The Sharp & Gentles Way.

I've recently been attending the Sharp & Gentles Flytying Club and thoroughly enjoy my visits there. Im already benefitting and learning from participating in the tying nights with others who share the same enthusiasm of keeping the traditions of Clydestyle fly patterns relevant and to the fore.

The Fly Tying Club was started in 1957 by Bert Sharp, author of " Let's fish the Clyde" and " Lets fish again", Bert ran his classes for many years, passing on his skills and patterns for his beloved Clydestyle Flies.

After his passing in 1983 his close friend and UCAPA colleague Bill Gentles took over the club, teaching numerious enthusiastic flytyers in the Lanarkshire area and beyond.

Since Bill's passing the club is now run by a committee, and has a healthy membership of enthusiastic fly-tyers and fly fishers.

In an age when modern innovations overshadow traditions,  the Sharp & Gentles Flytying Club is a place where the echoes of the past resonate with the aspirations of the future ensuring that the craft of Clydestyle flytying will endure.

The club meet every Thursday from 7.00pm to 9.00pm from September to Easter at the Whitehill Neighbourhood Centre in Hamilton.

This week we were tying the Blae & Ginger and after a few days of practice at the vice I Im really pleased with the progress Im making.

On this particular version Ive stayed pretty much true to the description in Bert's book.

Ive tied this with a size 14 Fulling Mill hook, yellow Uni 8/0 thread, two turns of gold tinsel, two turns of light ginger hen kacke and pairded slips of Snipe secondary covert feathers.

It's just a pity that next week will be the last week of the current session however I look forward to club reconvening again in September, it will be something to look forward to during the dark winter months.

In the meantime there is plenty of fishing to look forward to for the next eight or so months and of course a bit of flytying here and there too.

Fair Thee Well My Friend!

It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of longtime fishing friend Davie Graham who I oftened referred to on my blog  as the Hillend Veteran.

Davie left this earth for another place on the 15th of March, ironically the date of the start of the fishing season at Hillend.

Only last week Davie commented that he was sorry to hear that I had given up my membership at Hillend and said that i’d be missed. 

I told him I'd pop into the clubhouse to see him for a coffee and have a catch up with him now and again during the course of the fishing season.

Its such a shame we’ll never have that coffee.

Davie was a valuable, committed member of Airdrie & District Angling Club, He often manned the clubhouse and cafe, was a member of committee and the minute secretary. 

He knew the loch like the back of his hand and was a wealth of information on every aspect of flyfishing at Hillend. He often complimented me on my fly dressing which he was a dab hand at himself too.

We shared a boat on Hillend many a time. He was a fantastic fly caster and always happy to share his knowledge of the fly life at Hillend.

Davie was originally from Dalmellington in East Ayrshire and would ofter regale me with his stories and experiences of fishing the local lochs in that area  as well as his many fishing expetiences all over Scotland.

He had a family caravan based  at Bettyhill  in Sutherland and loved  his time there fishing with family and friends especially on the River Naver.

It was Davie who encouraged me to try the salmon fishing up there and gave me all the advice I required which I was pleased to see come to fruition when I caught my first ever salmon on the Naver a number of years ago.

In his later days Davie was given honorary membership of Airdrie and District Angling Club and I know he was looking forward to the season ahead. Its so sad he never got to see it.

Fair thee well my friend, Fair thee well! You will be sorely missed!

 

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Heres' to better days ahead!

As the chill of winter fades and the days get longer and warmer, anglers everywhere are preparing for the start of the new trout fishing season. For me, this anticipation has been building for months, as I've been busy at the vice all winter and eagerly await he chance to wet my first line of the season.

Last week marked a significant milestone in my angling journey as I officially secured my membership with the Cobbinshaw Angling Association. After more than three decades as a member of the Airdrie and District Angling Club at Hillend, it was time for a change. The prospect of fishing at Cobbinshaw Reservoir in West Lothian fills me with excitement, and I can't wait to explore its waters from the comfort of a boat.

While the venue officially opened its doors on March 9th, my first outing won't be until the 18th so I couldn't resist attending the open day at GAC last weekend. It was a fantastic opportunity to mingle with fellow anglers and share in the collective excitement for the upcoming season.

