3-day on the water combination guided / workshops will be held during 2014 and will run on the dates indicated HERE – these dates haven’t been established just yet but should be indicated before the end of January.
Fishing in wild places is always an exciting thing to do. Combining that anticipation with the challenge of saltwater fly (light lure fishing when we have to) on the wild coast of Ireland is what the Coastal Destinations service is about. Find yourself guided into a coastal landscape of endless possibilities and angling potential, combine this with the incorporation of the Leave No Trace ethos into your experience and then this complete package presents a real opportunity to escape and to adventure in the freedom of secret Ireland.
Angling groups are deliberately kept small, never more than two people and the fishing takes place over three full days or more (with two nights under the stars) , bespoke options are available for your guided service. All tackle can be included if we deem it necessary including a unique hand tied range of Irish saltwater flies designed for these locations. All transport to and from the venues including airport transfer is arranged and our fixed accommodations are approved, practical clean and strategically located, often nestled at the shoreline.
Trek and fish This option involves us undertaking an angling adventure with a two night stay under the stars before we return on afternoon three to ‘civilisation’ for a wash, scrub up and a nice local meal, relaxing in anticipation of our last day fishing together. For the more adventurous angler this means we are more immersed in our fishing taking the opportunity to fish perhaps more intensely and to remain connected to the coast on a more personal level. Our gear is state of the art including Hilleberg Akto, Patagonia and Sea to summit to keep us safe and warm.
Coastal Destinations is evolving to also include
An itinerary of guided fishing which would include Leave No Trace principles this might resemble the daily plan indicated below (all principles of leave no trace do not need to be incorporated)
- Tuesday afternoon – arrival and airport collection drive to fishing area
- Leave no trace principle – Planning and preparation.
- Tuesday afternoon/evening – trek to location make camp
- Leave no trace principle – Travel/Camp on durable surfaces
- Wednesday morning – Fishing
- Leave no trace principle – Respect Wildlife, fishing in a leave no trace adapted model
- Wednesday evening – Fishing
- Leave no trace principle – Dispose of waste
- Leave no trace principle – Minimise the effect of fire
- Thursday morning – Fishing
- Leave no trace principle – Be considerate of others
- Thursday afternoon – Trek out of location
- Leave no trace principle – Leave what you find
- Thursday evening – check into B+B
- Evening meal
- Friday – fishing over two tides in chosen locations or a single tide option
- Evening Meal
- Saturday Morning – return to airport and home
This schedule and plan is completely flexible and applicable to different and wider individual bespoke requirements. Food and drink is included.
Costs pending transport variations for distance to airport and destinations
Each afternoon and early morning we will fish for bass and seatrout at some of my preferred locations on the wildest parts of the Irish coast. Every attempt is made to apply on a one to one basis, what I have learned as a Leave No Trace trainer to your fishing and during your days adventure.
SEAi is fully insured, certified in first aid and group facilitation,I am also trained to train as well as advanced trainer Leave No Trace. Each day, personal course notes will be provided on the many aspects of bass fishing and Leave No Trace Principles amongst the varied topics we will discuss some are listed below.
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Safety, the species an introduction, equipment - function and decision making, saltwater fly fishing techniques, advanced saltwater fly fishing, seasons, water clarity and temperature, tides and the influences of the moon, daily influences and variations, pressure changes, weather fronts, feeding patterns, colours and fly choices, presentations and secret tactics, fly fishing at night catch and release ...During our fishing time we will delve deeper into the topics we will have discussed at 'class' and a more hands on and practical approach is taken.
Jim Hendrick.
New Website
The beginning AND the end…
Forwarded to - The Irish Bass Policy Group (David McInerny, John Quinlan, Shane O Reilly, Mike Hennessy, Dr William Roche, Dr Nial O'Ma...