Angling with the Fly: Flies and Anglers of Derbyshire and Staffordshire, “charts the history and develpment of flyfishing in Derbyshire and Staffordshire. [The author's] detailed research brings together the lives and backgrounds of many noted Derbyshire and Staffordshire fly-fishers for the first time in this comprehensive, but highly readable work; he discusses the evolution and features of local patterns, winging patterns and the notes and fly-dressings of noted angler-authors from the 18th and 19th centuries [as well as] anglers of influence up to the present day”. Very well-illustrated with plates of flies from Aldam, Foster, Roger Woolley and other early writers and fly-tyers and with many two-page spreads of the flies of more recent Derbyshire flyfishers.  Many of the traditional flies were tied by Tim Thorpe and photographed by Terry Griffiths. A first-class and authoritative production of great value to the angling historian and also to the Derbyshire fly-fisher and -tyer of today.

Available through our online shop. £35.00

There are a whole host of fly rods designed specifically for the predator market these days.  We have tried rods in all price brackets and the one that stands out the most for us is the Hardy Zane  nine foot, ten weight.  Ok, this might not be the cheapest rod on the market, and to be honest at £449.00 it is positively expensive, however in this case you do get what you pay for.  The rod is primarily aimed at the saltware market with saltwater resistant guides and a unique hard-anodised reel seat.  The blank is finished in deep blue with carved aluminium stoppers.

We put this rod to the test on Grafham and Rutland where we caught Zander close to double figures and Pike upto twenty pound.

The rods have a serious amount of backbone, and when you pick one up for the first time it you’re left wondering whether it’s too stiff and will be uncompromising whne playing fish.  But make no mistake, this rod will handle big flies and big fish with comparative ease.

The rod will hopefully get an even better workout later this year when we plan to fish for big Muskies in northern Wisconsin.