GREATEST
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS 2012 d n a g n i h t o l c , e l ck 32 PAGES of ta game-ямБshermen accessories for
Bauer Consumer Media, Media House, Lynchwood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA
SEASON’S GREETINGS
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ELCOME TO THE annual Trout & Salmon Christmas gifts guide. Here you will find ideas to match all budgets, and whether you’ve a passion for trout, salmon or grayling, on river or lake. There is tackle and clothing for the bankside and DVDs, books, fly-tying materials and even rod-building kits for the fisherman at home. We also hope this grand selection will help avoid the bemused questions asked by spouses at this time of the year: “Are you sure he said he’d like a priest?” And, “Where does one buy a hare’s ear?” If you’re still stumped, your local tackle-shop will be a great source of advice and inspiration – even for the fisherman who claims he has everything!
Wishing you a very happy Christmas and New Year ALL AT TROUT AND SALMON
THE PERFECT GIFT A SUBSCRIPTION to Trout and Salmon is a great gift that will be appreciated by the recipient throughout the year. Subscribe today and get the magazine delivered to your door 13 times a year before it appears in the shops – and at a discounted price. In the December issue that accompanies this guide, if you choose to subscribe to T&S you will SAVE 35 PER CENT – that’s more than £15 CHEAPER than shop prices. We’ll also send you a free personalised gift card that you can give to the recipient on the 25th!
Visit www.greatmagazines.co.uk/ troutandsalmon Call 0844 8422 872
GREATEST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS 2012
TEN WAYS TO FISH CHRISTMAS OFFER £119.99, (RRP: £149) PLUS FREE POSTAGE
AS SPEYCASTING continues to evolve, short-headed spey, shooting-head and skagit techniques have dominated the sport. The Ultraspey Multi-tip Shooting Head system is designed for all forms of modern speycasting techniques for the pursuit of Atlantic salmon. Designed by speycasting maestro Eoin Fairgrieve for longdistance casting without compromising fly presentation, this comprehensive kit come with a ridged running line, two bellies and five interchangeable tips of different densities offering ten different line set-up options. ■ In a nutshell: It’s the only salmon fly-line you need. Contact: Eoin Fairgrieve. Web: www.ultraspey.co.uk Tel: 0771 597 7060.
PERSONAL PATTERNS
CHRISTMAS OFFERS
CASE: £29.99 (RRP £49.99) CASE + 50 FLIES: £59.99 (RRP £110) CASE + 75 FLIES: £79.99 (RRP £139.99) CASE + 100 FLIES: £99.99 (RRP £169.99)
THIS SLEEK and light Meridian Highlander fly case from Hartley Fly is an ideal gift for a fly-fisher this Christmas. It is sold on its own or with a selection of trout patterns, and can be personalised with two lines of text – free of charge. The Meridian is made in the classic attaché style with black front and rear surfaces and silver aluminium sides. Inside are two sides of slit foam, which hold up to 200 flies. Its dimensions are: 23 x 27 x 4 cm. All flies are made by Fulling Mill, the world’s leading fly maker, so the patterns are first rate. Call Hartley Fly to choose your trout collection – there are special Christmas offers. Salmon flies are also available. ■ In a nutshell: Great flies with a personal touch. Contact: Tel: 01656 653 498. Web: www.hartleyfly.com/xmas
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GREATEST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS 2012
LOVE FISHING? Catch a great magazine for just £1
Angling Times Britain’s biggest-selling fishing weekly has grown its news pages by 100 per cent allowing us to deliver exclusive, cutting edge stories and tactics from the sport’s most important fish captures.
Sea Angler The number one sea fishing magazine. Sea Angler is the leading magazine for sea fishing news, tackle, tactics and marks to fish.
Improve Your Coarse Fishing The new 180-page bible of fishing, Improve Your Coarse Fishing, now has even more vital information you need to get the most from your fishing.
Trout Fisherman The UK’s No. 1 still-water fly fishing magazine. Trout Fisherman magazine will fulfil your tackle, instruction and where to fish needs. If you’re into still-water fly fishing, it’s a must read.
Trout and Salmon Britain’s biggest-selling game-fishing magazine. Trout and Salmon magazine has been the Voice of Game-Fishing since 1955.
Try any of our angling magazines for just £1 an issue for the first 3 issues (4 for Angling Times). After the first 3 issues, there is no obligation to continue. If you’re totally happy, we’ll continue to send you the magazine at a preferential rate that is 10% below the normal cover price. Pay by monthly direct debit to spread the cost, delivery is free, hot of the press, and directly to your door. If you don’t wish to continue after 3 issues simply cancel your direct debit.
