presentations

The following talks and presentations are given by Stuart Crofts; they are aimed at fly-fishing clubs and syndicates, fly-tying groups and any other interested societies. Each presentation is geared to your requirements but a normal evening presentation would typically start at 8pm and close at 10pm with a short break. For up-to-date information on availability and costs please contact Stuart via email at:

talks@pennineflyfishingguides.co.uk

OR TELEPHONE

01226 766940

Some of the following presentations are with 35mm slides but all are being converted to digital format (Power Point). However, if a digital presentation is required then you must have a digital projector and laptop available for this. And, please ensure the laptop and projector are compatible and will work together - sometimes they do not.

LIFE THROUGH THE EYE OF A FISH

A thought provoking evening in two parts. In part one Stuart looks at how it is believed fish see in their aquatic world and how they probably see flies, our tackle and even us – the angler. In part two he takes a closer look at some of the natural food the fish are likely to come across in the rivers and streams we fish and again give a “fishes-eye” view of these.

A RIVER ANGLERS YEAR

This presentation takes you through a typical year in the life of a river fly-fisher, seeing the seasons come and go along with them the ever changing diet of the fish. Stuart takes a critical look at the food the fish eat and how we, as anglers, can adapt our techniques and tackle to make the most of each and every part of the river angler’s year.

SEX INSECTS AND FLY-FISHING

A two-part presentation based on river fly-fishing and how we can all improve our catch rate by having a little extra knowledge on the habits of the natural food that trout and grayling feed on. In part one Stuart looks in detail at how different types of insects and their life-cycles can make them more or less vulnerable to the fish. In part two Stuart gives you further evidence on the actual food on which the fish feed and how this varies with both of time of year and time of day.

THE MAGIC & MYSTERY OF EMERGENCE

Nature is full of magic and mystery and this is the result of many years of study. In this slide-illustrated presentation Stuart will talk through and show in close up details how some of the most interesting insects to the fly-fisherman transform from nymphs to winged adults. This presentation has gone down well with many groups not just fishermen and promises to show aspects of nature you will never have seen before.

INTERACTIVE FISHING PRESENTATION

A new venture and one that appears to be going down quite well! It is based simply on how to improve your fly-fishing. Audience participation and feedback is key for this presentation to work, therefore Stuart needs a good enthusiastic audience. On evenings like this we all learn from each other and it may even lead to us all catching a few more fish!

PUT THE FLY BACK INTO YOUR FLY-FISHING

A solely digital presentation looking at how to read natures signals as an aid to fly choice on a river. This is full of new information and hopefully will make the complex world of entomology and fly-fishing a little easier to understand.

FLY-TYING EVENINGS

Stuart is a very practical fly-dresser and has developed some novel and relatively simple fly patterns that represent food items found commonly inside fish caught on rivers. During these evenings Stuart will tie some of these flies and talk on how best to use them.

ENTOMOLOGY WORKSHOPS (bug hunting days!)

The various bugs and beasties that live in our rivers & streams (that make up the natural diet of the fish we are trying to catch) fascinate most fly-fishermen. During these basic entomology all day workshops Stuart will come to your local river fishery to take samples of these creatures that are then examined by everyone to see what there is. Stuart will bring along all the sampling equipment and insect identification keys. All you need to supply is a sample area of a river and a base to return to (such as a village hall, river side gazebo or the back room of a pub!) where the catch can be studied in comfort. Groups of six to ten are ideal for this type of day with late spring and early summer being the ideal times to sample a river.

ENTOMOLOGY DAYS (more bug hunting!)

These are based on the Entomology Workshops described above but are on a one-to-one level with Stuart. He will go with you to your local river and look with you at what is in it. He will supply all the equipment to catch and hopefully identify what you have. These days can be tailor made to your requirements and perhaps can be combined with a “guided” fishing day, give him a call to discuss your requirements.

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