Issue 14 April 2014

Trout Fishing Around The World Just Another Day In Patagonia Fly Fishing For Tarpon

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Welcome to the April issue of “The Flyfisher Magazine” the free Emagazine by keen fly fishers for keen fly fishers throughout the UK and Abroad.

To advertise within the magazine or the website www.flyfisher-magazine.com please email ukflyfisher@gmail.com for an advertising rates quote Parent website: www.flyfishingdirectory.co.uk Sister website: www.flyfisher-magazine.com If you would like to contribute a free story, a fishing report along with Photographs; please email them to ukflyfisher@gmail.com Please include a bio about yourself so that it can be added to your article.

Editor: Robin “The Cormorant” Lambert: Email: ukflyfisher@gmail.com . Contents Trout Fishing Around the World: Page 3 Nymph Fishing: Page 8 Just Another Day In Patagonia: Page 10

Getting to New Zealand, and Around: Page 13 Fly Fishing for Tarpon: Page 15 Fly of the Month: Page 19 Tackle Review: Page 21 Recipe of the Month: Page 22 Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation: Page 23 Fishing Reports: Page 24

Birthday Competition Winner

Congratulations to Grieg Anthony from Perth, Western Australia who won The Flyfisher Magazines 1ST Birthday competition. Grieg won the polarised sunglasses and picked the 10 dozen mixed trout flies as his prize.

The Question came in 3 parts: 1. What issue does the following paragraph come from:- ―Yet while all this and more went on, the Trout Rivers continued to flow, ever fresh and self-renewing. To me, they are the epitome of change, a reminder that everything everywhere is in a state of flux, and that holding on, whether to memories or a pleasing status quo, is a futile effort. Because life is like a river, forever on the move. Answer: September 2013 2. What Page is it on – Answer: Page 17 3. Who is the article writer – Answer: Derek Grzelewski, Author of the Trout Diaries

© The Flyfisher Magazine

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Trout Fishing Around the World

The Cormorant

Of the game fish regularly sought after around the world on a fly is the beloved trout. The trout is the most numerous, the most accessible and the easiest to rear artificially. Due to this the trout has become one of the most popular fish worldwide. The trout in it’s various forms; populates rivers and lakes throughout most of the world. This is due to the influence of man who has introduced them to locations where there has never been trout before. Today you can fish for trout not just from the rivers and lochs within Scotland; but from the rapid rivers and limestone streams of North America, the slow wide rivers of South America and the mountain lakes and creeks of Australia and the fast rivers of New Zealand. The various regions have a varied and diverse contrast in fishing; you could be fishing for trout of massive proportions who will take you fly with gusto. Or you could be fishing for the small elusive shy trout that you will have to approach with stealth and cunning along with a perfectly placed fly imitation. Today most fly anglers go all out to find the perfect place to fish; it could be the wild and long unspoiled rivers of South America or New Zealand where the brown and rainbow trout grow to exceptional proportions. With their great bulk and speed through the water, they will provide a real test of the fly angler’s skill. Trout does not have to be large to be challenging, some of the most enjoyable fly fishing can be for the pan sized wild brown trout in any stream, lake or brook throughout the world. The wild brown trout is admired and revered through out the world by the avid fly angler who travels the world trying to pit their skills and knowledge against the various varieties available to them, sometimes leaving behind some exceptional local trout rivers. Trout is the name for a number of species of freshwater fish belonging to the genera Oncorhynchus, Salmo and Salvelinus, all of the subfamily Salmoninae of the family Salmonidae. The word trout is also used as part of the name of some non-salmonid fish such as Cynoscion nebulosus, the spotted seatrout or speckled trout. Trout are closely related to salmon and char species termed salmon and char occur in the same genera as do trout (Oncorhynchus - Pacific salmon and trout, Salmo - Atlantic salmon and various trout, Salvelinus - char and trout). Most trout such as Lake trout live in freshwater lakes and/or rivers exclusively, while there are others such as the Rainbow trout which may either live out their lives in fresh water, or spend two or three years at sea before returning to fresh water to spawn, a habit more typical of salmon. A rainbow trout that spends time in the ocean is called a steelhead. Trout are an important food source for humans and wildlife including brown bears, birds of prey such as eagles, and other animals. They are classified as oily fish

The name trout is commonly used for some species in three of the seven genera in the subfamily Salmoninae: Salmo, Atlantic species; Oncorhynchus, Pacific species; and Salvelinus, which includes fish also sometimes called char or charr. Fish referred to as trout include:

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Salmo obtusirostris, also known as the Adriatic Trout, Adriatic Salmon, and Softmouth Trout, is a species of salmonid fish endemic to the rivers of Western Balkans in southeastern Europe. The scientific name has changed several times through history; synonyms include Thymallus microlepis, Salmothymus obtusirostris and Salar obtusirostris. This species spawns in the early spring and is an obligatory freshwater fish. They are an important game fish. Salmo obtusirostris is found naturally in five drainages of the Adriatic Sea, in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro: the Neretva, Vrljika, Jadro, Zeta and Krka river drainages. In addition it has been introduced from the Jadro to the Zrnovnica drainage in about 1960. The different populations are sometimes classified into subspecies:

The Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) is an originally European species of salmonid fish. It includes both purely freshwater populations, referred to Salmo trutta morpha fario and S. trutta morpha lacustris, and anadromous forms known as the sea trout, S. trutta morpha trutta. The latter migrates to the oceans for much of its life and returns to freshwater only to spawn. Sea trout in the UK and Ireland have many regional names, including sewin (Wales), finnock (Scotland), peal (West Country), mort (North West England) and white trout (Ireland). The specific epithet trutta derives from the Latin trutta, meaning, literally, "trout". The lacustrine morph of brown trout is most usually potamodromous, migrating from lakes into rivers or streams to spawn, although evidence indicates stocks spawn on wind-swept shorelines of lakes. S. trutta morpha fario forms stream-resident populations, typically in alpine streams, but sometimes in larger rivers. Anadromous and nonanadromous morphs coexisting in the same river appear genetically identical. What determines whether or not they migrate remains unknown. Brown trout have been widely introduced into suitable environments around the world including North and South America, Australasia, Asia, South and East Africa. Introduced brown trout have established self-sustaining, wild populations in many introduced countries. The first introductions were in Australia in 1864 when 300 of 1500 brown trout eggs from the River Itchen survived a four month voyage from Falmouth, Cornwall to Melbourne on the sailing ship Norfolk. By 1866, 171 young brown trout were surviving in a Plenty River hatchery in Tasmania. Thirty-eight young trout were released in the river, a tributary of the River Derwent in 1866. By 1868, the Plenty River hosted a self-sustaining population of brown trout which became a brood source for continued introduction of brown trout into Australian and New Zealand rivers. Successful introductions into the Natal and Cape Provinces of South Africa took place in 1890 and 1892 respectively. By 1909, brown trout were established in the mountains of Kenya. The first introductions into the Himalayas in northern India took place in 1868 and by 1900, brown trout were established in Kashmir and Madras.

Salmo platycephalus, known as the flathead trout, Ala balik or the Turkish trout, is a type of trout, a fish in the Salmonidae family. It is endemic to south-eastern Turkey. It is known only from one population, which occupies three streams, tributaries of the Zamantı River in the Seyhan River basin. The population itself is abundant, but subject to threat by habitat loss, since the range is small. Also, predation of juveniles by introduced rainbow trout may cause population decline. The species is classified as critically endangered. Genetic evidence suggests that the flathead trout may indeed be derived from introduced brown trout (Salmo trutta) and thus not be a distinct species of its own. Nevertheless it is a unique form which requires protection.

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Ohrid Trout or the Lake Ohrid Brown Trout (Salmo letnica) is an endemic species of trout in Lake Ohrid and in its tributaries and outlet, the Black Drin river, in the Republic of Macedonia and Albania in the Balkans. Locally the fish is known as охридска пастрмка (ohridska pastrmka) in Macedonian and koran/korani in Albanian. The Ohrid trout is a specialty in Macedonian and Albanian gastronomy; it is used for soups and other dishes. It tastes like a brown trout crossed with an atlantic salmon. The Sevan trout (Salmo ischchan) is an endemic fish species of Lake Sevan in Armenia (Armenian: իշխան išxan). It is a salmonid fish related to the brown trout.

The Biwa Trout (above) (Oncorhynchus rhodurus) is an anadromous salmonid fish of the genus Oncorhynchus, endemic to Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, but also introduced to Lake Ashi and Lake Chūzenji. While called trout, the fish is most closely related to the masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou of the western Pacific, and is most often considered a subspecies of it.

