In a recent discussion with Alan Hobson who guides from Somerset East on some of the exceptional trout dams in the area as well as at Sterkfontein Dam near Harrismith, he told me that some of his guests have only one way of fishing – double haul your fly as…

Notes from my diary Last week we fished a local stream a short step ahead of a cold front. The wind was upstream, cold and gusty, the water temperature just 10 degrees and trout were scarce. But the upstream wind brought to mind a piece I'd just read by Oliver…

You might ask why I write about Oliver Kite's dry flies in this modern era of super-specialised patterns that have evolved on the back of an almost bewildering abundance of advanced fly pattern designs. Today's dry fly trends lean to parachute, emerger, CDC and ultra-micro patterns and the addition of…

Regarding the post below for used tackle please use the address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to contact the seller. Tom Sutcliffe

A very collectable and fine assortment of good condition fly tackle is offered for sale as the owner is no longer able to fish. He has indicated that the tackle is in excellent condition and would prefer to sell all as a single lot, but this is negotiable with the…

The trout were difficult on an outing last week despite a clear day and good flows, but after recent rains and a dusting of snow on some nearby mountains the water was a cool 12 degrees. And we had to contend with a really tricky upstream breeze that teased the tippet…