Fly Fishing enthusiasts flocked to the Fox and Hounds at Eggesford last weekend for a gathering organised by Trout and Salmon magazine. The event featured talks from a wide range of experts covering fishing tactics, their fishing lives and how this connects with the natural world at the water’s edge and beyond.
The weekend proved to be a resounding success, a great social occasion that helps the fly fishing community to flourish. Whilst Fly Fishers tend to be solitary throughout much of their time pursuing their quarry there is also pleasure in sharing the joy. This was apparent throughout this event. Pauline and I could only fit in the Sunday morning of the event but it was apparent from all we met that it had all gone exceptionally well with thanks to Pete Tyjas, all at the Fox and Hounds, the exhibitors, the speakers and of course the attendees.
The Fox and Hounds has a rich history as a Country Fishing Hotel and should be treasured for these establishments are at the heart of fly fishing tradition and history. Many once thriving hotels have ceased to exist, the Carnarvon Arms and Tarr Steps Hotel on Exmoor are two that readily spring to mind. I have fond memories of both hotels and view their demise with sadness. It is of course the decline of salmon that contributed to their closing for salmon and the anglers who chase them bring valuable economic benefits to the local area.
The Taw still provides excellent fishing for wild brown trout that seem to be thriving an indication that the main issues with salmon decline are at sea. The Fox and Hounds offer fishing on nearly 4 miles of fishing on the River Taw. The lightly fished beats are maintained in their natural state.
Pete Tyjas, Editor, Trout & Salmon Magazine
Fishing small streams
Pete delivered a heart felt talk on his fishing life with valuable tips on casting and how to approach the water. It seemed appropriate that as Pete prepared to start numerous martins appeared high above as they migrate into their Spring and summer home.
Harry Chance, West Country Fly Fishing
Fishing the duo in pocket water
Harry displayed dry fly and duo techniques with great enthusiasm explaining in detail how to read the water and manipulate the flies to best effect. Giving valuable advice as to tackle set up and how to apply.
Fred Brown, Fishpal.com
Fishing streamers on rivers
Fred Brown gave an inspiring talk on the use of streamers and how to fish them. He explained how these lures often tempt the largest inhabitants of the river. It really does make sense as the larger trout will generally turn cannibalistic to maintain size. I have recently finished reading the excellent book River Trout Streamer Fishing by Theo Pike and intend to explore some of our local rivers with streamers.
North Devon based Pete Tyjas is the new editor of Trout and Salmon Magazine that has been in circulation since 1955. Fly fishing is undoubtedly enjoying an influx of new thinking with a younger generation embracing tactics from across the globe. There is of course a rich vein of history and tradition interwoven in Fly fishing evolution over the centuries that should also be treasured.
Whilst away in the Cotswolds recently I spotted an interesting book entitled ‘The Diary of a Test Fisherman’ 1809 to 1819. I have skimmed through the book and will read fully in due course. It will be fascinating to note how times have changed as this book was published before F M Halfords; Dry Fly Fishing in Theory and Practice that was published in 1889.
Whilst Pauline and I were only present for the Sunday morning and Sunday lunch it was obvious that all who attended had been privileged to enjoy a unique weekend full of warmth and laughter. It was reassuring to witness the experts finding the tree branches from time to time. When I catch the branches I hope to avoid any spectators yet; I would appreciate a dedicated team of assistants to untangle fly and leader from the guilty branches!
The raffle at the end of the event raised £410 towards river conservation projects.
Sunday lunch was extremely enjoyable with a vast range of topics debated covering the natural world and the more worrying wider world.
I think all present over the weekend would agree that in these uncertain times fishing is the great escape.
The Fox and Hounds was the venue for the River Taw Fisheries and Conservation Associations AGM last Friday. Forty or so members assembled at the hotel with river conservation at the top of the agenda. Chairman Andy Gray highlighted the extensive work being undertaken across the River Taw catchment with a collaborative science based approach to tackle the many issues that impact upon the rivers health. Agricultural pollution, and sewage discharge identified as being the most impactful. The association are working closely with the Environment Agency, West Country Rivers Trust and North Devon Biosphere in a catchment partnership. The collection of data is a vital part of forward planning and the association are working with Exeter University and West Country Rivers Trust to help gather this information for science lead solutions.
