Available November from Umpqua 2014
Thursday, 16 October 2014
Monday, 10 March 2014
Easy to learn and quick to tie–The tying workshops I
The flies that have proven themselves over countless hours fly fishing for Irish bass are undoubtedly three
The classic deceiver
The bucktail deceiver
with Hollow fleye variants
The clouser minnow
Tying saltwater flies that are easy to learn quick to tie, and probably equally as important, easy to cast and fish is what the fly tying workshops are all about during our Season 2014 primer.
Brian, during his first workshops, will take you, in is normally relaxed fashion, through the thought processes of both Lefty Kreh and Bob Popovics designs and functions especially when tying with natural materials.
Learn about sparcity, density, profile,shape and size plus on the water crossover techniques for both seatrout and bass
Because of the successes we have experienced in using both the BTD and the HF we have decided to dedicate one of your workshops almost exclusively to these two flies.
The Hollow Fleye is an expansion of Popovics’ Bucktail Deceiver. Rhode Island fly tier Kenney Abrames was impressed with the Bucktail Deceiver, and he urged Bob to continue developing this pattern. Popovics decided to find a construction method that used less material to build a fly with a large profile.
He soon discovered a new technique that allowed him greater control over bucktail than he previously thought possible. He found that by tying the bucktail on the hook in reverse and then propping it rearward with a wall of thread, he had infinite control over the angle of the bucktail. This technique allows him to sculpt baitfish patterns using varying lengths and angles of bucktail. When tied in this manner, the cone of bucktail forms an outer layer that gives the fly its hollow appearance and name.
Watch and build with Brian as he unfolds Bob Popovics and Lefty Krehs patterns for you – all will be revealed!
See you at the Bella Vista (April 28th, 29th and 30th) – Jim
Saturday, 8 February 2014
Cyclepond
Recycled commercial fishing net material used in angling solution!
Any body that knows me well also realises quite quickly I have a sad obsession with fishing bag solutions. The latest one to catch my eye is Fishponds Encampment Lumbar Pack. Apparently more flexible than a veteran yoga instructor this bag is one of the latest entrants into the Most Versatile Pack contest.
Thank god for such a thing!
Sized for a couple of fly boxes and all your accessories, yet with enough support for heavier loads, what caught my eye too is that it's constructed of recycled commercial fishing net material (Cyclepond). Fishpond are helping remove old nets from the ocean and beaches by creating a value for them and their high-tech recycling process uses 27% fewer natural resources and reduces greenhouse emissions by 28% compared to using virgin nylon.
The ELP is fitted with water-resistant zippers, cord loops for securing yet more gizmos, and nifty zippered pockets along the lumbar straps for quick access to the important stuff.
Im gonna have to stop this!
Saturday, 4 January 2014
This year I’ll be mostly wearing–get a grip!
Vision Loikka wading boots
Lightweight but solid
Made from synthetic material for minimal water absorption
Optimised seam placement
Comfortable neoprene lining in the ankle section
Proper protection for both the toe and heel areas
Durable nylon shoe laces
Available in addition to full felt soles with novel Gummi rubber soles and low profile tungsten studs and with plain Gummi sole.
V3110 Felt, sizes #6 - #13
V3111 Gummi rubber sole & tungsten studs, #6 - #14
V3112 Gummi, #6 - #14
I’ve been wearing felt soled boots forever I guess, and during that time have ever only slipped badly twice. Twice was enough mind! As boot manufactures the world over are forced to replace felt as a material (invasive species risk, which is of course another huge topic) for soles I’m always on the lookout for something that’s going to work in the future as a replacement. Vibram, crushed walnut, even plastic chipping. I wonder myself in the midst of all this debate doesn’t the upper body of the boot carry just as much deadly cargo of invasive types as the sole does?
Just for the interest of it there are two types I’d like to try this year the Lokkai above with the Gummi sole and the tested low profile tungsten studs added to the sole. These studs work extremely well when combined with the softness of GUMMI and they form together a solid grip, interesting!
The other wading boot I’m sort of interested in is the Orvis Pivot. Made in Area 51 under strict conditions, apparently, you can walk up walls in these.
