Welcome to Issue 41 | Eat, Sleep, Fish

I watched the fly skitter across the water’s surface. It was all I needed. I quickly snipped off the olive I was fishing and tied on a mayfly, a big one.

In hindsight, I was probably a little hasty as it was the only one I saw that day but I wanted to mark the occasion and catch my first fish of the year on a mayfly pattern. I really wished it would have worked but it didn’t and despite sticking with my plan and doing my best to ignore what my professional head was telling me I couldn’t help it. “Come on Pete, go for the size 16 it’s a no brainer”.

What it did do was make me smile and I thoroughly enjoyed the session and it also made me realise why I go fishing.

OK, I got my ass whopped and I could have easily changed flies and caught some fish but it was about more than that. It also made me realise that we really do go fishing and not catching. It is easy to say but how often do we do it?

I think a blank or in this case, a self induced blank is good for you sometimes. It makes you savour those good days even more and is a little humbling too.

One thing is for sure, the Mays are on their way and I can’t wait.

Good fishing!

Pete Tyjas

Pete Tyjas is a fly fishing guide based in Devon, UK

Thanks to my daughter Chralie for the cover shot!