Lee Currie (with cap) helps French-born Jacques Calluaud with a tricky part of The Black Pennell fly. Picture by Nigel Duncan Media
There is still time to book a place on one of the free fly tying events hosted by Orvis in Edinburgh.
The three-hour tutorial on a rainy Saturday was packed with useful information.
And delegates are provided with all the equipment and also receive refreshments and a discount on purchases in-store.
Instructor Lee Currie – a well-known local fisherman – opened up a new world to guests who included a cross section.
One had only started tying, several were novices and one had been tying for 20 years.
He said he picked up a number of useful hints and tips.
This was hands-on. Lee showed you how a pattern is built and then you have a go with Mr Currie not far away in case you get into difficulties.
We looked at spiders and The Black Pennell, the most popular of Mr H Cholmondeley Pennell’s series of flies, according to the Trout Fisherman magazine.
It is described as a simple, hackled pattern but one which has a deserved reputation as a top fly for all types of game-fish, not least sea-trout and salmon. It was not simple but well worth the effort.
Like many other flies it may be tied in various sizes and densities to cope with varying conditions. The larger, denser versions work best in rough weather.
The pennell and spiders work well on local rivers like the Amond, Esk and Water of Leith and we all came away with our efforts which are set to swim when the trout season starts in March.
The next free fly tying session is on Sunday, March 4 at 10am at Orvis at 19 Hope Street, near Charlotte Square, and to book a place ring 0131 226 6227.
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