Of course even with advanced techno rubber soles its still necessary to dry and treat all boots before venturing between freshwater fisheries, which I do anyway.
But at the saltwater coast my main interest is in maintaining my grip!
I’ll definitely wear the Lokkais with the combi sole over a period of about three months this season, a real test as opposed to just trying them on, – will advise !
A little bit of fishing in your day - Jim
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
Fathers day treat to yourself ?
June 16th approaches – and the best of luck for season 2013.
I have a feeling its going to be a FAR better one than we have had in either 2012 or 2011. Perhaps a return to the activity of 2010 but who knows?
Of course with wild creatures that are subject to many influences there’s no guarantee of anything but patterns do exist. If fish are not running the coastal shores at least from the 20th of June, and there’s every possibility they will be there on the 16th, then I think we may have a continuing problem that has extended from 2012.
With no evidence available to the contrary there’s every reason to expect fish numbers to build into June and beyond at this time. The high light levels, low rainfall, and good air temperatures of the past few weeks should have really helped. Apart from the extended cool easterly wind ‘project’ and the lower temperatures of May its nicely set up to begin well at this time.
If the weather was to stabilise again with some decent patterns we could witness a return to pre 2007 activity – much hinges on so little but fingers crossed!
Stay safe and bendy for 2013 - Jim
Sunday, 25 November 2012
Ten years in the melting pot PIII – SW fly lines a review
Spending time on the ground (and /or in the water, sand, wind, rain, salt, sun as the case maybe) will over years reveal the strengths and weaknesses of fishing tackle. Time spent in a saltwater environment is no doubt a place where many items not up to the mark will find themselves in serious trouble.
After ten seasons of saltwater guiding and fishing on the Irish coast I have seen many rods and reels that claim to be suited to the Irish saltwater fishing environment – I will over the next few weeks take a look at some of these items and their performances over time. Looking first at saltwater fly reels then at some saltwater fly rods , I will now take a look at some fly lines that I have found to be excellent when fishing. These are categorised under four headings tactical, functional, practical and optional!
The testing mix consisted of – the environment where we fish, the type of fish, the type of fly to cast, price, functionality, longevity, personal experience over time, style and suitable application in a world where practicality is very important!
Tactical consider as a good recommendation, not necessarily the most expensive or indeed complete solution but offering something truly special
Functional consider as an item that works very well, lasts and is not too expensive, and whilst it may not be to every ones taste gets the job done well and better than most
Practical is a category that an item will fall under when it simply works, is very reasonably priced, will last but may not be the best looking or performing item on the beach!
Optional looking for something different that works and lasts and is immediately recognisable through design and function then this is it – a perfect alternative at times to tactical!
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Saltwater Fly Lines
- Tactical Guideline coastal series
- The Guideline Coastal series provides the bass and sea trout angler with an ‘integrated shooting head type’ solution that is something special. Some real benefits that can be realised are the longish front taper that turns over very smoothly for super presentations, availability in a range of densities – Available HERE
- Functional Rio outbound
- The Rio Outbounds both long and short - if you are looking to cast large flies with ease and simplicity then the outbound is for you – short heads, aggressive tapers and outside the AFTMA specs these lines load and shoot big fish meals all day – not for the faint hearted
- Practical
- Airflo Sniper – A dual purpose line that will help beginners and advanced casters both in their saltwater excursions. Similar to the outbound short this can turn over large flies at distance with ease and also help build confidence when fishing in a tough environment.
- Optional Bruce Chard bonefish line from Jim Teeny
- Captain Bruce Chard, a full time Florida Keys flats guide designed this series of fly lines to deal with circumstances needed to cast, present, and fish a large fly hard into the wind. If you need a long cast and a delicate, accurate presentation when you have calm conditions OR when you need shorter casts with a powerful tight loop that will carry a longer leader with a bass fly hard into the wind – This is the floating line to do it. May no longer be easily available
- If Only – Rio Striped bass intermediate
- I’m sneaking in this line here as its nearly always loaded on at least one of my reels (#8’s) and it probably has caught me more bass than any other fly line. The #8 has a 41 foot head so it takes a bit to get it going – 4’-0” longer and 30 grains lighter than the equivalent #8 outbound. Available HERE
Friday, 16 November 2012
Ten Years in the melting pot PII–SW Fly rods a review
Spending time on the ground (and /or in the water, sand, wind, rain, salt, sun as the case maybe) will over years reveal the strengths and weaknesses of fishing tackle. Time spent in a saltwater environment is no doubt a place where many items not up to the mark will find themselves in serious trouble.
