Stillwater Fly Fishing made Simple for all year round Success. Simple, Fast, Effective.

[@billysmith3013]

You are so right Shaun, if you can fool fish in crystal clear water, you will fool them anywhere, a fantastic learning curve.

[@shaunfishes101]

Thanks so much Billy. This water apart from being crystal clear, is a small catchment. Which means we have more resident fish than stock. It is a well maintained water. All this is perfect for us to work with new patterns that really work. But it is far from being easy fishing here, as many discover. And yes they do understand catching here will better your chances for most waters. We are lucky. Thanks for the comment Billy. Take care. Shaun.

[@stdayman]

Probably one of the most informative fly fishing videos I have seen. As it says, Fly Fishing made simple. Yes, “the tug is the drug” 👏👏👏

[@shaunfishes101]

Thank you so much Christopher. Most forms of fishing can be made simple, and we still catch fish. Understanding what we are fishing for helps. Meet two people on the water a few weeks back. They had told me they found it difficult. Asked what they were fishing. They were fishing with what we would normally associate with stock trout. Problem here is that the stock went into the water almost four weeks earlier. Told them they should have tried the small stuff. They got it now. Thanks again Christopher. Take care mate. Shaun.

[@stdayman]

@@shaunfishes101 thanks, shame about the 🏉. Checking out OSG and wondered why yesterday my Blue Flash Damsels were getting lots of “bumps” but very few takes. Is that the speed of retrieval or is the “tail” too long ? Water at the reservoir is quite murky and I was on an intermediate with just the one fly as if I use more than one I tend to get tangles. Too many Youtoob videos are way too complicated so your “simple” tips are great for me. I think my basic problem is that I’ve developed bad casting habits which need to be “unlearned” but I think I have to get my mind into thinking that a lot of fish are caught within 20 yards of the bank so why spend my whole day trying to break the world casting distance record and ending up with lots of tangles and a sore shoulder 😂😂😂

[@shaunfishes101]

@@stdayman Didn't even watch the rugby. To busy. When fish do a lot of chasing. This is more often stock fish. These fish are inquisitive, and will bump and play with the fly. Sometimes they will get hooked. A lot of the time the hook hold is not so good, and this is when we find fish breaking loose from the hook. Resident fish however will normally sit lower in the water. They can observe with a much bigger window. When they see something they want, they eccelerate and make a kill. A resident fish does not race around a lake for the fun of it. It needs to conserve energy to survive. And the patterns they more often hit are smaller. Or naturals as we say. We are moving into some good times for fishing. Spring. Fish will start to patrol the margins, as aquatic life start to make an appearance. Areas to target then is drop offs and weeded areas. The best way to fish a drop off is to cast along it. This means your fly is in the zone for longer. I was doing this last week with a small olive pearl nymph size 14. 7 fish to the net and quite a few lost. And that was in a few hours. Casting along the margins and not much further out than say two and a bit rod lengths. Oh and that was a single fly. Always do what works for you. And most of all enjoy it. Take care mate. Catch up soon. Shaun.

[@stuartmcmillan2518]

Another great video Shaun, tight lines for 2024🎉

[@shaunfishes101]

Thanks Stewart. I hope 24 gives us some great fishing. All the best for 24 mate. Thank you for your support. Shaun.

[@mrutherford60]

Was worth the wait mate! Concise and to the point - great information delivered as only you can :) Keep 'em coming, sir...

[@shaunfishes101]

Cheers Max. Had a good few days with Justin and Paul whom you have never met. Wed at Garnffrwd then Thurs at Ellerdine. Brilliant. Justin treated Paul and myself, by letting us catch more than him at Garnffrwd. Ellerdine I put a cracker in the net well over 10lb. Catch up soon mate. Look forward to your next visit down here. Shaun.

[@stephenlovell1352]

Wow love the video mate nice to see some under water shots. Justin is some fishing machine and I thought that bench had moved closer to the water. That looked like a really good fish compared to your hand. Cant wait to fish this year happy new year mate.

[@shaunfishes101]

That was a good fish. But nothing compared to what I had at Ellerdine. Can't wait to catch up and tell you about our last few fishing trips.

