[HantsAvon]

Hants, didn't your RJC work as expected?.

Hi
Yes, try the 12'5" was a great rod to use. Could handle a range of line weights and heads.... I tried heads up to 47g and it handled them no problem.
I no longer have it.... being the proverbial tackle tart, I sold it and bought the new Scott Swing 12'8" #10 weight. Didn't get much chance to use it last season, so will be interesting to see how it performs this Spring. I also picked up a near mint Burkheimer 12'9" #10 weight, which I am looking forward to fishing.
I did get a 10' #7/8 RJC mini spey, which I will use in the Summer.....mainly fishing the heavy nymph. Have only briefly test cast this one, but it put out a nice line.

 

[HantsAvon]

It sounds like you have some super rods to try out this year, would be very interested in how the Burkheimer
turns out.
Regards

Will do.... also have a NAM Ren 15' #10 weight to have a go with.
Hopefully, one of them will prove to be lucky!🤞

 

[HantsAvon]

For anyone venturing out this weekend, it looks like wetsuits all round!
East Mills flume currently at 1.56m and we're due some more rain tomorrow....
Guessing the Compound on the Royalty should be just about manageable on Sunday for us. I have some new heavyweight tubes to try....just as well!
Good luck to anyone casting a line at the weekend..... whether in the river or a field!

 

[HantsAvon]

Fished the Royalty today....river high and clear. My fellow anglers managed a fresh sea trout each....both around the 2lb mark.

 

[HantsAvon]

With the river in it's current state, a sinking skagit head, heavy tip and heavy fly would be one setup. I also use full sinking heads (3D Nextcast Zones) and also the SA Express Sinking heads in the deepest pools.
Use a heavy fly, as you want to have your fly sinking and fishing as soon as possible. In most places, the Avon isn't very wide, so you need your fly to be down and fishing otherwise it will be into your own bank before you know it.
Best of luck to those currently venturing out.
Hopefully by mid March, the river will be within its banks and I'll be able to wet a line again.....currently recovering after a partial knee replacement!

 

[HantsAvon]

The Rio GameChangers are also good lines.

 

[HantsAvon]

Somerley are off the mark!
I'm sure Gary will post something later.... well done that man!

 

[HantsAvon]

Fished Bisterne on Saturday (reasonable visibility) and the Royalty on Sunday (poorer visibility). As for salmon.... invisible!
Thought the Spring tides might have encouraged a few to come in....

 

[HantsAvon]

Royalty was dirty yesterday.....and nothing to report.

 

[HantsAvon]

Morning all. Just checking numbers for the Avon so far. I have 3 Salmon caught so far for the system, being Gary's 18lb Spring, along with Richard's and Paul's 20lb fish. Any others?

Avon Tyrrell have had one fish I believe Jason.

 

[HantsAvon]

Nothing to report from the Royalty yesterday, but Bisterne have had an 18lb fish this morning!

Correction - 16lb

 

[HantsAvon]

Well done Andy..... lovely fish.

 

[HantsAvon]

Just in case anyone is interested, fly casting/tuition start this evening at White Sheet Trout Lakes (BH21 7DB) from 6-6.30pm. Nominal £5 fee, which includes tea and biscuits!
These evenings will run throughout the summer on alternate Thursdays.

 

[HantsAvon]

Nothing to report from Bisterne today.....river still murky.
As well as the fifteen footer, I have a 12'8" and a 12'9" that get equal, if not more use during the season. Both are #10 weights and can handle fast sinking heads and heavy tubes.
Could do with some rain, but I don't think there is much on the horizon....
Temperature was 16.6 this morning, which doesn't help either.
Good luck to those venturing out!

 

[HantsAvon]

First fish for the Royalty this morning around the 20lb mark.
Haven't seen anything this afternoon.....

 

[HantsAvon]

Fished the weir this morning with high hopes but saw nothing.... not even a pike!
Hopefully the tides of the next few days will be bountiful🤞🤞

 

[HantsAvon]

Temperature over 19 this morning.
It was under yesterday, but we decided not to fish. Thought I'd practice some spey casting instead and try a few lines on a new rod, but the wind made things difficult (that's my excuse anyway)!

 

[HantsAvon]

I know some fish have been seen down the bottom of the river, so hopefully there are a few making their way up.
Will be having a go tomorrow, so will report back with any news....

 

[HantsAvon]

Good news.....two fish this morning from the Royalty. One of 12lb to Kevin Styles and one of 13lb for myself. Both taken on the nymph from the Parlour Pool.
We had follows from some other (larger) fish too, so there were a few about! Hopefully they will be making their way upstream in the coming days.
Both our fish went back well.
There is a video Kevin took of me, so if I can work out how to post it I will....