Tackle advice
Tackle to bring
Salmon fishing
Rods: 14ft-15ft fly rods rated 9/10 and 10/11 respectively will find general use on the larger rivers throughout the season, but smaller rods are used in the summer months for grilse and sea trout fishing and on the many smaller rivers. Soinning rods should be between 9 ad 10 feet long capable of casting lures from 10 - 30g in weight
Reels: A large arbour reel suitable for the line weight of the fly rod spooled with sufficient backing (150 - 200 metres). Spinning reels capable of spooling up to 250 metres of 17lb breaking strain nylon or alternatively spooled with braid.
Lines: Fly lines should match the line weighting of the rod. Shooting heads have become very popular over the past few years and are essentially the front end of a normal line coupled with a much thinner running line which is attached to the backing. Also popular are full spey lines with multiple density tips.
Flies: This really is one for the individual beats to advise on. Bring a selection of flies, small ones for smaller rivers, warmer temperatures and lower water conditions, larger ones & heavier tube flies for the opposite conditions.
Lures: A selection in different colours and weights of any of Devon minnows floating and sinking, Toby type lures, Blair spoons, Flying 'C's and Rapalas should cover most situations.
Other: Breathable waders. A fully automatic lifejacket is a necessity when either fishing from a boat or wading in a river. Many beats now provide lifejackets and you will be strongly recommended to use them. Some form of eye protection is also recommended, whether in the shape of polarised sunglasses or clear safety glasses to protect your eyes whilst fly fishing. A strong, sturdy wading stick is also an essential item on an angler's 'must have' list. Make sure the end is weighted and has a rubber stopper to minimise noise and vibration as you wade down through a pool. A large landing net suitable for the size of fish likely to be caught.
Trout fishing
Rods: 9ft-10ft fly rods rated 5 - 8wt will find general use on rivers and still waters alike, smaller lighter rods are often used on very small streams.
Reels: A large arbour reel suitable for the line weight of the fly rod spooled with sufficient backing (50 - 100 metres).
Lines: Fly lines should match the line weighting of the rod. Three lines should cover all eventualities - floating, intermediate and full sinking.
Flies: This really is one for the individual fisheries to advise on. A selection of wet and dry flies for river fishing and a selection of buzzers, nymphs and attracter lures for still water fishing.
Other: A fully automatic lifejacket is a necessity when either fishing from a boat or wading in a river. Some form of eye protection is also recommended, whether in the shape of polarised sunglasses or clear safety glasses to protect your eyes whilst fly fishing. Fly fishing waistcoat, forceps to remove hooks and a hat are other must have items.
