So I got the opportunity to pop out for a few hours tonight but there were a few challenges...
No1 - my Air1 is back with Vosseler to get fixed. Sent it in the post almost 3 weeks ago but thanks to brexit its still stuck in customs. Fishing a #6 feels too heavy now so to get back on my #4 glass i needed a new reel as a temporary fix. Enter Mr Barrio with his 'clicker reel' ( takes a wee bit of backing plus a small stream #4)
No2 - cant find my usual 6lb cast material and don't like the 4 lb version so made up some casts with some Seaguar that Mr Terry Cogging was kind enough to send me to try out
So I'm ready and set sail in the tube with an olive hog on the dropper and my 'mini-shuggie' on the point. Its about 7.30pm, light wind and about 17 degrees
About 10 casts in and I'm about to lift off, there is a pull and a swirl.....After a minute or two I see the fish thanks to my polariods as it swims past me. Holy moley i think....
The fish bores deep and after a dogged fight its safely in the net. It's the biggest wild trout I've landed on the fly.
What an absolute brute and a real old 'warrior' - took the mini-shuggie !
The pictures don't do it justice as it was actually very thick across the back.
a big thank you to Mike and Terry
( Terry - I can safely say I'm now a convert to seaguar as was glad for the 8.8lb breaking strain!)