Struck Gold... Rainbow or Palomino !!

Graham , struck gold while fishing with guide David King of That Fly Fly Fishing. With a well placed fly Graham made a firm lift to hit gold.... or is that Palomino...!
Fishing Meon Springs, this specimen put up a robust fight before coming to the net and topped the scale at +6lbs..

WTT 3 Fly Challenge 2014

Meon Springs provided a stunning back drop for the annual " 3 Fly Challenge ".  Lush banks and gin clear waters,  anglers, were in for a real treat.

This years event attracted 34 anglers with the objective to catch 4 fish using a fly with a points value.  

Seasoned Meon angler and ex Meon boss Keith Poulton , provided each angler with three superb flies, dry kites, a buzzer and nymph.   Anglers could use any one fly to tempt fish with points being awarded,  weight of the fish x the value of the fly.  

With lots drawn, delicious bacon buttes consumed,  a quick briefing soon saw angler to the water. 

The morning proved very productive, with some good fish coming to the scale and making for an exciting event.  Lunch time provided a very welcome break , our hosts "Team Meon" providing a terrific BBQ lunch followed by our sponsors fund raising raffle.



An immaculate Meon Springs

Back to the water anglers could now roam freely,  but with a hot sun now high in the bright blue sky, fish became tough to tempt to any fly.  The ringing of the bell marked the end of the afternoon session and our return to the lodge for the final tally . 

WWT   Director Shaun Leonard joined the group , providing us all with a wonderful insight into the vitally important projects and work that WWT carry out on a daily basis.  Shaun also reflected on the importance of today, the fund raised in memory of Pasco James continue to make a direct impact in the Meon Valley  ( add Meon work) .


Shaun Leonard, Director WTT

Final thanks went to Neil Mundy (event organiser and competitor ) this his fifth year and raising and record breaking £3,800 + for the charity. Neil's past and present work having secured over £21,000.  Very well done Neil. 




Neil Mundy, becomes an Honouree member of WWT

Results,

1st and retaining the trophy for a second year ; - David King
(David's fished,  a Sage  Z-axis 4wt, Ambush reel,  by Cheeky Fly Fishing , loaded with a Snowbee xs-plus hi- float line to a dry Kites Imperial.)

2nd and first ever ladies winner; - Andrea Smith.
Largest fish ; -  Greg Hughes, 7Ib + Rainbow trout.

Winners presentation.

If you wish to enter the 3 Fly or would like to know more about the Wild Trout Trust click on the link , membership ensures our rivers, native trout  and environment continues to thrive under the stewardship of WTT. 

WTT Three Fly comp 2014

www.wildtrout.org

This years Wild Trout three fly competition takes place 21 of June 2014 at Meon Springs Trout Fishery..   Three flies to tempt and catch a trout for points, this competition will provide a true test of your skills.  An important fund raiser and enjoyable day in memory of  Pasco James.

I am proud to have experienced and have been fortunate enough to have won the 2013 event.  If you would like to enter or simply know more,  then please follow the link to  :

 http://www.wildtrout.org/news/3-fly-challenge-meon-springs-2162014

Children of Porchester School 2013

How quickly these event return each year...  but none is more enjoyable than that of the students from Porchester Community School.    This year saw the return to the now established venue of Meon Springs Trout Fishery.

Harry and the spoils of a Champion.



Cleo and the girls hatching a plan..!

This years event would follow that of the passed, offering the angler who catches the biggest fish to claim the spoils. Always a competitive event, this years winner Harry Adams, took a fish of 5lbs 8oz to secure the title, chasing off close competition from  Regan Laing and previous enthusiastic champion angler Joshua Sparks. 
Twelve anglers, took part in the event, supported by mentors from the Partnership Fly Fishing club and the brilliant staff of Meon Springs .   Fishing proved top notch , beautiful Rainbow trout lead a merry dance throughout the day .  Well done Harry and thank you all involved, special thanks to Chris Read who's vital charity,  A Smile for a Child supported the day.

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

Three Fly Challenge- raise money for the Wild Trout Trust

Partnership Fly Fishing Club raise £2,400 in aid of the Wild Trout Trust

Saturday 22 June saw the fourth annual 'Three Fly Challenge' held at Meon Springs, organised by Neil Mundy and in aid of the 'Wild Trout Trust' .   25 anglers fished to score points using three different flies to catch four trout each.  David King (above) won the competition with 28 points catching all of his four trout on a dry fly, he won a brand new Sage Fly Rod and an engraved tankard, Tim Kennard (far right) came second with 26 points.  Neil Mundy and Shaun Leonard (left, Director of the WTT) presented the prize.
Shaun gave an informative and interesting over view of the WTT and its important function adding that the funds raise from today would be used for further projects on the River Meon in memory of Pasco James.

Children of Porchester Community School 2012

Meon Springs 2012.

Blue skies and early autumn sunshine welcomed the students and teachers of Porchester Community School to Meon Springs on Saturday.  The day,  run in conjunction with the John Lewis Partnership Fly Fishing club and a smile for a child charity is a popular annual event which enables the students, teachers and parents some relaxation and enjoyment on the tranquil bank of Meon Springs trout fishery.



Following an orientation and safety briefing, students and mentors made their way to the waters edge, the aim to catch the biggest fish..... but more importantly to simply have a fantastic day.  Fuelled on the excitement of fly fishing for trout the ever competitive students could be constantly heard checking on who was catching what.  Calls of 'what fly did you catch that on' , 'how big was that one'  and of course the pained groans of Oh no... I've lost it...!!!

2012 Champion Joshua Melvin



After a quite start the water was warming and fish were soon being won and lost.  Rod bending action appeared all round the lake and some fine fish were secured before breaking for lunch.   Lunch always a great affair at Meon once again did not disappoint. With the scent of a late summer BBQ drifting down the lake side, those tummy alarms soon has the group making their way back to the main lodge. 


Very welcome lunchtime refreshments



All fed and watered it was soon back to the job in hand, but with no run away leader so far it was all still to fish for.  During the afternoon  session the water was not giving up its fish easily... changing from this fly to 'that fly' was the order of the afternoon but in the  last few casts our winner was to emerge.  Joshua Melvin landing cracking fully finned rainbow trout saw him crowned the 2012 Champion.

Defending Champion Josh Sparks

                               

A really great day was had by all and our thank go out to all involved.  Special thanks to Chris Read, of    ( a smile for a child ) who's incredible support made the day possible and of course our very special guests Porchester Community School.