Adult Biwa trout usually range from 40 to 50 cm in length and 1.5 to 2.5 kg in weight although large specimens can be up to 70 cm long and 5.0 kg in weight. This fish feeds on plankton, aquatic insects, freshwater prawns, worms, ayu and other small fishes and, sometimes, small mammals. It is found only in the waters of northern Lake Biwa. Biwa trout represents a unique food fish for the Shiga prefecture. Biwa trout and its caviar are considered a delicacy. Usual ways to prepare the trout is as sashimi, by grilling with salt, in meuniere, or by smoking, deep-frying or simmering, etc. The fish has a reputation as being very difficult to catch by angling. The Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) is a fish species of the salmonidae family native to cold-water tributaries of the Pacific Ocean, Rocky Mountains and Great Basin in North America. As a member of the genus Oncorhynchus, it is one of the Pacific trout, a group that includes the widely distributed rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout are popular gamefish, especially among anglers who enjoy fly fishing. The common name "cutthroat" refers to the distinctive red coloration on the underside of the lower jaw. Cutthroat trout usually inhabit and spawn in small to moderately large, clear, well-oxygenated, shallow rivers with gravel bottoms and clear, cold, moderately deep lakes. They are native to the alluvial or freestone streams that are typical tributaries of the Pacific basin, Great Basin and Rocky Mountains. Cutthroat trout spawn in the spring and may inadvertently but naturally hybridize with rainbow trout, producing fertile cutbows. Some populations of the coastal cutthroat trout (O. c. clarki) are semi-anadromous.

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The Gila Trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) is a species of salmonid, related to the rainbow and cutthroat trouts native to the Southwest United States. The Gila trout has been considered endangered with extinction. That changed in July 2006.

Finally after much work by the Game and Fish departments in New Mexico and Arizona, the US Forest Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Gila trout was down-listed to "Threatened", with a special provision called a "4d rule" that will allow limited sport fishing – for the first time in nearly half a century. This possibility is distinct: there may be no one alive today that has legally angled a pure Gila trout from its native waters. By the time the Gila trout was closed to fishing in the 1950s, its numbers and range were so depleted and so reduced this copper-colored trout simply wasn’t all that accessible to anglers. As of 2011 there is now fishing in both states for this beautiful fish. The Apache Trout, Oncorhynchus apache, is a species of freshwater fish in the salmon family (family Salmonidae) of order Salmoniformes. It is one of the Pacific trouts. The Apache trout measures in length from 6 to 24 inches (61 cm), and weighs between 6 ounces and 6 pounds (2.7 kg). It rarely exceeds 25 cm, but can reach up to 40 cm in its native, headwater streams. Apache trout are a yellowish-gold color with a golden belly and have medium-sized dark spots that are evenly spaced and that may extend below the lateral line and onto the dorsal and tail fins. The top of its head and back are dark olive in color, and it has the appearance of having a black stripe/mask through each of its eyes, due to two small black dots on either side of the pupil. There can be a throat mark below the lower jaw, ranging in color from yellow to gold. The Apache trout is the state fish of Arizona, and is one of only two species of trout native to that state, with the other being the gila trout (O. g. gilae). It natively lives in clear, cool streams in the White Mountains that flow through coniferous forests and marshes, but has been introduced into several lakes in the area. The Apache trout is native to the upper Salt River watershed (Black and White rivers) and the upper Little Colorado River watershed.

The Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a species of salmonid native to cold-water tributaries of the Pacific Ocean in Asia and North America. The steelhead (sometimes "steelhead trout") is an anadromous (sea-run) form of the coastal rainbow trout (O. m. irideus) or redband trout (O. m. gairdneri) that usually returns to fresh water to spawn after living two to three years in the ocean. Freshwater forms that have been introduced into the Great Lakes and migrate into tributaries to spawn are also called steelhead. Adult freshwater stream rainbow trout average between 1 and 5 lb (0.5 and 2.3 kg), while lake-dwelling and anadromous forms may reach 20 lb (9.1 kg). Coloration varies widely based on subspecies, forms and habitat. Adult fish are distinguished by a broad reddish stripe along the lateral line, from gills to the tail, which is most vivid in breeding males. Wild-caught and hatchery-reared forms of this species have been transplanted and introduced for food or sport in at least 45 countries and every continent except Antarctica. Introductions to locations outside their native range in the United States (U.S.), Southern Europe, Australia and South America have damaged native fish species. Introduced

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populations may impact native species by preying on them, out-competing them, transmitting contagious diseases (such as whirling disease), or hybridizing with closely related species and subspecies, thus reducing genetic purity. Other introductions into waters previously devoid of any fish species or with severely depleted stocks of native fish have created world-class sport fisheries such as the Great Lakes and Wyoming’s Firehole River Some local populations of specific subspecies, or in the case of steelhead, distinct population segments, are listed as either threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The steelhead is the official state fish of Washington.

The Golden Trout or California golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita) is a sub-species of the rainbow trout native to California. It closely resembles the juvenile rainbow trout. The golden trout is native to Golden Trout Creek (tributary to the Kern River, Volcano Creek (tributary to Golden Trout Creek), and the South Fork Kern River. A sibling subspecies, Little Kern golden trout (O. m. whitei), was historically found only in the Little Kern River but is now found in other nearby creeks, as well. Another sibling subspecies, Kern golden trout or Kern River rainbow trout (O. m. gilberti), was once widely distributed in the Kern River system, but was reduced to a limited section until transplantation to other creeks. The Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), sometimes called the eastern brook trout, is a species of fish in the salmon family of order Salmoniformes. In many parts of its range, it is known as the speckled trout or squaretail. A potamodromous population in Lake Superior is known as coaster trout or, simply, as coasters. Though commonly called a trout, the brook trout is actually a char (Salvelinus) which in North America, includes the lake trout, bull trout, Dolly Varden and the arctic char.

The Dolly Varden Trout (Salvelinus malma), is a species of salmonid native to cold-water tributaries of the Pacific Ocean in Asia and North America. It is in the genus Salvelinus of true chars, which includes 51 recognized species, the most prominent being the brook, lake and bull trout, as well as arctic char. Although many populations are semi-anadromous, fluvial and lacustrine populations occur throughout its range. It is considered by taxonomists as part of the Salvelinus alpinus or arctic char complex, as many populations of bull trout, Dolly Varden trout and arctic char overlap. Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) is a freshwater char living mainly in lakes in northern North America. Other names for it include mackinaw, lake char (or charr), touladi, togue, and grey trout. In Lake Superior, it can also be variously known as siscowet, paperbelly and lean. The lake trout is prized both as a game fish and as a food fish. The Tiger Trout (Salmo trutta X Salvelinus fontinalis) is a sterile, intergeneric hybrid of the brown trout (Salmo trutta) and the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). The name derives from the pronounced vermiculations, evoking the stripes of a tiger. It is a rare phenomenon in the wild, with the brook trout having 84 chromosomes and the brown trout 80. Records show instances as far back as 1944. The cross itself is unusual in that the parents are members of different genera. Most fly flishers will agree, the foremost reason for fly fishing for trout is the fantastic hard fight they give you. If you manage to hook a trout in tip top condition they will give you a tremendous fight from the moment you hook them.

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Nymph Fishing By The Cormorant

Mostly all flyfishers use the term nymph or nymphing to cover all forms of underwater insect life. This ranges from true water bred insects that live within the silt and gravel areas of the river, loch or lake until they start to migrate to the surface to hatch into the various flies throughout the seasons. Also don’t forget the various types of water beetles; shrimps, leeches and snails which spend their whole life in the water. Due to the various underwater life that are always present, the trout are more often or not

pre occupied in feeding beneath the surface and ignore what is happening on the surface. The trout may be lying in the shallow areas or weed beds feeding on corixa, snails or shrimps or the papue that are trying to reach the surface where they will hatch. In the event of absence of fish feeding on the surface is a good indication that they are fishing elsewhere. If there is no sign of fish anywhere, the best possible solution is to change from dry/wet flies to nymphs. During certain times of the day, particularly in the early morning or late evening you may see the trout bulging or swirling as it is possible the fish are taking the nymphs as they are making their way to the surface. It is essential to determine the depth that the trout are feeding as they could be feeding on the nymphs anywhere between the bottom and the surface. When fishing with nymphs, they can be fished as a single fly or within a team of various stages of the nymphs life cycle coming up through the water levels. Nymphs can be fished on a floating or sinking line and consideration must be given on how your going to fish them as well. There is a good choice within the flyfishers armoury when it comes to using nymphs, you can use olives, browns, blacks and greys. If none of these work then you may have to resort to changing the various nymphs until you find the right one for that time of day and month. If for example there is a large quantity of sedge flies present on the surface of the water and no trout are present taking them, then using a sedge pupa imitation would be your best bet in getting a take. The exact principle works for the other various flies throughout the season: midges; olives and of course the beloved mayfly. If there are no flies hatching and the water is undisturbed then a good fly to start with would be an imitation of a shrimp, corixa or a snail. It is best to use weighted versions and a longer than normal leader or a sink line to get down to where the trout are feeding. When fishing nymphs on or near the bottom around weed beds etc and you can see a clear area, it is best to try and get your nymph in the clear area and bring it back slowly along the bottom which can cause the trout to dart out and take your offering. One of the best nymphs I use in my armoury is a Pheasant Tail nymph with a coloured thorax so that it is more visable to the trout. You can tie this nymph from a size 24 upto a size 8 depending on what your fishing for.

