DEE LIFE PROJECT.

The Autumn issue of the LIFE Dee River Newsletter contains some very interesting reading for those of us who follow closely the work of Joel Rees-Jones and his highly dedicated Team. One might be impressed by the statistics shown at the start of the document BUT – read on! The EU Commission, following a “face to face” meeting and inspection in North Wales, have congratulated the Team on the work undertaken. Previously the sessions took place on-line but Dr Lynne Barratt, the external monitor came in person to examine the progress being made.

To see the full Newsletter (and sign up for your own copy of the Newsletter in the future) use the link below:

- LIFE Dee River: Issue 4, Autumn 2022 (govdelivery.com)

SCOURIE IN THE NEWS!

I know I have mentioned the fishing possibilities which are available when staying at the Scourie Hotel, in Sutherland, previously. Since last I wrote there have been a couple of mentions in Trout & Salmon. The latest (T & S January 2023) article makes it clear just how exciting the opportunities to fish for some outstanding brown trout can be. I have fished in the Assynt area (just to the south of Scourie) since the 1970’s and the whole area continues to be as breath taking now, as it was then.

Visit the website for the hotel to get more details. www.scouriehotel.com The latest article describes Richard and Fiona Campbell as “the perfect hosts”, a compliment I would whole heartedly endorse. If you would like to consider joining me in 2023, for an adventure based at the Scourie Hotel, please send me an email. I stress (for the possible cynics) that I pay the same as everyone else!

CUSTOM BUILT RODS

Most of us think that to commission the building of a rod to your specification, you will need you to be digging very deeply into your bank account! Not necessarily the case!
At the first Welsh Game Fair, held last September, I was attracted to one of the stands which was manned by a Scottish based company. It does take a “leap of faith” to support any new venture, such as the Welsh Game Fair, which was a leap taken by Simba Rods.

Owner Simon Barnes from Crieff has been building custom fly rods since 2014. His passion has turned into his business!
He offers a variety of rods from a seven piece “expedition” rod, the “Wee Loch” for exploring the hill lochs, to salmon rods. Prices start at about £420 and on to double handed salmon rods from £550. The prices are exclusive of delivery costs.
To see more details, visit: www.simbarods.com

RENEE’S ROD REPAIRS.

How many of you realised that we have a rod repairer “Par Excellence” here in North Wales?
Up in the hills one day, on a windy morning, I saw a friend shut his car door – over the top of his future son-in-law’s rod. The young man in question took it extremely well, considering it had been made for him in another country! Help was at hand, in the form of Renee! The rod was successfully repaired and very quickly ready for action. This, of course, was to the delight of the owner! In addition to any repairs which you might need, Renee will also bring back to life any of your old rods which you may need restoring. I have a cane rod which she worked on some years ago but, I cannot tell where the work was carried out! If you are not satisfied with all this then, naturally, she can build you your own rod, just as you would like it!
For more information visit www.reneesrodrepairs.com
Drop offs and collections can be made at the well-known fishing shop, Foxons, in St Asaph, albeit the rod repair business is Renee’s own business.

HAYNES FLY FISHING MANUAL.

For those of you who missed out on buying a copy of the first edition, the Haynes Fly Fishing Manual – for 2023 (stocking filler?) is available from the website www.flyfishing-and-flytying.co.uk

This is a Haynes Manual you can enjoy without having to get covered in oil and grease! More to the point it contains a wealth of information for anglers of all abilities. If you think you know it all – you do not! Well worth the money and the book I point new anglers to for their use. If you move without delay you may well obtain a copy signed by the editor of FF&FT Mark Bowler!

 

AND FINALLY

All that remains is for me to wish you well for Christmas and hope that you achieve all you set out to do in 2023.