The Fly Section has a busy year planned for 2022, here is a run down of what they are getting up to from the Fly Secretary Phil Bailey…………..
New website and catch returns
I trust you are starting to navigate your way around the new web-site? This is a major change for the Association, designed to provide simple, interactive communication between the Association and it’s members. The inclusion of Catch Returns on all of the Associations Game Fisheries is a major step by the fly section, ably led by Prof. Jon Grey who will monitor and co-ordinate results. Watch for information, now and again, from Jon as we continue to better understand our waters.
Please complete the online catch return – you know it makes sense.
Gathering round at last year’s beginners day
Open day and grayling day
This year we have bought forward the Open Day to Sunday 8th May. More will be coming out during April on the format and demonstrations. In the meantime, lock the date into your diary and you are welcome to bring friends along to the event. It is not restricted to BCAA members.
We have also scheduled the Annual Grayling day to Sunday 6th November. This is a great way to meet other members and enjoy a social event. We will remind you later in the year.
Beginners fly fishing course
2022 is a big year for the fly section. As well as undertaking our usual working parties and events, on which we will keep you updated, we have also decided to include some special days for members. We wanted to build on last year’s success of the Nymphing Masterclass and BeginnersDay, I am sure you would have seen the recent notice of the Fly Fishing Rivers Course that the fly section are conducting for novice members over April and May. In all, participants will receive over 12 hours of assistance and instruction. There are still a few spare spaces so if you are interested please contact me.
Improvers fly fishing days
We also intend to conduct single day learning events for members to brush up on technique. The Association is fortunate to have some very experienced members who have agreed to help run these days. While subject to alteration (you know what the weather and river conditions can do to planned events), the dates are:
Wet Fly Fishing – Sunday 3rd July
Streamer Fishing – Sunday 7th August
Nymphing – Sunday 11th September
Pike Fishing – Sunday 9th October.
We may also add a day to learn how to Trot.
Socially distanced tuition from Paul Gaskill and John Pearson at last years Nymphing masterclass
Changes at BCAA and new committee members needed
The Association, as a whole, is going through some change at the moment. Alan Robinson has stood down as Chairman to be replaced by Terry Duncalf. Various other Committee members have also given notice that they would like to take a breather at the end of the year. While being involved on committees can seem to be onerous, the committee has taken steps to lighten the workload (the website update is a major part of this) and now conducts meetings on-line via Zoom. BCAA has been going for over 150 years and it would be a pity to see it decline. So if you are interested and able to offer a few hours each month to give something back to the Association please contact our general secretary Mike Briggs
We are nearly at the end of the Grayling season and the Trout season kicks off in a coupe of weeks. All the very best, tight lines and I hope to see you on the bank shortly.
Philip Bailey
Fly Secretary
