Post by phil on Jun 12, 2012 23:38:41 GMT
As promised here's a short report of my first day on the River Wharfe, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, fly fishing Tenkara style.
I had the expert guidance and tuition of Stephen Cheetham of Fishing With Style for the day. The day started at 9:30am and finished at just after 5:00pm with a short break for lunch, so feeling tired this evening. The weather stayed dry and began bright, but became overcast and chilly as the afternoon went on.
Steve is an accredited Fly Fishing Instructor and Guide with many years experience. He has become quite a convert to the Tenkara style and spoke most enthusiastically about it. His river craft and knowledge proved exceptional, he managed my mobility needs admirably and with sensitivity.
Steve introduced me to the Ayu rod produced by TenkaraUSA. He talked knowledgeably about the use of furled lines, level lines, Tenkara specific flies and North Country Flies. He teaches fly dressing, while also chairing the West Yorkshire Region of the Salmon and Trout Association.
After some tuition on the different action of the Tenkara rod in relation to a western fly rod we got down to some fishing. Despite the recent wet weather the River Wharfe was clear and at a reasonable level for wading. Full chest waders were need though as we accessed the deeper reaches standing mid-flow in approximately 3' to 4' of water, wading staffs a necessity.
Steve suggested a Pheasant Emerger wet fly size 12 and we commenced on a furled line the same length as the rod with approximately 4' of tippet. The rod cast the line beautifully, although, in all honesty I did not do it full justice at all, but practice makes perfect. 15 minutes in, fishing the deep water either side of a fast flow and bang! What a positive take and what a feisty first fish. The Ayu bent and absorbed the energy while providing lovely feel all the way to the net. Sorry, so excited with the first fish both Steve and I forgot to take a photo. The little brownie of approx 6" looked in great condition and swam immediately away on release. 2 minutes later another take, but this time it let go just as it came to net, still thrilling, and looked like another lovely fish.
After a short lunch we walked upstream to below a large set of submerged stepping stones with many different fast flows to aim at and around. The wading proved difficult though with large boulders making footing very difficult. Just as Steve and I got out mid-river a bailiff hailed us and Steve had to retrace his steps ever so carefully to placate the man with rod licences and day tickets. On his advice Steve called me bank side and suggested we walk 300m upstream to the following spot:
Looking upstream.
Looking downstream.
We waded mid-river again into deep water and oh my word, fish are rising all around us, pale yellow mayflies are emerging and taking flight, swallows are skimming by a few feet above the surface and a yellow wagtail flies out to catch flies and feed her young. We use a level line this time with the Pheasant Emerger still in use. Then just fish after fish, take and take again, fantastic:
Just a few of the fish netted.
Many, of course also let go, but both Steve and I had so much fun it didn't matter. My casting came on by leaps and bounds, perhaps no longer thinking of casting and instead just concentrating on fishing on an amazing length of river in stunning Wharfedale. Steve suggested a Klinkhammer dry fly and although he got one positive rise it proved no where near as effective as the wet Pheasant Emerger, so on with that again. Steve left me at it as the chill set in and eventually, albeit reluctantly I followed 30 minutes later, tired, but elated.
What a vindication for Tenkara. Quick and easy set up, an almost intuitive cast allows the angler time to concentrate on the business of fishing, and fun, fun, fun.
Now to get a rod myself and get out there again.
Tight lines folks.
Phil
I had the expert guidance and tuition of Stephen Cheetham of Fishing With Style for the day. The day started at 9:30am and finished at just after 5:00pm with a short break for lunch, so feeling tired this evening. The weather stayed dry and began bright, but became overcast and chilly as the afternoon went on.
Steve is an accredited Fly Fishing Instructor and Guide with many years experience. He has become quite a convert to the Tenkara style and spoke most enthusiastically about it. His river craft and knowledge proved exceptional, he managed my mobility needs admirably and with sensitivity.
Steve introduced me to the Ayu rod produced by TenkaraUSA. He talked knowledgeably about the use of furled lines, level lines, Tenkara specific flies and North Country Flies. He teaches fly dressing, while also chairing the West Yorkshire Region of the Salmon and Trout Association.
After some tuition on the different action of the Tenkara rod in relation to a western fly rod we got down to some fishing. Despite the recent wet weather the River Wharfe was clear and at a reasonable level for wading. Full chest waders were need though as we accessed the deeper reaches standing mid-flow in approximately 3' to 4' of water, wading staffs a necessity.
Steve suggested a Pheasant Emerger wet fly size 12 and we commenced on a furled line the same length as the rod with approximately 4' of tippet. The rod cast the line beautifully, although, in all honesty I did not do it full justice at all, but practice makes perfect. 15 minutes in, fishing the deep water either side of a fast flow and bang! What a positive take and what a feisty first fish. The Ayu bent and absorbed the energy while providing lovely feel all the way to the net. Sorry, so excited with the first fish both Steve and I forgot to take a photo. The little brownie of approx 6" looked in great condition and swam immediately away on release. 2 minutes later another take, but this time it let go just as it came to net, still thrilling, and looked like another lovely fish.
After a short lunch we walked upstream to below a large set of submerged stepping stones with many different fast flows to aim at and around. The wading proved difficult though with large boulders making footing very difficult. Just as Steve and I got out mid-river a bailiff hailed us and Steve had to retrace his steps ever so carefully to placate the man with rod licences and day tickets. On his advice Steve called me bank side and suggested we walk 300m upstream to the following spot:
Looking upstream.
Looking downstream.
We waded mid-river again into deep water and oh my word, fish are rising all around us, pale yellow mayflies are emerging and taking flight, swallows are skimming by a few feet above the surface and a yellow wagtail flies out to catch flies and feed her young. We use a level line this time with the Pheasant Emerger still in use. Then just fish after fish, take and take again, fantastic:
Just a few of the fish netted.
Many, of course also let go, but both Steve and I had so much fun it didn't matter. My casting came on by leaps and bounds, perhaps no longer thinking of casting and instead just concentrating on fishing on an amazing length of river in stunning Wharfedale. Steve suggested a Klinkhammer dry fly and although he got one positive rise it proved no where near as effective as the wet Pheasant Emerger, so on with that again. Steve left me at it as the chill set in and eventually, albeit reluctantly I followed 30 minutes later, tired, but elated.
What a vindication for Tenkara. Quick and easy set up, an almost intuitive cast allows the angler time to concentrate on the business of fishing, and fun, fun, fun.
Now to get a rod myself and get out there again.
Tight lines folks.
Phil