[@twitchst3nsta23]

Hi Sean loving your videos right now, would you be able to make a video of you tying the green size 12 nymph?

[@shaunfishes101]

I certainly can, as soon as we have finished it. At the moment we are playing around with a few. But what you have seen is so simple. Its what we are liking. Cock tail, just so it does not look so much like a buzzer. Optional. Olive tying thread, either silver or copper thin wire, Pearl myler thorax with brown body stretch over the top. What you seen is the fly varnished. But we do them natural as well. Optional. Hope that will do you for now. Great hearing from you and thanks for the watch and comment. Have a great new year. Shaun.

[@kingrat3027]

Hi Shaun would like to say thank you for the time and effort put into your videos, So helpful and very much appreciated,happy new year.

[@shaunfishes101]

I really do appreciate you taking the time to comment. I do spend quite a bit of time on these videos. Computers is really not my thing, so I do struggle a bit. But more than worth it when I get comments like yours. Thank you so much. Have a great new year. Shaun.

[@CleddauDdu]

Happy new year Shaun. Thanks for the video. Great to see hayscastle fishing well, and catching well on the nymphs.

[@shaunfishes101]

The water has been fishing really well, and a few fish up in the 5 to 6lb mark, for most around 3lb. The water quality is as good as always, even with all this rain. But the small stuff is really working well at the moment. But like the fishing it can all change over night. Nice to hear from you. Thanks. Shaun.

[@karlcooke792]

Great informative video buddy really enjoyed it away to the vice just now nice looking pattern as-well thank you for sharing ur knowledge 🎣🎣

[@shaunfishes101]

Thanks Karl, During the video I did say my experience of fishing this pattern in darker waters was nil. That has now changed. Made a trip to Ellerdine four hours away from me. There they have four lakes, one of which is very dark. Did get a fish and a few knocks. But hell it was slow. A lot of our patterns lately are sparse. I have always had great success fishing the buzzer with pace. This is where this has come from. And best of all, they are so easy when it comes to tying. Olive tying thread, Thin wire, Pearl myler, brown body stretch and cock tail. We have them varnished, and standard. Varnished for getting a bit deeper a bit faster. We are still playing around with this pattern. We are looking at how much light the varnished pattern will give off during sunny periods. This could put fish off, or it could be better. Never ending mate. Thanks for the comment. Take care. Shaun.

[@9gazla9]

Brilliant Sean. Well done. All the best for 2024 👍👍

[@shaunfishes101]

Thanks so much mate. Appreciate your support and comments. Hope we all have a great 24. Take care and thanks again. Shaun.

[@johnowen4888]

A great video to start 2024, thank you

[@shaunfishes101]

Hope you had a great Christmas John. Ye I am sorta looking forward to this year. But I hope it brings some good fishing for every body. Thanks for all your support John. Shaun.

[@mariocalderon6732]

Great video, Y would like to know the name of the fly pattern fished. Greetings frome Mexico City,

[@shaunfishes101]

The pattern has no name and we was still working with it at the time. We have over the last 9 months come up with the finished nymph. During this time has caught a lot of fish. It looks very much the same, but has a dubbed thorax. At the moment we just call it the olive nymph. You can see it in our latest video. Along with another great pattern the Hays b&b which catches a lot of fish. And becoming very popular. We will get some fly tying videos out over the months following. Thanks for the comment. Shaun.

[@thatfishingfix]

More great content Shaun, all the best for the 2024 season mate 👍

[@shaunfishes101]

Thanks so much Ryan. I hope you and the family had a great Christmas. It all passed bye so quickly, and now all normal again. The boys and myself did get some good fishing in over the holidays. All the best for 24 mate. Take care. Shaun.

[@mrintresting256]

Happy new year Shaun….another superb video full of tips and advice. I particularly enjoyed the underwater shots ….and your are bang on…I’ve always wondered how a fish can see a tiny fly moving at speed through choppy water but the underwater images make that very clear. Looking forward to more videos of yours in 2024….keep up the great work 👍

[@shaunfishes101]

I think there could be a video there. Under water. Actually been working on it. God knows when it will be done. Hope you had a great Christmas. Soon goes don it. Normality has well set in. We have had some great fishing trips over the past few days. Garnffrwd and Ellerdine. Could tell you about it. But I won't. Save it for the video. Take care mate. Shaun.

