Fishing For Forces Lunch

Taking the wounded to the water...

Fishing For Forces is holding its annual lunch in London .  This vital event provides a lifeline of support that enables our finest Service divisions to relax and de-stress at the waters edge. In assosiation with Farlows, come and enjoy an excellent lunch with the countries Service's and enthusiastic anglers.  

Register your interest via www.fishingforforces.org  or contact Bill Howell :
Fishing For Forces

0207 385 2135 Ph/Fx/Ans

07850 373760 mo

bill@fishingforforces.org

    

Talking the wounded to the water...

Sonik SK4 XTR Fly Rod

On a recent blog I commented on the fantastic new XTR reel, well here is a view of the new Sonik SK4XTR fly rod.  As with all Sonik's, the rod arrived in the robust cordura zip top tube which is clearly marked with the discription, size and rod rating.  Inside a neatly sectioned cloth sleeve ensures sound protection for the rod within.
First views of the sections imediately lift the spirt, a well finished blank of olive gloss set off some very fine gold highlighting to the whips.  Rod connections are very neat with the now standard "dot to dot" alignment system , a great aide for a swift set up. I had the 9ft 5/6 rod which for a middle to tip action has a surprisingly fast action that delivered some very tight loops,  yet it remained forgiving enough to recover the odd waver or miscast .  The rod delivered well at both short and medium range, but, it simply sung with absolute ease when delivering a long line. I was using Snowbee's XS plus. 
The rod which comes in 4 sections, is a great all round stillwater rod, and well worth considering if your looking for a step up to a faster action. A powerful blank with sensitivity, its a perfect transition rod for advancing and experienced anglers.

Youngsters enjoy an action packed day....of fly fishing

1st Prize, Ben collects a complete outfit from the club chairman.

As the youngsters take on their parents it was fish all round. 

Fishing action was hot as temperatures soared in the Meon Valley, (Saturday 20 July)....  Fishing took place a Meon Springs, this being our the first event following Keith Poulton's departure for a well deserved retirement, (all the best Keith). The new team did him proud as they catered and assisted though out the day.  Following an introduction and safety briefing Dads and children set off with their mentors for the day.

Rebecca showing the girls have what it takes

With the youngsters setting the pace, it was not long before the first fish came to the bank.  Dad's did try to keep up but the order of the day saw some great fish to 4lb being landed.  Top spots went to Ben Sizer  15, for the boys with Rebecca Bland 10, showing girl power..  

Finally Dad of the day and first time fly fisher, Basil Sheppard, took the adult honours with as super rainbow in prime condition.

Finally a huge thank you goes to all the supporters who made the day possible.

Basil receives his prize