Salmon enthusiasts will be delighted to learn of a new book on fly-tying available in time for Christmas. Shrimp and Spey Flies for Salmon by Chris Mann and Robert Gillespie is a comprehensive international guide to salmon flies, with contributions from many of the world's leading fly-tyers.
The book is the result of long discussions between the two authors on fly design. Gillespie is an expert in tying traditional Irish shrimp patterns, while Mann has a wide knowledge of traditional and modern Spey flies and has pioneered the technique of layer-on-layer computer graphics to convey flies with clinical precision.
Shrimp flies are probably the most widely used fly for salmon and steelhead, yet their pattern diversity is immense across the world, according to the authors. The book sets out to convey as much information as possible on freshwater salmon flies and to bridge the gap between Europe and North America.
Shrimp and Spey Flies for Salmon has a truly international flavour, with contributions by 31 leading fly-tyers from the US and Europe and more than 400 of the world's best-known patterns immaculately presented in colour. From the Ballina Blue, General Practitioner and Highland Shrimps to Boulder Creek, Milwaukee Spey and Turkey Tracker, this collection will inspire fly-tyers to experiment with different techniques and materials.
Ireland receives a prominent role, with 35 pages devoted to shrimp dressings and contributions from household names, including Paddy Bonner, Michael Roulston, Albert Atkins, Joe McDonald and Peter O'Reilly. Certainly, next time I visit the Ridge Pool on the Moy I will include several Octupus Shrimp. Peter O'Reilly reports that this fly took 17 fish over two days on a late summer spate when nothing else was successful. It is absolutely deadly for fresh fish, he says.
Shrimp and Spey Flies for Salmon is published by Merlin Unwin Books (MUB). Price £20 in UK (hardback).
It is available from most newsagents or from MUC, 7 Corve Street, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1DB. Tel: 01584-877456. E-mail: books@merlinunwin.co.uk
Peter Powell e-mails to say his book, The Sound of Many Waters, is available in bookshops. Now in its second edition, this book encompasses a lifetime of angling (similar to my own experiences) and should not be overlooked as an ideal present over the festive season. The Sound of Many Waters, Peter Powell's (lyrical) chronicle of an Irish fishing life, is also available from Peter at 087-939 3201. Price £9.95.
The annual newsletter from the Delphi Fishery in Leenane, Co Galway, is now available. In keeping with Delphi tradition, this quality pictorial newsletter includes full salmon catch statistics and 2002 prices and reservations. To obtain a copy, download from the Internet at www.delphilodge.ie.newsletter/
Alternatively, a hard copy can be sent by post but pre-Christmas delivery is not guaranteed. Send details of postal address to Peter Mantle, Delphi Lodge, Leenane, Co Galway. Tel: 085-42222. Fax: 095-42296.
The final of the Airflo Fly Fishing Competition at Annamoe took place last Sunday in bright sunlight and with very still water. Nevertheless, 18 anglers competed and accounted for 26 fish. Best flies included a size 12 perch fry. Results: 1, R. Geraghty (Dublin), 194 pts, 5 fish; 2, A. Delaney (Dublin), 175 pts, 5f; 3, N. Brown (Wicklow), 114 pts, 3f.
Correspondence and fishy photographs to The Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2.
Fax: 01-6791881.
E-mail: angling@irish-times.ie
