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Derbyshire Limestone Streams (Books and Videos)
reviewed by Richard SeamonIn this, the second in www.troutflyfishing.net’s increasingly popular “Experience Fly Fishing” series, we’re taken to what might justifiably be considered the spiritual home of the sport. This beautifully produced film is set in the Derbyshire limestone streams immortalised in the travails of Walton’s Piscator and Venator themselves; the Wye, Derwent, Lathkill and of course, the Dove. I’d better put my cards on the table; although I fish, I’m not a fly fisherman (neither was the venerable Izaak for that matter, he much preferred the worm or minnow for trout) so I can’t really be critical of the instructional content, of which there is plenty. However, from a complete novice’s point of view and, I dare say from the more experienced fly-fisher’s, there is still plenty here to think about. Without being at all patronising, it’s stripped away a little more of that veneer of mystery that fly-fishing has for us danglers.The film starts with a brief introduction to the four streams and includes some breathtaking shots of the picturesque Derbyshire countryside. It moves on to discuss fish behaviour and introduces some of the more popular techniques employed on the streams. These are only short five or six minute sections as the film covers many subjects in its 65 minutes but they are nonetheless informative. The DVD is helpfully segmented into 13 chapters, making it a neat reference tool. Where this film scores very highly with me though is that every time the narrator has a point to make about behaviour or technique, it is invariably backed up with filmic evidence. For instance, I will now be able to nod sagely when anyone mentions “high sticking” in “pocket water”.There is a short but interesting section with Tony Bridgett about the life of Izaak Walton and the flies that he and Charles Cotton would have maybe used; and tied at the riverbank as well, not beforehand. This segues neatly into a piece on the mayfly, again with some interesting facts thrown in such as why, if the main emergence is in June, is it called the mayfly? Answer: In the changeover from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in 1582, 10 days were lost making the event appear later. Here too, is the first of the exclusive fly patterns, a mayfly emerger, tied in wonderful detail with a clear and informative running commentary. A film about fly fishing would to my mind be incomplete without a section on the actual real-life flies themselves. Eminent entomologist Dr. Cyril Bennett takes us on a brief tour of the Wye riverbed and shows how to look for what the fish may be feeding on. He re-iterates the well-known point that the abundance of invertebrate life in a river is indicative of its health and that taking an interest in the insects can only enhance one’s enjoyment of angling. A tip emphasised and oft repeated here, is that on those long hot days when nothing appears to be working, try a terrestrial pattern. We all know fish are as finicky as humans when it comes to food and that a change is as good as a rest, especially when there is such an abundant terrestrial supply about in the summer months. To emphasise this point, the second of the film’s not seen before patterns is introduced here: a strikingly life-like red soldier beetle (or bloodsucker, as I knew them as a child). Again, this is shown in intricate detail and anyone watching these two patterns being finished ought easily to be able to go away and repeat the job at home.The final two sections give an overview of the importance of the role of the river keeper, with the aid of Stephen Moores, keeper on the Wye. Not only is he responsible for the condition of the fish but in his custodianship of the whole surrounding ecology, he is improving the vitality of the river and its inhabitants, which benefits all. Neatly following on is one of the success stories of the Wye management and that is the re-establishment of a good head of grayling. There are some useful tips on how to fish for the beautiful lady of the stream, a fish so beloved of old Izaak himself and a fitting point on which to end the film. This really is a little gem of a production. In its short length it covers many subjects but it does so in a style that, while not exhaustive, is sufficient to create and sustain interest in non fly-fishers; hopefully translating into conversions to the cause. For the already converted there are still some useful hints and tips. The lush photography and beautiful setting will pleasure everybody.Only one little gripe and that was while there was plenty of film of casting and catching, there was very little on types of rod or classes of lines used. Some small pointers in this direction would certainly have been helpful for novices such as myself. However, this didn’t detract one iota from my enjoyment of this production and I await the next instalment in the series eagerly.Derbyshire Limestone Streams is available from www.troutflyfishing.net for £18.50 DVD and £17.50 VHS
Website: www.troutflyfishing.net
Email: enquiries@troutflyfishing.net
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Angling News Rating
Derbyshire Limestone Streams is a magical view, beautifully produced, superbly filmed and well presented, any angler be it novice or expert, will learn a great deal from this delightfully well put together film, well worth the buy.
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