Tackle advice
The tackle required depends on where you are fishing. For salmon fishing on the rivers in the South West, short double-handed rods are the most popular. Further up stytems, or when fishing tributaries, single-handed rods of 9ft to 10ft, rated 7-wt to 8-wt are the usual choice. Short-headed Spey lines or shooting heads help to cover the river, especially as space is often restricted due to high banks or vegetation behind. Sink-tip and intermediate lines are most commonly used, with medium or even fast-sinkers in powerful water or in spate conditions. With rivers at normal height, a floating line with a sinking polyleader should suffice.
For night sea trout fishing, a 9ft to 10ft rod rated 6-wt to 7-wt will suffice, erring on the shorter side when fishing tributaries such as the Lyd or Inny. As most fishing is done in shallow pool tails, floating lines are by far the most popular. It is, however, worthwhile carrying a sink-tip or intermediate to be used in deeper pools at times.
Flies to bring
Fly choice will depend on the time of year and river conditions. Due to rivers in the South West tendency to carry colour in the water, flies used are usually on the large size, particularly during high water conditions, or early in the season. Historically, one of the most popular fly patterns has been the Yellow Torrish, and any fly carrying yellow and black is often a sound choice.
For sea trout fishing, the local anglers will tell you to try "anything as long as it's big, black and hairy". The most popular pattern is Pilk's Black Bumble - a large, black, palmered fly with a front hackle of teal, tied on a size 4 or 6 single hook. Simple black and silver tubes are also popular, as are surface lures tied with clipped deer hair or foam. In late summer and during very low water, the sea trout can become finicky. At these times, smaller flies - size 10-14 - can make all the difference.
It is advisable to contact your beat for up-to-date information on what flies to bring on your trip.
