Sea Trout Fishing Starting Out

Night Time Fly Fishing

Arrive at the river at least an hour before dusk. Assemble your rod and make sure you know where all your equipment is. Also apply some insect repellent as midges love water and will make your fishing uncomfortable.

Check your tackle thoroughly. Make sure you have everything you need, as a walk back to the car can be soul destroying. Zip up all of your pockets so as not to lose your tackle in the river.

Another idea is to apply masking tape to the joints of your rod. This prevents damage caused to joints and prevents the rod from separating whilst fishing.

Now it’s time to wait……..

There are many schools of thought, regarding the correct time to start fishing. They include;

‘When you see bats on the water,’ to

‘when you cant’ see the end of your rod at arms length.’

I try to wait until the semi dark. On some rivers fishing before dark may prove successful. On a recent trip I began fishing 40 minutes before dark on a low running river, to be rewarded with 3 nice sea trout. Please be courteous to other anglers on the river. If they wait for dark to approach, I would suggest that you do too.

On other rivers fishing before darkness would be a fatal mistake. Fish already wary will spook and no matter how often you cast your fly in the right position they will not take.

It will be worth your while to cast your fly close in to start with to make sure it fishes correctly.

Take care with your leader. If you find a knot or abrasion re-tie a new one. If you hook a large fish with a knot in your line, the leader is guaranteed to break and you will lose the fish. This has happened to me on a few occasions and can only be described as Soul Destroying.

Despite the temptation do not cast to a jumping fish immediately. The fish will still be there when darkness falls and a little patience will do no harm. I know the sight of a large silver bar is a sight to behold, but take your time, think, and then make your cast. Begin fishing upstream of where you saw the fish jump moving closer to the fish when you are CONFIDENT and when everything is working right!

“Heart Stopping Excitement”

By far the most enjoyable method for catching sea trout is Fly Fishing at night. In hot summer months when rivers are low this
can be often be the only way to catch fish.

The tackle required is the same as that used for reservoir fishing which means that it is not expensive to get started.

Night time angling for Sea Trout will not suit everyone, it can be lonely and unwise if you have a nervous disposition.

The sheer nature of fly fishing at night means that some experience of casting would be beneficial before venturing out. This isn't the place to start fly fishing! However with a little practice then you could consider this.

Sea Trout Fishing at night is my personal favourite of all aspects of angling, the exhileration of hooking a fish can not be matched on the river bank. It consumes the angler over winter months, and seriously disrupts their sleep patterns in the summer.

This page contains most of the details of how to start fishing for sea trout at night time. Hopefully everything you need to know will be contained on the website.

Fishing

Before starting to fish find a club that offers good day ticket water. I have included a list of the Welsh clubs that offer good quality fishing on my Where To Fish pages. it is also worth visiting the Fishing Locations Page

The art of sea Trout fishing is beautifully described in Hugh Falkus’s book ‘Sea Trout Fishing.’ I would recommend this book to all involved in the sport. Written in the late 1960’s it has proved timeless and is considered the Sea Trout anglers ‘Bible’. Another useful book on the subject is Charles Bingham’s ‘Sea Trout and How to catch them’ I have included a Bibliography of sea trout Fishing books and Videos.

Once you have selected your water and spoken to local anglers its time to go to the river, but not at night time. Reconnasaince is essential and must not be overlooked or ignored. Failure to recce a water will result in poor fishing or danger to the angler.

It is imperative to walk the river in the daytime. Wear Polaroid sun glasses and walk with Stealth. Pay attention to the water below overhanging trees and behind rocks and boulders. At first the fish will be difficult to see, they are shy and well camouflaged. If you are patient and look carefully you will begin to see the fish and get an idea where they lie. Please be aware that on some rivers such as the Fowey in Cornwall, walking the river in the day time is frowned upon.

In the day time in low water sea trout will lie in pools and runs throughout a river; most pools have their own name. Such pools on the River Rheidol include Glanyrafon, Gordons, Trotters or Black Bridge.

When a pool has a name it is likely that fish will be there! However, you should never neglect runs into and out of pools. It is worth remembering that sea trout migrate, and a pool will constantly receive more fish, and fish will leave.

A pool is a holding area for sea trout and salmon, a place to rest. Fish will wait for nightfall or a rise of water before they leave a pool. Some fish will move out of a pool at dusk only to return hours later, the conditions not being favourable to running. Sea trout will run in low water unlike the salmon which will only run when the water is up.