After ten seasons of saltwater guiding and fishing on the Irish coast I have seen many rods and reels that claim to be suited to the Irish saltwater fishing environment – I will over the next few weeks take a look at some of these items and their performances over time. Looking first at saltwater fly reels here the following four fly rods I have found to be excellent and are categorised under four headings tactical, functional, practical and optional!
The testing mix consisted of – the environment where we fish, the type of fish, price, functionality, longevity, personal experience over time, style and suitable application in a world where practicality is very important! We might all love to have an Xi3 but……
I have included an if only category on this section because of one range of rods that I really like!
Tactical consider as a good recommendation, not necessarily the most expensive or indeed perfect solution but offering something truly special
Functional consider as an item that works very well, lasts and is not too expensive, and whilst it may not last forever it looks and feels a little different and gets the job done well and better than most
Practical is a category that an item will fall under when it simply works, is very reasonably priced, will last but may not be the best looking or performing item on the beach!
Optional looking for something different that works and lasts and is immediately recognisable through design and function then this is it – a perfect alternative at times to tactical!
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Saltwater Fly Rods
- Tactical G-Loomis Crosscurrent GLX #8 –
- The crosscurrent GLX is not something I would have been able to afford normally, the two that I own were given to me as presents a #7 and a #8. Loops, speed, reserve power when needed – it doesn’t get much better than this (unless its an NRX!)
- Functional ECHO Rajeff Sports – ECHO3
- The ECHO3 range of saltwater rods from # 6 –# 12, fast, tight, with a crisp action and feeling incredibly light in the hand, these to me are the rods that can ‘fit’ a range of Irish SW fly anglers. Looking for something that wont break the bank and yet perform brilliantly time and again, these are they! Available HERE
- Practical TFO TiCRX
- Optional Sage Xi3
- The Sage Xi3 – My favourite fishing rod, I currently use a #7 loaded with the Guideline coastal intermediate. Exclusive technology make this a sublime casting and fishing experience beyond anything else I have ever used.
- IF Only – Redington CPS #8 and #7
- No longer available I’m afraid but you might find them on the web from time to time – too many associations with this rod to mention and a great fishing tool too – featured many times in fishing reports throughout this site. The Cpx was the newer version, this is to change this year to another newer series calledLink – I’m hoping this might feel like a return to the CPS!
Monday, 5 November 2012
10 years in the melting pot PI – SW fly reels a review
Spending time on the ground (and /or in the water, sand, wind, rain, salt, sun as the case maybe) will over years reveal the strengths and weaknesses of fishing tackle. Time spent in a saltwater environment is no doubt a place where many items not up to the mark will find themselves in serious trouble.
After ten seasons of saltwater guiding and fishing on the Irish coast I have seen many rods and reels that claim to be suited to the Irish saltwater fishing environment – I will over the next few weeks take a look at some of these items and their performances over time. Looking first at saltwater fly reels the following items I have found to be excellent and are categorised under four headings tactical, functional, practical and optional!
The testing mix consisted of – the environment where we fish, the type of fish, price, functionality, longevity, personal experience over time, style and suitable application in a world where practicality is very important! We might all love to have an Abel but……
Tactical consider as my top recommendation, not necessarily the most expensive or indeed perfect solution but offering something truly special
Functional consider as an item that works, lasts and is not too expensive, and whilst it may not last forever it looks and feels a little different and gets the job done
Practical is a category that an item will fall under when it simply works, is very reasonably priced, will last but may not be the best looking item on the beach!
Optional looking for something different that works and lasts and is immediately recognisable through design and function then this is it – a perfect alternative at times to tactical!