To take advantage of this fantastic ofer
GIVE US A CALL ON 0845 601 2672 (QUOTE ERA1) OR VISIT WWW.GREATMAGAZINES.CO.UK/ANGLING This offer is for 3 issues for £3 trial subscriptions, payable by Direct Debit, (4 issues for Angling Times payable by Direct Debit for £4). If you don’t wish to continue to receive This ofer is for 3 issues for £3 trial subscriptions, payable by Direct Debit, (4 issues for Angling Times payable by Direct Debit for £4). If you don’t wish to continue to receive your magazine after the trial period, your magazine trial period, simply cancel Directafter Debit bankyou and afteristhe initial trial you wil pay a set price per issue which is simply cancelafter yourthe Direct Debit with your bank and notify.your Alternatively, thewith initialyour trial period willnotify. pay a setAlternatively, price per issue which a preferential rate,period details to be found on www.greatmagazines.co.uk a preferential rate, towill bebe found www.greatmagazines.co.uk/angling, and thefrom payments willwillbecost taken every SeeCall website terms and conditions. Call from /angling, and thedetails payments takenon every month. See website for full terms and conditions. Calls a BT landline no more thanmonth. 4p a minute. charges for fromfull other landline providers or mobile phones may Order open 8am4p – 9.30pm (Mon-Fri), 8am – 4pmfrom (Sat). other UK orders only. Ofer closes: 30/12/2012. Calls may be monitored or Order recordedlines for training To view how we store and a BT landline willvary. cost nolines more than a minute. Call charges landline providers or mobile phones may vary. openpurposes. 8am-9.30pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-4pm manage your data go to www.greatmagazines.co.uk/datapromise. (Sat). UK orders only. Offer closes: 30/12/2012. Calls may be monitored or recorded for training purposes. To view how we store and manage your data go to www.greatmagazines.co.uk/datapromise.
FISH ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
£5+
A GIFT voucher from FishPal is one of the most versatile presents you can give someone at Christmas. It can be used to buy any of the fishing days available on the FishPal online booking website. The recipient can choose exactly when and where they would like to go fishing and which species he would like to catch – be it salmon, sea-trout, trout or grayling. Choose the amount, then each FishPal voucher is prepared in the name of the recipient and the donor – and then the voucher is posted. To book their fishing, the recipient simply calls the FishPal office where the experienced and helpful staff can recommend rivers and beats that will meet individual needs. That may mean days on different beats or even on different rivers to give the recipient the best possible experience. FishPal vouchers are a great way to mark any special occasion or perhaps to act as a “Thank you”. ■ In a nutshell: A gift for the angler who has everything. Contact: FishPal. Tel: 01573 470 612. Web: www.fishpal.com
£16-£63 ESSENTIAL FOR FLY-TYERS SINCE LAUNCHING in January 2010, Bug-Bond has become one of the most talked about products in fly-tying. It is a single-part acrylic that cures when exposed to a precise frequency of UV light, forming a tack-free surface that is resistant to yellowing, cracking and shattering. The benefits for the fly-tyer are numerous, and the material is limited only by the tyer’s imagination. As Chris Sandford showed in his DVD Mayflies & More, it gives a great strengthening coat to small trout flies and a resilient surface to tinsel on salmon tubes. With Bug-Bond there is little or no wastage, it’s easy to apply and very quick to cure. Bug Bond is sold individually (Original, or Lite for a thinner application) or in kits that include applicators and the essential UV torch. An advanced Professional UV LED curing light is available that focuses on tight areas, allowing rapid and complete curing on even the most complex application. ■ In a nutshell:
It’s revolutionised fly-tying.
Contact: Good tackle-shops or call distributor Veniard. Tel: 020 8684 2288. Web: www.veniard.com
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GREATEST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS 2012
BEYOND POLARIZED MOST POLARIZED lenses eliminate glare by blocking reflected light but Costa’s patented 580 lenses go further, blocking perfect amounts of harsh yellow light while enhancing reds, blues and greens. The result is less haze, less blur, greater contrast and greater clarity. Available in Glass (580G) or a lightweight impact-resistant plastic (580P), it’s like seeing in high definition. Costa lenses offer 100 per cent polarization, virtually eliminating glare, and 100 per cent UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Every pair of Costa sunglasses is assembled by hand in the firm’s Daytona Beach, Florida workshop. That’s how such high standards are maintained and why each pair is backed with a lifetime warranty.
