I recently wrote an article on the importance of adjusting the reel drag during the fight, especially when the fish has taken a lot of line off the spool. If you want to understand the reason why then click on:- WHY YOU SHOULD ADJUST THE REEL DRAG DURING THE FIGHT It is common practice for anglers to set the drag at 25 – 33% of … Continue reading HOW TO SET THE REEL DRAG PROPERLY
I’d been looking for a new spinning rod to handle larger saltwater species for some time when I first read about the launch of the Daiwa NewEra rod range in May 2014 on the Daiwa UK website. The website had a video showcasing the innovative X45 technology and I was particularly interested in how the multiple layer blank structure counteracted rod twist whilst still ensuring … Continue reading ROD REVIEW – Daiwa NewEra SLR Spinning rod – Model No. NESLRSS903-AU (9’, 3 piece)
Recently I wrote about an innovative Scotsman, Alexander Wanless, and how he pioneered fly fishing with spinning tackle. If you want to revisit this article then click on:- https://activeanglingnz.com/2014/06/11/alexander-wanless-spin-fishing-innovator/ Essentially Wanless figured out how to use ultra light spinning tackle to deliver dry and wet flies large distances. His method equalled the Spey cast in efficacy and was much easier to learn and use. It allowed him … Continue reading FLY FISHING’S DIRTY SECRET?
Recently I’ve been reading some articles written by Tony Hayter about the high priest of dry fly purism, Frederic Halford. The following passage in particular piqued my interest. “Once upon a time there was a Jewish businessman called Fred Hyam. He made his pile, as did many others, from the “rag trade”. He worked hard, and in his spare time fished the Thames for bream, barbel … Continue reading FREDERIC HALFORD – THE HIGH PRIEST OF DRY FLY PURISM
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Getting down to the bottom of the river is critical for success when fishing weighted nymphs. Fly fishermen use a variety of techniques to do this, mainly by adding lead split shot to the trace or incorporating brass or tungsten beads into their nymph patterns. Common logic is that materials with high bulk densities, such as Tungsten, sink fastest and that the heavier the bead … Continue reading SINK RATES OF FLIES TIED WITH TUNGSTEN AND BRASS BEADS
Alan talking about Stalking the Flats to the AFAC……. Continue reading VIDEO – STALKING THE FLATS PRESENTATION
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Hook penetration is one of the most important aspects of fishing and probably the least well understood. The aim of this article is to help clear up some of the confusion. The sharpness, length and profile of the point all govern how far the hook point will penetrate into the flesh in and around the mouth of a fish. The barb is the projection extending backwards … Continue reading HOOK PENETRATION
Over the past few years I have become steadily more convinced that longer spinning and fly rods are ideal for use on wide estuarine flats, especially spinning rods 9’ (2.74 metres) or longer and fly rods of around 9’6” (2.89 metres). There are many reasons for this change in thinking but simple physics and improved rod manufacturing technology are the primary drivers. SPINNING RODS Let’s … Continue reading WHY LONGER RODS ARE BETTER
Article by: Alan Bulmer Photos: Paul Smith, Mark Hoffman, Alan Bulmer While researching for an upcoming article for Active Angling NZ I stumbled upon a website called “Rod Building Forum” and a fascinating interview with Tom Morgan on fly rod design. It is well worth reading:- http://www.rodbuildingforum.com/sources/special/morgan.php Tom Morgan is best known as the owner and principal rod designer for R.L. Winston from 1973 to … Continue reading FAST ACTION FLY RODS – ARE THEY REALLY BETTER?
Background: – I was asked by my fishing mate, Paul Smith, to independently review one of a new range of Anyfish, Anywhere (AA) lure rods that are being imported into NZ by Action Tackle Supplies. The brief was to provide an honest, “no holds barred” assessment of the rod that could be used to fine tune the rod for NZ conditions, if necessary. Most of … Continue reading VIDEO – ROD TEST – AFAW LURE & BAIT 9FT MK2
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