Cast of the Month - August 2016
- Bobby Irvine.
Bobby Irvine needs no introduction in the world of Shetland Fly Fishing. His reputation goes before him and he's pretty much a legend in his own lifetime. He's equally at home in fresh or salt water and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the lochs and voes of the Shetland Islands.
His record in bank competitions in the modern era is second to none Despite now being one of the "Elder Statesmen" of the competition scene Bobby continues to set the bar for others to aspire to. At the time of writing he has just wrapped up yet another Bank League title.
All great sportsmen do the simple things really well and Bobby is no exception. His one line of choice for most of the year would be a "Midge Tip" which allows him to fish his flies on the surface or slowly and a bit deeper if required.
As far as flies go it is again a case of "simple is effective." Most of the flies in Bobby's box would fall into the "traditional" category or variants based on traditional designs. Flies often go out of fashion with anglers but seldom go out of fashion with the trout!
All things being equal August will see the trout high in the water and looking up for a meal as the wind blows terrestrials onto the water. Also there will be a chance of a sea trout in many of our lochs with connecting burns to the sea. A run of sea trout will have the added effect of stirring up native brownies. Great sport can be had pulling surfacing disrupting patterns such as "muddlers" and "hedgehogs" through the water when takes can be savage.
Bobby always fishes a four fly cast. As he says, this always gives him "one more option."
- Bobby Irvine.
Bobby Irvine needs no introduction in the world of Shetland Fly Fishing. His reputation goes before him and he's pretty much a legend in his own lifetime. He's equally at home in fresh or salt water and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the lochs and voes of the Shetland Islands.
His record in bank competitions in the modern era is second to none Despite now being one of the "Elder Statesmen" of the competition scene Bobby continues to set the bar for others to aspire to. At the time of writing he has just wrapped up yet another Bank League title.
All great sportsmen do the simple things really well and Bobby is no exception. His one line of choice for most of the year would be a "Midge Tip" which allows him to fish his flies on the surface or slowly and a bit deeper if required.
As far as flies go it is again a case of "simple is effective." Most of the flies in Bobby's box would fall into the "traditional" category or variants based on traditional designs. Flies often go out of fashion with anglers but seldom go out of fashion with the trout!
All things being equal August will see the trout high in the water and looking up for a meal as the wind blows terrestrials onto the water. Also there will be a chance of a sea trout in many of our lochs with connecting burns to the sea. A run of sea trout will have the added effect of stirring up native brownies. Great sport can be had pulling surfacing disrupting patterns such as "muddlers" and "hedgehogs" through the water when takes can be savage.
Bobby always fishes a four fly cast. As he says, this always gives him "one more option."
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"Bibio Hedgehog."
Thread - Black Body - Black S.L.F. or similar with a patch of red before the last bunch of deer hair is tied in. Wing - Natural Roe deer hair tied "Hedgehog" style. Simple is effective. Great fly when terrestrials are on the go. Very good on Spiggie. |
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"Yellow Headed Clan Chief."
Thread - Black
Tail - Fluo. red floss over fluo yellow floss.
Body - Black S.L.F. or similar.
Body Hackle - Black & Claret cock wound together.
Rib - Oval silver.
Muddler Head - Deer Hair dyed red and yellow spun together.
Wing - Deer hair tippets left long over the back.
The "Clan Chief" is a proven killer in it's own right. This is a great variant. Particularly effective on hill lochs.
Thread - Black
Tail - Fluo. red floss over fluo yellow floss.
Body - Black S.L.F. or similar.
Body Hackle - Black & Claret cock wound together.
Rib - Oval silver.
Muddler Head - Deer Hair dyed red and yellow spun together.
Wing - Deer hair tippets left long over the back.
The "Clan Chief" is a proven killer in it's own right. This is a great variant. Particularly effective on hill lochs.
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"Liquorice Allsort."
Thread - Black Tail - Fluo yellow or lime floss. Body - Claret S.L.F. Body Hackle - Dyed claret & black cock wound together. Rib - Oval silver or silver wire. Head - Muddled deer hair dyed liquorice allsort blue and clipped to a ball shape. Descendent of the "Claret Bumble" and kept secret in Whalsay for years. Always a good bet in peaty waters. |
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"Gorgeous George."
Thread - Fire Orange Butt - Tying Thread Tail - Fluo. yellow yarn. Body - Orange S.L.F. or similar. Rib - Fine oval gold or wire. Body Hackle - Light olive cock. Legs - Dyed claret cock pheasant knotted. Head Hackle - Natural black hen. Cheeks - Jungle cock. Some flies just look inherently fishy. What self respecting trout couldn't resist this little beauty? |