River Usk - Mardy Beat 29th April 2011

A few too many weeks have passed since I last cast a line so today's session was eagerly anticipated. It turned out to be a great day and was made all the more pleasurable by the company - my pal Peter who is getting back into fly fishing after few joint trips last season; and Gareth, our guide for the day who ensured our fishing skills were up for the challenge!

And once again, what a challenge it turned out to be. No rain for weeks and unseasonably warm weather has ensured the Usk remains low, clear and bereft of the usual fish-catching opportunities that might otherwise be expected at this time of year. Add the brisk north easterly wind and we knew on arrival that it wasn't going to be easy.

Enter Gareth, our guide for the day. Gareth Lewis of FFISW fame has recently launched his professional guiding service. After some discussion Peter and I decided to hire Gareth's services at this relatively early stage of the season to brush up on our skills and learn some new tricks of the trade. We were not disappointed.

Anyone out there considering the services of a guide in the South Wales catchment, you need look no further. Gareth’s whole approach to the session was spot on. He is undoubtedly an expert and has a great deal of knowledge anyone can benefit from. Above all Gareth gave me and Pete the space to try what we’d learned making the whole session relaxed, easy going and fun.

Despite the tough conditions Gareth got Pete and I into fish, both on the long flats and in the riffles. It was nice to see a few fish rising on this beat and there was decent variety of upwings, sedge and midge coming off throughout the day. Both dry fly (emerger patterns) and small nymphs fished New Zealand style induced many takes between 11am and 4pm. Successfully connecting to fish proved to be quite a challenge - I know I'm a little rusty at present with my timing. Nevertheless, both Pete and I each managed two fish to the net which was reward enough for our efforts.

At the end of the day it was smiles aplenty as we shook hands with Gareth and thanked him for a superb day. Pete and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Methyr Tydfil Angling Association for allowing us the opportunity to fish this fantastic beat.

Now, let's pray for rain.......!!

Not exactly monsters, but hugely satisfying catches that topped a hugely satisfying day
[Images reproduced by kind permission of Gareth Lewis Fly Fishing]