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http://www.cortlandline.com

Feel the Pull, Online Cortland Line Company unveils new website.

March 17, 2014 — Cortland, N.Y. — For the past 99 years, fly and sport fishers across America and Europe have connected with their quarry thanks to the innovative products of the Cortland Line Company. Now, fishermen and the retailers who serve them can connect with Cortland’s products, people and fishing insights via a fully redesigned, user-friendly website.

Officially launched today, the website — located at CortlandLine.com — provides quick, easy navigation through Cortland’s broad range of quality products, including lines and accessories for fly and sport fishing as well as products for hunters. Visitors can access technical content / specs, a blog highlighting fishing tactics and conservation news, a brag board, and background information on the company and its management team. Retail partners can log into their accounts to place and check orders, review promotions and access other information to help them help their customers.

“We approached this project as we approach everything at Cortland: With a focus on the needs and passions of fishermen,” said Randy Brown, president and CEO of Cortland Line Co. “Like the lines we produce, this new website provides a sleek, efficient means to connect with whatever you’re after.”

The new website represents one of the most visible steps toward transforming Cortland into a global fishing line brand as the company approaches its centennial anniversary in 2015. Under new ownership since 2012, the company is approaching its second century with fresh dedication to helping anglers “feel the pull.”

The new website as well as new products and proprietary coating processes extend Cortland’s position as a long-time leader in the fishing industry. For 2014, the company has already debuted its new Big FlyTM line, engineered to load and throw big streamers, bass flies and tandem rigs with minimal false casting; Finesse TroutTM, an ultrasmooth casting line built around Cortland’s new PST

TM coating in a stealthy heron blue color; and a new line of competition nymph rods, designed especially for precise European-style nymphing. Other new products for 2014 will be announced in coming months.

About Cortland Line Company

Cortland Line Company, Cortland, N.Y., is a leading manufacturer of braided fishing lines, monofilament fishing lines, braided ropes and fly lines. By utilizing the latest materials and its proprietary innovative techniques, Cortland Line assures the consumer the finest products available.

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Tarpon Tagging, Sawfish, Sharks, Endangered Orioles and more……… By Justin Witt

Hi Everyone! I’m still writing from the West side of the Isle of Andros, on Flamingo Cay, where today the wind is blowing like it’s three days late and got a wedding to attend in Mexico City. It’s a strange thing, wind, and even stranger to me these days than before since spending so many years in Argentina. Talking about the wind in Chubut province conversations tend to center on intensity, but never direction. Our wind down there only comes from one direction! Right over the Andes it would blow, from the West, from the West pretty much every single day. I can remember a few notable exceptions, but only a few, and the advantage that provides in terms of running boats and planning days on the water cannot be overstated. There we have places that we fish when there is light wind, and places that we fish when there is heavy wind, and a million other places that we fish when the wind is in between.

But we know which direction it will blow, and that takes a whole bucketful of variables out of our equations. Since being here in Andros I have seen wind in varying intensities from every single direction on the dial, and hell, sometimes it changes by a hundred and eighty degrees once or even twice in the course of a day. To make matters worse, the only weather station anywhere near us is way up on the Northeast side, and they have completely different wind, since the island itself has such an effect on climatic movements, so a guy’s got to really stay on his toes around these parts to be able to figure out where he’ll be able to run the boat, and where he’ll be able to pole, not to mention where the fish will be, and where the water will stay clear enough for the clients to see them and make a cast. Add to all of that the hundreds and hundreds of cumulative miles of shoreline that we fish, and you can imagine what my learning curve has been like these last couple of months. Luckily I’ve had some time to get out on my own and run around a bit, experimenting, as it were, with the conditions as well as my techniques, and have been getting some exercise in the process as well. Sea Kayaks are cool little boats. They don’t move too fast (quite a bit slower than my normal running pace, in fact) but they go wherever you ask them too, carry what you need along the way, and in the end, sort of force upon you a pace and algorithm of movement that allows for a lot of data to get logged. We’ve got a couple of them lying out back of the lodge in a veritable museum of other boats, and so the other day in typical Justin style I went back there at dawn, loaded one up, and took off to do the first ever arm-powered circumnavigation of the island itself. Not Andros, mind you, but Flamingo Cay. And in typical Justin style I came in right at dusk with my arms feeling like two lead weights hanging off my shoulders, and knowing that thirty three miles in a sea kayak is not something one just picks up and paddles as a first time out type of event. But I learned a lot of water along the way. Keeping it up I’ve been back out in the boat down to Percer Point, and also on another thirty three miler just yesterday that went through some back country water there is no other way to really learn, since it is far too shallow for the motors even when we’re in there with the skiffs. So if you don’t know how to pole the boat across and through the maze of islands and flats to where the creek comes out before you go in, it’s going to be a long and difficult day. Having done it

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now in the kayak though I am good to go, and even had some interesting fish come to hand along the way, like this nice lemon shark I caught on a barracuda fly with the ten weight. Speaking of sharks – I had an opportunity to help out on a research boat crew that we had down last week from Florida State University which made for some pretty interesting days. The Marine Biologists on the vessel came from a variety of institutes and organizations, but were all top notch scientists and excellent companions as well, and I learned a heck of a lot in the time I got to spend with them. Each fish captured was measured, DNA samples were taken, a whole range of data about it was logged, and then it got tagged before release.

The main idea of the trip was for them to tag sawfish, big prehistoric creatures that frequent the flats and canals of our area, but we also tagged a lot of sharks, and one very nice tarpon, in the process of the hunt for our main species of interest. The tagging process is hysterical; imagine an enormous wrestling match in the ocean between creatures that live there every day and a bunch of two legged idiots who have no business (naturally speaking) even being in that environment, much less doing what they are doing. But it was a hell of a lot of fun! Our long-lining efforts turned up sharks only, which got tagged with simple call in tags that will help the researchers track their movements in the event that they are caught by other fishermen in other places in

the future, but what was amazing was these guys shark handling skills. I mean, I’m new to this, and when I get a shark in on a line every time it’s still a pretty big deal, with me being very, very careful about where my hands are, and how I control the animal while we spend our few minutes together during the unhooking process. But these guys! These guys are just wranglers! Sharks come in the boat, get pinned to the measuring board, the tag goes in, the data gets logged, and off they go. No big deal, you know? Makes a fly-guy feel like a bit of a wuss, really.

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We also managed to radio tag one fly-caught tarpon, and a rod and reel caught sawfish while they were here, and both of those scenarios will make for excellent fireside adventure stories in the future if you remind me when the circumstances are right.

The tarpon we tagged, in fact, it was actually the very first tarpon I ever poled a caster into, and let me tell you now, and those fish have my complete and undivided attention and most likely will for some time. I mean what a fish! We’ve already received a map showing the movements of both the sawfish and the Tarpon, which confirms that both fish survived and will now be long-time participants in the study! I’m looking forward to keeping tabs on this particular beauty over the course of the year or so that the tag will provide us data, and the researchers have promised to email with me updates when they have them.

Everyone knows how obsessed I am with fish, but I feel like I have to mention that the bird life around here is pretty spectacular as well. I mean, just to give you a taste, without going into all of the diversity and beauty of the range of species that live on the island as a whole, here is a photograph I took just today of an example of Icterus northropi, the Bahama Oriole. This bird is listed as being critically threatened with extinction and Birdlife International estimates

that perhaps only +/- 300 examples of the species still exist! They used to live on both Abaco and Andros, but are no longer found on Abaco at all. I’ve got them all around my tent though, pretty much every day. It’s a neat place to live. In other news, bonefish after bonefish after bonefish is being caught every day here out on the flats, and while I’m resting up here in camp today, I’ll be back out poling the flats with clients in the bow again tomorrow, and as such, life goes on. Another tarpon was hooked and jumped in one of the other guide’s boats yesterday, and a permit was landed last week as well. This is what we do. This is how we do it.

