Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start fly fishing?
It’s a good idea to have a trial casting lesson away from the distractions of a fishery. This way we can work on the technique and style so that when you turn up at the fishery you will have an idea of what to expect. I find that especially with youngsters, initial excitement falls away if the client is struggling with casting. We must bear in mind that youngsters are underdeveloped in terms of muscles and a gentle introduction to casting is always recommended. I can of course include a session at a fishery with guiding services if that is what you require. This will include fishing and casting, water lore, reading the water, entomology basics. I have links with several local fisheries.
How do I start shooting?
I would recommend that you join a club like Headley Clay Pigeon Club (I am of course biased), you will meet loads of like-minded people and more importantly there is normally an instructor or two around who can help. I suggest you have a 25 ‘Bird’ Basic Training Package or a one to one.
Where can I fish?
Robinswood (Frensham) https://www.fishcountryleisure.com/
Coltsford Mill https://www.coltsfordmill-fishery.co.uk/
Albury Estate https://alburyestatefisheries.co.uk/
Duncton Mill http://www.dunctonmillfishery.co.uk/
Where can I shoot?
Headley Clay Pigeon Club https://www.headleyclaypigeon.com/
Kent & Sussex Shooting School https://ksshooting.co.uk/
Horne Clay Pigeon Club http://clayandcountry.com/
Star Gun Club https://stargunclub.org/httpdocs/
Bisley Shooting Ground https://www.bisleyshooting.co.uk/
What is the cost of the equipment?
There are many different manufacturers of Fishing Equipment (see a selection of links below)
Generally speaking you can kit yourself out for around £220.00 and for that you will get a basic starter kit, which should include rod, reel, backing line, leader material, a few flies, fly box, priest & landing net. Additionally you should have a decent pair of polarized sunglasses and a baseball style hat.
Refer to links to various tackle manufacturers below.
Snowbee https://www.snowbee.co.uk/
Hardy Greys https://www.hardyfishing.com/
Fulling Mill http://www.fullingmill.com/
Do I need a license to fish or shoot?
Fishing – To fish any still water in the UK you are required to have a valid EA (Environment Agency) License to fish if you are over 12 years of age. Course Fishers will have a Freshwater and Non-Migratory Trout License and this is suitable for ‘stocked’ trout waters. EA will sell you a day license online follow link below. Licence Cost 1-day £6.00, 8-Day £12.00, 12 month £30.00 – If you require a Salmon and Seatrout (Migratory) Licence Cost are 1 Day £12.00, 8-day £27.00, 12 month £82.00.
https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence
Shooting - You need to sign a declaration under section 21 of the firearms act 1968 to be in possession of a shotgun, I will get all students to sign this BEFORE EVERY lesson. To own a shotgun, you must have a valid shotgun certificate issued by the local Police Authority, there is no minimum age for having a shotgun certificate, although you are not allowed to use a shotgun without adult supervision until you exceed the age of 15. Part of our training provision includes the issue of a certificate to confirm that we are happy to have you shooting at our ground and will help individuals applying for a shotgun grant.
See links below to police authorities
https://www.kent.police.uk/ar/applyregister/fao/af/apply-firearm-shotgun-explosives-certificate/
https://www.sussex.police.uk/ar/applyregister/fao/af/apply-firearm-shotgun-explosives-certificate/
Fishing - How much will it cost?
Casting Lesson 90 minutes is £45.00 although I can reduce (this pro-rata) to £60.00 if a second person wants a lesson.
Tune Up Lesson (seasoned anglers) for £35.00
Cost for guiding £40.00 per hour including all equipment.
Cost of the fishing should be booked with the fishery however , I can take care of this and seek re-imbursement.
Shooting - How much will it cost?
Shooting Lessons should be booked with Headley Clay Pigeon Club (see link under Book Shooting), however due to the current pandemic situation they are not taking bookings currently. COVID UPDATE 1st April 2021 - Headley Clay Pigeon Club re-opens on 10th April 2021, following the revised advice from Government and CPSA & BASC governing bodies. https://www.cpsa.co.uk/news/coronavirus-covid-19/2021/03/05/return-to-shooting-updated-guidance/5549 and https://basc.org.uk/coronavirus/
I can of course be contacted for advice which can be done over the phone or zoom call.