£199
£199
■ In a nutshell: Perhaps the finest
sunglasses you can buy. Contact: Seapower (UK) Ltd. Tel : 01628 623 100. E-mail: info@seapower.uk.com Web: www.seapower.uk.com
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£260
Corbina Tortoise 580 Sunrise polycarbonate lenses The newly introduced 580 Sunrise lens is a high-contrast speciality lens that allows maximum light transmission and enhances depth perception. With 27 per cent light transmission it is perfect for overcast conditions and fishing at dawn or dusk.
Galveston with 580 Copper polycarbonate lenses Made for sight fishing, driving and everyday activities the 580 Copper lens cuts glare and enhances contrast and colour, providing eye comfort in any conditions. The perfect all-round lens.
Double Haul with 580 Silver Mirror glass lenses Encapsulated mirrors optimise light transmission and enhance colours. Perfect for sight fishing and any outdoor activities with variable light, the 580 Silver Mirror glass lens is the ultimate freshwater lens.
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UNDERWATER WITH TROUT
ONCE AGAIN we join the intrepid Danes, renowned fisherman Morten Oeland and photographer Niels Vestergaard, on a DVD adventure beside high mountain lakes and along the saltwater shore. This fourth movie in The Fish & The Fly series focuses on streamers and surface flies. Niels reveals the prey the streamers imitate and the techniques Morten uses when fishing the flies.
Niels’ camera provides stunning footage of trout taking the streamers and documents the trout’s reactions to the flies – up close and underwater. Morten is well known for his innovative fly-tying techniques, which are simple and effective. In the fly-tying film Morten shows exactly how he ties his streamers and surface flies. Most of them are his own proven patterns.
To subscribe: www.greatmagazines.co.uk/troutandsalmon
£22.52
This is a movie you have to watch over and over again. It is very instructive, and it shows new techniques. But it is also a movie with beautiful scenery, fishing actions and some big trout. ■ In a nutshell: Continental tactics for the advanced fisherman and superb photography Contact: Niels Vestergaard. Web: www.wideopen.dk E-mail: info@wideopen.dk
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Flies From iceland
From 2.90 euros
Frances salmon Flies are increasingly popular in scotland – particularly on the Tweed – as well as russia and norway and this is due in part to Dr Jónas Jónasson, who has been one of the fly’s greatest supporters through his website: www.frances.is The Frances was originally tied by Peter Deane in england in 1964. Dr Jónas has fished the fly for more than 40 years and has slowly developed numerous variants, by reducing the belly, shortening the antennae, tying it on micro tubes… of great recent success has been the Frances conehead. First, a brass conehead and then a 4 mm tungsten cone, which is four times heavier then brass and gets down to fish very quickly in fast and deep water. in iceland, the tungsten conehead has proved most successful fished straight across or even slightly upstream. The Frances is one of several icelandic flies that are catching salmon in the UK, which also includes the snaelda and sunray shadows. The www.frances.is website offers many patterns not usually found in the UK but which are worth a swim in your local river. n In a nutshell: a pattern you must try in 2013. Contact: web: www.frances.is
Another fish to the Frances.
Dr Jónas Jónasson with a salmon taken on a Frances fly.
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ROD-BUILDING KITS WHAT COULD be more satisfying than to catch a fish on a rod you’ve made yourself? With more than 100 different kits available, Mud Hole has made it easy to get started in rod building. Mud Hole offers an extensive selection of specific kits for fly, spinning and saltwater. Each is supplied with a rod blank, guides, tip top, grips, reel seats and butt caps. The kits also include a step-by-step how-to DVD. If you are an experienced rod-builder you may like to form your own rods from the enormous range of components on the Mud Hole website: blanks include famous names such as Sage, R. Winston, Orvis and Thomas & Thomas. New products include the excellent ProWrap thread, available in 216 colours and styles, and ProPaste, a rod adhesive that is easy to mix, smooth to apply, and is incredibly strong. Mud Hole is based in Orlando, Florida, USA, therefore we advise you order early for gifts to arrive in time for Christmas. Novice rod-makers can seek advice by e-mail: support@mudhole.com ■ In a nutshell: A grand project for the close season?