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Getting to New Zealand, and Around

By Sue Farley Are you thinking of heading to New Zealand to fish, but aren’t too sure about how to get there? Or how to get around the country once you’ve arrived? Well, sit back and I’ll take you on a journey.

Great fishing at Poronui Rather than being a ‘country’, New Zealand is a collection of large and small islands – two big, four smaller and many very small. All the fly-fishing action is on the two big ones – North and South Islands – but there is some excellent coastal fishing around all the others. Although the first Polynesian settlers arrived to New Zealand – Aotearoa, or Land of the Long White Cloud – by large canoe, or waka, it’s now a much simpler process. And much easier on the arms. We like to promote Air New Zealand as the airline of choice – after all, the South Pacific is where they call home. They also have more practice than most airlines at long-haul travel and tend to fly the most direct routes. They are also the main domestic carrier within New Zealand, which can simplify travel plans if you want all your air travel on one ticket – very handy when the weather, volcanoes or earthquakes start to upset your plans.

But having said that, all the world’s major airlines will get you to New Zealand through their code-share arrangements. So if you want to use your airpoints you still can. But do bear in mind that it’s a solid 12 hour flight from the west coast of North America and two 12 hour flights from Europe. So try to get the most direct flight you can. If you’re booking online check the trip times as cheaper flights can take up to 48 hours due to long connection times in transfer cities. However, once you’ve arrived in New Zealand things get a lot easier, and more laid back.

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There’s good saltwater fishing around Northland, the Bay of Plenty, Cook Strait, the northern part of the South Island and Fiordland. Fly fishing hotspots are in the central North Island and the very northern and southern parts of the South Island. The main gateway city is Auckland and international flights from everywhere but Australia will come through that point. So if you’re planning to fish the South Island then bargain on flying further south. Flights from Australia also arrive in to Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown. Driving distances make it quite feasible, especially if you’re accustomed to driving on the left side of the road, to hire a car in Auckland and drive to your favorite North Island lodge. If you’re running a tight budget a campervan might be a good option as you can take your accommodation with you, but remember you will need to carry all your fishing gear with you unless you want to hire it along the way. And you’ll still need a guide if you want to catch fish. There’s a drive-on, drive-off vehicular ferry between the North and South Islands and it’s a 3 1/2 hour crossing – you’ll need to book ahead in summer. If you’re fishing the northern end of the South Island it’s best to fly in to Nelson, while further south the key centre is Queenstown. Christchurch, New Zealand’s second largest city, will give you access to the central Southern Alps rivers and driving access to the whole South Island. There are at least six quality fishing lodges in the northern South Island and almost the same number further south. And there are another dozen in the central North Island, which is a good option for winter fly fishing where an open season remains in some of the rivers. Further south the season generally runs October to April.

It’s a simple matter to arrange transfers to all the lodges. These can range from private luxury transfers costing several hundred dollars each way to shared shuttles which can start at under $100 each way, depending on the distance. It makes little sense to hire a car for a week to get you to a lodge where you will be out with a guide each day anyway. There are also several tour companies that will provide your transport and a fishing guide, leaving you free to choose which accommodation you stay in. This can be a good cost-effective way to travel with your own guide and fish several locations. There is also some lake fishing from boats around Rotorua and Taupo.

Overnight charter boats work out of the Bay of Islands, Auckland, the Bay of Plenty, the northern South Island and Fiordland. Couple this with a few nights at a coastal lodge and you’ll get some of the best saltwater fishing available in New Zealand, and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll see anywhere. If you’re keen to fish New Zealand we can help you source the best options, no matter what your budget or preference. If you want to know more about getting to New Zealand, or to book a fishing trip, email us with your queries. sue@nztravelbrokers.co.nz www.newzealandfishinglodges.co.nz www.5starnewzealand.com

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Fly Fishing for Tarpon

The Cormorant

For the dedicated flyfisher, the oceans are the ultimate challenge for their knowledge and skills with their wide expanse of water and the fish that dwell beneath their surfaces. As a rough guide we can divide the fish sought by the fly angler as exotic which is out of the reach of most fly anglers pockets and the less exotic which is abundent within the waters of all countries of the world. Like the freshwater species, the saltwater has it’s own game fish, however they do not belong to a specific family of game fish. They are renowned for their fantastic fighting prowess and of course their size. Such fish as the tuna, tarpon, permit, sailfish and some species of shark are regarded as game fish. Tarpons are large fish of the genus Megalops; one species is native to the Atlantic, and the other to the Indo-Pacific Oceans. They are the only members of the family Megalopidae. The two species of tarpons are Megalops atlanticus (Atlantic tarpon) and the Megalops cyprinoides (Indo-Pacific tarpon). M. atlanticus is found on the western Atlantic coast from Virginia to Brazil, throughout the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean. Tarpons are also found along the eastern Atlantic coast from Senegal to South Angola. M. cyprinoides is found along the eastern African coast, throughout Southeast Asia, Japan, Tahiti, and Australia. Both species are found in both saltwater and freshwater habitats, usually ascending rivers to access freshwater marshes. They are able to survive in brackish water, waters of varying pH, and habitats with low dissolved O2 content due to their swim bladders, which they use primarily to breathe. They are also able to rise to the surface and take gulps of air, which gives them a short burst of energy. The habitats of tarpons vary greatly with their developmental stages. Stage-one larvae are usually found in clear, warm, oceanic waters, relatively close to the surface. Stage-two and -three larvae are found in salt marshes, tidal pools, creeks, and rivers. The habitats are characteristically warm, shallow, dark bodies of water with sandy mud bottoms. Tarpons commonly ascend rivers into freshwater. As they progress from the juvenile stage to adulthood, they move back to the open waters of the ocean, though many remain in freshwater habitats.

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The Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and rivers. The tarpon feeds almost exclusively on schooling fish and occasionally crabs. It is capable of filling its swim bladder with air, like a primitive lung. This gives the tarpon a predatory advantage when oxygen levels in the water are low. Tarpons have been recorded at up to 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) in length and weighing up to 161 kg (355 lb). The Atlantic tarpon is also known as the silver king. In appearance, a tarpon is greenish or bluish on top and silver on the sides. The large mouth is turned upwards and the lower jaw contains an elongated, bony plate. The last ray of the dorsal fin is much longer than the others, reaching nearly to the tail. The Atlantic tarpon is found in the Atlantic Ocean, typically in tropical and subtropical regions, though it has been reported as far north as Nova Scotia and the Atlantic coast of southern France, and as far south as Argentina. As with all Elopiformes, it is found in coastal areas; it spawns at sea. Its diet includes small fish and crustaceans.

The Indo-Pacific tarpon, Megalops cyprinoides, also known as the Oxeye herring or simply herring, is a relatively medium-sized species of tarpon. In appearance, it is like the Atlantic tarpon, Megalops atlanticus: olive-green on top, and silver on the sides. The large mouth is turned upwards; the lower jaw contains an elongated, bony plate. The last ray of the dorsal fin is much longer than the others, reaching nearly to the tail. It is capable of filling its swim bladder with air and absorbing oxygen from it. Species in fresh water tend to be smaller than the saltwater species, growing just over 50 centimetres (20 in), while saltwater species grow over a 1 metre (3.3 ft). They live an upwards of 44 years and mature within two. They complete their metamorphosis from their larvae stage in 10 days.

The Indo-Pacific tarpon migrates between the open sea and inland rivers. As with all Elopiformes, it spawns, mainly offshore. Juveniles of the species stay inshore and will migrate to coastal areas while maturing to spawn. Typically they spawn twice a year. At sea, the larvae migrate inland and are leptocephalic (flattened, transparent and eel-like). Unlike the barramundi, they are able to breed in freshwater and saltwater. They are found in depths up to 50 metres (160 ft) but are commonly found by the surface in shallow inshore waters. They inhabit everywhere from coral reefs, mangroves, swamps, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, floodplains, and canals. In Papua New Guinea they are reportedly found under large mats of Salvinia molesta. The tarpon lives in many tropical areas of Australia in the tropical, coastal, and brackish waters of the Indo-Pacific oceans. in both freshwater and saltwater. They are widely distributed from Australia, Japan, and North Africa. Their population has deficient data on their population as their commercial landings and human disturbances are unknown, however they are known to be extremely common throughout their range. For flyfishing for tarpon and other salt water fish you will require tackle that has been proofed by the manufacturers against corrosion. In constant contact with salt water ordinary tackle would be destroyed or rendered useless. The usual type of fly rod may be used, although a strong 8 or 9 weight rod would be best. The rings and reel fittings must be non-corrosive. Fly reels can now be obtained specially for sea fishing and a larger than normal reel is the best to accommodate enough line for the greater depths fished and the longer runs that will be made by the fish. Some of the time it might be necessary to use either a lead core or lead-impregnated coated fly line. This will enable you to fish deeper water and help to combat the stronger water currents. Both floating and sink lines are used for sea flyfishing depending on the fish and the location you are fishing. When there is a risk of contacting fish with strong jaws and teeth, the fly must be joined to the leader with a length of wire or heavy leader material known as a trace.

