Just watching the RAF Centenary here in London per ardua ad astra (through adversity to the stars) searching for evidence of the impending flypast,bit waiting for the salmon. No relatives sadly flew for the amazing RAF, my father operated in the last war in a newly formed Army Air Corps as a glider pilot and parachutist. It’s probably as well he was not allowed to fly powered aircraft (his AAC powered training mysteriously cut short) my brother and I used to chortle with great merriment at the seat gripping prospect of old dad flying. We also think he only learnt to drive in a tank in North Africa !
Up north July began as June ended the relentless heat if dad had been still around (he loved the sun! large cigar and Daily Telegraph and face of a cooked lobster) reminding him of 4 years roasting his whatsits in North Africa. Not ideal weather reminded me of fruitless trips up to Kildrummy Castle in June on the Don. We still had great holidays early and late fishing , golf and exploring old churches and Castles. You just got to get on with it nothing can be done when high pressure unusually refuses to budge over this usually chilly island in the North Atlantic.
Our first gang in July David E , Boz and Co stoically gave it a bash but the heat, sunshine and only Kielder water just about wrecked their chances. I hear some good food fine wines and laughter softened the misery of near impossible fishing. Farnley is such a lovely place to be its a chance to relax talk rubbish and listen to nature and think sod the fish its not their fault.
Typically the day after Robert W got up at sparrows art and sensed with a few plucks possible opportunities so it was that he landed a lovely 5lb sea-trout.
New potatoes and asparagus anyone ?
Dr Phil A has taken the beat with Grey Court this week and the water temperature is dropping ! The weather much cooler and possible showers coming hip hooray. Fish have been on and off Monday and Tuesday ! Its evident that Sea Trout are definitely in but very few of their bigger cousins. Latest from Phil is 3 sea-trout for the week to 5lb very few salmon seen though.
Small bit of tech advice from Barry Mitchell this AM whilst talking polyleaders he suggested that perhaps abandon the clear hover polyleaders, there is growing evidence from the elite instructors that they may scare fish reflecting too much light. So maybe revert to say 10-12ft fluorocarbon which reflects little light and should help especially in low waters.
Thanks Barry !