After a short period of 'lurking' I thought I'd do the decent thing and introduce myself.
An angler man and boy, my career started on a tributary of a tributary of the Exe in the Mid Devon village I grew up in. I coarse fished around the Exeter area with varying success between '69 and '80 before changing codes and taking up the fly rod full-time. Ultimately, I was lucky enough to have the honour of representing my country in International fly fishing matches on a few occasions.
Tiring of the hurly-burly of competitive fishing about 8 years ago, I've gradually returned to the coarse fishing fold - at least in winter- on the Thames and its tribs around my W Oxon home (only to regularly be told "You should have been here 40 years ago, mate."
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I still thoroughly enjoy dry fly fishing for spotties especially on running water, but the chub and roach of the Thames drainage exert quite a hold on me come November....
I've recently acquired a Milwards Floatrover and Chapmans 500, and hope to gain the knowledge to make a stab at refurb/restoring them via the kindness of the knowledgeable doyens who inhabit these (virtual) pages.
Have also shelled out on a Rapidex Speedia and my first Mitchell 300 for 45 years!
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Good to be here!