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Stalking Tarpon is extremelly exciting; however not easy at times and requires all your skills and dedication. At certain times of the day the tarpon frequent some areas commonly known as the flats. These areas are normally about knee deep leading to the deep drop offs into the ocean. The water is crystal clear and the tarpon can be seen from some distance off cruising over the areas looking for a food source. The problem with the fish is they can be shy and skitterish. You must be very careful when your wadding and casting as you don’t want to scare them off. Most of the fishing done for tarpon on the flats is from flat

bottomed boats guided by locals who know where the best places on the flats are to catch a few tarpon. The boats are motored out too the flats then the guide uses a pole to move about silently. Some people prefer to actually be in the water when the fish are in casting distance, it is always good to cast your fly into the fishes path to avoid disturbance of the water and scaring them off. Use a floating line on the flats with a lot of backing line on your reel. The flies which do not have too be much bigger than a large fresh water lure. It should be dressed to appear like sea creatures like crabs and shrimps. The tarpon flies are tied with long dyed hackles as wings (see this months Fly of the Month article); dressed the reverse way to a normal fresh water lure so that they open and close when retrieved and look like small fish or shrimps. When the fish takes your fly and moves away, this is the time to strike, but hold on as the tarpon is known for their exceptional long and powerful runs. Hold the rod high to clear as much line as you can from the water as this helps to keep better contact and control of your line and the fish. This kind of fishing has it’s disappointments, sometimes you will be stalking a school of tarpon only to find that they have changed directions or has been spooked by a faulty cast. Typical leaders and fly lines fo salt water fishing:-

Featuring a harder polymer coating which not only increases the abrasion resistance but also maintains the correct level of flexibility in hot humid conditions. The taper passes on casting energy efficiently to turn over large tarpon flies even in windy conditions. When making up your finished leader it is recommended that you add a section of shock tippet. Max. tippet 40lb. Available in: Clear Intermediate (PI1-5TP), Fast Sinking (PFS8-5TP) and Extra Super Fast Sinking (PESF24-5TP).

When you need a cast to hit the target quickly in tough conditions reach for the new Airflo Tropical Sniper. With a combination of an unusually aggressive front taper and compact length, the Tropical Sniper is the line of choice for people looking for easier distance with larger flies. With it’s ridged construction and low stretch braided core Airflo lines resist tangling and set the hook better than any other lines on the planet. Ridge lines resist UV and chemicals making them more durable than lines made from PVC or other materials. Looped at both ends and clad in Ghost Grey to make the line disappear to the fish while allowing you to see it clearly against the colour of the water.

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Made with our C16 hollow-core super braid, the wind-on leader material comes in 100-foot spools of 80-, 100-, 130-, 200-pound test line. With a 16-carrier spectra fibre construction and uniform pick count, Cortland's C16 wind-on leader material splices quickly and easily while proving a stronger, lower profile than Dacron. C16 is treated with a proprietary FiberTech treatment that penetrates the braid and bonds with the individual spectra fibres to stiffen and improve handling characteristics of the line.

The Precision Tropic Plus Bonefish is the perfect line for the warm weather fly angler chasing Bonefish in the flats. It has an extremely durable, hard outer finish to handle the rigors of saltwater fly-casting. At the same time, the braided mono core has virtually no memory so your line stays untangled and ready to cast. The long body salt water taper allows for quick loading and long accurate casting. Cortand has updated the colour on this "Species Specific" line; the colour of the newly updated lines feature a "Light Yellow" Running Line and an "Aqua Green" Head - very nice. Dual Loops (one on each end of the line) make rigging this line up fast and easy - it's ready to go right off the spool.

The best Tarpon leader on the market; made of an ultra-hard, 20lb class saltwater nylon, tied to a tough section of shock tippet for the ultimate in protection. The leader features a twisted butt for shock absorption, an improved blood knot to the shock tippet and a perfection knot in the butt for the quickest in rigging. Ultra-tough nylon with shock tippet Hand –twisted butts for shock absorption Available with numerous shock tippet sizes – in nylon or fluorocarbon Ideal for: Tarpon Billfish Giant Trevally

The RIO Tarpon lines feature short, powerful front tapers to easily cast large flies, and are heavy enough to load modern, powerful fly rods. The series incorporates a floating line, a floating line with a 20ft dark camo tip, and a long head floating line for the technical tarpon angler. Each line is built on a medium-stiff core and has a hard, tropical coating to prevent wilting in tropical conditions. Welded loops on both ends of the line allow easy no-hassle rigging changes. New features for 2014 include the Agent X technology and the Extreme Slickness coating on the fly line for extra high floatation and slick through the guides casting.

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Fly of The Month

The Gotcha

The Gotcha is another pattern that populates the fly boxes of most flats anglers from around the world, and is superb for catching bonefish; tarpon and permit. Popular colours are tan, white, and chartreuse, pink also makes a good shrimp imitation. Try tying the Gotcha to your leader with a loop knot. This knot accentuates the swimming and bobbing action when you’re stripping the fly through the water. Tying the Gotcha Hook: Mustad 34007 #4 (shown) or Tiemco 811S #4. Size variations: #2, #4, #6, #8. Thread: Tan, Pink Ultra Thread 140 Denier. Eyes: Stainless Steel Bead Chain Size Medium Tail: Pearlescent Mylar Tubing size Medium Body: Pearl Body Braid (HT Braid, Diamond Braid, or Flat Diamond Braid) Wing: Craft Fur Plus; Golden Tan or colour to suit. Flash: Krystal Flash Gray Ghost #21. Step 1) Tie in tan thread, and coat the rear half of the hook shank with the thread. The rearmost thread wraps should not extend down onto the bend of the hook, but just cover the straight part of the hook shank. Step 2) Cut a piece of Braided Mylar Tubing (colour Pearl, Size Medium) several inches long. Firmly grasp the tubing between your thumb and index finger, and pull out the cotton "core" completely. Discard the core. Step 3) Lash the tubing down along the top of the hook shank, and allow the tubing to extend out past the bend of the hook shank. Be sure to leave the front of the hook shank bare - this will allow room for attaching the eyes and wing later. Trim the tubing "tail" to about 3/8 of an inch, then un-ravel the fibres in the tail with the tip of a bodkin. If tying this fly in larger or smaller sizes, adjust the length of the tail accordingly. Step 4) Cut a pair of size medium stainless steel bead chain eyes from a length of bead chain. Hold the eyes directly on top of the hook shank, and make a series of diagonal wraps of thread around the hook shank and the centre of the eyes (make 4-5 wraps of thread one way before wrapping diagonally from the opposite side). Adding a small drop of penetrating cement to the crossbar of the eyes at this point will help improve durability, as subsequent thread wraps will drive the cement into the thread base. Continue cross-wrapping the thread until the eyes are firmly attached, and then add one more drop of head cement to this area. (Note: for a fly that fishes deeper, a variety of small size lead eyes styles can be used instead of bead chain eyes. Other colours of bead chain can be used as well - these are often not stainless, so coat them with Loon Hard Head or some other clear coating when the fly is completed to prevent corrosion). Step 5) Cut a piece of pearl braid that is approximately four inches long. Lash this braid to the top of the hook in the space between the tail and the bead chain eyes. Step 6) As you wrap the braid forward, overlap each turn slightly. Wrap the braid under and then in between the eyes. (try some other colours of braid for the body - a gold body is a nice variation). Step 7) Bring the braid under the body just behind the eyes, and then cross over forward in between the eyes. Tie down the braid in front of the eyes, then whip finish and switch to pink thread. Step 8) Cut a clump of hair from a patch of Tan Craft Fur. How much hair you clip out in a clump depends on how full you want to tie the wing, but clip out a clump maybe the diameter of a pencil to start with - different tiers prefer different levels of sparseness in the wing, so this part is really a personal selection, but be careful of making the wing too full. Firmly hold