[@boab38gall]

thanks for posting your videos very apreciated

[@shaunfishes101]

I am more pleased that you put a bit of time aside to watch and then comment. Thank you.

[@mikejames663]

Hiya Shaun, A Happy and prosperous new year to you butty, great video, hope to see you soon at Hayscastle

[@shaunfishes101]

Thanks Mike, Its been fishing well lately. Lets hope it continues. Happy new year to you and the boys Mike. Catch up soon mate. Shaun.

[@777-david-p9l]

A happy New Year to you and your family Shaun. Excellent tips as always . No fly fishing here at present with night temperatures around minus 25. Take care mate. :)

[@shaunfishes101]

Thanks David, and a happy new year to you mate. Now that is damn cold. There is a lot of things I would love being over there. But the temperatures would do me in. We are banging around freezing now, and I am dithering. Getting a bit confused lately when I started seeing outdammspot instead of your name. Take care David and keep warm. Shaun.

[@dablivinglife]

Great informative video Shaun. Underwater shots are great👍

[@shaunfishes101]

We are lucky here as the under water shot are made so much better due to the water quality. Will have to do a few more of them soon, as the water is better than ever at the moment. Thanks for the comment. Shaun.

[@mattwright2964]

This is very much like wild brown trout fishing, step and cast, short casts, fast retrieves and hanging the fly. The conditions lent itself to that with the stiff wind and fairly clear cool water. Looks like you had a good day. I was going to say also, that at the beginning you had a fly for a moment on the screen that looked like what we used to call an Ullswater nymph. Basically just a messy ptn style tie with Day-Glo green at the head.

[@shaunfishes101]

You are absolutely correct. The method fished is what Justin Alan fishes most of the time. He was brought up on the wild lakes fishing wild browns. But it is so effective on small waters. Certainly on this water when the fish are more resident fish than stock fish. So they are well spread out, until there is a feeding frenzy. The pattern used is just another variation of a good few that we are messing with at the moment. We are finding resident fish are picking up more on small and sparse. The pattern did start off with pheasant in the tail as well as the throat hackles. But after the first 5 or 6 fish there was no tail or hackles left. So if used now its cock hackles. This is a problem with so many flies I see on KZbin being tied. They look good but a few fish in and they good for the bin. I have tried looking for the Ullswater nymph. Have not found it yet. But very interesting as I never go on line looking at flies. I must have scrolled through thousands. Most of which are kick offs from the old days. Which is not much different to ours. The basis of most of our patterns are on the pheasant tail and the diawl. Mind some of the patterns I did see while on line I think came from a planet where those telly tubbies live. If you get what I mean. Thanks for the comment Matt. Great to hear from you. Take care. Shaun.

[@anthonyM777]

Hi Shaun, Happy New Year to you. Thank you for your efforts in producing these videos, I know they are hard work but really appreciate everything you do to pass on your knowledge. I can honestly say that my fishing has improved as a result of following you on KZbin. This in itself brings so much enjoyment. Of all the people I follow I am always really pleased to see you appear on the list and am eager to watch your latest video. Thank you again and do please continue with more videos.

[@shaunfishes101]

Thank you so much Anthony I also appreciate you watching and taken the time to comment. Have said it before, but it is people like your self that make the channel. Yes it is a lot more work to present the videos as they are. But if you enjoy them, then this is what I will do. To be honest I don't think I would enjoy doing a simple gopro shot and just cut. Happy new year to you Anthony. Thanks. Shaun.

[@Caithnessflyfisher]

I had a lovely Xmas thanks mate 😂 😂 😂... Happy new year Shaun... Looks like we both had a great sesh recently.. Loving the vids mate.. Extremely informative which is great to see 👍

[@shaunfishes101]

Brilliant so did I. Have noticed you pushing the vids out, and honestly I have not had much chance to see any thing. I have been so busy, and I take so long doing the videos. The fishing on a lot of waters has picked up. The only problem with this is the weather is keeping people in doors. Actually, maybe why fishing has picked up. mm. May be there better off sat watching fishing. Great to hear from you again mate. Happy new year to you. Take care. Shaun.