Some rivers have artificial spates, such as the Rheidol in West Wales. Some fish will run on water released from Cwm Rheidol, however, this does not represent a spate and many fish will remain in a pool waiting for fresh water.

Once you have picked the area you wish to fish, take a look at the depth of water. Make a mental note of obstructions and trees which will cause you problems at night. You can even place markers along the river to remind you of snags or deep holes.

Tackle Choice.

Rods

Typically a 9'6" or 10' Fly Rod, rated AFTM 7-9 would be ideal to start with. Some anglers prefer a lighter weight rod, i.e AFTM 5-6 but this would be best left until you have tried the sport.

The rod should be powerful and have enough backbone to be able to control large fish.

Details of which rod to chose can be found on the Tackle Page.

Reels

A good fly reel is essential, again personal choice will play a part in deciding upon a reel.

Most modern reels come with sophisticate drag systems that can assist in playing fish. I think it is important that all anglers master 'palming' the reel when playing a fish, this offers a great deal of control and teaches the angler the basics of line control.

What a Sea Trout reel must have is a large capacity for backing, at least 100yrds. Sea Trout can run very quickly and it is common for a fish to strip all of the fly line from a reel in its first run.

Fly lines.

I use numerous different fly lines, each one suiting different conditions.

The Floating line is perhaps the most versatile, as it can easily be converted using sinking polytips. The floating line is a must for fishing the wake lure.

Polytips do have an effect on casting and presentation so alternatives can be used.

Sink Tip - The majority of this line floats, except for a head of around 15ft which sinks, usually at the rate of a standard intermediate fly line. They are useful for fishing fast runs as the tip helps to get the fly down to the fish quicker than a standard floating line.

Intermediate - These lines are very slow sinking and on occassions I substitute my floating line for one. They cust through surface film and can fish a fly at various depths dependant on the speed of the retrieve and the river's current.

Sinking Lines - The lines do what it says on the tin, the rate at which the line sinks is usually measured in inches/second. These lines are very good for fishing slow deep pools and fast water when a river is in spate. The lines allow for flies to be fished 'deep and slow'.

Torches

A torch is a must for the angler, it can help when tangles are formed, finding your way home and retying flies. I also use them to check on the condition of fish. A standard torch with white light will have a effect on your night vision, so a torch with a red filter is a good option.

The modern LED models are excellent, especially head torches, which allow both hands to be used when its in use.

Insect Repellent.

To quote Falkus 'Whatever else you forget, don't let it be this.' warm summer nights by a river is an attractive prosepect to the Sea Trout angler and also to Midges & Mosquitos. A good repellent can make the difference between a good nights fishing and a totally miserable nights fishing. Jungle Formula with Deet should do the trick.

Nets

Although I prefer to beach my fish a good sized net is essential in some condtions, especially when wading. Some clubs require anglers to carry nets at all times. The nets rim should be large enough to take a double figure fish, 20 Inch+, it should also have a deep net. Folding nets and salmon Gye nets attach to the back of an angler's jacket are the most popular options.

Waders

Wading can be dangerous and should not be attempted by those inexperienced. Felt soles (preferably studded) are a must for stoney rivers, but they are treacherous on grass.

I prefer neoprene waders throughout the season, they are hard wearing and will keep you warm. They can be very uncomfortable in the height of summer. One tip is to wear light tracsuit bottoms underneath and never leave them in a place where mice can get at them!

Flies

The details of patterns I use can be found on my flies pages. It is advisable to get local advice as to fly selection before venturing out.

Leader 8lb – 15lbs

A good quality leader is required, I find that some fluorocarbons can be very weak at dropper knots, so a good quality monofilament line will surfice. I do not use tapered leaders I prefer bulk mono.

Miscellaneous

Forceps

Priest (To administer the “The Last Rites”)

The way to fish for sea trout with a fly is described as the:-

‘Across and Down method.’

1. First, stand facing the river and cast slightly down stream. The flow of the river will bring your fly around and down the current.

2. Take up all slack line with your hand and feel the line.

3. At the end of the cast the line should come close to the bank where you are fishing. When this happens begin to make a slow retrieve.

4. Once your line is in, cast again, continuously moving along the river.

Remember sea trout are migratory and will run into the pools at night, so it won't hurt to fish one pool for some time if you feel confident doing so. However, do not neglect the runs.

