We asked Jacob, Captain of the Wales Youth International Fly-Fishing Team, to share his top advice for landing one of the UK’s most prized and elusive species. Thank you Jacob and tight lines!
- Know the water. Be familiar with the water you will be fishing. Take daytime visits to ensure you know your surroundings and any potential hazards, obstacles, over hanging trees, snags etc. Things feel and look completely different at night. Dark shaded, rested pools are the best!
- Check your tackle. Knots rods and reels must all be in good working order. Reservoir setups are perfect for sea trout fishing - 10ft #7wt rods, floating, slow+fast intermediate lest often Di3 lines will cover most of your needs. Tippet - I use Maxima ultra green in 10/12/15lb. You don’t want to be snapped if you’re lucky enough to hook a fish. They are strong and very fast.
- Persevere. Sea trout numbers are low. It is a real challenge to catch these amazing fish. Make regular trips to the river and fish often. One minute they are there, the next they are gone - you don’t want to miss them. Expect blank sessions, there will be lots of them, but the prize will be even more awesome when it happens.
- Have Company. A good fishing partner is really important. Long periods of quiet or poor fishing is much better with a friend. It is also a lot safer to fish in the dark with a friend.
- Keep it simple. Fish one or two flies at most. Black and silver patterns in all sizes won’t let you down if the fish are there. The Alexandra tied on singles as a lure is one of my favourites!