Contact: Mud Hole. Tel: +1 407 447 7637. E-mail: support@mudhole.com Web: www.mudhole.com
THE ESSENTIAL OLIVER EDWARDS WITH THE river trout season now closed, what better way to get your fishing “fix” than by watching the beautifully made Essential Skills & Essential Patterns with Oliver Edwards DVDs? In each film, Oliver, one of the masters of river fly-fishing, reveals new techniques that will prepare you for next season. There are eight DVDs in the collection – each two to three hours long – which clearly explain how to identify on what trout and grayling are feeding, how to tie matching artificials, and how £14.99 (DVDs), to fish the flies. The DVDs are sold FROM 95P (FLIES) via the Essential Skills website where you will also find more than 50 Oliver Edwards fly patterns. These are flies featured on the DVDs and Oliver’s 246-page Flytyer’s Masterclass book. Oliver’s fly patterns are close copies of the naturals, and feature the all-important trigger features that trout recognise and lock on to during a hatch. The patterns have had a permanent place in Oliver’s fly-boxes for years. The Essential Skills website is well worth a look – it includes video clips and the story of how Oliver learned Czech nymphing at the 1996 World Championships. ■ In a nutshell: Learn how to become a better fisherman.
Contact: Visit the website: www.essential-skills.tv To subscribe: www.greatmagazines.co.uk/troutandsalmon
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GREATEST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS 2012
THE WORLD’S BEST TACKLE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS GLASGOW ANGLING Centre is Europe’s largest tackle store – and it hosts the most comprehensive shopping website in the world of fishing. Rods, reels, fly-lines and clothing from almost every major brand are available at the click of a mouse. Here we’ve selected some of this year’s bestselling gear and a few new products that we are sure will be popular on the bank in 2013. There are excellent gifts for Christmas, whether you are a salmon- or trout-fisher, and no matter how deep your pockets. Simply enter the product code in the fishingmegastore.com search engine. ■ In a nutshell: Great tackle at affordable prices. Contact: Glasgow Angling Centre. Tel: 0871 716 1670. Web: www.fishingmegastore.com
£449-£549
HARDY WIDE-SPOOL PERFECT REEL
THE MOST famous reel in fly-fishing is now also made with a wider spool to hold more backing. All the famous Perfect features remain: its unmistakable
£199.99, PLUS A FREE PAIR OF GUIDELINE CROSSWATER MK2 WADING BOOTS
check, the anodized gunmetal finish, brass spindle and ivorine handle. Perfects are built in Alnwick and each is supplied in a sheepskin-lined soft leather pouch. In six sizes (for WF3 up to WF12 lines). Code: HR1668.
GUIDELINE CROSSWATER MK2 WADING BOOTS
GUIDELINE CROSSOVERS are based on lightweight hiking boots and are designed for the roving angler. They are very comfortable, easy to lace and hard-wearing. Available in sizes 7-13
GUIDELINE GAULA WADERS
GUIDELINE’S FOUR-LAYER Gaula stockingfoot chest waders offer excellent breathability and waterproofing. The waders are reinforced around the front leg and seat areas. They have elastic, removable suspenders, a waistbelt and an exterior chest pocket with two compartments. Code: GC1541.
VENIARD COMPLETE FLY-TYING KIT
with a felt or traction sole. Code: GC1377.
£99.99, FREE IF YOU BUY GUIDELINE GAULA WADERS
£49.99
IF YOU have never tied a fly before, this comprehensive kit from Veniard is the perfect starting point. It offers outstanding value. Tools include: vice, scissors, bobbin holder, dubbing needle, bobbin threader, whipfinish tool, hackle pliers and a beginner’s instruction booklet. It’s also supplied with a huge range of materials, so you can follow classic patterns faithfully or create your own. Materials include: hackles, wire, tinsel, floss, yarn, herl, varnish, beads, dubbing, hair, game, thread and hooks. Code: FIH0026AB.
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Glasgow Angling Centre. Tel: 0871 716 1670.
Glasgow Angling Centre website: www.fishingmegastore.com £34.99
STILLWATER TAY WAISTCOAT
A CLASSIC trout-fisher’s olive-coloured waistcoat with 15 pockets in all the right places and sizes, plus several D-rings, retractables and a fly-patch. Available in four sizes: M, L, XL and XXL. It’s excellent value. Code: NG0024.
£59 £74.99
STILLWATER TAY WADING JACKET
ARGUABLY THE best-value wading jacket you can buy and winner of a Trout & Salmon jackets test, the Tay offers ample protection, comfort and storage. It is waterproof and breathable and has six pockets and an easily adjusted hood. It’s all the river fisherman needs. Code: NG0018.
