Getting to grips with the slow retrieve

While some may suggest that fishing is more art than science, as a scientist and fisherman I believe that a little understanding of the science behind our sport can make a big difference to how we approach and pursue our hobby.  My kids love television shows like the Mythbusters, the White Rabbit Project and online programmes like Brain Games, where science is explored and presented in a more novel way.  In the same way, I believe that my and their enjoyment of fishing is enhanced by an appreciation of the natural world in which we fish as well as the basic science behind what we are doing and trying to achieve.

Rowing can be as much fun as the fishing for kids

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For me, fishing is about relaxation and enjoying time with my family.  So in the process I also hope to portray a revitalised image of fishing, one that is sustainable, good for your health, affordable and can engage children in a digital age of instant gratification.

My earliest memory of fishing is with my father at the age of 5 or 6 at Banana Beach.  Fishing always was, and 40 years later still is, treasured time that my father and I spent together.  While we find ourselves on different continents and half a world apart today, we still fish whenever we get the chance to meet up.  In my teens my dad introduced me to fly fishing, buying my first trout rod from an auto parts store that also sold some fishing tackle and bicycle spares.  We fished on a budget but I can honestly say that I never gave it any thought, it never affected our enjoyment of the sport nor our success.  Fly fishing became our first choice method of fishing once I moved away to university and started my work life as the ocean was too far away, replaced instead by handily located mountains with trout filled rivers and reservoirs half way between us.

Stick raft building when the fishing is quiet
Introduction to lake entomology using trout stomach contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am an Average Jo, who holds down a full time job, fishes as often as is practical within the constraints of modern family and work commitments, has a handful of rods and reels and a flybox with a modest selection of flies, some of which I and my children have tied.  My expectation from a days fishing is to spend time in nature, with my family, relax and recharge my batteries, dry fly fish so that I can enjoy the surface action, hopefully catch at least one fish that I don’t blank but also to enjoy those red letter days when you catch a draught.

Hope you enjoy the site.

Cheers

Greg