The good thing is that the team learned a lot and expressed the thought that they should have done what Wales did, they finished fifth, and practised for the week previous to the Championships. Best performance of the event in my opinion was from Belgium who took the bronze medal behind Portugal’s silver. Belgium fish fairly light and small at home, but they did adapt to the finesse required fishing the Portuguese Atlantic beaches. Eye opening is just how fine in terms of line you can go when using a fixed spool and continental style beachcaster, I coarse fish a lot and am used to carping with light lines, but I used 0.20mm mainline and 0.18mm snood line and others went finer than that. For me it was a glimpse into the future of UK beachcasting and already at home we can see the beginning of the fishing light revolution in LRF and fishing Continental beach style. OK the main drive towards fishing with light line, small hooks and soft fishing rods in the UK is the decline of the fish stocks, BUT it allows anglers to enjoy the sport and the small species the commercials have left us! In Portugal catching mackerel on light gear is a skill and it should be the same here with the species given more regard. Forget the feathering hoards and mackerel madness, one mackerel at a time at long range on pop ups and size 6 hooks on 0.14mm line is a terrific way to match fish and I can’t wait for someone, or an innovative club to run a mackerel, bait only with no jigging match, from a UK beach in summer.

Talking about line diameter- the only way to be sure about a line is by measuring its diameter – My measurements reveal that lots of the so called stronger lines are simply thicker!!

Now I am off to Sardinia for the Magrina Championships, which is a major Italian event. The same light line tactics apply and I am trained up so to speak and expect to do better. But match fishing is a continuous learning curve even for an old hand like me and its full of shocking surprises, especially for those that think they know it all!

At last some smoothhound and bass showing in my region, the crabs are peeling and perhaps now we can get back to thoughts of summer – The lure rod is in the car for those opportunistic night tides when the sea is calm, single mackerel on a spinner or plug are fun, but a schoolie bass is better! I have a few rock marks I can creep around when the conditions are still and clear and the light is low enough just to see. Its grab the TF Gear bum bag and hit that short “deadly” window at dawn or dusk that is most likely to produce a take!

Attach a Kamasan B175 hook into the vice and lay a neat bed of thread onto the hook shank. Mayfly nymphs seem to move like it’s olive counterparts, in short fast darts, so adding six or seven turns of lead will help give the flies that movement your looking for. Run the thread over the lead securing it into place tapering at each edge.

At the tail, attach four or five strands of pheasant tail and cut the excess off. Then for the rib, simply tie in three extra pheasant tail strands by the tail to get a thin to thick tapering effect from the rib. Dub some tan coloured dubbing onto the thread and wind up over the lead stopping around 2/3 of the way along the hook shank. Rib the body with the pheasant tail and tie off. Add a thorax cover of pheasant tail, this time tied in with the tips facing backwards so when it’s pulled over, the excess PT will create legs.

Gently dub a lighter coloured dubbing as the thorax covering the lead right to the eye. Pull the PT over as the thorax cover and tie in. With the excess tips over the eye, carefully split the remainder evenly over each side and secure with a few turns of thread. Whip the thread off at the head and varnish.

This fly will guarantee fish when the trout are feeding on mayfly!

A week later we decided to take the carp fishing rods and venture back to Burton Upon Trent to try our hand at the Bears carp. Despite our efforts throughout the day we both drew a blank. I took the opportunity of our dire performance to walk around the lake, searching for any feeding activity and talking to the local anglers who seemed to be netting a few fish. After a few laps of the lake I was certain I’d found a few feeding fish and was confident that with the right tackle and approach I could get them.

A fortnight passed and I managed get some time to get out on the bank. On the Thursday morning the weather was relatively similar to that of the day we fished previously, so I took the 40 mile round trip to have another look around the lake and check on the fish I found previous, pre baiting some of the spots in mind.

As Bears Lakes is a day ticket and members waters, baiting one swim a couple of days previous could lead to disaster, so managed to pre bait three spots as I couldn’t be certain of the peg I wanted. When I arrived at the lake the sun was beaming down and the carp where all over the surface, I walked around to the first peg I fancied and a mid-teen swam straight in front of me and into the tree that overhangs that  peg. I scattered around half a kilo of cell boilies hoping that they would feed and hold up under the tree. After waiting and watching the pre baited peg, I made my way around the lake and places some free offerings into another two spots. These other two spots held some fish, but nothing could keep my mind from that first peg.