HARDY RADCLIFFE TATTERSALL
ONE OF the most desirable items of clothing next year will surely be the new Hardy Radcliffe Tattersall. Subtly sporting the Hardy Bros. logo, the shirt is medium weight and has a light-brown check. It has button-down collars, button-up sleeves and a zipped pocket. Code: HR1630.
£49.99
GREYS GX500 REEL
THE GX500 moved the design of reels forward last year by making it much easier for anglers to identify their fly-lines. Each GX500 cassette can be marked with red pins that denote a line’s size, density, sink profile and core type – which is particularly useful for stillwater fishers who may carry 10 or 20 fly-lines. The GX500 is supplied with two spare spools – good value at £49.99. Code: GR1688.
£149.99
AIRFLO DELTA SALMON ROD
TWICE A winner of Trout & Salmon’s 15 ft double-handed rods test, the Delta Spey offers great all-round performance with spey, shooting-head and even skagit lines – at an affordable price. The Delta Spey has plenty of backbone with a pleasing through action that flexes into the butt. It has a lovely finish and slim cork handle. Code: AF2712.
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GREATEST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS 2012
FISHING ON THE WALL DAVID MILLER is one of the UK’s foremost angling artists. This year he has again produced images for the Environment Agency rod licences and is working on a number of major commissions. His range of prints covering game, marine and coarse fish is one of the largest in the UK, and some of his limited-edition runs have already sold out. Over the past year David has continued to improve his understanding of his subjects by diving in UK waters, most recently filming grayling in a Hampshire chalkstream, footage of which can be viewed on his website at www.davidmillerart.co.uk He also accepts commissions based on a client’s personal best or trophy fish – for example, he recently painted a brook trout for a client who had success with that species in the USA, placing the fish, based on the client’s photographs, into the habitat in which it was caught. ■ In a nutshell: Paintings and prints from a fine angling artist. Contact: Tel: 01994 453 545. Web: www.davidmillerart.co.uk
FROM £28 (PRINTS)
+ CLIENT COMMISSIONS
HOW TO REALLY CAST
£24.95
JOAN WULFF needs little introduction: she was 17 times national casting champion in the United States and, with her late husband, Lee, she is an American fly-fishing institution. Her instructional books and films are best-sellers. Joan WulffÕs New Fly-Casting Techniques is a revised version of her former work and includes chapters on wind direction, changing the direction of cast, gaining distance, hauling, shooting and controlling loops. Joan guides the reader from the most basic cast all the way to casting by hand without a rod. The instruction is simple to follow and is coloured with anecdotes and memorable archive pictures. Each book is signed by Joan. Fordham & Wakefield offers the complete series of books by Joan and Lee – required reading for students of casting and those wishing to learn the right way. ■ In a nutshell: One for the casting perfectionist. Contact: Fordham & Wakefield. Tel: 01892 770 344.
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Greatest christmas presents 2012
all yOu need TO Fish Matching a fly-line to a rod and reel can be tricky, but not when you buy a matched outfit from aleka. Whether you would like to give someone their first fishing tackle as a great christmas gift or perhaps upgrade your own gear, aleka has complete outfits that will meet the demands of almost all trout and saltwater sport. aleka is a thoroughly modern fishing tackle company and what it lacks in heritage it more than makes up for with the style and quality of its products, its highly competitive prices, and excellent customer service.
a3 outfit
the company sells its rods, reels and lines direct to customers and through select authorised retailers. it also offers a 28-day money-back guarantee and warranty. Shipping is free. aleka’s tackle has received impressive reviews in Trout & Salmon and Trout Fisherman. Each of the outfits described here is sold with a selection of free fly patterns – just add some nylon leader and you can tackle up and start fishing straight away. n in a nutshell: High-quality tackle at affordable prices. Contact: aleka Sports. tel: 0845 528 0566. Web: www.alekasports.com
FROM £114.97
THe ideal outfit for a novice trout-fisher on stillwaters or rivers. a3 rods are 8 ft-10 ft long and available in either two or four pieces in sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. They have a smooth progressive action and a metallic green blank. The lightweight die-cast a3 fly-reel comes in two sizes: 5/6 and 7/8. it has a smart matt-black finish and a large arbor. The a3 fly-line has a quick-loading weight-forward taper and a special coating that keeps the line slick to maximise the distance of your casts.