One highlight of the day was chatting with the folks from Flyfishing and Flytying magazine and watching some impressive fly-tying demonstrations. Meeting Stephen Smalley, a talented Lancastrian fly-tyer with a passion for loch-style wets, was a particular treat. His skill and dedication were evident in the stunning fly boxes he had on display.

No trip to GAC is complete without a visit to the Cookshill fly-tying materials stall. Steve Cooper at Cookshill provided invaluable advice and helped me stock up with some of his impressive range of natural flytying materials 

With just three days left until the official opening day of the 2024 trout fishing season, excitement is reaching a fever pitch. I raise a glass to the promise of better days ahead on Cobbinshaw, the Clyde, and beyond. Here's to new adventures and unforgettable moments on the water.

Before I sign off, I'll leave you with a glimpse of the GAC open day, my new fishing venue, and some recent vicework. Get ready, fellow anglers – the season of trout fishing is almost upon us!

Regional Flytying

I have a great interest in the history and traditions of regional flytying and flyfishing. Therefore It was a great pleasure whilst at the recent BFFI 24 in Stafford to pick up a copy of JN Waton's very interesting book "The Forgotten flies of Roger Wooley" After reading this book it led me down a very interesting rabbit hole which has got me intrigued about rough water Devon style patterns. This in turn led me to a book from the 1800's about this regional style by HC Cutcliffe. However there is a more modern book available by Paul Gaskell telling the story of Cutcliffe and his flies. Included in this book is a collection of Cutcliffe fly patterns tied by Roger Wooley. It's a very important and authorative piece of flytying and flyfishing literary work. What I found most intriguing about these Devon flies is that although they have a fair bit in common with North Country Spiders the difference being is that although these are referenced as wet flies, they are tied with stiff cock hackles, which seems rather unusual. I must get a copy of this book. In the meantime please find below my interpretation of Cutcliffe's Exe- Fly which I presume is popular on Devon's River Exe. I'm really looking forward to finding out more about Cutcliffe's flies and getting my hands on Gaskell's book.

A journey to the heart of fly-tying: BFFI 2024

My much-anticipated pilgrimage to the British Fly Fair International in Stafford entailed a 500-mile roundtrip from Airdrie and an overnight stay at my brother's place in Penrith on Saturday 10th February. My brother George and I embarked on the journey further south early the next morning, arriving at the Staffordshire showground by mid-morning. The fair was a spectacle to behold, with trade stands offering a tempting array of fly-tying materials, tackle, books and many other flyfishing and fly-tying related items. Unable to resist the allure, I indulged in some essential additions to my materials and book collection. After browsing among the fly-tying eye candy, it was a great delight to make my way to the famous fly-tyres row, where I reunited with friends and fellow fly-tyers from across Britain and Europe. Amidst the bustling atmosphere, conversations flowed freely, fuelled by a shared passion for the art of fly-tying. Throughout the day, I had the opportunity to witness various master tyers in action, each demonstration offering a valuable insight and inspiration, reaffirming my love for the craft of fly-tying. It was fantastic to meet up with fellow former Hillender, Iain Drummond on Fly-tyers row who assisted at my angling club fly-tying nights, where I first learned the art of fly-tying many years ago. It was also a great pleasure to meet Peter McCallum and see his wondeful display of Clyde Flies and also meet up with Ed Ford who I met at the Scottish Game Fair last year. Two excellent Scottish fly-tyers. I really enjoyed watching Welsh Fly-tyer Sean Thomas at the “Fly-tying in Focus” theatre. This was the first time that Sean’s work had come to my attention and I was impressed with his style of tying and passion for winged wets. I later met Sean on fly-tyers row and had a very interesting chat about the tying and fishing of Loch style wets etc. However, the main highlight for me was meeting Donald Stewart and his team from the Sharps & Gentles Fly-tying Club who promote and continue to uphold the traditions of the unique Clyde Style Flies and fishing. It was an added pleasure to witness first-hand the display of Bert Sharp’s Clyde flies which feature in his famous and very much sought after book “Lets Fish the Clyde.” As the day drew to a close, I left the BFFI with a sense of fulfilment and renewed inspiration for fly-tying. Although my all-round journey had been long, the memories forged and the connections made were worth every mile travelled. Reflecting on the experience, I couldn't help but feel grateful for events like the British Fly Fair International, which celebrate the artistry and history of fly-tying.

