Six members travelled to Rib Valley fishery for the inaugural event of the TWFFS 2020 season. We were accompanied by Micky Heasman’s brother, Buster, who is joining the Light Side by learning the noble art of fly fishing. An enjoyable breakfast was taken at Ware to Eat where the conversation ranged from fishing with bungs to elbow nudges replacing handshakes

At the water, the weather was cloudy with a moderate south-westerly swirling across the lake. As the day progressed, the sun was to make a welcome but brief appearance. The temperature reached a maximum of 9°C

The morning session belonged to those fishing the windward bank where the fish were more evident than at other parts of the lake. Diawl Bachs, Buzzers and Apps Bloodworms fished on a floating line with a slow retrieve proved very successful. By the lunch-time bell, Ian Watts was leading the charge with 12 fish caught. Others were not far behind and all had caught their three weighed fish

Following lunch, good fishing continued with everyone adding to their total except for Ian who had to leave for a prior equine engagement. During the afternoon period, the fish were more spread out but nymphs were still scoring highly

Fishing was concluded by a visit to the Rose and Crown at Ware for a pint or two. A successful start to the season with everyone catching well

The final scores were:

• 1. Graham Morgan Plumb - 10lb 6oz
• 2. Ian Watts - 8lb 3oz
• 3. Micky Heasman - 7lb 4oz
• 4. Mark Tremain-Coker - 7lb 3oz
• 5. Andy Stoner - 6lb 15oz
• 6. Keith Nicholson - 6lb 4oz

Best Fish: Graham Morgan Plumb with a 61cm Rainbow weighing in at 5lb 14oz

Also worthy of note is that Buster Heasman, fishing outside the competition as a novice, caught three rainbows