Saltwater Fly Extravaganza

In collaboration with Tim Gaunt-Baker of the Salmon and Trout Association and Hardy Grey’s Academy, Casting for Gold is really delighted to announce a three day fish-in on the Norfolk Coast coming up in three week’s time. This should be a stirring insight into the fast-developing sport of saltwater fly fishing. We aim it to be both inspirational and informational. Great accommodation Super food. Boats laid on. Expert local knowledge. Casting instruction. Advice on kit and flies. Safety. Reading the tides. Just about everything the aspiring saltwater fly fishermen need to know in thirty-six or so action packed hours.

29th June. On Sunday night we will all gather at a charming North Norfolk Hotel in Cley-next-the-Sea. We will chat. We’ll talk about gear. We’ll have dinner. We’ll talk about the prospects. All our tackle will then be gathered up by our boatman and stowed safely away ready for an early start on Monday morning.

30th June. We aim to be down at the creek, on the boat between 6.30 and 6.45 a.m. in order to catch the tide. We’ll be moving out to a distant sand bank where we will split into groups. One group will fish. One group will be instructed. At lunchtime we alternate the groups. Picnics will be provided. We’ll take barbecue gear to cook any fish that we might catch and wish to devour in one of the most wonderful landscapes imaginable.

This will be your chance to learn all about saltwater fly fishing actually out there where it happens. Casting in the surf. Casting into a brisk onshore breeze. Reading the water. Looking for signs of fish. What fly to use and when. All the questions that you’re dying to have answered.

Target species will include sea bass, mullet, mackerel and perhaps even sea trout.

Between 3.00 and 4.00 p.m. (everything is dependent on the wind and the tides) we will head back to the mainland. We might fish in creeks as we go. Some of us will head back to the hotel for tea. Others might wish to investigate creeks or local freshwater rivers.

Dinner will take place between 7.30 and 8.00 p.m. Afterwards there will be a PowerPoint demonstration for those wishing to learn more. It’s not obligatory! We can guarantee the bar won’t run out of stocks!

1st July. Phew! A slightly earlier start because the tide is later. We’ll be flexible today. We might head off out to the far sand spits or we might fish different creeks and bays. Today, we might well have instruction on fishing from canoes – a really exciting development on coastal waters like this. How to do it and how to remain safe will be the key elements. Once again, we will probably divide into two groups and all your questions will be answered. Or simply relax and fish; enjoy this wonderful landscape with its endless fishing possibilities. Lunch will be provided and the party will gradually disperse through the afternoon.

GEAR NEEDED

We suggest eight to nine weight fly gear, ideally saltwater friendly. The Hardy Zane kit we thoroughly recommend. The Greys Platinum XD Salt is also fantastic. You will probably have your own makes. Floating and intermediate lines are all that are necessary…and floating might very well do the job alone. Bring a selection of saltwater flies, though Tim might well be able to sell you the best ones on the day.

We also recommend that you bring spinning gear – strong enough to handle casting Mepps Nos. 3 – 6, Flying Cs and even Shadrap plugs. Fifteen pound breaking strain line or thirty pound breaking strain braid will probably be required.

We also suggest you bring breathable chest waders. Wading is going to be absolutely essential and unless the temperatures go tropical, there will be little chance of getting away with it in shorts and sandals1 Polaroid glasses are, obviously, essential. Binoculars will be useful if only to look at the varied birdlife and the seals.

THE EXPERIENCE

We want to stress that this is instructional. We will be telling you how to fish these coastal waters. We’re not guaranteeing fish though there will certainly be plenty of fish around. You’ve got to understand that fish that inhabit the tides are not like stocked rainbows in a pool. They come and go. One day is quite different to the next. These are shifting angling challenges but, of course, we’ll do our best to put you onto fish.

And, of course, everything is very weather dependent. If we get noticeable onshore winds for three or four days before the event we will have to move our instruction away from the foreshore. There’ll still be lots to do, lots to see and fish to catch. Adaptability is an essential part of the game when it comes to the saltwater scene. Simply, the sea is our master and we have to adapt to its moods.

For further advice: Phone Pauline on – 01263 860922 for all information on accommodation, timings, cost etc. Phone Tim Gaunt Baker on……for further information on tackle needed, clothing and fishing related questions. Alternatively phone John Bailey on 01263 740002 for more information on the area we will be fishing. We are looking forward to speaking to you.

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