Yesterday’s we rounded off our early season Masterclass Series with local fly fishing legend Fred Bainbridge.
We have been extremely fortunate to host Fred Bainbridge, Charles Jardine and Jim Curry in recent weeks, providing members with an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the best in the business.
What have I learnt in the last 3 weeks?
- Smaller groups of 5/6 members creates a great learning environment where everyone gets to spend quality time with the coach and plenty of time on the river to try out new techniques on the river (and meet new members too).
- Everyone has their own style, their own way of doing things but the basic techniques remain the same. There is no ‘one size fits all’ take the basics and develop what works for you.
- The one common trait of all three coaches was their attention to detail. Whatever they were doing, they wanted to get the detail right.
I have copied a post from Fred on his Yorkshire Fly Fishing Services facebook page this morning, good to hear he’s planning to join us again for another session later this year!
Thank you Charles, Fred and Jim!
Yorkshire Fly Fishing Services – Facebook
I’m very fortunate to have established healthy and positive relationships with a number of clubs here in North Yorkshire.
Today I hosted a manageable group at the prestigious Tanfield Angling Club. TAC is a very special place indeed and steeped in angling history, it was also stomping ground of Francis Walbran.
Over the last few years I’ve developed a fabulous relationship with this club and also managed to drag my good friend ( kicking and screaming ) Charles Jardine ooop north to co host masterclass weekends here with me.
This season alone they have already drafted CJ up to conduct a workshop, former APAGI Master instructor and top all round guy, Jim Curry for a casting course and myself for a multi technique workshop today looking at three long range techniques for low water conditions plus a Euro booster as well… This is a really forward thinking club that recognise the benefits of having great teachers onboard – its not a club that drafts in ‘Barry from Brighton’ who thinks he knows what he’s doing…
The fish here are plentiful and in stunning condition – I managed several beautiful wild trout during my demos alone..
But on top of all that the atmosphere is simply superb, the members are fantastically open and friendly as are all of the committee and the river keeper, Robert cannot do enough to help and assist any members.
Former England Rugby legend, Nigel Melville is the new secretary and has done a fantastic job already… he’s a superb ambassador for the club.
It was great to meet the new chairman as well who hasn’t been able to fish much this season and even better to help get him onto a few fish in the afternoon.
Great day and I look forward to doing more with TAC possibly later in the season with CJ again.
As you’d expect TAC is fully subscribed but there is availability (although limited) to join its waiting list for the 2026/7 season.