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Saltwater Fly Reels
- Tactical Danielsson L5W – 6nine or 4seven
- The L5W series what can I say that hasn’t been said – I’ve caught bass, seatrout, bonefish, pike, mullet, barracuda, garfish, pollack. jacks, lemon shark, and dolphin fish – on a reel that refuses to fail year after year, with a minimum of maintenance superior build quality and drag mechanism the reel is now more than a fishing tool to me.
- Functional Loop exact 5/8
- The Xact reel is totally made from composite, except the reel foot, handle and drag knob these are made from aluminium. Replacing the CLW (an old favourite) this reel is simply made for tough conditions. Just like its big brother, and more expensive, Evotec G3, this reel is made for tough environments and is perfectly suited to the demands of Irish saltwater bass, pollack and sea trout fishing. I’ve even taken it further around the world, it looks smart too!
- Practical Okuma airframe af 7/9
- The Okuma like the Xact is a carbon composite reel that’s very very tough and saltwater resilient. If you are the kind of person that just wants something to work without being too concerned about aesthetics or maintenance then this is the reel for you. Low cost high longevity and deals with the environment month after month.
- Optional Ross evolution LT
- The Ross LT is light in the hand and beautiful to look, at this series of reels is designed for those anglers who appreciate both art and function. The cosmetic innovation and precision workmanship of the Evolution LT series is only surpassed by its drag system which is precise and sensitive – I love this reel so much.
Also consider Vision Nite, Redington Crosswater, Waterworks Lamson, ECHO ION.
Friday, 12 October 2012
Available NOW @ www.thecoastalflyshop.com
Rajeff Sports is a small, personal, company of fly-fisher folk residing in Vancouver, Washington. They are the vision of Tim Rajeff—the culmination of his huge personality and an outlet of both creativity and service to the industry. Currently Rajeff Sports distributes Echo Fly Rods to the world and Airflo Fly Lines to North America. They strive to provide quality products and customer service to their fellow fly-fishers.
As the founding father of Rajeff Sports, Tim tends to be busier than your average bald guy. When in the office, he spends all his time designing new lines and rods, addressing managerial-type-stuff or helping with customer service. When he’s out and about, you will find him teaching casting classes, giving seminars, or pursuing fish in various waters.
Tim’s extensive knowledge of fly rod design and performance stems from his early childhood patronage to the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club in San Francisco, where he became a young and successful competition caster. Tim has received a gold medal in the World Casting Games in single hand distance as well as winning the national overall fly accuracy and distance championship. Tim first began designing rods in 1980, and was one of the first people to use and adapt graphite fly rods in competition casting.
After spending his youth fishing and casting in California and Oregon, Tim’s fishing career took a turn when he took a job working for the Fenwick Fly Fishing School in Montana during 1973. In 1985 he made the trek north and began guiding in Alaska, eventually moving on to develop and build the first fishing camps on Russia’s Kola Peninsula, 60 miles above the Arctic Circle. He spent six years managing these camps before returning to the states in 1994. Upon his return he began working for a premium domestic rod manufacturer, where he worked as head of the engineering department and the Fly Brand Manager. He worked there until 2001 and along the way learned every aspect of fly rod design and manufacturing.
Monday, 10 September 2012
TFO–TiCRX – now available at the coastal fly shop

| Model | Line | Length | Pieces | Weight (OZ) | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TFO 06 90 4 TX | 6 Wt. | 9'-0" | 4 | 4.8 | IM6 Graphite | €275.00 |
| TFO 07 90 4 TX | 7 Wt. | 9'-0" | 4 | 5.0 | IM6 Graphite | €275.00 |
| TFO 08 90 4 TX | 8 Wt. | 9'-0" | 4 | 5.4 | IM6 Graphite | €275.00 |
| TFO 09 90 4 TX | 9 Wt. | 9'-0" | 4 | 5.6 | IM6 Graphite | €275.00 |
Temple Fork TiCr X rods are handsomely finished in a rich blue blank colour, flor grade cork and an aluminium reel seat with a cushioned reel hood. Oversized titanium oxide first stripping guides start with a #20 on the 6,7, and 8 and all rods have alignment dots.