[@moody2840]

Happy New Year Shaun. Still love watching your videos mate. Appreciate your hard work and advice. I’ll be back at it soon enough.

[@shaunfishes101]

I really don't know how you do it. For me I could not last a week. Actually a few days without getting out. Got to put the time aside mate. Always great to hear from you. Happy new year and thanks. Shaun.

[@moody2840]

I’ll make it a New Year’s resolution. 👍🏻

[@graymain]

More great advice mate. Happy new year to you .

[@shaunfishes101]

Well I do it for you see. Take this in and maybe get a few more of those fish to the net. You will be banging them out from Brick Farm. Catch up soon. Happy new year.

[@garymills1520]

Another gud un Shaun, happy new year.

[@shaunfishes101]

Thanks Gary. And happy new year to you mate. Shaun.

[@JonFisher-ql6xe]

Great advice my friend cheers

[@shaunfishes101]

Well I do try. Keep it simple and have fun. Catch up soon mate. Shaun.

[@ibana8449]

Shaun, New to the channel here, as I try to understand what will improve my reservoir catch rate, Ive spent 40 years river trout fishing, and have a lot to learn flipping onto stillwaters during my winter close season. Appreciate this video and plan to give this method a go. Long leaders and a breeze have my blood pressure racing, seem to spend more time changing leaders......

[@shaunfishes101]

A lot of us boys were born on the river. A good thing about river fishermen, or most, they fish light. This in our book is good. If you are on a large reservoir on the bank, you need to be light and move about more to find fish. Much the same for smaller still waters really. The big difference now is that we don't have the river to help us find fish. Fish in the river have food brought to them. In still water the fish have to look for it. So they are on the move most of the time. So much to go through. But the best advise is always check out local knowledge and always fishery manager. Oh and the leader does not have to be long. That's just a benefit. 10 or 12' will be fine. Keep in touch. And anything we can help with, just ask. Thanks for the watch and comment. Shaun.

[@ibana8449]

@@shaunfishes101 Thanks for the reply Shaun, if anything I need to move around more. I always fish the close in margins first, and then try to cover methodically where I’m stood. Like everything anglers do, it’s about building some confidence with a few flies and techniques that will get me connected up. I fished recently and it was a freezing cold day, so fished all manner of tiny nymphs up to bait patterns etc, fast slow everything. Guy turned up next bit of bank up, first few casts a fish, stood a few minutes took another fish, lost a third and then walked off. I don’t mind a blank session it comes with the game but I definitely felt I was doing it wrong. Everyday a learning day ! And cheers for the reply. Back out Thursday.

[@philipoxley9844]

Happy New Year Shaun.

[@shaunfishes101]

Ye lets hope its a good one. Cheers Philip. Shaun.

[@Dannydanny991]

Nice video

[@shaunfishes101]

Thanks I do try. Mind since this video we have found lures are doing better than the small stuff. How quick things change in fishing.

[@Dannydanny991]

@shaunfishes101 I'm eager to get started I've done a few practise casting not been to a water yet but hoping book a lesson soon enough and get started never fly fished i have sea and course fished I'll be subbing too your channel.

[@shaunfishes101]

@@Dannydanny991 When you ring up about the lesson make sure they are aware that you have never been casting a fly rod before. They may advise to leave it for a while. A good few people I know off, have said it was wasted as I did not have the basics. And they could have learnt more had they got most of this out the way. Pity you were not near me. Would have you on it in no time. I used to spend hours in my parents garden as a kid. Bit of fluff on the end of the tippet. I used to put washing pegs on the washing line and and hit the peg with the fluff. Casting is an art in its self, and I still spend a lot of time just casting. Aim for presentation over distance. And if I was to recommend a good fly line for starting out, it would always be the Barrio. This line has a short front tapper and short belly. Which means you load the rod easy. But better than that it has a tapered running line. Which means you can back cast as long as you like without loosing energy. You will probably be advised to get a line weight over the rod weight. This again will load the rod very quickly. But as your cast improves, which for some people may take many years. You will find the benefits of matching rod and line, and in some cases going down a line weight. Good look with it. Have fun. And get back to me if there is anything you need to know. The sub will be nice. Thank you so much. Shaun.