After work that Friday evening I arrived back at the lake and was greeted with an almost free lake, other than the two bailiffs that were fishing. Fortunately the peg I wanted was free. Jordan (one of the bailiffs) informed me there had been fish all around that peg all day. After a quick look at the peg I couldn’t see any sign of the fish he’d mentioned, so I wandered around to the next peg and was astonished to see twenty or more carp in and around the tree!

To say I was excited is an understatement, I chose to set up on the peg, fortunutaly it was one I’d pre baited, and keep an eye on any feeding activity. Tactics wise my aim was to sporadically draw the fish from the far side of the tree rather than fishing over them and risk spooking the lot. After putting a some more boilies into the swim I set up  both of my TF Gear Delta 3.25lb carp rods. On one rod I used my faithful fluorocarbon rig on a TF Gear weedy green lok down leader and a cell boilie on a hair rig. I positioned this right next to the tree, ahead of where the fish were mooching and heading towards. The second carp rod was set up with a solid bag which incorporated another weedy green lok down leader a size 8 wide gape hook and a Fluoro cell pop up, all of which I intended to throw out into open water, in case of any stragglers.

At 7pm, just an hour or so after pitching the rods and bait, the bobbin shot up and the bite alarm sounded. A beautiful Tench of around 4lb picked up the fluorocarbon rig next to the tree. After a quick snap I re-positioned my rod in that exact area, hoping to locate something bigger and carpier!

As the night grew on there were no other indications of bites, the fish I saw earlier seemed to be dormant, and so I climbed into my Force 8 sleeping bag hoping to get some shut eye. After the tench I doubted my chances of catching off the tree again as I thought any fish under there would have been spooked. At 11pm id dropped off for an hour so only to be woken by one of my alarms. I ran and picked up my right hand rod which was the same one that done the damage earlier on that evening and there was no movement; my first thought is that it had done me in the snags. I give the rod a few pulls and then I felt a fish pull back hard, it tried to pull me back into the tree but luckily my Delta XS out powered it and the fish slowly but surly come unstuck. The fish started to pull out into the deep margins and kept down, I was not scared of a hook pull as the nice progressive action of the rod cushioned all over the lunges.

A few minutes later I managed to tempt a gorgeous mirror over the landing net. I threw a clenched fist into the air with joy and Paul, the resident bailiff come with a helping hand. We pictured the 17lb 7oz fish then let it go, a beautiful fish to start my frequent carp fishing spell at Bears.

Bears Lake is noted for being a tough lake to fish and I was proud to net this magnificent fish. I continued to fish until 5pm on the Saturday with no more success but I managed to wander the lake to find a couple of areas where the fish were laying up, until next time, tight Lines!

We’ve decided to offer our Facebook fans a great opportunity to WIN over £1000 worth of fishing tackle! All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is:
Sign into Facebook > Go to one of the following Facebook pages > Like the Page > Share our competition!

To enter click here: Fishtec Coarse Fishing Facebook Page

For the Coarse and Carp anglers, we’re offering 3 sets of 3 TF Gear Project X carp rods, a new product we have recently launched and introduced to our range.

What’s so good about the Project X carp rods?

Each model combines raw power with subtle playing actions. Not only will you enjoy extra casting distance, you will benefit from the highest quality carbon construction, unrivalled balance and incredible sensitivity.

Delivering all the qualities and specification demanded from a top of the range carp rod, the Project X offers you the opportunity to experience superior accuracy, unmatched fish control and the versatility of a truly special rod.

To enter click here: Fishtec Fly Fishing Facebook Page

There’s been much speculation to how good the new Airflo Super-Dri Fly Line are, so we’ve offered 10 super-dri lines to ten of our lucky Facebook followers! If you like Fishtec Fly on Facebook, share the competition image to be entered into the draw!