Available from later today at www.thecoastalflyshop.com –
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The evolution of the Lefty Kreh TiCr X Series has been fascinating. Imagine Lefty Kreh taking a prototype and saying "this is a nice rod but..." Then imagine new mandrels and as many as 6 prototypes later having him say, "PERFECT!"
Lefty designed the TiCr X Series to be a powerful angling tool. Rod weights 5-8 are designed to present flies at distant targets. Rod weights 9-12 have the power to launch larger flies and to lift an angry fish out of the depths. The reserve power in the TiCr X Series give these rods the ability to carry a lot of line in the air and can easily be over lined for close-in work. The X rod's blue finish spring to life in a little sunlight while the flor grade cork, oversized titanium oxide stripping guides, and up locking reel seat with cushioned hoods top off this ultimate package of form and function.
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Monday, 20 August 2012
Sling pack
I waited a long time to find the perfect fly fishing pack, I prefer a minimalist approach to fly fishing – this does everything for me!
The Patagonia Stealth Atom Sling comfortably hauls a day’s worth of gear on your back. Stop to change flies and it slides around to the front for easy access. Inside, the Stealth Atom Sling has room for two large fly boxes and has organizing pockets with hook-and-loop closures for all the necessary doodads. Need a flat work surface? The moulded, front-zippered panel drops open like a miniature fly-tying table. Tough, highly water-resistant 840-denier coated ballistics nylon with DWR (durable water repellent) finish sheds moisture and protects your goods. More details: top-access mesh-lined security pocket; internal 100% waterproof phone/camera pocket; single external water-bottle pocket with security keeper; air-mesh back panel; highly water-repellent exterior YKK® zippers; fully adjustable neck strap.
Details
- 840-denier water-resistant coated ballistics nylon is highly water repellent, durable and protects contents
- Moulded front drop down panel with interior fly keeper; main zip pocket holds two large fly boxes and has interior hook-and-loop closure storage pockets for accessories; top drop-in mesh lined security pocket, welded TPU waterproof, interior pocket
- Exterior YKK® zippers with covered welt are highly water repellent
- 3mm air mesh back panel for comfort and ventilation
- Adjustable neck and waist strap allows for layering
- One side nylon/spandex water bottle pocket with security keeper
- Outer pack: 840-denier 100% ballistics nylon. Interior: 200-denier 100% polyester. Stretch-mesh pockets with 3mm air-mesh back panel. All with a polyurethane coating and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
- 535 g (18.9 oz)
Saturday, 4 August 2012
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Spooled material

Scientific Anglers is pleased to announce it's redesigned tippet spool and updated label graphics. The new spool features an independent, free wheeling hub that allows the tippet spool to spin freely when joined together. The hub can be retracted to become flush with the spool body when used alone, or with other tippet spools on the market. Each of the spools are colour coded to correspond to the tippet material type. Green for freshwater nylon, blue for saltwater hard mono, and orange for fluorocarbon. The spools are also moulded with UV inhibitors to help protect the tippet from degenerating UV rays. Built into the spool rim is a razor to cut the material right where you want it. The tippet material is managed by a colour coded tippet retainer band that also has the size of the material printed on it.
Monday, 2 April 2012
Bass fishing fly kits
Our collaboration has focused on the correct fly selection for increased success according to your specific location and the bass fishing requirements at these locations during the season. Hence there are some subtle variations within the kits.
It is also the intention to provide saltwater fly kits for solutions to your Mullet fishing, sea trout fishing and a tentative attempt at some Gilthead bream, bearing in mind the GHB is still very much experimental for us.
Many flies from these kits will cross over to different species at different times, for example some of the seatrout flies will cross over into early season estuary bass solutions
You can order your fly kits for a particular location, time or species or you can simply peruse the recommended lists and order what you need to fill the gaps in your fly box. There is a minimum purchase quantity of eight flies.
To many anglers Wexford and bass fishing are an integrated saltwater fly fishing opportunity, but within that circumstance mullet, seatrout and gilthead bream are all potential targets.
It is the Wexford Bass Collection that we offer first as a fishing solution for you, the following are highly recommended where – (o) = optional fly from your choice.