[@Dannydanny991]

@shaunfishes101 ah thanks for the advice I currently have a greys 6 wt rod not sure on line it wasn't expensive I've been practicing and getting better I feel I would like a better reel and probably better line I'll look at the barrio one ... I'm also looking at a full setup I've seen for sale second hand a greys 4wt rod and reel which I'd like as I'd also like to try out small streams local to me (northwest) even if its just to practice and see how the line behaves and fly

[@shaunfishes101]

@@Dannydanny991 6# rod is a good place to start. We use 6# nearly all the time. Its a great balance between weight and power. A 4# for the smaller stuff. Brilliant. You can't beat fishing for the wild trout, what ever the size. Is north west of Wales, England or Scotland.

[@rd7372]

Nice video Shaun Can I ask what brand is your landing net please 🤙

[@shaunfishes101]

I am asked this quite a lot. In all fairness it is probably the best net I have used. And I have used quite a lot. The folding net is the way to go. Bugger carrying one around. The one I am still using, has been fixed twice. The fix is so simple. Where the net joins the handle, is done with a simple hole and joined with a nut and bolt. This weakens this area. All I do is simply pull the net away from that area. cut the same angle on the rim behind the holes and then shape. OK I am fishing with a slightly smaller net. But not by much. Oh and this net has had loads of use and probably more fish than most will ever get before it broke. The net is Sharpes of Aberdeen Flip net Sea Trout. Rubber or rubber coated. About £60. You will not be disappointed. Thanks for the watch and comment. Take care. Shaun.

[@georgebonas8064]

Another really good video with some great tips Shaun, well done. I am looking for a new waterproof jacket what model of DLX jacket do you have, do you have to reproof it? Thanks

[@shaunfishes101]

I have tried for years to find the best waterproof. I have had recommends, But then find out they are not in proper rain, or only in it for short periods. I have now decided to go down the high street shops such as Mountain Warehouse and Trespass. I felt I was being over charged for a branded item. Not mentioning any names, but quite a few of them. I am getting a lot more for my money. When I purchased the DLX it was the better of what Trespass had at the time. Bare in mind I want good pockets for fly boxes. I was able to put my Ring on the back without damage. For the net. Very important that one. I have been in heavy rain for very long periods and found it fine. However after maybe 12 months I have found a bit of wet on my lower arm. I have treated the jacket as recommended. Now here's the thing. How good a job am I doing at treating it. I did think of the boating stuff. But would I ever catch another fish. Have you seen the colours. I am happy with what I have so far. Not saying its the best out there. But who knows. Not sure of model DLX. But worth checking out the shop. Hope you get it sorted. If you find a good product at a good price please let me know. Thanks mate. Shaun.

[@weisswurstfruhstuck8523]

Good stuff in the video. Only thing I cannot copy is that how you fight the fish especially if it’s a trout with your rod that high up. Hold it sideways and fight it that way you will loose way way less trout. They tend to unhook when jumping mostly and you prevent that jumping by keeping the rod down and sideways. Plus I have made the experience that you often hook them better and more properly when you don’t set the hook with the rod going just straight up but toward you and down or again sideways just not high up if it’s somehow possible. Try it out curious if you’d make the same observations as me. And tight lines and cool video. Learned few things or ideas I will try out the next time when chasing them trout in Stillwater :)

[@shaunfishes101]

Sounds like you spend a good bit of time on the rivers. The methods you explain is very common on rivers. This method does appear more successful on rivers. I would say more down to a constant flow of water in one direction and the fishes position. On still waters it has not really been proven as far as I am aware. I have tried this on still waters, but is very difficult to say whether this would have happened if I had done this or that. Lost fish are more common on still waters when fishing for stock fish. I have explained this on a few videos. A resident fish is rarely lost due to how it takes. I will continue trying this method from time to time. She if I can find anything in it. Thanks for the comment. Its great to hear positive and constructive comments. Thanks and take care. Shaun.

