Some fresh fish about on the Bandon

Great news shortly after the opening day of the season with word of a fresh fish caught at the weir in Bandon on the fly weighing around 6lbs. This gives everyone a boost in confidence knowing that a couple are running. The cold easterly winds all week didn't help fishing at all, they're the worst winds you could have. All  I managed was an old sea trout not far off 3lb on a red and silver flying c and another kelt around 9lb. This fish was in even better condition than the one pictured in the last post and gave me a fright with the initial 30 yard run! The fish even had a little bit of bulk about him, obviously another very late runner. Checked the gills to be sure. Although I didn't contact any fresh fish I saw 2 in the one spot which left me in no doubt that they were of the 2013 variety. Deep, very broad fish along the backs, the biggest was hovering around the 10-12lb mark, which is brilliant to see. The easterlies are supposed to lose power and shift altogether in a different direction from Tuesday/ Wednesday on which will be very welcome.

Above is a Dee Sheep and a Willie Gunn tied on 15mm brass propeller tubes with a clear soft sonicdisc fitted at the head. These are to be used in conjunction with the swing tubes. This is the first time I tried tying a plamered body, really like the look it gives. Testing these in the water today the sonicdisc realy does help the flies movement, even with a brass body. Must tie some up with plastic bodies also which will boost the movement even more. With news of a few fish coming off the Blackwater this week and some mild weather coming in next week, these lads will be the first out of the box.