Sunday 18th March -Cygnets 1st Fishing Session 2012

(Sorry Cygnets for the delay in this weeks blog - technical problems)

Today was the first fishing session of Cygnets for 2012. The Cygnets were all eager to get fishing. The Cygnets session commenced as normal with fly tying with Cygnets fly tying instructor Jimmy Miller. 

Today the Cygnets were shown and tied a "Prince Nymph" this fly is reputed to take "big" trout.

There were 7 new Cygnets today. They commenced on the grass with Casting Instructor Tam Anderson, GAIA Professional Casting Instructor. The new Cygnets were shown the elements of over head casting and were given instruction on how to cast a fly rod.

The other Cygnets commenced fishing on both the Mill Pond and Meadow Ponds.  It was not long before Abbi Hutton, showed the other Cygnets how to catch a fish!!!!.  Abbi is a superb fly angler and was the top Cygnet on Sunday. She showed her superb skills with a fly rod. Catching 5 fish all on the Okey Dokey.  Well Done Abbi....  She is definitely a potential future member of  Scotland's National Youth and womens' Teams.

The weather was bright and sunny and really warm.  there was a few fish showing on the surface. On one of the ponds action was slow with no fish being caught. 

After the new Cygnets having some tuition on the grass. The new Cygnets were then taken onto the water, where they learnt to cast on the water with wool. They then were given a fly and tried to catch their first Cygnet Trout.

Fishing seemed to go quiet with no fish wanting to take any of the flies.  Another of the successful anglers was Jordan who caught a lovely Rainbow trout.

Successful Cygnets today were: -

                            Abbi -  5 fish (2 retained 3 returned)

                            Jordan -  1 fish



Good luck to the Cygnets -Abbi, Robert, William and Cameron who are taking part in the Trout Masters fishing competition this coming Saturday on the main Swanswater Pond.  These Cygnets all caught fish over 4lbs last season on Swanswater Fishery. The winner of the Swanswater heat has the opportunity to fish the Junior Trout Masters Final at Stoney Bridge Fishery. It was be truly wonderful to see one of out Cygnets crowned Trout Masters Junior Champion.

See you all at the next Cygnets session on Sunday 1st April. 

Remember Cygnets to bring your glasses, hats, flies and leader material along with your rods, lines and reels.

Cygnets Fishing opens this Sunday 18th March 2012

We all are all looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday 18th March 2012 for the Opening of the 2012 Cygnets fishing Season. Fly Tying commences at 09:30am with fishing thereafter.

Remember to bring with you:- 

(Apart from Rod, reel & Line, leader material flies and net)

Hat/baseball cap

Glasses (i.e Sunglasses for eye protection)

Warm clothing including waterproof jacket, gloves

Wellington boots or sturdy footwear

The weather can be unpredictable, it might be sunny but it can rain or turn very cold quickly.  If the wind strengthens this will make what looks a warm day into a very cold day. It is very easy to remove a layer (take a jumper off) if you become too warm. Wear plenty of layers as this is the best way to keep you warm.

Helpful Hint - Simple Knot to Learn "The Half Blood Knot"

Cygnets here is a simple knot you can use when attaching your leader to the braided loop on the main fly line and for tying your fly on to the leader.

Here is the step by step instructions on how to tie the knot

The Half Blood Knot

THREAD THE LINE THROUGH THE EYE

WRAP THE LOOSE END (TAG) AROUND THE LINE 6 TIMES

PASS THE LOOSE END (TAG) THROUGH THE LOOP CLOSEST TO THE EYE.

WET THE LINE WRAPS WITH SALIVA FROM YOUR MOUTH, USE YOUR FINGERS TO WET THE LINE, PULL BOTH THE TAG END AND THE LINE AND PULL TIGHT. TRIM THE TAG END CLOSE TO THE KNOT

THE HALF BLOOD KNOT

Cygnets have a go at home tying this knot, if you are having any problems ask one of the waterside assistants to help you. We will be doing a session on tying the various knots that can be used when fishing. This is a simple knot to get started with.

 If there is anything you would like to discuss or ask just speak to your Junior Committee Representatives Morgan or Robert.

Tight lines for 2012

Cygnets Pre Season Meeting Sunday 11th March 2011

Cygnets Junior Angling Club held their pre-season annual meeting. There were 10 Cygnets along with parents and guardians who attended the meeting.  The forthcoming fishing season was discussed with the Cygnets and parents.

The first day of the Cygnets fishing season 2012 commences Sunday 18th March 2012.  Fly tying commences at 09:30am with fishing commencing thereafter.

The fly tying shield was awarded, by Jimmy Miller for the "most progressive fly tier", to  Abbi Hutton.

Following the Cygnets meeting, some of the Cygnets went along to Active Angling Open day.  There was demonstrations being done by some of the top names in fishing.

The Cygnets who went along to active Angling met Hywell Morgan. He has agreed to come along to a Cygnets session to offer some fly casting instruction and advice later this year.

Morgan, Abbi & Robert with Hywell Morgan