Anticipating the New Trout Season

As January comes to a close, I can't help but feel the excitement building as the opening day of the trout season approaches. The anticipation is palpable, and I find myself eagerly awaiting news about my application to join a new fishing club for the upcoming season. In the meantime, my vice has been a busy companion, and I've meticulously crafted a box of small spiders and river flies. There's something satisfying about preparing for the season ahead, knowing that each tie holds the promise of a successful day on the water. My first fishing outing of 2024 took me to the Upper Clyde a couple of weeks ago in the pursuit of grayling. Although the Lady of the stream eluded me that day, the experience was invaluable. It felt great to be back on the river, reacquainting myself with its nuances and trying out my new fly line. After all, every day on the water, successful or not is something to be enjoyed. Looking forward, a trip to the BFFI at Stafford awaits me before the season kicks off. The prospect of meeting and chatting with fellow tyers, especially those I connected with at the Game Fair last year, adds another layer of excitement. Sharing stories, techniques, and tips with like-minded individuals is an integral part of the angling community's charm. As I eagerly await my Clyde permit, I'm left with the sweet anticipation of the adventures that lie ahead. Soon, I'll be back on the familiar waters of the Lochs and River I love, ready to immerse myself in the tranquility of nature and the thrill of the pursuit of trout. Before I go, heres a look of my recent vicework, a testament to the dedication and passion that fuels my love for fly fishing and fly tying. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds, and tight lines to all fellow anglers gearing up for what will hopefully be another memorable year on the water for all of us.

14 years of the Hillend Dabbler

Today marks the 14th anniversary of the Hillend Dabbler, a journey filled with angling memories  personal growth, and the joy of sharing my passion for fly fishing and flytying.

As I celebrate this milestone, it's only fitting to look back at the highlights of the fishing season.

Despite fishing less frequently at Hillend this year, a decision mentioned in previous reflections, the season brought its own set of remarkable experiences. The most notable among them was a weekend escapade to Caithness, a week immersed in the captivating landscapes of the Outer Hebrides, a day trip to Corrour, and several afternoons spent on the banks of the Upper Clyde. Each outing was a chapter in a larger narrative, contributing to another year of the Hillend Dabbler blog.

One standout moment was the privilege of participating in the Scottish Game Fair at Scone during the summer. 

Tying flies amidst some of the country's finest fly tyers was an honor, allowing me to share the vice and passion for the craft in a public setting. The experience was not only a delight but also a cherished memory, offering a glimpse into the camaraderie among fellow flytying enthusiasts. 

Amidst the bustling activity at the vice, another highlight was a visit to Megan Boyd's ruined house and fly-tying shed. The trip to Kintradwell, though tinged with expected sadness, provided a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the impermanence of cherished places. It was a reflective journey, honoring the legacy of a renowned figure in fly fishing. 

As the season unfolded, one couldn't help but feel a sense of closure as the decision to move on from Hillend loomed. The changing landscapes mirrored the transitions in my own angling pursuits, with a mixture of anticipation for new adventures and a touch of nostalgia for the familiar waters. I

In closing, I extend my thanks to those who take the time to read my Hillend Dabbler blog. The journey has been enriched by the memories created, the friendships forged, and the lessons learned along the way. 

As I share the latest fly pattern tied tonight, I raise a toast to many more years of the Hillend Dabbler, each promising new stories, experiences, and the enduring love for the art of fly fishing and flytying. Cheers!

A Highland Loch Style Wet

Ive been tying a loch style box for a Highlands and Islands box Ive been putting together. Here is an example of some of the patterns Ive been filling it with. Ive tied this pattern in various colurs and also with the incorporation of a cdc collar which will give the fly great movement when getting pulled back through the waves. However on this example Ive just used a soft lightolive hen hackle. I hope you like the video but please do excuse my rubbish patter. First video for a while and I hope to get some more publidhed in the near future!

Chuck N Duck Fly Tying Materials

Was surprised and delighted that Chuck N Duck Flytying Materials contacted me recently to join their team as a flytying ambassador.

I'm very pleased to highlight and promote their materials as I particularly like and  use their electric seal dubbing range.

They have got some lovely blends in their range  and are a great alternative to original seal fur dubbing.

I've recently tied a few patterns using the UV Claret and mayfly yellow electric seal dubbing and I'm delighted with the results. The dubbing range comes in the much sought after colours and blends for many Irish and Scottish Loch/Lough style patterns and I look forward to experimenting with some more of their blends.

