Panic - Spey in 5 Weeks Time!

[jt]

Hi,

Hope some of the regulars might see this and take pity on a rookie...

I'm now heading up to Grantown in 5 weeks (boy do I need to dust off my rudimentary casting!)

I do have a couple of queries though...

I have a 15' Oracle IV with a Shakespeare DT 10/11 floater and wonder if I should purchase an Ian Gordon 65' spey floater and sink tips or an IG intermediate and stick with the DT floater used with sinking tips.

What would be the essential flies/sizes to have as I only have a few weeks to make up a selection?

Thanks,

Jon

10-4

[sagefly]

Assuming that you are British, never panic.

PM if you are in London and I will get you casting at very least.

[rennie]

Wotcha jt,go for the Gordon floater and a set of Airflo Polytips in 10ft.With that set up you will be prepared for owt except a big flood(spinning rod then).As far as flies go,barbless doubles are needed try cascade,allies,munro,silver stoat 6s down to 10s and a few tubes 1" to 1 1/2 and a couple of collie dog jobbies.
First off head for Clach na Strone opposite the casting platform its not an easy wade and as such gets left alone,first run through fish sink tip +size 6 normally then next big collie chucked square and pulled through as fast as you can concentrate on the big boil at the top of the platform.
If the river is up try the same pool opposite bank and fish the water at the back of the platform but don't wade.
First light chuck try Little Stream look for an offer between the two stones.Give the big V up by the Cemetery a good going over too thats a good chuck and the poolabove the new bridge fishes in a bit of water but gets busy.If the whole beat is busy take the time to seek out the quiet bits and don't do as every one else does if fish arnt being caught try something different. Pedro.

[macd]

jon,

the oracle is a nice summer rod, but may struggle if you start using anything but a floater.

I would stick with the DT and try a line from the line pool to coincide with your trip. Then you can make an informed choice without coughing up for something tha might not suit.

Flies, the spey boys will keep you right, but you wont go wrong with nessc, cascades, silver stoats and munro's killers in a good range of sizes 6-12. not much else is required....probably

atb
R

[jt]

Thanks guys...

Sagefly - a thousand thanks - alas I'm in Bristol, appreciate the gesture though.

Rennie - thanks for mentioning barbless doubles... and tubes.

Do you mean aluminium, brass, copper (I doubt plastic) and what size barbless doubles would you recommend?

Bottle or 3in?

MadD

and try a line from the line pool to coincide with your trip

- Great suggestion - I'll pm springer, thanks and thanks too for the fly recommendations.

Jon

[jt]

Thanks Graham!

[acw]

sagefly said:

Assuming that you are British, never panic.

PM if you are in London and I will get you casting at very least.

Jon I may well do a day on the Welsh Wye Easter weekend ,Greg(sagefly ) might tag along ,we could give you some casting guidance .

[jt]

Hi Andy,

Oddly enough I may be in Guildford that w/e - but will let you know if it's feasible as that sounds great!

Jon

[rennie]

Size 6 and 8 salar tube doubles jt give the barbs a good squeeze down with pliers first, aluminum tubes will be fine but a few lightweight brass wont go amiss either,bottle tubes will be ok if you like them.If you cant get a pull through your week/days try into the dark right in the tail of Clach Na Strone right bank with a 1 1/2" to 2" silver stoats tail fish it quite fast thats a good spot for a big Sea Trout.If there are any fish running go to the "Green Bank" below the casting platform on the right bank in the tail of The Lurig any fish running pass through the channel right in front of you so you don't need a big chuck to cover them.
Slop Thomas is worth it too if you like adventure and a bit of a wade,where you start at the gap in the trees the fish lie level with the upper trees so you need to force your way in above and fish down to them or cast square with a fast presentation.If the river is up it will be impossible to fish much past the gap or hairy at best but if you can get down through the pool its worth it coz most folk don't go past the gap unless its low water.
Being honest this water doesn't fish as well as it used to but its a great place to be the thing is to work hard and keep at it,eyes and ears open etc. Good luck and tight lines, Pedro.

[dro1d]

Can only sympathise - I'm going on Monday for 3 days, I have the same rod as you, I am with a very experienced party, who will no doubt help me out, but wow - so much to take in!