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. 

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.

Early Specimen Brown



Exceptional quality Brown tipped the scales at 10 lb.8oz
stunningly marked and fully finned.

Early season stalking session on the coldest of March mornings produces a 'specimen brown'...  This terrific fish fell to a small black, gold ribbed PT.  
On arrival at Lechlade Trout lakes it was off to the lodge to get signed in and have chat with the owner, then it was tackle up and off to the lakes with big fish in mind.   With a few anglers already whipping water, my fishing buddy and I decided to take a long walk around the lakes before making any casts. 
I left Chris on the larger of the two lakes while I continued round to the second.   Water clarity was pretty good and with some early sunshine beaming down it looked encouraging for stalking opportunities. Spotting a few movements and shadows, I stopped in what looked to be a interesting area.  With plenty bank side cover I was positioned well to intercept anything moving from left or right and I was particularly encourage with a few bow wave appearing slightly further out.   Getting myself positioned and the rod ready for action there was a sudden explosion as a large looking brown trout jumped clear of the water like an Exocet missile.. , crashing back into the water, I very quickly made a cast straight into the splash zone, allowing the fly to sink a few feet my retrieve was quickly hit and all went tight.  The fish took off quickly and immediately going deep it continued with some dogged thumps ...... you just know it has the feel of a good fish.  After a great battle the fish final came to the surface showing the most beautifully marked and coloured flank.  Fully finned and in prime condition the fish tipped the scale at 10.8 lb...  what a start to the season. 
Finally both Chris and I took further good fish but this fantastic brown stole the day.  Thank you Lechlade