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the tips of the craft fur fibres between your thumb and index finger. With your other hand, remove the shorter fibres by grasping and preening the hair below your thumb and index finger. You should end up with two piles of hair. The smaller pile needs to be cleaned again before it can be used, but you can sometimes get more than one fly from a clump of craft fur. "Craft Fur Plus" is a good product for this fly, but there are plenty of other craft fur type products that can be used, including "Pseudo Hair", and Seal Fur (Seal Fur is nice and shiny, but rather short in length, and good only for smaller sized flies). Step 9) Rotate the vice or flip the fly over in the jaws so that the hook point is now up. Pinch the base of the craft fur clump into a tight bundle, and then tie it in on the top of the hook shank just in front of the bead chain eyes. If any of the craft fur hairs extend forward over the hook eye after being tied in, trim these off. Step 10) To achieve the proper proportions for the length of the craft fur "wing", the wing should extend out just slightly past the tail after it is tied in. Step 11) Add several strands of Krystal Flash in the Gray Ghost or Pearl colour on top of the craft fur wing, then whip finish the thread, and coat with Loon Hard Head, clear nail polish, or other clear head cement. Adding several coats of Hard Head will give the head a nice, glossy finish, and make the fly more durable - there's nothing wrong with adding a drop or two of head cement to the body braid where it crosses between the eyes, as this part of the fly can tend to wear out when the fly is fished (it may be subject to abrasion by sand or coral as the fly bounces along the bottom). The finished fly - The Gotcha. This fly when tied properly will ride hook point up, which helps prevent snagging on the bottom. If weeds or coral will be an issue in the locations that you plan to fish, consider adding a monofilament weed guard as the last step - a bit more space will have to be left for this, so keep this in mind when tying in the wing and eyes if a weed guard is needed. Don't hesitate to experiment with alternate wing & body colours - many of the craft fur and body braid materials are available in a variety of nice tans, pinks, and oranges which could be used to good effect for the Gotcha. It's also nice to have a variety of sizes available from #8-#2, and this fly can be made un-weighted by omitting the bead chain eyes, or made in heavier versions for windy days or deep water by using lead eyes instead of bead chain.

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Tackle Reviews

This months tackle review is on the Orvis Hydros Fly Reels

All tackle reviews are impartial and honest reviews undertaken by the editor. If you want an honest and frank review of your fly fishing tackle please email me at ukflyfisher@gmail.com

There are no other true large arbor big game fly reels out there that carry this drag system performance at this price. It's unheard of until now. The new Hydros Reel Series features a scaled drag surface that increases total drag surface by model: The larger the reel, the larger the drag surface and the more resistance available to handle larger fish. Using stacked carbon washers in a totally sealed configuration, controlled by a positive click adjustment system, the Hydros can be fine tuned to handle any fish from a trout to a tuna with sustained and infinitely durable drag pressure. The large arbor multiplies retrieval rates, eliminates line coil and significantly reduces fatigue during multiple hook-ups. Now available in three bold colours with a new easy to handle Mirage-style handle, in sizes I through VI. Large arbor fly reels: power, price, and performance equal perfection. The black reel will be great as an all rounder for all aspects of fishing whether in fresh or salt water. However, the

Titanium and Gold Reels look too good and expensive for the job; they would be perfect for just having on display in your tackle and fly tying room.

Hydros Large Arbor I for line weights 1-2; 3.9 oz., 3" diameter. Hydros Large Arbor II for line weights 3-4; 4.3 oz., 3 1/3" diameter. Hydros Large Arbor III for line weights 5-6; 5 oz., 3 2/3" diameter. Hydros Large Arbor IV for line weights 7-8; 6.9 oz., 3⅞ diameter. Hydros Large Arbor V for line weights 9-10; 8 oz., 4¼ diameter. Hydros Large Arbor VI for line weights 11-12; 8.5 oz., 4½ diameter. Available in New Gold, Black, Titanium New larger Mirage style handle Totally sealed drag system Hydros I—II has a two Carbon Washer Drag System Hydros III—V has a four Carbon Washer Drag System Hydros VI has a six Carbon Washer Drag System (definitely the strongest drag system in its class). Highly recommended for salt water fishing for bonefish where you will need the bigger spool and stronger drag system. Available from all good fly fishing tackle outlets world wide

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Recipe of the Month

Rainbow Trout Stuffed with Crabmeat

2 pounds rainbow trout, deboned and cleaned 1 cup crab meat 1/2 cup onion 1/2 cup mushrooms 1/4 cup butter 1 pound bacon Grape leaves 2 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon parsley Paprika, a touch Ground pepper, a touch 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon thyme In a frying pan, preferably a heavy iron one, cook the onion, mushrooms and flour to a golden brown. Toss in the crab meat and toss to cover evenly. Dash in the pepper, oregano and thyme. Place some of the mixture on the trout fillets and fold the halves together. Wrap these in the grape leaves. Now wrap bacon around this until totally covered. Put in a pre-heated 320 degree F / 160 degree C oven on a sheet of foil. Bake for approximately 60 minutes. Remove from oven and garnish with paprika and parsley for colour and a beautiful presentation.

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HELLO | BONJOUR Spring is now very certainly “in the air”, and community groups across Atlantic Canada and Quebec are actively preparing for the 2014 field season. This year, the ASCF will be funding more projects than ever before due to more funding becoming available from our trust fund, and additional funding support made available through our corporate partnerships with the NB Liquor Corporation and the PEI Liquor Control Commission. As a result of our seventh call for proposals, that closed in December 2013, we received 74 funding proposals with a total ask of over $2 million. This is, by far, the largest ever number of proposals and we think its representative of the significant need for funding among community groups pursuing wild salmon conservation initiatives. The spectrum of proponents is broad too, with several river based groups seeking support as well as First Nations, universities, and others. We see this growth in demand as very positive, because it means people are interested in supporting salmon conservation. Our goal, as a foundation, is to help meet the demand through our trust fund, and via corporate partner support. 2014 is shaping up to be a good year on all fronts. Stay tuned. Yours in conservation, Stephen Chase, Executive Director Le printemps est à nos portes, et les groupes communautaires du Canada atlantique et du Québec se préparent déjà activement pour la saison des travaux de 2014. Cette année, les projets financés par la FCSA seront plus nombreux que jamais auparavant, car le montant provenant de notre fonds en fiducie est plus important; nous avons aussi accès à un appui financier supplémentaire qui découle de nos partenariats avec la Société des alcools du Nouveau-Brunswick et la Commission de réglementation des alcools de l’Î.-P-É. À la suite de notre septième appel de propositions, dont la date de clôture était décembre 2013, nous avons reçu 74 demandes de financement pour un total de plus de deux millions de dollars. C’est le plus grand nombre de propositions jamais reçues, et nous croyons que cela indique les besoins pressants financiers des groupes communautaires qui entreprennent des projets de conservation du saumon. Les promoteurs représentent aussi un vaste échantillon, car plusieurs groupes de conservation des rivières ainsi que les Premières nations et les universités, et d’autres, demandent un appui financier. Cette demande accrue nous paraît très positive, car elle nous indique que les gens souhaitent appuyer la conservation du saumon. L’objectif de notre fondation est de contribuer à répondre à la demande avec l’aide de notre fonds en fiducie, et avec l’appui de nos partenaires corporatifs. L’année 2014 promet d’être une bonne période à tous les points de vue. Restez à l’écoute. Je vous prie d’agréer l’expression de mes salutations distinguées.

Stephen A. Chase Executive Director/directeur général The Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation La fondation pour la conservation du saumon Atlantique Phone: 506 455-9900 Fax: 506 455-9905 Email: chasesa@salmonconservation.ca Website: www.ascf-fcsa.ca

“Like” the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation on Facebook

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UK & Irish Fishing Reports

Scotland Burnhouse Fishery, Burnhouse Farm, Bonnybridge Stirlingshire FK4 2HH Tel: 01324 840404 Mob : 07742 755737 Website: http://www.burnhouse-fishery.co.uk

After another week of wind and rain the cooler calmer weather over this last weekend was good for angling and delivered some nice sport for our regular anglers

With the water temp is sitting at 5 degrees fish were active on the surface as well as chasing lures,

Raymond Gunn jnr (Coatbridge) had 2 for 4lb 2oz on Oky Doky, Jim Jones (Cumbernauld ) had 1 for 2lb 8oz on Bloodworm, Joe McColeman (Cumbernauld) had 2 for 5lb 4oz, David Thorburn (Peebles) had 1 for 2lb 2oz on Gold Headed White Fritz, Archie Dobbie (Glasgow) had 3 on c/r ticket using Blood Worm and an Egg fly, Adam Crosley (Denny) had two for 5lb 9oz on Yellow Dancer and a Blood Worm, David Ford (Haggs) had 4 on c/r ticket on an Orange Nomad, Gary Mcginley (Cumbernauld) had 7 on c/r using Damsel and a Yellow Dancer, Jim Ivatt (Alloa) had 5 on c/r on Yellow Bloadworm, Stevie Shepherd (Coatbridge) had 4 on a Peach Blob, Ian McNaught (Bailieston) had 3 for 7lb on Apps, Bloadworm and an Orange Blob, Harry Tonner (Bailieston) had 3 for 7lb 3oz, Alex Britton (Bellshill) had 2 for 6lb 3oz on Mini Cats Whisker, Richard Taylor (Brightons) had 5 on c/r ticket on a Grizzle Cat, Pat Quinn (Motherwell) had 3 on c/r using an Ally McCoist, Eddie Hunt (Cumbernauld) had 2 for 4lb 9oz on a Yellow Bloodworm, Michael Ingls (Banknock) had 3 on c/r using Bunny Leach and Egg Fly, Stephan Graham (Stirling) had 2 fish for 4lb 9oz on a Yellow Buzzer went on to release a further 4, Eddie Cannon (Camelon) had 2 for 8lb 4oz on a F---K up, Stefan Carboni (Stirling)had 1 for 2lb 2oz.

