Tracy&James | Wednesday, 14 August 2024
This weekend we have our annual trip to Derbyshire for a fishing trip on the river Wye and a day casting with the BFCC at Ashford-in-the-Water near Bakewell. This weekend is always great fun as several of us stay overnight which means we can have a social evening, or two. Particularly helpful when we stay within walking distance of the local pubs.
The river fishing for James and myself will be on a gorgeous stretch of the river Wye with lots of advice on choice of flies and tactics from the local BFCC organiser – always very much appreciated by both of us. We have caught wild rainbows here before and beautiful brownies so next week's FP might have some fishy pictures (hopefully).
The casting day looks like it will be well attended by those wanting instruction, those wanting to enter the comps, and others who come along for a cuppa and a chat about fishing. As always I will make sure the BFCC provide tea, coffee and biscuits for attendees to keep them going whilst chatting and casting (small donations to cover costs are always welcome). The weather is currently looking lovely so it should be a great day out.
James and I have mainly been practising our accuracy skills recently as the weather hasn't really been great for distance. We think there's either high pressure or wind conditions causing the fly line to just 'drop' out the air (or that's our excuse). Also on the field we regularly cast on, the wind is particularly swirly at the moment. Whatever was happening, it was better to work on technique and accuracy than practice distance casting as it was quite frustrating when the distances were so inconsistent.
At the BFCC meeting on Saturday, we have one of the UK team who is going to Sweden on Sunday to compete in the World Championship. So I reckon some of James' and Mike H's time will be spent supporting his preparation, probably focusing on the trout distance and accuracy as he's pretty good (understatement!) at the double handed gear having competed before and won medals. At the Worlds there is now the potential to win medals for being the best in either four of the events (the combined single handed ones), or in all six (including the two Spey comps). Hopefully some of the UK team can put up a good showing in these. Best wishes to all those attending - we're looking forward to hearing all about it.
We have also been preparing for the Jersey event in September by liaising with the casters on the island regarding what they can provide for the BFCC day so that we don't have to bring it in our luggage. We are flying there so if we can minimise what we take, then it's much easier. We do take almost all the rods however as we have cases suitable for them, except for the T120 as I don't think there's any case that it would fit in that could be taken on a commercial plane! Some of the BFCC team flying over will also use these rods for the sea fishing trips that the locals take us on – though we might have to wet wade as waders add significantly to our luggage weight! This time I am taking my parents with us so they can explore the island and we can celebrate my Dad's big birthday.
Whatever you are doing this weekend, enjoy and tight-lines,
Cheers
Tracy