High summer may not be prime time for dry fly fishing in the UK, says Paul Procter, but, thanks to the diminutive blue-winged olive, late evenings can herald memorable sport.
Fieldsports Magazine recently posted their summer 2013 issue..if you fancy a couple of B-WO patterns to dress for next season then visit http://www.fieldsportsmagazine.com/Freshwater-Fishing/high-summer-trout.html I hope you find them as successful as I have
~Tarpon Bunnies look the business dressed on a Partridge Stinger hook~
Prior to our annual saltwater jaunt in Ascension Bay, a small range of flies were fashioned on the new Partridge Stinger hook. Forged from quality carbon steel, razor sharp with a nice upturned hook point, on paper the Stinger ticks all the right boxes. However, how would it fair out in the field? Well, having tangled with tarpon, snook, barracuda and sharks the Stinger came out well and truly on top. It possess amazing strength and didn’t budge an inch,even when angry jack crevalle charged off to the horizon. To avoid rust, some would argue that all saltwater hooks should be stainless steel. Though after using carbon steel, a quick rinse under the tap prevents corrosion from setting in, so no harm done. Besides they tend to hold their edge for longer too and any sign of bluntness is easily addressed with a stroke of a hook hone. Problem is now, I’ll have to revise my predator box so all my favourites are dressed on the Stinger!
When comes to battling feisty fish with, few hooks cut the mustard as well as the Stinger
50hp engines might be a great way to whizz pangas through mangrove channels en route to favourite flats. However, when it comes to the actual fishing, a more stealthy means of propulsion is required if you’re to avoid spooking fish. This comes in the form of a graphite poling pole of some twenty odd feet in length. Wielding such a cumbersome thing is an art in itself that involves years of learning. Thankfully, all Casa Viejo Chac guides are masters when poling a flat, giving them plenty of time to spot the ghostly shadows of passing fish. Trust me, having dabbled on top of a poling platform, maximum concentration was required for maintaining balance and attempting to steer 23ft of fibreglass hull in a predetermined direction… Above: Antonio handles a pole as though it’s a mere bamboo garden cane.
Ruben digs checks the skiff’s drift as he spots a shoal of feeding bonefish way off to his right
Senior guide William often passes the pole over his head when manoeuvring a skiff into prime position. What’s impressive is that his pole is fashion from mahogany, which weighs considerably more than graphite.