New paths are proving popular with some nice comments – check out our new face book page: Burnhouse Fishery. Tight Lines

All welcome tea and coffee free, we are open all year round weather permitting

Swanswater Fishery Sauchieburn, Stirling FK7 9QB Tel : 01786 814805

http://www.swanswater-fishery.co.uk/index.html

The start of the Brown Trout season saw the first stocking of a large number of Fishery-reared brownies being stocked into all three ponds.

Several were landed over the weekend including the first of the season which was taken on Saturday morning by Willie Nyguist of Stirling.

The more spring-like weather has led to an increase in water temperature to 6.5oC which in

turn led to the fish being caught around 2 to 3 feet down for most of the week. They were well spread out round the pond although the island was a hot spot on Friday, when it was very windy and anglers need to have the wind on their back to get a decent cast out.

Black Tadpole, Ace of Spades, Blue Dancer, Ally McCoist, Damsel, Spider, Daiwl Bach, Bibio and Buzzer were amongst the best patterns this week.

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http://www.menteith-fisheries.co.uk/index.htm

Menteith Fisheries Ltd, Ryeyards, Port of Menteith, FK8 3RA Contact Information For boat booking please call the fishery at 01877 385664. To book by email use booking@menteith-fisheries.co.uk.

Clarity has improved a little from last week but there is still a dark tinge to the water and no sign of the returning ospreys yet. Water temperature is 2 degrees warmer than this time last year. We have put in quite a sizeable pre-season stocking (over 1500) of mainly bows but some browns also. 1287 went in all over by boat and we tipped in another 250 in a secret location direct from the trailer. I have estimated the average weight to be 1lb 12oz, with a range of 1lb 8oz to 5lb, have a look at the photo and see what you think….. The boot is holding the valve open btw). Everyone is saying what a mild winter it has been, and there was very little frost but water temperatures were for long periods below the margin for significant fish growth – so the stock fish are the usual size!

The Lake Hotel is now running the café and we wish the Osprey Café good luck! They are finding their feet with regard to angler preferences, but currently on the menu are Breakfast rolls and tea/coffee etc from 8.30am to around 10am and stovies or similar at the end of the day. Call the café on 07934 813374 (or email ospreycafe@hotmail.com ) if you are running late……….. Sincere best wishes to you all for the year ahead. Quint Glen; Fishery Manager

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Many thanks to the Reverend Terry Taylor (pictured left), recently appointed new minister to the Port of Menteith and Aberfoyle, who made a great job of opening the fishing season at the Lake on the 22nd March 2014.The opening day was accompanied by some delightful melodies and later a piobaireachd from Stewart Marshall.

Renowned angler and tackle shop owner Jimmy McBride (below left) from Edinburgh thumbed his nose at fishing superstition (according to Terry Taylor) and went fishing with a banana. Jimmy caught 6 fish and was relatively pleased with the catch as he avoided the crowds in the hot spots of Lochend and the Butts. Other successful drifts were Hotel Bay, Reedy Bay and Gateside. Stewart the Piper had a good day (that’s him with out the dress on the right holding the fish), and there were a number of fine looking overwintered fish in the catches. Boobies, cats and damsels were popular

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Flies, and slow glass to di3 lines were the lines of choice in the strongish north west wind. It was a little cold (Ben Lomond above) – which stupefied this rare wee Goldcrest (Europe’s smallest bird) but plenty of fun was had (Chris and Paul Barr of the Glasgow Angling Centre netting a good fish below). It was especially good to get in behind the glass panes at the end of the day and enjoy the Spit Roast Pork buffet and a glass of wine to celebrate the start of another season at the Lake, and meeting everyone again after a long winter.

Pictures - courtesy of Paul Barr

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England

Bellbrook Fishing Report March 2014 www.bellbrookfishery.co.uk Well it certainly seems like Spring is on the way, T-shirt weather for the first time this year. There's noticeably more bird song and all the trees are beginning to bud. And the fish have certainly been more active this week. Dick Quick from Broadclyst was over the moon with his 4lb 10oz specimen caught on a Montana. Never seen a chap smile so much. Roger Holloway, a regular local, decided to stick with the normal’s on his visit. He favoured a Cats Whisker, deep, and went home with a full bag. David Harvey, from Landkey, wanted to try his hand on all the lakes and finished the day with two Specimens of 3 & 4lb, he again found a the fish biting deep. Daniel Brammer, from Shillingford, came for an afternoons fishing but had caught his bag of three normal within 2 hrs . . . not sure what his secret was. Another couple of happy anglers were Simon and Geoff Turner who made the trip from Sidmouth and Bovey Tracy respectively. They had, to quote “very enjoyable days fishing” going home with 5 fish between them from the normal lakes. A damsel with a fleck of blue and a GRHE, 1 – 2 ft were the winning flies.

Lower Prices and Open Day at Bellbrook Trout Fishery

After 12 successful years at Bellbrook the owner Chris Atwell has decided to mix things up this spring by tweaking the way the lakes are stocked and also by introducing a new LOWER price list to be effective 1st April. The stocking will change by introducing a new minimum stocking sizes: the “normals” will be a minimum of 2lbs and the “specimens” will be a minimum of 4lbs. The price list is being reduced to reflect the new stocking policy. The new “Normal Ticket” prices are £12 for 2 fish, £18 for 3 fish and £25 for 5 fish. For “Specimen Tickets” they are £22 for 2 fish and £33 for 3 fish. There are also still Rover and Season ticket options and the full price list can be found at www.bellbrookfishery.co.uk/prices-equipment-hire To celebrate these changes and to further encourage customers to try the new policies there is an Open Day taking place on May 5th. There will be a BBQ, Bouncy Castle, Cream Teas, Casting competitions and more to the point 2 for 1 fishing for the day. All are invited although you are asked to give us a call to let us know if you plan to attend to help us with the catering. Any questions about the fishery please call Chris on 01398 351292.

Kennick Fishery Kennick has started the season in terrific form with a rod average of 5.9 for the first three days with over 300 fish caught. Season ticket anglers had a special preview day on Friday 14th March with the lake opening for day ticket anglers on Saturday 15th. Ben Smeeth and Mark Baxendale of South West Lakes Trust greeted around 40 anglers on Saturday with tea and coffee or something stronger to celebrate opening day! John Tapper and Duncan Kier both caught Rainbow Trout of 3lb with the best locations being the narrows at the far end of the lake (Causeway end). Popular flies were Damsel’s and Diawl Bach’s fished with an intermediate line. Ben Smeeth Recreation Project Manager, Technical Lead for Fishing

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Successful South West Fly Fair at Roadford Lake

The sun shone on Roadford Lake for the second South West Fly Fishing Fair on Saturday 1 March. A crowd of over 400 people gathered for the event and witnessed a host of angling celebrities providing demonstrations such as fly casting, cooking trout, fly tying, float tubing and drawing as well as there being a host of local trade stands providing some real tackle bargains throughout the day.