Do's

1. Do Recce the river before fishing.

2. Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return

3. Fish with Confidence

4. Seek local advice before fishing in respect of flies and places to fish

5. Respect the countryside

6. Respect fellow anglers.

7. Check your tackle before fishing.

8. Always try a wake lure

Dont's

1. Fish without a licence

2. Go out on tidal beats without knowing tide times.

3. Start fishing too early

4. Shine torch light on the river

5. Kill every fish

6. Give up to easily, if at first you dont succeed try try again.

7. Sell your catch

8. Use methods that aren't allowed!


Reference Pages	Fishing locations	Links	Forum	Flies & Tying	Organisations	Contacts	Help & Advice
Night Time Fly Fishing Arrive at the river at least an hour before dusk. Assemble your rod and make sure you know where all your equipment is. Also apply some insect repellent as midges love water and will make your fishing uncomfortable. Check your tackle thoroughly. Make sure you have everything you need, as a walk back to the car can be soul destroying. Zip up all of your pockets so as not to lose your tackle in the river. Another idea is to apply masking tape to the joints of your rod. This prevents damage caused to joints and prevents the rod from separating whilst fishing. Now it’s time to wait…….. There are many schools of thought, regarding the correct time to start fishing. They include; ‘When you see bats on the water,’ to ‘when you cant’ see the end of your rod at arms length.’ I try to wait until the semi dark. On some rivers fishing before dark may prove successful. On a recent trip I began fishing 40 minutes before dark on a low running river, to be rewarded with 3 nice sea trout. Please be courteous to other anglers on the river. If they wait for dark to approach, I would suggest that you do too. On other rivers fishing before darkness would be a fatal mistake. Fish already wary will spook and no matter how often you cast your fly in the right position they will not take. It will be worth your while to cast your fly close in to start with to make sure it fishes correctly. Take care with your leader. If you find a knot or abrasion re-tie a new one. If you hook a large fish with a knot in your line, the leader is guaranteed to break and you will lose the fish. This has happened to me on a few occasions and can only be described as Soul Destroying. Despite the temptation do not cast to a jumping fish immediately. The fish will still be there when darkness falls and a little patience will do no harm. I know the sight of a large silver bar is a sight to behold, but take your time, think, and then make your cast. Begin fishing upstream of where you saw the fish jump moving closer to the fish when you are CONFIDENT and when everything is working right!			“Heart Stopping Excitement” By far the most enjoyable method for catching sea trout is Fly Fishing at night. In hot summer months when rivers are low this can be often be the only way to catch fish. The tackle required is the same as that used for reservoir fishing which means that it is not expensive to get started.
	Night time angling for Sea Trout will not suit everyone, it can be lonely and unwise if you have a nervous disposition. The sheer nature of fly fishing at night means that some experience of casting would be beneficial before venturing out. This isn't the place to start fly fishing! However with a little practice then you could consider this. Sea Trout Fishing at night is my personal favourite of all aspects of angling, the exhileration of hooking a fish can not be matched on the river bank. It consumes the angler over winter months, and seriously disrupts their sleep patterns in the summer. This page contains most of the details of how to start fishing for sea trout at night time. Hopefully everything you need to know will be contained on the website. Introduction			Fishing Before starting to fish find a club that offers good day ticket water. I have included a list of the Welsh clubs that offer good quality fishing on my Where To Fish pages. it is also worth visiting the Fishing Locations Page The art of sea Trout fishing is beautifully described in Hugh Falkus’s book ‘Sea Trout Fishing.’ I would recommend this book to all involved in the sport. Written in the late 1960’s it has proved timeless and is considered the Sea Trout anglers ‘Bible’. Another useful book on the subject is Charles Bingham’s ‘Sea Trout and How to catch them’ I have included a Bibliography of sea trout Fishing books and Videos. Once you have selected your water and spoken to local anglers its time to go to the river, but not at night time. Reconnasaince is essential and must not be overlooked or ignored. Failure to recce a water will result in poor fishing or danger to the angler. It is imperative to walk the river in the daytime. Wear Polaroid sun glasses and walk with Stealth. Pay attention to the water below overhanging trees and behind rocks and boulders. At first the fish will be difficult to see, they are shy and well camouflaged. If you are patient and look carefully you will begin to see the fish and get an idea where they lie. Please be aware that on some rivers such as the Fowey in Cornwall, walking the river in the day time is frowned upon. In the day