andros

Hi. I am keen to catch a Bass on fly in Dorset or West Hampshire by fishing from the shore [wading]. Where should I try near to Christchurch? Is Christchurch harbour worth a try? If it is who controls the fishing there?

You don't want too much rain or they run through down there! Go see Ronnie Sutherland in Helmsdale Tackle shop [very good shop and excellent flies]. Temple Dogs very good right down tiny sizes if low water, The Alistair is the other great fly but Ronnie will help.

I have just joined the Christchurch Angling Club. I only fly fish. There are several trout opportunites available. Which river/streams do you recommend to try first? I also would like to catch a bass on fly - which month should I start trying in Christchurch Harbour?

Braided loops are suspect and can 'unravel' - I and a lot of people I know have given them up. For trout you can't beat a nail knot between the butt of your leader and fly line using one of the many tools you can now buy. They float better and cause less disturbance on the water. Andros

Most bass fly fishing is done with 'clouser minnows'. The famous saltwater fly popular in the tropics for bone fish and other varities. Strames flies and sand eel fly imitations also used. I am not an authority just a fresh water angler trying something new! Sorry spelling! I mean't STREAMER flies!

Hi I have several of these reels which I bought as I liked the concept. However the cassette spool is liable to slip within the reel. It appears the raised areas are not 'prone' enough and slip out of the space for them on the handle side of the reel? Has anybody had the same problem and cured it? One theory is the reel was made in Britain [bFC now moved to China] but the spools made in China and the original British spools would not 'slip'? I have cured the problem by glueing with epoxy small pieces of plastic from an ice cream tup onto the spool to increase the thickness! You should not have to do that to £100+ reels! Andros

Ian Gordon designed the Carron Jetstream then left Carron and went to Partridge to make 'his' line. Are not the Partridge 'Ian Gordon' the same as the Carron that Ian Gordon designed? The main difference is the Partridge much better value? They are excellent. Andros

Hi Ian Gordon designed the Carron line then moved to Partridge - Are not the Partridge lines the same but much better value? I think they are excellent. Andros

Hi Braided loops can be a problem. One of the very neatest, easy and strong loops is - 1. use a whipping tool 2. form a loop in the fly line of about 2" 3. Use 12 lbs nylon and make a whip finish of at least 6 turns 4. Thread line loop into whipping tool and slid whip onto doubled line 5. Repeat again about 1/2" away and trim ends 6. Finish with super glue. I promise you this will not slip! Tarpon fishers are doing this in Florida! Andros

Hi I am a new member just looking for advice not secrets! Is there anywhere between Lymington and Poole where Bass can be caught on a fly reasonably consistently? I am not after secret places but 'known' spots where I stand a fair chance? Thanks Andros

Take them to your nearest Hardy dealer? Some of the old classic cane rods can be worth some money. The reels can be worth lots!

Hi. I can well understand why you are upset - there is absolutely no reason or excuse.

Wow! Where abouts are you fishing!!?

Where is your office?

certainly salmon take bait but are there salmon in the kennet?!!!!!!!!!!!!!?

Sea Trout can have sea lice when first up from the sea. Brown Trout can have freshwater leeches [like lice] but they are different from sea lice which can't live in freshwater.

Yes 7 or 8 weight are usual but if not too much wind or not needing heavy fly then have some fun on a 5 or 6 weight.

I am told by people who have caught bonefish, tarpon, permit, mayseer, steelhead on a fly that steelheads are the greatest.

Go to quays and marinas late in the day and when you see happy fishers coming in ask 'how can I get a trip in your boat?'

Hello I have several BFR Modular 95 cassette reels. Sadly I find the cassette spool is liable to 'slip' within the reel. Has anybody else had this problem and overcome it?

Hello What is the trout fishing like in the christchurch and district angling club waters?