Up flies
Mini Flatwings 2 X White and lavender
Mini Flatwings 2 X Sandeel type blend
Mini Flatwings 2 X Dark blend (o)
Deceivers small 2 X White
Deceivers small 2 X White and chartreuse
Deceivers small 2 X White and olive (o)
Deceivers Medium 2 X White
Deceivers Medium 2 X White and chartreuse
Deceivers Medium 2 X White lavender and grey (o)
Bucktail Deceivers 2 X White
Bucktail Deceivers 2 X White and Chartreuse
Bucktail Deceivers 2 X White and Olive (o)
Hollow Fleyes 2 X White and Grey
Hollow Fleyes 2 X White lavender and grey
Hollow Fleyes 2 X Orange and black (o)
Hollow Fleyes 2 X Hyper green or pink or orange mix (o)
Down flies
Clouser minnows 2 X Olive and white
Clouser minnows 2 X Blue and white (o)
Clouser minnows 2 X Chartreuse and white
Half n half 2 X Chartreuse and white
Total 40 flies in the collection – with the option to mix the set down to 26 flies as a minimum
Offering the additions of the larger flies below if required for later in the year or for attempts at bigger fish
Large Flies
Flatwing (launce) 8 – 9 inches
Sloopy Droopy 6 – 7 inches
Semper type tied hollow – 5 – 6 inches
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Its difficult to appreciate the quality here, it is exceptional. For further details please contact me at sportfishing@eircom.net I will include more photos on Thirtyards later.
Friday, 6 January 2012
Are you considering a camera for 2012?
Nikon COOLPIX AW100 16 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with GPS and Full HD 1080p Video
Sure, the Coolpix AW100 is durable. You can drop it, submerge it, or freeze it. It'll keep taking fantastic photos. But this camera is more than a mere tough chunk of plastic and metal. It's also loaded to the brim with incredible features. It can be operated while you're wearing your gloves, and it comes with assisted GPS to log the location of your movements and photographs.
- Water-proof, Shock-proof, Freeze-proof: ruggedly built for reliable and comfortable outdoor operation. Water-proof to a depth of 33 feet.
- Shockproof if dropped from 5ft, operating temperature down to 14 degrees F
- 16 effective megapixel CMOS sensor ideal for low light shooting and fast operation
- GPS and e-Compass functions
- Points of Interest (locations, landmarks, etc.) and location information (latitude and longitude) can be added to your photos
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Making a difference
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Monday, 21 November 2011
Fishing for a Christmas Present?
Probassfisher Christmas Vouchers
Saltwater FLY fishing intro workshop or fully guided day
Casting, retrieving, presentations, flies, lines, tactics…. and much more.
Option One - bespoke to your requirements. Tea/Coffee on arrival Saltwater Fly Fishing Workshop with lunch at The Yard Restaurant
Total Fee €165.00 for one person - €205.00 for two people.
More Details available HERE
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Option Two - bespoke to your requirements. This workshop is geared towards an early morning session. One night stay with B+B 100 metres from SEAi HERE Tea/Coffee and light refreshments during your day Saltwater Fly Fishing Workshop Lunch at The Yard Restaurant
Total Fee €205.00 for one person - €285.00 for two people.
More Details available HERE
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Saltwater LURE fishing intro workshop or fully guided day
Soft lures, hard lures, metal lures, lines, leaders, presentations, influences……and plenty more. Or customised to your specific requirements.
Option One - bespoke to your requirements. Tea/Coffee on arrival Saltwater Lure Fishing Workshop with lunch at The Yard Restaurant
Total Fee €165.00 for one person - €205.00 for two people.
More Details available HERE
Option Two - bespoke to your requirements. This workshop is geared towards an early morning session. One night stay with B+B 100 metres from SEAi HERE Tea/Coffee and light refreshments during your day Saltwater Lure Fishing Workshop Lunch at The Yard Restaurant
Total Fee €205.00 for one person - €285.00 for two people.
More Details available HERE
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Wednesday, 19 October 2011
At the end of the season - 96 guided days later
The waders come from Vision - Ikon waders
The Boots come from Vision - Vision emerger
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...
