19th April 2023 – Testside Lake
The day began on a windy and chilly note for our group of guests from HMAF of mixed ranks and regiments. They were quickly warmed up on arrival with T&C and bacon / sausage baps the H&S speech completed and paired with their mentors it was off to the waterside.
The usual trepidation was in the air for those who had never cast a fly before, but they were obviously keen to have at it and find out what the attraction was. After the usual bumbling start with lots of ribald remarks and humour the first fish was hooked and it was game on.
There was a definite “if he/ she can do it so can I” charge in the air and the conversations became a little more serious and the discussions and comments passed across the water as I moved around were great to hear.
Comments such as “are we using the right fly” etc suddenly turned a complete novice into a possible future angler. The concentration on the guests faces combined with the questions they asked assured me that not only were they listening to the mentors but were keen to learn.
A good number of fish were caught as nobody blanked and many had mastered how to cast and caught their own fish by mid-morning, so the mentors were obviously doing a splendid job. Lunch was served at 14hrs and the weigh in produced the winners of the engraved tankards and engraved Silver Cups with numerous impressive fish caught.
Biggest Bag of 4 fish (10lb10ozs) went to Maj Ant Atkinson-Wiles aided by his mentor Paul Saville and Biggest Fish a stunning Brownie of 7lb9ozs to Maj Mike Askey aided by his mentor Gerald Hunt. The trophies were kindly presented by AVM Smith a late but welcome addition to the group.
The Fishery manager, staff, mentors and caterer did their usual exceptional job of ensuring everyone had a good day. The smiles on the faces of the guests bore testament to that with applause and profuse thanks from the guests to all who gave their support.
Another memorable day for all who support FFF therefore mission accomplished so on to the next one in May at Avon Springs please watch this space.
BH Founder
P.S. Apologies that I didn’t get a group photo. Will try when you return.
The usual trepidation was in the air for those who had never cast a fly before, but they were obviously keen to have at it and find out what the attraction was. After the usual bumbling start with lots of ribald remarks and humour the first fish was hooked and it was game on.
There was a definite “if he/ she can do it so can I” charge in the air and the conversations became a little more serious and the discussions and comments passed across the water as I moved around were great to hear.
Comments such as “are we using the right fly” etc suddenly turned a complete novice into a possible future angler. The concentration on the guests faces combined with the questions they asked assured me that not only were they listening to the mentors but were keen to learn.
A good number of fish were caught as nobody blanked and many had mastered how to cast and caught their own fish by mid-morning, so the mentors were obviously doing a splendid job. Lunch was served at 14hrs and the weigh in produced the winners of the engraved tankards and engraved Silver Cups with numerous impressive fish caught.
Biggest Bag of 4 fish (10lb10ozs) went to Maj Ant Atkinson-Wiles aided by his mentor Paul Saville and Biggest Fish a stunning Brownie of 7lb9ozs to Maj Mike Askey aided by his mentor Gerald Hunt. The trophies were kindly presented by AVM Smith a late but welcome addition to the group.
The Fishery manager, staff, mentors and caterer did their usual exceptional job of ensuring everyone had a good day. The smiles on the faces of the guests bore testament to that with applause and profuse thanks from the guests to all who gave their support.
Another memorable day for all who support FFF therefore mission accomplished so on to the next one in May at Avon Springs please watch this space.
BH Founder
P.S. Apologies that I didn’t get a group photo. Will try when you return.
