FIshings Not Always Easy - But Its A Joy To Do

Have fished the beach for a good few hours each day using various fly patterns with some success especially to the white and silver patterns. A few bait balls have started to appear and hopefully this will bring the bigger predatory fish within casting distance.

Weather has been changeable to say the least from warm and balmy at first light to blistering heat by 9.30 through till mid afternoon and then the thunder starts and the clouds back up the lightning puts on a show and the rain just pours down and puts a real downer on the fishing.

Was going to try the spinning rod this afternoon as the surf was high and I thought there may be a chance of a snook patrolling the surfline but another storm front just pushed on right through so it looks like its put and end to that.

Ladyfish, pinfish, small jacks and skip jacks have all been greedily taking the fly and a few ladyfish of decent size have thrown the hook during their aerobatics, it all makes for good fun on the fly.


Called in to see AMI Outfitters costal Gear & Apparel on Pine Avenue, Anna Maria today and had a quick catch up with Steve the owner, great shop and really nice people. Steve has started doing complimentary Tide Tables which can be a great help, they also have lots of other useful information on them.



Was handed a Dupre's Spoonfly to try out, lets hope it works.

Tight Lines

I'm Back On Anna Maria Island

Arrived back on Anna Maria Island, Florida late yesterday 2hours behind schedule to technical issues with the aircraft.
Managed to grab a quick meal at The Sandbar Restaurant before heading back to the house foe a few cold beers.

Today has been extremely warm and humid and after the necessary chores managed to grab some time to go and fish this evening but as we all know things don't always go as planned.

Rain clouds were forming over Tampa area and a few light spots of rain were starting to fall when I began fishing. I was soon getting bites that then turned into a steady flow of Ladyfish, good sport but would have liked to find some snook.

Things were going quite well until the heavy rain came through followed very closely by serious thunder and then lightening, it was now time to exit the water and leave the fly rod tucked amongst the sea oats whilst I attempted to shelter against another clump of sea oats. Decided to head for home after about 30 minutes sheltering and there was no sign of the rain, thunder & lightening abating and 4 hours later its still raining. Thunder and lightening has now stopped and just the odd flash can be seen way out at sea so hopefully it will be fine enough to get out first thing.

Tight lines

Beginners Fly Fishing Course

Spent some time at Friars Carse Hotel on the River Nith earlier in the week delivering a fly fishing course. All the clients were new or limited experience in the art of fly casting.




We met up late on Sunday and enjoyed a nice meal in the restaurant before moving into the Nith Room where
Wendy Gibson http://www.fliesbywendy.co.uk/ demonstrated the art of fly dressing which they found fascinating. Clients were then encouraged to have a go.

Monday morning and we went through the types of equipment and how to set it up along with the safety brief etc.

Overhead cast was first on the agenda making sure that varying wind directions were catered for with the emphasis on keeping it safe. Basic shooting of line and line management were explained in preparation for fishing later in the day.

The afternoon session started down on the river with the demonstration of the Roll Cast again making sure that changes in wind directions were dealt with.

It was then time to put what we had covered into practice and see if we could manage to catch any fish. Given the lack of rain it meant that the river was very low which not ideal for fishing was great for beginners learning to cast.. A few small trout, grayling and parr came to hand which was good for all except one rod which was part of the challenge for the next day to make sure all managed to catch something.

After dinner fly tying continued with some nice 1 feather patterns being tied by Wendy, amazing.

Tuesday morning and a recap time on the lawn before heading back down to the river where we looked at Jump Rolls  and Mends. Putting it all into practice was the next challenge and all managed to catch today in fact it was great to see our lady angler not only managing to catch her first fish but then plucking up enough courage to hold and un-hook it.

We had a great time with good company and plenty of laughs.

Watch out for Course dates at the hotel for 2015.

Off for a session with my mentor on Monday with the Double Handed rod, that will be the last before I head off to the

USA when I'm back on Anna Maria Island - hope the fish are biting.

Tight lines for all you fisher folk

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