See below a few  examples of patterns really enjoy tying and fishing using the blends.

Thanks to Chuck N Duck Fly Tying Materials for taking me on board

Reflections!

As the sun sets on the final day of the  trout season, I find myself reflecting on the experiences, joys, and changes that this fishing season has brought.
This season has been a mixed bag of adventures, from the tranquil landscapes of the Outer Hebrides and Caithness to my day trips in the rugged  Highlands and pleasurable  afternoons  on the River Clyde. However, when it came to my angling club's water at Hillend, a sense of disillusionment cast a shadow over my enthusiasm to fish there.
Hillend, just a ten-minute drive from home, has been my angling sanctuary for the past 30 years. I've had many memorable days and nights at Hillend with my friends and the many likeable club characters courtesy of my membership with the Airdrie and District Angling Club. This year, though, something felt different, something that made me question the direction the club is heading. The familiar excitement and eagerness to visit Hillend has waned with each passing month, and I might well have made my last ever cast on its water.
Considering giving up my membership is not a decision I take lightly. It's as if the season has marked the end of an era, signaling the need for a change in my angling journey. While change can be unsettling, it's an inevitable part of life. Just as seasons come and go, so do our interests and priorities. Perhaps it's time to explore, to join a new fishing club and  embrace fresh challenges and the experiences that lie ahead.
As I bid farewell to Hillend, I can't help but look forward to what the future holds. Winter, with its crisp air and cold waters, offers the perfect opportunity to seek out grayling along the upper Clyde. The prospect of pursuing this lady of the stream  fills me with anticipation, and I hope that the weather will be on my side.
Moreover, the upcoming fly-tying season promises to be a time of creativity and preparation. Tying flies is an art in itself, and as I sit at my fly-tying desk, I am reminded that angling is not just about catching fish but also about the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into every aspect of the sport.
In the weeks and months ahead, there is much to look forward to. The changing seasons bring new opportunities, and the optimism of what lies ahead is a source of inspiration. Though it's difficult to bid farewell to Hillend, I know that the journey of an angler is one filled with twists and turns, and the next chapter promises to be just as exciting, if not more so, than the last.

It was so much more than fishing

Fishing in the remote wilderness of the Scottish Highlands is a privilege to experience. The stunning scenery that surrounds you as you cast your line into the  waters of the highland lochans and Lochs is truly awe-inspiring. It's a place where the natural world takes center stage, and the act of fishing becomes much more than just catching trout; it becomes a profound connection with nature.
On a recent fishing trip with my friends to a  remote part of the Scottish highlands, we were treated to a glorious day . We wandered out to a few lochans and a Loch, armed with a variety of flies such as sparse spider patterns, leggy kates, Ordies, and various other wets. While we did manage to catch numerous trout, the size of the fish was modest. I did however lose  a sizable trout, possibly around a pound in weight, right at my feet. My companion, on the other hand, had better luck on the same small lochan and fooled a very dark, peaty loch trout weighing in at about a pound. These moments of success were sweet but were just a small part of the overall experience.
What truly made the day remarkable was the environment that enveloped us. As I sat down to eat my lunch by the lochan , I couldn't help but reflect on the first time I visited this area with my late friend, Willie Hamilton. On that occasion, our goal was Munro bagging, and we were tackling the long  slopes of Ben Na Lap. While the grandeur of peaks like Ben Nevis and the arête connecting Carn Mor Dearg was hard to ignore, it was the unassuming Ben Na Lap that captured my attention.
This seemingly ordinary hill triggered a flood of cherished memories of the countless days Willie and I spent hillwalking all over Scotland. It was a reminder of the deep camaraderie that existed between us and the shared love for the great outdoors. Fishing in this remote wilderness wasn't just about catching trout; it was about connecting with nature in a way that brought back the essence of those earlier adventures with Willie.
In the midst of the wild, surrounded by stunning vistas and tranquil waters, fishing becomes a conduit to a deeper appreciation of the world around us. It's a reminder of the importance of preserving such pristine environments and cherishing the memories created in them. So, while some anglers may  measure their fishing trips in the size of their catch, the true value lies in the experiences, connections, and reflections that the remote Scottish Highlands offer. It's a privilege that reminds us of the richness of life beyond the fish we seek to catch.

please re-visit my blog  later as I will have more pics to share from this recent stravaig.