[@laurencedavies6680]

Hi mate happy new year. How has hasecastle been fishing recently? I saw in the vid a good few catches but could have changed

[@shaunfishes101]

From my point of view it has been fishing really well, and some good fish. When I look at the log book I see some good catches. The average is well up compared to last year. But like all waters there are ups and downs. but more ups. The last few days has been quite difficult. Fish still coming out but lower numbers. Seems like the mornings is the time to target. By about 10.30 ish they go down, then its slow. Thanks for the comment Laurence and a happy new year to you mate. Shaun.

[@barrybigplums]

Hey Shaun I was wondering what fly line you are using? Looks very nice to use and lies straight as anything?

[@shaunfishes101]

Hi Chad hope you had a great Christmas, and not using the time to do diy on the house. I use several lines. But always looking for the next one. At the moment its Rio Single Spey ss and the Wolf tt. Both very good lines for casting and most of all fishing. The Wolf has a little bit better presentation. No problem dealing with small and large flies. Down side for me they never last long. Mind I do a lot of fishing. First fault on the Rio was cracking for about 1/2m after the belly. This happened twice. And the Wolf lasted me about 8 months. For the average angler this could be, may be, year and a half to two years. Actually I am thinking of going back to the Cortland. We have used loads of lines. So many are to heavy and with too much up front. Have a great 2024 chad. Take care mate. Shaun.

[@georgejohnson3582]

Happy new year mate and thanks for the great tips. I wish I had water like that near me it looks much better than the trout lakes near where I am. What's it called and where is it in the UK?

[@shaunfishes101]

Thanks George and no problem. Yes it is a great water, and set up for the fisherman in mind. We are very lucky. People from all over the country travel and fish here. And they always return. Quite a few take on the cottage, which is part of the water. But needs booking well in advance. And as we are in Pembrokeshire Wales, there is so much to see and do here. Its Hayscastle Fishery. If you need any info please get back to me. Thanks again George. Shaun.

[@neilmason158]

Coming back to fly fishing after a stroke last year. What weight line you using and rod length. Great video

[@shaunfishes101]

So sorry to hear of your stroke. My brother suffered a stroke years ago. He has never been the same since. We use 6# mainly. The rods will vary depending on what we fish and when. 9' to 10' is most common. If you require any info or advise, just get in touch. Take care Neil. Shaun.

[@markosborne8784]

Nice one Shaun, as usual. Hope 2024 is a goodun. The floating line your using looks good, it goes out nice and straight with no memory. What line is it?

[@shaunfishes101]

Thank you so much Mark. I am sorta looking forward to 24 with a fresh approach. I use a good few lines, but still looking for the one I want. What I have been using is very good to a point. Over the last 18 months I have gone through 3 lines. 2 x Rio Spey Cast ss and 1 x Wolf tt. The Rio after fishing for 6 months started cracking for about 2m after the belly. Justin had the same problem. The tt cracked every where. Bare in mind I fish a lot. The average angler could get, maybe 18 months to two years. However the lines are great at casting and more important Fishing. I am now considering going back to Cortland 444 peach. And possibly Barrio for the fast tip action rod. I think that the Barrio can help with hooking and may be reduce snap offs when on a lighter tippet. The barrio has a bit more stretch. But in the video was the Wolf tt. A lot of things to consider when choosing a line. And with the increasing volume coming onto the market place. Just makes it harder to decide. I have tried a good few of the lower budget lines. There are a good few OK ones. But not entirely happy yet. Sorry I can't give you anything more positive. Take care mate. Shaun.

[@christopherrosser3364]

What fishery is this mate? Thank you and happy belated new year

[@shaunfishes101]

Happy New Year to you Christopher. The Water is Hayscastle Fishery, Pembrokeshire, South West Wales. There is not much information on line about the water. But it is very well set out for the angler in mind. It is a small catchment and there for you will be fishing mainly for resident fish. It is stocked with Exmoor fish on an average of two to three weeks depending on how many fish come out. A lot of people from further afield actually book the cottage, which is owned by management. The Water can be challenging at times with strong winds coming of the sea. But this in turn gives the water high oxygen levels. Which means very strong fish. If you require to know more about the water or the area, as Pembrokeshire has some amazing coast line, beaches and country side. Just drop me a comment. Take care Christopher. Shaun.