a4 outfit
FROM £162.47
Tackle for the more experienced fisher... a4 rods are light with a fast action and crisper feel, delivering flies accurately and effortlessly. They are made in two and four pieces with golden-brown blanks in 11 sizes between 8 ft and 10 ft, four-weight to nine-weight. The light and stylish a4 fly-reel is machined from bar-stock aluminium and has a smooth cork/polymer drag. The a4 fly-line is a versatile, performance line that packs an extra punch of power when casting into the wind.
a6 outfit
FROM £279.99
Made for saltwater use but suitable for pike and even sea-trout sport. a6 four-piece rods are 9 ft long with a moderately fast action and have a metallic blue blank. They are available in sizes 8, 9, 10 and 12. The a6 fly-reel is made from tough aluminium with a fully sealed drag to protect from saltwater corrosion and a large arbor to hold plenty of backing. The a6 fly-line is designed to cast heavy saltwater flies long distances while maintaining accuracy and a great turnover.
a8 outfit
FROM £199.99
SMooTH-caSTing rods, finely-machined reels and fly-lines that present flies like thistledown – the a8 outfit is designed for the fisherman that wants an edge in performance. a8 four-piece rods have fast-action high-modulus blanks with a metallic-olive finish. They are available in sizes 3 to 8 and lengths from 7 ft 6 in to 10 ft. The tough and attractive a4 fly-reel is machined from bar-stock aluminium and has a smooth cork/polymer drag. its large arbor will prevent fly-line coils and enable you to retrieve quickly. The a8 fly-line has a precise taper that encourages accurate long casts and a delicate presentation.
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GREATEST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS 2012
Amhuinnsuidhe offers a range of luxury foods – ideal for Christmas.
SPORTING LUXURY IN THE HEBRIDES SET IN the dramatic wilderness of the Outer Hebrides, Amhuinnsuidhe Castle is one of the finest sporting estates in Scotland. It offers outstanding salmon and sea-trout fishing and excellent stalking and rough shooting. Why not treat your family and friends to an exclusive sporting week or book one of its popular mixed-rod or short-break weeks for individuals and smaller groups? Not everyone can experience the escapism of a visit to Amhuinnsuidhe, but you can now taste this breathtaking wilderness through the estate’s gourmet foods – a desirable present for loved ones or a treat for yourself. The estate has worked closely with a local artisan smoker, who works one of the last remaining brick kilns in Scotland, to produce salmon with a distinct flavour using secret ingredients sourced on Amhuinnsuidhe Castle. The castle’s well-stocked cellar includes Amhuinnsuidhe own label 15-year-old malt whisky. Or, for true indulgence, try one of the estate’s luxury hampers, full of delicious treats from the Outer Hebrides, including the world famous original Stornoway black pudding – the marag dubh – oatcakes from the Isle of Benbecula and toffee from the Isle of Barra. The estate offers corporate discounts and can create bespoke hampers. ■ In a nutshell: A place every true sportsman should experience Contact: Tel: 01859 560 200. Web: www.amhuinnsuidhe.com/shop
STORY OF A PAST MASTER £25 THE FORGOTTEN Flies of Roger Woolley by angling historian John N Watson is a classic work of fly-fishing detection. Woolley was one of the most important and influential fly-dressers of his era yet today he is hardly remembered. Throwing new light on Roger Woolley, his life and, importantly, his “forgotten” fly patterns (some of which see the light of day for the first time in more than 50 years), this book tells the story of one of the great innovators in the arts of fly-fishing and fly-tying. The Forgotten Flies of Roger Woolley is a key addition to the modern fly-tyer’s library – not just for its historical interest but because it reintroduces to the angler this whole series of important and effective trout and grayling flies. ■ In a nutshell: A rich source of classic flies. Contact: Coch-y-Bonddu Books. Tel: 01654 702 837. Web: www.anglebooks.com
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SEE SAFELY AT NIGHT
£30
THERE ARE many solutions to the problem of illuminating your fly-box at night. While one hand holds the rod and the other the fly-box, where is the torch? You can grip a small one between your teeth or use a clip-on cap light or a strap-on headlamp. But Itchen fisher and inventor Mark Applin may have found the best solution yet – for those of you that don’t wear spectacles. His XSpex are clear-lensed unmagnified glasses with two LEDs in the arms. They emit red beams, which are less distracting to fish than white/ yellow light. The LEDs are operated by push-button switches on the arms – very simple to reach up and press. The glasses are light and easily worn all night. Use both beams and they cross over at about the perfect distance to hold a fly-box. What’s more, the glasses offer protection to non-spectacles wearers from flies swishing about in the murk. The xSpex are powered by two batteries (a pack of six spares is £4.95). ■ In a nutshell: Efficient lighting for sea-trout fishers. Contact Mark Applin. Tel: 01794 368 925. Web: xspex-2.myshopify.com
