July 3rd 2025 @ Meon Springs
The weather gods were kind to us as the temperature during several days leading up to the event was scorching but dropped on the day to a more reasonable and comfortable 22/3 with a nice breeze. Our guests were a nice mix of ladies and gents who were keen to get to the waterside after the scoff of Bacon rolls and coffee upon arrival. Numerous trout were spotted and consistent fly changes and techniques by the mentors had to be made before a take bent a rod.
Once the usual H&S lectures were completed, they were paired with their mentors, and it was not long before fish appeared at the weigh in desk accompanied by huge smiles and lots of questions of how best to cook it. When I replied that it was their lunch and cookery classes were on the agenda the look of amazement was priceless until they realized it was a “Gotcha” and I had to duck a couple of times whilst trying to weigh their fish.
I say modestly that the day was a success as many guests had limit bags of four fish and the banter and smiles from them all throughout the day spoke volumes to me of how the mentors and guests had bonded. Several of the guests were competent casters by the time we broke for lunch and numerous questions were asked by the guests regarding venues and tackle so I am quietly confident we will see a few of them at the waterside in the future.
Biggest Fish of 3lbs went to Sarah Leadbitter. Mentor Tim Mundy.
Biggest Bag of 8lbs 15ozs went to Geordie Fernandez. Mentor Glyn Pirie.
Smallest fish of 2lbs 6ozs went to Andy White. Mentor Geoff Brooks.
A special mention of a superb gift from Geoff Brooks a mentor and the President of St Michael Fly Fishers, a framed drawing for the Mess at Battle Back. It was presented by myself (Geoff regrettably had to leave early) to Daz Crowle (Group leader) and it drew a rapturous round of applause from all. See Pics.
I was also privileged to receive a superb gift (a Desk Tidy) hand made by Geoff for my desk and the picture describes it best and I will certainly treasure it. See Pics.
Again, a vociferous vote of thanks from Daz and the guests for the mentors who accepted it modestly.
Our thanks to the Fishery team who were very supportive and the lunch as usual was excellent.
Our thanks also to Steve Edge Design who generously sponsored this event.
Pictures by Mike Edwards
Bumbling by Bill Howell (Founder)
Once the usual H&S lectures were completed, they were paired with their mentors, and it was not long before fish appeared at the weigh in desk accompanied by huge smiles and lots of questions of how best to cook it. When I replied that it was their lunch and cookery classes were on the agenda the look of amazement was priceless until they realized it was a “Gotcha” and I had to duck a couple of times whilst trying to weigh their fish.
I say modestly that the day was a success as many guests had limit bags of four fish and the banter and smiles from them all throughout the day spoke volumes to me of how the mentors and guests had bonded. Several of the guests were competent casters by the time we broke for lunch and numerous questions were asked by the guests regarding venues and tackle so I am quietly confident we will see a few of them at the waterside in the future.
Biggest Fish of 3lbs went to Sarah Leadbitter. Mentor Tim Mundy.
Biggest Bag of 8lbs 15ozs went to Geordie Fernandez. Mentor Glyn Pirie.
Smallest fish of 2lbs 6ozs went to Andy White. Mentor Geoff Brooks.
A special mention of a superb gift from Geoff Brooks a mentor and the President of St Michael Fly Fishers, a framed drawing for the Mess at Battle Back. It was presented by myself (Geoff regrettably had to leave early) to Daz Crowle (Group leader) and it drew a rapturous round of applause from all. See Pics.
I was also privileged to receive a superb gift (a Desk Tidy) hand made by Geoff for my desk and the picture describes it best and I will certainly treasure it. See Pics.
Again, a vociferous vote of thanks from Daz and the guests for the mentors who accepted it modestly.
Our thanks to the Fishery team who were very supportive and the lunch as usual was excellent.
Our thanks also to Steve Edge Design who generously sponsored this event.
Pictures by Mike Edwards
Bumbling by Bill Howell (Founder)
