One of the greatest thrills for me in fishing for trout is that electrifying moment when a fish is spotted, especially if it is a large one, and still unaware of my presence. Few sights can reduce me to a shaking jelly so quickly.

Despite the excitement generated by the sighting of a veritable monster slurping large terrestrials off the surface or weaving from side to side in a fast run as it intercepts nymphs, the fisherman must let the initial excitement and nervousness subside before attempting to enter the fray. A sudden hasty movement or heavy footfall could make all the difference between a successful day and a totally blank one.

Once a fish is spotted, move quickly but with stealth. Excessive procrastination is not wise as trout are contrary creatures and could cease feeding quite without warning. If the fish is feeding actively, go to it. be warned though - few of nature’s creatures are as well endowed with survival equipment as rainbow and brown trout.

An exerpt from “Stalking Trout” by Les Hill and Graeme Marshall. Halcyon 1985.

 

‘Images of Silver’ creates in my mind pictures of clarity, vividness and sparkle; pictures of luxuriance, vitality and purity; things to be desired, treasured, valued to the utmost.

In angling terms it portrays crystal-clear waters, deep green pools and sparkling ripples with margins of flourishing forests or grasslands, crimson-flanked rainbows and fat, speckled browns; places where the only sounds are the dawn chorus, the rustle of a breeze in the trees or insects voicing their presence in the heat of the day. The angling too has shimmering qualities - thrashing fish, dripping lines, smiling faces and the honesty of solitude. They still exist, those sparkling places.

Exerpt from “Images Of Silver” by Les Hill and Graeme Marshall. Halcyon 1993.