Saltwater Fly Fishing Season - The good, The Bad and the Blanks

Bass Fishing: 1 – Me: 0

Well, here we are, deep into the season, and I’ve still not caught a single bass. Not one. Despite countless hours of wading, casting, and muttering every swear word under the sun, the bass have completely blanked me.

I’d love to blame myself, but let’s be honest: it’s been a perfect storm of bad luck. Every single time I’ve managed a day off, the wind’s been howling, the tides have been useless, or it’s been hotter than a frying pan left on the bonnet of a car. Basically, the bass and the weather gods have teamed up to stitch me right up.

Still, it hasn’t been a total waste. I’ve at least had the chance to really get to grips with my new toys – the Douglas DXF Gen 2 8wt and the Shilton SL8 reel. If nothing else, I’ve become an expert at casting into a headwind and stripping line back with absolutely no reward at the end of it. The rod’s smooth, the reel’s bombproof, and together they make me look like I know what I’m doing – which is half the battle, right?

So yes, the bass are still out there laughing at me, but at least I’m ready for the day when one of them finally slips up. Until then, I’ll keep flogging the water, shaking my head, and pretending this whole season has been a “ fly testing phase.”

Big thanks to Wading Waters for supplying the kit that’s kept me sane – even if the bass haven’t played ball.

www.wadingwaters.co.uk