Saturday, 28 September 2013
Friday, 27 September 2013
A gift of flies
I received a present of the flies above on Thursday from David Gaudochon. Not only are they Jack Gartside patterns but they have been tied by Jack Gartside himself. David and I spoke at length of the relationship between the spirit that is inherent in something made by a tier that you connect with and then consequently how you fish with a feeling that is like nothing else. Both Brian and Andy do this for me.
Jack is most famous in my mind for the creation of the gurgler fly.
Jack Gartside is counted as one the most innovative and prolifically inventive fly tyers of the modern era. He got his first fly tying lesson in 1956 from Ted Williams, the great Boston Red Sox outfielder. That served as the beginning of a professional tying and angling career that spanned more than 50 years. Jack was one of the first fly tyers profiled in Sports Illustrated magazine (Oct. 12, 1982). His best-known original patterns include the Gurgler, the Sparrow, the Soft Hackle Streamer, and the Gartside Pheasant Hopper. His designs have been featured in Eric Leiser'sBook of Fly Patterns, Judith Dunham's The Art of the Trout Fly, Lefty Kreh's Salt Water Fly Patterns, Dick Stewart's Salt Water Flies, and Dick Brown's Flyfishing for Bonefish.
Sadly, Jack died in December 2009. In 2010 he was selected into the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame. It was a long-standing desire of his that his work and this web site continue to be available after he was gone. And so it is.
Jack is the author of Striper Flies, the first book ever specifically written on fly patterns for striped bass. Another book, Striper Strategies, was described by reviewer Steve Raymond as: "...one of the most remarkable striper-fishing manuals to see the light of day," and by reviewer Tom Meade as "Blessed with bright writing, keen observations, and the most concise advice a striper hunter can find."
Other books by Jack include Secret Flies, The Fly Fisherman's Guide to Boston Harbor, Scratching the Surface, Fly Patterns for the Adventurous Tye,r and Original Salt Water Fly Patterns.
Thursday, 26 September 2013
Awesome McMurphy–a testimonial I guess!
Jembob,
Just a quick email to say thanks really, now that I have returned and the brain has had time to process all that went on. As ever it was great to have my annual pilgrimage to Wexico, that goes without saying, however its the small things that always gets me.
Firstly, I would like to say thanks for keeping it all going during what was a hectic week for you with the unforeseen circumstances at home. You could have quite easily said to me.....there is a lot going on, would you be happy enough to spend the week at Mrs Nesbitt's. However, you didn't and your perseverance was noted and very much appreciated.
Another thing that made me happy was to see you f
It is a testament to your ability what you can do with that feckin fly rod........even with the French collection I was whipped! Imagine......outfishing the client!!!! (JOKING)
The support team! As ever I am always made to feel very welcome at St John's Road and Eileen did a great job looking after me, plenty of coffee and a hot dinner back at base, what more could I ask for.
WillBoB.......You can pass my regards to William for taking me in and like yourself, making me feel so welcome......I hope to fish with him again next year!
What I have learned......I always pick up something new and currently the head is fizzing with ideas.....there is a package en route from Bears Den fly tackle! Watch this space......I am going to create an abomination of a lure!
Finally, as I stood on the Stena ferry on the Monday morning, a heavy heart was felt! There is only one real answer for me to feel totally better again, remove the casualty from his current environment...........look out, i may be living approximately 197km from Wexford in the new year. The sight of that Cork coastline was too much, anyhow, it could be good......just think how many new spots I could find. Then you could bring the fly rod, I'll supply the Lucozade and the jelly sweets and we could chase some shakey headed silver killers!
Get yourself and Eileen out to the Yard and enjoy a good steak!
Thanks...........
A McM
Monday, 23 September 2013
Sunday, 22 September 2013
Play misty for me
Some nice fish taken yesterday evening on the Cork coast on the fly in very ‘bassy’ conditions. Again thanks to Alan for the quick photos.
My usual and well established colour blend of lavender and grey with a hint of chartreuse is working very well at the moment. Last evenings fly was a slight variation on this as we have added Marabou to the mix – I can almost fish the fly stationery at times and still expect takes.
Landing Gear
Rod – Lefty Kreh Ticrx #7
Reel – Vision Nite
Line – Rio Outbound short # 6
Leader – Five foot poly and Rio fluoroflex plus 4.5kgs
Fly – Deceiver / Semper blend
Friday, 20 September 2013
Autumn dreams begin
Drifting the fly through the current onto a known lie resulted in a gentle yet powerful take that left me in no doubt I was into something special.
I fished the mini chartreuse and white flatwing on Rio Outbound short F/I with a five foot poly leader and 10 inches of Rio Flouroflex plus carbon.
Casting ‘upstream’ and mending when possible it was the first time I had fished for some time due to a lot of guiding days – thanks Alan for the opportunity and the rare photos too.
The fish measured 72 cms.
Landing Gear
Rod – Lefty Kreh Ticrx #8
Reel – Vision Nite
Line – Rio Outbound short # 7
Leader – Five foot poly and Rio fluoroflex plus
Fly – Mini flatwing