Charles Jardine (waving on the left) opened the show as well as tying a mayfly on the big screen, cooking trout in different ways and providing a very entertaining casting demonstration. The British Float Tube Association provided a demo on the water, Mike Weaver tied some river trout flies and Gary Champion entertained a large crowd with the double handed Spey cast demo at the water’s edge. Milemead Fisheries from Tavistock brought along some Brown, Blue and Rainbow trout for everyone to see and the Fly Dressers Guild Devon and Cornwall were on hand to help anyone wanting to learn how to tie flies or help with any questions. Ben Smeeth, organiser of the show from the South West Lakes Trust said, ‘It was a fantastic day for all that came along and has really kicked off the trout fishing season which starts on our waters on the 15 March. I was delighted we

achieved what the show is all about – a local, friendly event encouraging men, women and children of all abilities to get involved, learn and support the entirety of fly fishing in the South West.’ South West Lakes Trust operates 9 game fisheries across Devon, Cornwall and West Somerset, offering a range of experiences from premier rainbow trout, stocked brown trout and wilderness fishing. This year South West Lakes is launching its new ‘Best of the Best’ competition where all anglers at Burrator, Wimbleball, Siblyback, Kennick and Stithians stand a chance of qualifying for the £5000 cash prize final with first place winning £2,000 in cash. For more information visit www.swlakestrust.org.uk or call 01566 771930 to buy season permits. Day tickets can be bought on site or online. A huge thank you to everyone who came along and in particular all the celebrities and volunteers who gave up there time to help make the event so successful.

Gary Champion Casting Demonstration

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As a matter of policy to ensure privacy, Turneffe Flats does not use last names of guests in our reports. The week of Mar 15-22, 2014 Weather Conditions Air Temp: Highs of mid-70s through mid-80s Water Temp: 82-84 degrees Wind: 10-20mph from the North trending to 5-15mph from SE by mid-week Tides: High tide of 0.69 feet at 10:58 a.m. on Tues. Moon Phase: Full Moon on March 16 We have been remiss if not downright negligent posting reports, for which we apologize. We could offer explanations but the explanations would be longer than a Dan Brown book. Let’s just say we’re sorry …

Turneffe Flats had an unusual week in that the vast majority of our guests were on partial week stays and the comings and goings kept the place hopping. We also had three anglers on stays longer than the typical one week. The weather at the beginning of the week was cloudy and gusty as the tail-end of a cold front pushed out, but by mid-week we had beautiful fishing conditions and consistently strong fishing. Good numbers of permit were seen on the flats as well as good bone fishing was reported. Our guests covered the Atoll with nine skiffs, fishing 14 guests from Sun. through Tues., while four skiffs and seven guests fished the remainder of the week. Past guest Jim K., of Bozeman, Mont., was one of the guests here on a short fishing stay of two days. With guide Mark, they focused on permit and were always ready to tackle other species as they showed up. On Fri., they had an exceptional day reporting two eats from large permit on the flats to the north of us. Although neither permit came tight, the pair landed numerous snook and bonefish, as well as sighted and cast to tarpon, barracuda, and snapper. A Super Slam was well within reach. Stephen D. of Walnut Creek, Calif. was on his initial trip to Belize and stayed with us the front half of the week. Fishing with old-hand guide Willie, Stephen arrived with the goal of meeting his first permit. He landed it on Mon., before hooking and losing a larger permit Tues. afternoon. He also landed numerous bonefish over his three days of fishing. Congrats Stephen on your first permit and we look forward to seeing you again … hopefully for a full week! Return guests Kelly and Elizabeth Lockhart, Jackson, Wyo., were part of our Inland/Island package partnership with Chaa Creek. Kelly fished with guide Pops as Elizabeth joined our Atoll Adventure program with guide and naturalist Abel. Kelly wanted to fish for permit and the pair set out in challenging conditions during the first of their fishing two days as the northerly wind and clouds didn’t make things easy on the pair. Unfortunately, a permit was not in the cards for Kelly this time. Travelling with Kelly and Elizabeth were friends Phelps and Pam S. of Wilson, Wyo. Fishing with guide Dion, this husband/wife combo chose to primarily fish the ocean-side flats for bonefish. They enjoyed wading whenever possible and reported casting to large numbers of bonefish each day. Larry and Chris C. chose Turneffe Flats as the place to celebrate Chris’s 40

th birthday. From Dallas, this father-son angling pair was matched up with veteran guide Daniel. Numerous bonefish were hooked daily with Daniel and the pair was amazed by how well he could see the fish even in the flat light conditions during the beginning of the week. They preferred to wade fish rather than fish from the boat.

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Don and Tyler R., visited for a quick three day stay at T-flats prior to heading elsewhere in Belize to meet friends and family. Escaping the polar vortex of Chaska, Minn., this was the second trip to Belize and first to Turneffe Flats for the father-son pair. They split their three days fishing from the boat as well as wading and fished under the watchful eye of guide, John. They had a goal to improve their skills during their brief three day stay and primarily focused on bonefishing. Tyler improved each day and landed four bonefish on Tues. afternoon. Past guests David and Judy O. were our only full week guests. Requesting and fishing with guide Dubs, the angling couple set out each day in search of bonefish as they have on many trips prior. Old fishing friends united and they often chatted about past fishing as well as the present. We hope to see them again in the near future. Oft-returning guests, Tony F. and Gerry M., made the most of a 10-day stay at T-flats. They fished the prior week with Eddie, before fishing Sun. through Tues. of this week with Capt. Wading the flats for bonefish was the name of the game and the pair reported having good luck on the incoming tide. Another angler staying longer than a week was Ron R., from New Hampshire. Ron arrived for a 10-day stay and fished the entire time with guide, Michael. The pair focused upon permit and preferred a traditional style of stalking the outer flats as well as poling the cayes within the central lagoon. Most days they reported seeing and presenting the fly to numerous permit and provided the permit ample chances to eat the fly. Despite not connecting with the large permit he wished for, Ron thoroughly enjoyed his stay and we expect to see him back in the future. Craig M. arrived with his wife Marjory and daughter, Lauren. While he fished solo, Marjory and Lauren joined our AA program. With minimal saltwater fishing in his background, Craig’s skills improved with each day under the tutelage of guide, Eddie. Craig impressed himself on Tues. afternoon by sighting, casting, and landing his first “solo” bonefish while Eddie went to retrieve the skiff. It was something that he was not able to do on past trips. Marjory and Lauren had excellent snorkeling with naturalist and Atoll Adventure guide, Abel. Graduation season is rapidly approaching – a perfect opportunity for that last-chance father-son (or mother-daughter) trip. When making reservations, future guests often ask, “Can I do this; can I do that?” Our answer is yes. We can arrange mixed days of fishing, Scuba, and some Atoll Adventure. Make your fishing, diving, adventure plans by calling toll-free (888) 512-8812 and speak directly to someone on the island.

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Samaki! The History of Fishing off the Kenya Coast

A celebration of the 50th Delamare Competition and Malindi Sea Fishing Club 50th Anniversary You may have heard recent talk about this book which will be launched early in 2015. Published by Steve Mills of Mills Publishing and edited by Steve Mills, together with Jon Cavanagh, Erik van Vliet and Anne Taylor. This book is for you and in some cases about you. The first run of 500 copies has been very kindly funded by Snoo (Deborah Colvile), Liza Long, Salim Manji, Jonny Havelock, Sean Garstin, Roger Sylvester, Mnarani Fishing Club, Captain Andy's Fishing Supply, Malindi Sea Fishing Club and Watamu Fishing Club. It will be a non-profit making project of about 100 pages, designed using a scrapbook technique, printed in full colour to a very high quality, hard-backed and boxed. Above image is a sneak peak of the first draft of the proposed cover and below is a typical page showing the direction of the type of layout.

The book will be chaptered in Decades ie The Forties, The Fifties, The Sixties etc. We hope to use content that will include Maps and Charts, The Fishing Grounds, The Water and The Weather, Trophies, The Pioneers, Lady Delamere and White Bear, Record Catches, 50 Years of Malindi Sea Fishing Club, Other Clubs, Boats, Crews, Fishermen and Women, Fish and Tackle and Local traditional hand-line fishing. WITHOUT YOUR INPUT AND ASSISTANCE THERE IS NO BOOK! So now we are looking for content. Photos (each one captioned and dated), Anecdotes, Short stories, Press cuttings, Old posters, Raffle tickets, Records Ferry tickets, Copies of old relevant Bills, etc. Whatever memory you might have sitting on a dusty shelf somewhere. Please email to alumafish@gmail.com on subject line put: - Submission/Question : Samaki - History of Fishing off the Kenya Coast All material collected will be treated with utmost care and respect. We will scan and get it back to you without delay. If you want to scan and send, please make sure all items are of a high resolution saved as either JPEG, JPG or TIFF and be of at least 1mb in size. Erik van Vliet is the point of contact for your material and Angie Jooste will be collecting materials for us in Malindi, so feel free to contact her for email/post details. Her telephone number is +254 701 863 848. You can also send materials to us at kingfisherfishing@gmail.com The book will be going to print near the end of this year, so we need to have your submissions in by the end of August 2014. Please don't delay in sending materials if you have them. We look forward to hearing from you and receiving anything you might feel will be useful to us.

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The World’s First Triple-Textured Fly Line

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