This month, we catch up with fishing guide Brett O' Connor who tells us a little about himself.
Name: Brett O’Connor
Where Based: Speen in Berkshire on the River Lambourn
Tuition Offered: Both single and double-handed techniques.
Guiding Offered: Yes, on the River Lambourn at Donnington Grove
Target Species: Trout & grayling
Website: The Fishery
Tell us about yourself:
Fishing, for me, is an activity where I get just as excited now hooking into a fish, as I did the first time at the age of 5. Back then it was a perch on my local water of Kidderminster Canal.
It’s crazy to think where my fishing has taken me since those days growing up in the Midlands. I’ve been unbelievably lucky and have fished in many countries around the world. From our native species here in the UK and Ireland, to other prized saltwater fish in the Seychelles, Kenya, South Africa, USA, Belize, Cuba, Russia, Mexico, Argentine Patagonia, Iceland and New Zealand.
During my early days I had a real thirst for knowledge in both fishing and casting techniques. On my journey of learning to fly cast, I came across some lovely and inspirational characters like Donald Downs and Iain Thompson, based in Kent. At the time, the instructing route I took was STANIC (Salmon and Trout Association’s National Instructors Certificate), which I am very proud to have achieved before the age of 30.
It was at that event that I met the current members of AAPGAI and decided to go down that route to further my knowledge of the sport. After many years of practice, I managed to become an AAPGAI MASTER instructor in both single-handed (Trout/Sea trout) and double-handed (Salmon) disciplines. I’m about to start helping with the assessing of applicants again, which I’m really looking forward too.
What is your angling ethos:
Fishing is all about having fun. I still love the whole routine of getting ready for a day’s fishing. It’s the grown up version of putting on the superhero outfit as a kid. Then, evaluating the conditions to choose the flies for the occasion, or unlocking the special tactic you need to catch the one fish that has proved elusive. It’s not about catching big numbers either, but enjoying the days as they happen. Fishing should be enjoyed with or without its inhabitants on the end of a rod followed by the grip and grin photo. Try and learn something new on every trip. I love learning new things and I’m still learning, I always will be.
In addition to that, it’s not just about the fishing itself, sometimes it’s good to just stand back and enjoy the environment you’re in. I was recently in Iceland and the salmon fishing was off the charts. It’s rare that salmon can be so prolific and I became a crazy man trying to catch as many as I could. Then the sun came out and lit up the river and the surroundings in all their Icelandic glory. I actually stopped fishing for a while and sat down on the riverbank to take in the tranquil environment and watch the salmon holding station in the gin clear river. The sun was only out briefly, but I enjoyed that particular part of the trip maybe more so than the fish I caught during the three days I was there. We’re very lucky as fisher people to experience some of the most beautiful places the world has to offer.
Your angling influences:
From my parents who took me float fishing at an early age, to a good friend who first placed a fly rod in my hand. When I’ve not been able to fish, my fix came in the way of TV and reading. TV programs, from John Wilson to Rex Hunt, salmon books from many authors, one of my favorites being John Ashley-Cooper. And too-many-to-mention, very talented instructors who helped me on my way to becoming an AAPGAI instructor.
I also have met and fished with people of all ages, but the ones who inspire me the most are the older folk. I won’t name and shame these guys, but to see their enthusiasm at their age and that child like grin when attached to a fish really makes me smile. I hope I have half of their love for the sport when I reach that age.