£24.99
THE GENTLE ART “WELCOME TO my world. For the most part, it’s a tranquil world. A haven of babbling backwaters, insect buzz and birdsong. But, every now and then, it’s also a place of eager anticipation, adrenaline and activity.” It is an enticing introduction and this brace of beautifully filmed and narrated DVDs do not disappoint as they explore the art of fly-fishing for trout in the most friendly and accessible manner – a charm so often lacking in instructional films. Beyond the Rise and The Call of the Chalkstream are the creations of two accomplished filmmakers, Matt Whicker and presenter Tony Jay, who have become passionate fly-fishermen. Their aim is to capture the beauty of the trout’s environment and share their joy of fly-fishing. In Beyond the Rise, Tony offers beginners a great insight to the sport with tips on tackle and basic watercraft. The Call of the Chalkstream includes advice on fly-tying, leaders and casting presentation. In a nutshell: Fly-fishing inspiration for the comfort of an armchair. Contact:Jaypark. Tel: 01249 655 117. Web: www.beyondtherise.co.uk
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GREATEST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS 2012
£12.99
A SEEING SOLUTION
Nightsights.
AVOID THE expense of buying prescription fishing glasses with these clever polarised UV400 OverGlasses, which fit discreetly over your existing frames. They are styled in two colours: tortoiseshell brown with dark brown lenses or black demi with dark grey lenses (pictured below). They offer excellent vision in bright sunny conditions. Overglasses also make NightSights (pictured above), which are also designed to fit over prescription spectacles but have ambercoloured polarised lenses that improve clarity and contrast in low-light conditions. Ideal for sea-trout fishing and driving at night. ■ In a nutshell: Turns prescription glasses into polarised sunglasses at a fraction of the cost. Contact: The Optical Shop. Tel: 0800 169 3760. Web: www.glassesathome.com
CHRISTMAS OFFER: £19.48 FOR TWO PAIRS
Overglasses.
WADE IN STYLE
FROM £139.50
SCOTTISH STICKMAKERS of Dunkeld makes the finest wading staffs you can buy – Trout & Salmon has seen nothing to match them. Each staff has a stunning ash shank topped with a variety of handle styles, including: red deer antler thumbstick, red deer antler cromach, red deer antler crown cromach, red deer antler stag roll, red deer antler flared stag roll, buffalo horn lyre and rosewood lyre. Impressive details include beautifully polished buffalo or ram’s horn caps, pewter thistles, nickel silver or brass collars and salmon flies set in resin. The base is heavily weighted for stability when wading and neatly sealed. The lanyard is made from rot-proof cord. A stick can be personalised by engraving up to three letters on its collar. The staff’s maximum length is 57 inches but for most people 54/55 inches will be suitable. For advice, call Ronald Speirs on 01350 727 027. ■ In a nutshell: A superb gift that any fisherman would be proud to own. Contact: Scottish Stickmakers Handles (from top): of Dunkeld. Tel: 01350 727 027. thumbstick, stag roll, Web: www.walkingandwadingsticks.com lyre, flared stag roll.
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SWITCH ON THE TWEED
FROM £39.95
TWEEDSIDE TACKLE in Kelso offers some of the best American speycasting tackle – rods and fly-lines likely to impress other fishers at your beat. The Templefork Outfitters Deer Creek switch rod, £319, (pic tured below) was developed by Bob Meiser, widely regarded as the inventor in the 1980s of the first-ever switch rods. It is designed to allow both single- and double-handed casts – very useful for grilse in low water, and for sea-trout. The Snake River Outfitters Vector, £74.95, (pictured above) is a userfriendly speyline with balanced proportions of front taper, belly and rear taper – ideal for smooth, rhythmic casting. The Express shooting head (£39.95) has an extended rear taper that allows casters to adjust the point at which they hold their line during different casting situations (altering D-loop sizes). The front taper is also longer, encouraging a better turnover. ■ In a nutshell: Outstanding tackle from salmon-fishing experts.