About the Super-Dri Fly Line

The SuperDri technology has been developed for the serious floating line angler, featuring a friction reducing coating which lets the line glide through the rod rod rings and adds yards to your cast. The SuperDri’s coating gives you unparalleled floatation with the ability to repel water, dirt and surface scum better than any material in the history of fly lines.

To enter click here: Fishtec Sea Fishing Facebook Page

With plenty of fishing coming back into the shorelines and some monster Cod out in the deeps, what’s better than being able to catch these fish on a brand new multiplier reel? We’re offering 3 TF Gear Force 8 reels to three lucky Facebook fans!

About the Force 8 Reel

The TF Gear Force8 reels are designed and manufactured utilising the very latest CNC engineering and highest grade materials to create what we believe are without question the finest sea fishing reels available today. Tested and developed by top sea angler, Alan Yates, we can say these reels have been tested in some of the harshest conditions, and will confidently reel in almost anything you can stick a hook in!

Attach a strong hook into the vice, the shrimp offer a great source of protein for the trout so expect explosive takes immense runs! Here I’ve used a Kamasan b175 size 10 and used brown UTC thread. This keeps the colour scheme that ‘shrimpy brown’. run a layer of thread down to the bend of the hook and take three or four strands of Veniards Crystal tinsel which is available in a hank. Attach a length of gold wire rib to the hook and cut the tail at around 5/6 mm in length. This can be varied to suit the size of fly you’re tying.

Dub a generous amount of Hares Ear to the thread and run half way up the body, forming a fairly uniform rope throughout. Take the gold wire and rib the body with evenly spaced turns. Trim off the wire and dub some more hares ear as a thorax. Take two hot orange goose biots and tie in along the shank of the body. Trim away the waste and tidy up the head.

For the hackle I’ve used a brown partridge feather. To get the best results and keep the head small, gently pull the fibers back from the tip of the feather and tie in near the exposed stalk. Take your hackle pliers and wind the hackle around one or two times, depending on how bulking you want the fly. Simply trim the waste and tie your thread off.

A new carp rod? A framed photo of you and your catch? Or a traditional carp tattoo!

Before you choose a lasting momento of your amazing carp catch, take a look at the myths, meanings and mysteries of traditional Koi carp art.

Meaning of Koi

The prized Carp
Source: California Aquaculture Association

In Japanese, the meaning of the word ‘koi’ is simply ‘carp’, and in the past would have referred to all wild and cultivated specimens.

Over the years though, the meaning has changed. Now the Japanese use the word Koi to describe the ornamental fish found in ponds, and Nishikigoi – brocaded carp – for the most brightly coloured varieties.

Body Art

Japanese Koi tattoo
Source: Pinterest

The Koi or Carp is famous in Japan and China for its ability to swim upstream. Tattoos of Carp therefore represent perseverance, determination and battles against adversity. The positioning of the tattoo is also important. A fish swimming down the body indicates that the individual is going through hard times. A Koi swimming upwards denotes a person who has already broken through barriers and overcome difficulties.

Chinese Myth

Ancient Chinese legend
Source: Japanese Prints London

Ancient Chinese legend tells of Carp swimming up the Yellow River, and that any Koi who succeeds in jumping up the falls at Dragon Gate is transformed into a water dragon.

In this respect, Koi have become synonymous with worldly advancement, riches and prosperity – another reason for the popularity of the design in tattooing.

Samurai

Samurai warriors
Source: The History Notes

Carp are said to be so brave that when caught by fishermen, unlike lesser fish that flap and try to escape, the carp lies still on the chopping board, awaiting the knife without so much as a quiver. In this way, Koi Carp are connected to the ideals of courage long associated with Samurai warriors.

Boys’ Day

Boys Day festival – Koi windsocks
Source: Sweet Sweet Life

With all these positive associations, perhaps it should come as no surprise that in Japan, the Koi Carp is the emblem of the Boys’ Day Festival.

Celebrated on May 5th, this ancient feast is marked by pennants representing Carp, one for each of the boys in the family; the biggest for the eldest son and so on to the youngest.