time in low water sea trout will lie in pools and runs throughout a river; most pools have their own name. Such pools on the River Rheidol include Glanyrafon, Gordons, Trotters or Black Bridge. When a pool has a name it is likely that fish will be there! However, you should never neglect runs into and out of pools. It is worth remembering that sea trout migrate, and a pool will constantly receive more fish, and fish will leave. A pool is a holding area for sea trout and salmon, a place to rest. Fish will wait for nightfall or a rise of water before they leave a pool. Some fish will move out of a pool at dusk only to return hours later, the conditions not being favourable to running. Sea trout will run in low water unlike the salmon which will only run when the water is up. Some rivers have artificial spates, such as the Rheidol in West Wales. Some fish will run on water released from Cwm Rheidol, however, this does not represent a spate and many fish will remain in a pool waiting for fresh water. Once you have picked the area you wish to fish, take a look at the depth of water. Make a mental note of obstructions and trees which will cause you problems at night. You can even place markers along the river to remind you of snags or deep holes.			Tackle Choice. Rods Typically a 9'6" or 10' Fly Rod, rated AFTM 7-9 would be ideal to start with. Some anglers prefer a lighter weight rod, i.e AFTM 5-6 but this would be best left until you have tried the sport. The rod should be powerful and have enough backbone to be able to control large fish. Details of which rod to chose can be found on the Tackle Page. Reels A good fly reel is essential, again personal choice will play a part in deciding upon a reel. Most modern reels come with sophisticate drag systems that can assist in playing fish. I think it is important that all anglers master 'palming' the reel when playing a fish, this offers a great deal of control and teaches the angler the basics of line control. What a Sea Trout reel must have is a large capacity for backing, at least 100yrds. Sea Trout can run very quickly and it is common for a fish to strip all of the fly line from a reel in its first run. Fly lines. I use numerous different fly lines, each one suiting different conditions. The Floating line is perhaps the most versatile, as it can easily be converted using sinking polytips. The floating line is a must for fishing the wake lure. Polytips do have an effect on casting and presentation so alternatives can be used. Sink Tip - The majority of this line floats, except for a head of around 15ft which sinks, usually at the rate of a standard intermediate fly line. They are useful for fishing fast runs as the tip helps to get the fly down to the fish quicker than a standard floating line. Intermediate - These lines are very slow sinking and on occassions I substitute my floating line for one. They cust through surface film and can fish a fly at various depths dependant on the speed of the retrieve and the river's current. Sinking Lines - The lines do what it says on the tin, the rate at which the line sinks is usually measured in inches/second. These lines are very good for fishing slow deep pools and fast water when a river is in spate. The lines allow for flies to be fished 'deep and slow'. Torches A torch is a must for the angler, it can help when tangles are formed, finding your way home and retying flies. I also use them to check on the condition of fish. A standard torch with white light will have a effect on your night vision, so a torch with a red filter is a good option. The modern LED models are excellent, especially head torches, which allow both hands to be used when its in use. Insect Repellent. To quote Falkus 'Whatever else you forget, don't let it be this.' warm summer nights by a river is an attractive prosepect to the Sea Trout angler and also to Midges & Mosquitos. A good repellent can make the difference between a good nights fishing and a totally miserable nights fishing. Jungle Formula with Deet should do the trick. Nets Although I prefer to beach my fish a good sized net is essential in some condtions, especially when wading. Some clubs require anglers to carry nets at all times. The nets rim should be large enough to take a double figure fish, 20 Inch+, it should also have a deep net. Folding nets and salmon Gye nets attach to the back of an angler's jacket are the most popular options. Waders Wading can be dangerous and should not be attempted by those inexperienced. Felt soles (preferably studded) are a must for stoney rivers, but they are treacherous on grass. I prefer neoprene waders throughout the season, they are hard wearing and will keep you warm. They can be very uncomfortable in the height of summer. One tip is to wear light tracsuit bottoms underneath and never leave them in a place where mice can get at them! Flies The details of patterns I use can be found on my flies pages. It is advisable to get local advice as to fly selection before venturing out. Leader 8lb – 15lbs A good quality leader is required, I find that some fluorocarbons can be very weak at dropper knots, so a good quality monofilament line will surfice. I do not use tapered leaders I prefer bulk mono. Miscellaneous Forceps Priest (To administer the “The Last Rites”)