28th June
Making the most of the water levels I ventured out on the river again. I blanked but it didn’t really matter, I took my time and enjoyed the area I fished.

21 July
Almost another month of the season wiped out thanks to the rain. I cannot recall a wetter summer.

Today was a special day.

On a Saturday morning with the sun shining and the river back to normal I took my sons Oscar (two and a half) and Adam (one and a bit) for their first outing on the river. It was really just a walk with the Ayu tucked away in my waders in case the opportunity presented itself. We got to a spot I thought might be interesting to them. A shallow incline and lots of stones to throw in the water and some sand to build sand castles (we took a bucket and spades). They were very excited about the sand and throwing sticks and stones in the river.





After about an hour, when every fish had probably decided it was time to emigrate, Oscar showed an interest in the rod and he fished for about 2 minutes. He did what I asked and held the rod confidently, with smooth movement, and sweeped the area with a weighted nymph. I was pretty impressed!







We spent about 2 hours there, most of which was throwing stones and sticks in the water and me doing me best to ensure nobody fell in. Unfortunately Adam did fall in head first whilst I was videoing them both. It was a panic at the time, but hilarious on video, I am hope he will enjoy watching it in time!

4 March 2013
Wow - 6 months since I last fished the river. I went out once in August – date forgotten - and not once since. Since then we had two big floods and just before Christmas I bought an Iwana 11 foot rod in a TenkaraUSA sale together with a traditional line. Also got a replacement line for my 13 foot Ayu which after 3 years of regular fishing had given amazing value for money.

Needless to say it was the Iwana that I took to the river for its first outing.

I fished the woods.





The Iwana felt very different by contrast to the longer and stockier Ayu. I was casting as if it were a delicate wand and it took a while to get used to it. I was looking forward to my first fish and how the rod would feel. The river bed was very different, many new holes and in many parts the river bed scraped down to the bedrock. I fished wet but connected with nothing. But it was a joy to get out again.

Conor
I have been following your trout and grayling exploits and I must say you are doing well,especially being able to nip out for fish at lunchtime,I have been trying to decide which rod to buy but it sounds like the Ayu may suit me here in Australia

Adrian

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