Carp are a central part of the festival – their strength, bravery and determination an inspiration for Japan’s youth, and integral to promoting qualities of manliness.

So there you have it – beautiful tattoos, expensive goldfish, a symbol of masculinity; when all is said and done, a reason to get outdoors and enjoy some fishing!

But now fishing wisdom accumulated through the ages is available via the super computer in your pocket. Thereby turning anyone with a rod, fishing reel and smartphone into an expert.

Here is our guide to some of the best fishing apps out there, helping you to harness technology and keep reeling ‘em in.

Fish Forecast

Secret weapon – the Fish Forecast app
Source: iAngler

This clever iPhone app tells you where to fish, which species to target and even suggests what tackle setup to use.

It combines several key factors impacting on fish feeding and set up patterns, to produce what they think will be a winning strategy. As well as that, the weather forecast and phases of the moon are integrated with expertise provided by angling experts, meaning you need never think for yourself again!

Every day you’ll get three different fishing options that best match the conditions, together with advice about rigs, baits and tactics.

Priced at £2.99, we feel sorry for the fish.

What Fish

Identify your catch
Source: iTunes

A comprehensive resource for sea anglers, What Fish boasts a 164 fish strong identification index. Whilst the app will help you to correctly identify your catch, it is much more than just a fish identification tool. You’ll also be able to access useful information such as minimum catch size, specimen shore and boat weights. Detailed maps show where target fish are likely to be swimming.

Add to that suggestions about baits and rigs that work best from different locations such as shore, boat and kayak. And as if that wasn’t enough, there are even recipes so that you can cook your catch to perfection when you get home.

An impressive amount of info for £1.99 and available for both iPhone and Android.

Fish Here

Where to find your fish
Source: Twitter

A wealth of information for anglers, you can use this app to save time locating the perfect fishery. Using your phone’s GPS, no matter where you are, you’ll be able to see where the fishing spots are in your area. Better yet, they’re rated so you won’t waste valuable angling time trying to find a decent spot.

The data on offer is comprehensive – with over 2,800 coarse and game venues listed. You can also access the five day weather forecast and lunar calendar and interact with other coarse and game fishing enthusiasts. This encyclopedic app also includes over 1,000 fishing tackle shops.

A serious amount of knowledge to keep in your pocket with member deals and discounts to boot. £1.99 from iTunes.

Carp Lake Maps

Carp Lake Maps App
Source: iTunes

Ideal for those crossing the channel to France in search of specimen carp, this app offers clear maps that detail features of lake beds, to help you maximise your strike rate. Whilst it doesn’t have a vast number of lakes as of yet, there is plenty of scope for future inclusions.

Bought individually, the maps would total £54 but the phone app costs just £2.99 and is available to iPhone and Android platforms. Bargain! So if you’re likely to fish any of the locations featured it surely makes sense to download the app. If you’re a keen angler and want to see some new features, Carplakes are looking for new suggestions to add.

Wreck Finder

Discover what lies beneath the watery depths
Source: iTunes

A favourite with us, wreckfinder has been developed by Cornish company, App Future, to help anglers and divers locate wrecks at sea. Data from the UK Hydrographic Office is integrated with Google maps to give the location of 12,000 wrecks in UK and Irish coastal waters. And you don’t even need to have a phone signal to use it either, as all the locations are downloaded with the app.

Where possible additional information about the wreck is included and all co-ordinates can be input into other electronic navigational aids. Your phone’s GPS also gives your location in relation to the wreck sites in your sea area.

A great concept and one we’re sure will be a hit with sea anglers everywhere.

£3.99 and available for iPhone and Android.
Found a fishing app that you think is a star performer? Why not let us know so we can review it?

Angry Birds took the APP world on smart phones and tablets by storm just after it’s launch back in December 2009.  In the game, players use a slingshot to launch birds at pigs stationed on or within various structures, with the intent of destroying all the pigs on the playing field. As players advance through the game, new types of birds become available, some with special abilities that can be activated by the player. Since then, more levels and games have been added, frustrating and entertaining people for the past two or more years. The APP was created by Rovio, a Finnish computer games developer.

