Perhaps I should re-phrase! Springer is absolutely right - yes, you will learn something fishing the Ponoi and there is no doubt that the 'simple' act of catching fish does improve one's technique....but fish-less days can inspire too: some of my best days/weeks have involved relatively few fish on the bank, but many moved and getting a sleepy fish actually move to flies and eventually take something can be a very rewarding experience. Tricking a fish into taking a fly is the best buzz, especially when you really feel you have had to get in their minds to persuade them to grab your flee.
You will probably (almost certainly) catch more on the Ponoi. As another post noted, ultimately, the choice between these rivers is down to the sort of fishing and shapes of rivers one prefers fishing - a very personal thing.
For me, the smaller size of K, L and R and the ability to target specific fish in smaller pools on a variety of different water types beats the longer swinging and more repetitive Ponoi fishing style. It's just such a massive river........OK sweeping statement about the Ponoi, but that's the way it felt when I fished there and it was pretty low water so it had quite a lot of definition. We all had 25-30 fish each and I have to admit to being surprised by the average size and strength of the fish we caught.
Interestingly, a couple of mates who have guided on the Ponoi loved their work as they felt able to really influence the days fishing in terms of the way in which they positioned the boat and by using the rope, speeding up and slowing down the pace of the swinging fly. But as a fisherman as opposed to guiding, I am not sure I really want the guide to influence my catches to that extent. Of course, if one fishes from the bank, which of course you can, then the guide comes into the equation much less.
If I were you, I would try and do both over the next 2/3 years and make your own mind up. I am now lucky enough to be able to do 2 weeks in Russia most years and fish different rivers at different times.....and I am still learning and enjoying every minute!
Oh, and I still love Scotland, Devon and other English rivers......and this thread hasn't even moved onto the joys of Iceland! In the close season, this is just the sort of thread that sets the pulse racing for next season.
You will probably (almost certainly) catch more on the Ponoi. As another post noted, ultimately, the choice between these rivers is down to the sort of fishing and shapes of rivers one prefers fishing - a very personal thing.
For me, the smaller size of K, L and R and the ability to target specific fish in smaller pools on a variety of different water types beats the longer swinging and more repetitive Ponoi fishing style. It's just such a massive river........OK sweeping statement about the Ponoi, but that's the way it felt when I fished there and it was pretty low water so it had quite a lot of definition. We all had 25-30 fish each and I have to admit to being surprised by the average size and strength of the fish we caught.
Interestingly, a couple of mates who have guided on the Ponoi loved their work as they felt able to really influence the days fishing in terms of the way in which they positioned the boat and by using the rope, speeding up and slowing down the pace of the swinging fly. But as a fisherman as opposed to guiding, I am not sure I really want the guide to influence my catches to that extent. Of course, if one fishes from the bank, which of course you can, then the guide comes into the equation much less.
If I were you, I would try and do both over the next 2/3 years and make your own mind up. I am now lucky enough to be able to do 2 weeks in Russia most years and fish different rivers at different times.....and I am still learning and enjoying every minute!
Oh, and I still love Scotland, Devon and other English rivers......and this thread hasn't even moved onto the joys of Iceland! In the close season, this is just the sort of thread that sets the pulse racing for next season.
