"Dear Colin, Thank you very much for all your help on Friday - it really was greatly appreciated as it gave me confidence to get more involved and look forward to more fishing." 22 July 2006.
"Dear Colin. Thank you for your patience during our recent casting session, I have been getting in some practise with an old 9ft rod I have and I am getting the hang of it. As soon as I have more time I will arrange a further day with you as you recommend, part lake part river. Looking forward to seeing you again and continuing to improve." 25 July 2006.
Ray Mason from Staines
"Hi Colin. Many thanks for your patience and excellent tuition – through my many years of business management within the travel industry I like to consider that I can recognize a good instructor or trainer, and you certainly rank amongst the best I have experienced. I would have no hesitation in recommending your services to others, whether they are novices like myself or are looking to sharpen up their existing skills and learn more. 15 August 2006.
Richard Verge from Swanage
"Hi Colin, Thanks again for a very enjoyable and instructive day on Tuesday.I feel sufficiently inspired to purchase a new rod as you suggested. I hope to be able to take advantage of your expert services again later this year."
Sheilagh Smith and Keith Robson
"Hi Colin, Keith and I had a great day and feel we've learned a lot, although I was flagging by the end of it! Thank you for your patience and for making the day a success for us both. We intend to get some fishing in before we go to Mull as we are looking forward to trying our hand at some of those Scottish brownies, but will doubtless enjoy the experience whether we end up catching anything or not...Thanks once again".
Michael Pluck and Roy Slade
"Hi Colin, I know it is a while since our day with you, but I have been putting into practice some of the things that you told us. First of all I would like to put on record what a fantastic day out we both had. Speaking for myself it was the most memorable experience I've ever had whilst fishing. The whole tenor of the day was directed at Roy and I and at every stage we felt that we were the most important part of that day. We certainly had our eyes opened to what is necessary and indeed possible when you are out on a day's fishing. Thank you very much for your keenness to make sure we enjoyed the day."
John Harper from Beaminster
"Well, Colin, I got home totally exhausted. I am not used to spending so much time outside, and a lot of it standing up! Thank you for a great day, I learnt a lot, and will definitely be getting some new gear and giving it a go. It would be hard to beat Kennick, and I would go again. The fact that I got a couple of expressions of interest from the Rainbows made me feel that I could tempt one of them to take a bite. Next Time!!"
Brian Parry from Swindon
Having discovered the delights of the River Teign with me earlier in the season Brian writes after a memorable trip to the river in early September.
Hi Colin,
Just to let you know how I got on, on my last visit. After a restless Wednesday night listening to the heavy rain, I approached the river at Fingle Bridge with some apprehension. The water was very coloured, so I decided to use a small bead head nymph fished on a light tippet under an indicator. I must confess, much to my surprise I caught immediately. With new confidence I proceeded to catch small fish in almost every pool that I fished walking upstream to Drogo.
After a quick lunch, I walked downstream to Upperton Pool where I sat for a while admiring the wonderful surroundings and enjoying the tranquillity. I gave my setup some thought using a small bead head nymph again but this time on the point and a klinkhammer on a dropper. Again I used quite light tippet material. I walked up to within 20 metres of the neck of the pool intending to start fishing in the next likely looking pool. However I thought I would try out my new setup to see how it fished. Watching the klinkhammer, it immediately dissappeared. I was into a beautiful 14" fish, taken on the point.
Just when I thought things couldn't get any better, I cast to a good sized rising fish in the very neck of Upperton Pool. It took the klinkhammer. When landed, I was chuffed. An amasingly beautiful 16" fish. With my confidence brimming, I gradually fished my way back to fingle taking one 12" fish and lots of smaller fish. The water was now much clearer and the klinkhammer accounted for the majority. I arrived back at fingle bridge at 5.30pm, tired but totally enthralled by a memorable day!
Friday morning saw me fishing upstream of Clifford Bridge where I caught several small fish in quick succession. The river was now clear and all fish were taken on klinkhammers or black gnats. I finished a very happy man and spent the afternoon walking the river upstream of Dogmarsh Bridge before departing for home. I look forward to fishing the Teign much more next year.
Anyway, thats enough of my ramblings. Just remains for me to wish you happy and successful fishing in what remains of the season.
Regards
Brian.