The Angling Trust are a not for profit organisation, representing anglers, fighting for fish, fishing and the environment.
CFFC belongs to the Angling Trust.
In March this year, to raise funds, the Angling Trust ran an auction which offers fishing throughout the UK kindly donated by supporters.
This year CFFC donated a day’s fishing on our waters that Phil Thompson kindly agreed to guide.
This years winner was John P., a local angler currently a member of Leek & District Fly Fishing Association. John brought his 14 year old grandson, Oliver, along too had only fished a river once before and had caught a grayling.
The day began at 8.00 am with Phil showing them various stretches of the river, so they could see the variety offered and try their hand in a variety of spots – Phil was able to offer them both some advice on how to improve casting and show Oliver the basics of roll casting.
Their visit was during Mayfly time but, with nothing showing, the anglers tried to provoke some rises with a suitable mayfly imitation.
Unfortunately Oliver’s wader sprung a fatal leak which brought proceedings to a halt until Oliver’s granddad saved the day by loaning him his.
Phil provided flies and advice appropriate for the day resulting in Oliver having many takes on a very small dry fly, finally managing to convert one
Oliver landed four fish ranging in size from 2 – 3.5lb approx.
These were his very first river trout. This video shows him landing a fish unaided.
Here’s the moment the fish is in the net!
After a break for a picnic lunch, and with Phil’s advice John P. then also landed a decent brown, around 3lbs.
The day finished around 4.00 pm – although Oliver would have happily continued, but hopefully having had such a great days fishing on his very first visit to the river he will have a day to remember.
Looks like the club has two new members.
Thanks to Phil Thompson for giving his time and expertise.