Over the last few months Rapala and Angry Birds products have created a new series of fishing equipment which has been designed to entice beginners to pick up a fishing rod and give them an easy and fun way to learn. Providing items such as fishing poles, fishing tackle bags and lure boxes, Angry birds have their game faces set on plunging into the fishing sector!

http://rapalaworld.com/angry-birds-products

http://rapalaworld.com/angry-birds-products

http://rapalaworld.com/angry-birds-products

These lures have been specifically designed to fish in their own unique ways, allowing the newbie or seasoned angler to identify easily what lure to use in any fishing situation. The DT Fat Bomb, pictured above, is a specifically designed and finely tuned weapon to fish the shallower parts of the lake for the more predatory fish. Fish with your rod tip high in the air, use a lazy retrieve and keep your eyes open for any subsurface action as this lure, lures any awaiting predators.

See more Angry Bird Fishing Tackle Products here!

‘Trout and Salmon Recommended!’

Having now spent an entire season using this rod on my local Welsh rivers and somehow managing to land a fair few trout and grayling on it, I now feel qualified enough to give a proper review on this rod… not one based on a five minute session using  the casting pool out in front of the office!

This particular model has been designed for modern nymphing techniques, primarily with a French leader, an indicator or a heavy bugging set up. The action is perfect… parabolic enough to flick a French leader with microscopic nymphs right across the river, but still able to pitch out a team of heavy 4mm tungsten beaded jigs or czech nymphs at short range into a heavy flow.

It also excels at playing fish as it flexes from tip to butt under load, so you have no worries about hook pulls in fast water or breaking off on light tippets. It’s a really fun fishing rod to use, you do get a great fight off almost anything half decent due to the soft playing action. However the power is there when you really need it , I managed to land a cracking wild brownie of 3.5 lb in a really heavy flow without breaking into too much of a sweat!

Although it’s a nymphing rod I’ve also used it with a 3 weight line casting dries at long range on big flats.  It’s a very accurate caster for a 10’ footer and capable of producing some really sweet tight loops. When you are up to your armpits in the drink that extra length does really help, allowing me to keep the back cast high off the water and above the surrounding nettles.

What amazes me is the performance for the price. The ultimate river rod in my opinion was always the Sage SLT, a crisp, accurate casting rod which is light in the hand and performs with excellence. The Streamtec doesn’t have the hefty price tag of the SLT, but upon comparison in fishing situations there is hardly a difference other than it’s weight! The finish is great and well thought out, the matte non-flash blank and understated wood effect reel seat giving it a classy feel. The cork handle is also top notch for a rod in this price bracket… its only £109.99 !

This rod was so good I also invested in the 7’6 #3/4 model.  This has also been a real peach of a rod. It’s the perfect toy for tiny brooks and mountain streams, being really soft, but still extremely responsive.  It’s been fantastic fun tussling with 8 inch browns which do punch well above their weight on this little gem.

There are some competitor’s rods on the market for more than twice the price; in my eyes they are no better both in terms of finish and performance… all I can say is get one (or two!)  of these for much  less than the same money.  They are an essential purchase for the modern river angler, along with the new Super-Dri fly lines!

View the Airflo Streamtec Fly Rod range from Fishtec

]]> http://blog.fishtec.co.uk/airflo-streamtec-nantec-10-34-rod-review/feed 0 http://blog.fishtec.co.uk/cuban-grand-slam-using-airflo-fly-lines http://blog.fishtec.co.uk/cuban-grand-slam-using-airflo-fly-lines#comments Sat, 04 May 2013 12:06:24 +0000 Fishtec http://blog.fishtec.co.uk/?p=8597

Catching a “Grand Slam” has to be one of the most perfect way of ending a day out on the skiff or flats… A milestone which most fly fishermen want to achieve in their fishing career. Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit and Snook or the four target species, a Gland Slam consists of three of the four to be landed, or the more difficult, Super Slam, when the angler lands all four species! These angling milestones are unforgettable in the life of an angler.

Check out Mikael Frödin (video above), Guideline tackle tester when he manages to land this amazing Grand Slam using a range of Airflo Ridge Fly Lines along with the Guideline RS Haze fly rod!