Contact: Tweedside Tackle. Tel: 01573 225 306. Web: www. tweedsidetackle.co.uk
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GREATEST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS 2012
BAKEWELL FLY FISHING SHOP House of Hardy, Farlows, Allcocks, Mallochs, all items considered.
Please view website for details www.antique-classic-vintage-fishing-tackle.co.uk
3A Hebdon Court, Bakewell, Derbyshire. DE45 1EE
River fishing on Peak District rivers a speciality
TACKLE SUPPLIED Beginner – Improver – Tenkara Lessons by the hour or the half day Gift Tokens for tuition available Guided tuition, guided days on Derbyshire rivers gift token £120
01629 813 531
Tel:- +44 (0)7951 727396 Email – mwardle@talktalk.net
www.bakewellflyfishing.co.uk
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Sea angler is now available to buy online through our reader ofer shop. As well as all the regular benefts your favourite sea fshing magazine brings, you can enjoy:
n no delivery charges n straight to your door n posted the next day! For full terms and conditions please go to www.greatmagazines.co.uk
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With over 50 magazines to choose from you’ll find a magazine and a tempting range of offers to suit everyone.
And because we’re the publishers, you’re guaranteed the best price and the most irresistible offers when you buy direct from us.
Visit: www.greatmagazines.co.uk/Troutgift or call us on: 0844 8488 872 (quote X201)
*Maximum saving is 75% on Q when you subscribe by annual direct debit. Savings may vary by title and payment method. Individual savings featured are total savings when you subscribe by direct debit. This offer is open to 27th December *Maximum saving is 75% on Q when you subscribe by annual direct debit. Savings may vary by title and payment method. 2012. Orders received before the 17th December 2012 are guaranteed to receive written confirmation before Christmas. Calls from a BT landline will cost 5p a minute. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Individual savings featured are total savings when you subscribe by direct debit. This offer is open to 27th December 2012. Orders received before the 17th December 2012 are guaranteed to receive written confirmation before Christmas. Call from a BT landline will cost 5p a minute. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary.
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Greatest christmas presents 2012
Three days wiTh TrouT What a great way to start the trout-fishing season. For only £180, you and a friend can fish with a motorboat for three consecutive days on rutland, grafham, Pitsford or ravensthorpe reservoirs (all are within an easy drive of each other in the english Midlands). the holiday includes a fishery bag limit with additional catch-andrelease on each day’s fishing. Further days are £50. this three-day permit is transferable across all four waters subject to the availability of boats, so booking in advance is advisable.
£180
the reservoirs have enjoyed an excellent season in 2012, with great catches at rutland Water – the average size of overwintered fish has been notably high. n In a nutshell: Fish on europe’s finest trout reservoirs.
Contact: rutland Water. tel: 01780 686 441. grafham Water. tel: 01480 810 531. Pitsford Water. tel: 01604 781 350. ravensthorpe reservoir. tel: 01604 770 875. alternatively, e-mail fishing@anglianwater.co.uk
spring sport at ravensthorpe: a great way to start your season.
PhotograPhs: peter gathercole
the ticket includes a generous bag limit on all three days.
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Greatest christmas presents 2012 ACCOMMODATION
DVD’s
CRASK INN by Altnaharra, Sutherland
Wild brown trout fishing on the Tirry and hill lochs. Boats available on larger lochs. Fine hospitality in fully licensed hotel. Fantastic location. Also self catering cottage/bunkhouse sleeps 12.
Tel: 01549 411241 FISHERIES
Drowes Salmon Fishery Kinlough • Co. Leitrim • Ireland
FISHING AND ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES AVAILABLE Visit our website for more details
FLY TYING EQUIPMENT
For details: Phone/Fax: 00 353 719841055 Email: shane@drowessalmonfishery.com www.drowessalmonfishery.com
Superb Trout Fishing in beautiful location at
BARNES LAKE FISHERIES (traditional fly fishing & boats available) Tel: John Barnes: 01865 300343 Oxfordshire
Please say ou saw it in Trout & Salmon when contacting advertisers 30
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FISHERIES
GIFTS
3 miles of chalk stream, River Kennet, shingled runs and deep pools. Browns and Rainbow Trout Reservations now being taken for full and half rods. SEASON AND DAY RODS. DAY TICKETS AVAILABLE.
Phone Bob Bailey on
01488 658905
www.riverkennet.co.uk GIFTS
Visit: www.greatmagazines.co.uk/Troutgift or call us on: 0844 8488 872 (quote X201) To subscribe: www.greatmagazines.co.uk/troutandsalmon
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