[@christopherrosser3364]

@@shaunfishes101 thank you for the information Shaun, I’m from South Wales, so I’ll hopefully get down there in the spring time. Beautiful part of the country down that way. There’s a good fishery opened not far from me, I’d recommend you check out to. Dare Valley Trout Fishery, some really big rainbows in there. I managed to land my first two tigers up there (some fight on those) Cheers mate and keep up the good work. Brill vids ⭐️

[@shaunfishes101]

@@christopherrosser3364 The boys have done Dare Valley. And we almost went there 2 weeks ago. We opted for Garnffrwd and Ellerdine instead. Which is on the next video 2 mos. This is mainly as Justin and Paul are from the North. There are a lot of Anglers from the south down your way that travel to Hayscastle. They make a visit about every 4/5 weeks. No Tigers at hays. Browns, Blues and Rainbows. With a scattering of resident doubles and the average fish of 3lb /4lb. Mind we are thinking of stocking more in the regions of 2lb /3lb being this is mainly a c/r water. Let me know when ever you decide to have a go. Take care mate. Shaun.

[@matthewoleary1918]

Hi I'm a 50yr old looking to start fly fishing, advise on what rod and kit to start out? Any help would be great!

[@shaunfishes101]

Hi Matthew, sorry for delayed reply. Been so busy. This is not as easy as it might seem. With so much stuff out there now. If you are mainly on still waters. And as you are new to the sport I would guess you will not be doing too much in windy conditions. I would go for a 6# rod mid tip and 6# line. Which rod is going to be difficult. But I would not spend much at this time. If you find that you enjoy the sport and then start to improve, then maybe an upgrade will be in order. But I would try a few rods if you can. This can be done either by somebody you know, or a shop with casting pool. I travel a big distance to purchase my rods, as they have a casting pool. But more often somebody on our water has a rod which I can try. Like Justin who has most rods. The rod being more towards mid rather than tip will slow your cast down, giving you a bit of time on the cast, but it will also protect your tippet from those hard hitting fish. The weight of the 6# means you can enjoy the day and go home without a tired arm. A good line for starting out is the Barrio. This is more to the way it is set up. Short front tapper which will handle a lot of different patterns. But also aids loading the rod very quickly. The belly is also short, which then runs into a tapered running line. This means that you will not have to be so critical as to when to shoot the line. You can make as many back casts as you can handle without loosing power. Plus the added bonus of its stretch. This again will protect your tippet. A lot to think about, but don't spend to big yet. Most important when you get on the water don't expect to be casting like a pro and catching fish willy nilly. Get out there and enjoy. There is a lot more to fishing other than catching fish. You will be mixing with other like minded people, and the great bonus of the wild life. Keep in touch, let me know how you get on. Happy to help as much as I can. Shaun.

[@tomharries847]

Where abouts is this little gem?

[@shaunfishes101]

Its Hayscastle Fishery Pembrokeshire Wales Tom. A great water set up for the angler not profit. Open Thursday to Sunday. First fish kill then c/r £20. Or £5 for every fish following the first. Barbless hooks only as we have Browns and Blues to be released. Any Method. Very friendly with lots of space to relax, free tea and coffee. The cabin has a working kitchen with microwave for every body to use. It is also very spacious, so setting up your rods when conditions are not so good, makes for a more enjoyable start. Need to find out more, get back to me. Shaun.

[@georgeholmes6099]

Do you use a tapered leader? Great video!

[@shaunfishes101]

A good few of the boys and my self do use leaders George. We have tried the mono leaders, but they carry so much memory. What we use is Braided Leaders, also known as Furled Leaders. They have no memory problems and are tapered. We have not long done a video which explains the leader and why we use them. The benefits are there. But they are like most things a personal choice. Sorry I can't tag the video as I have no idea how too. But if you go to the channel videos you cant miss it. Hope this helps. Thanks for the watch and comment. Take care George. Shaun.

[@chriswilliams9832]

Where are you fishing too please

[@shaunfishes101]

This is Hayscastle Fishery Pembrokeshire Chris.