THE South West Fly Fair got the Trout fishing season off with a bang on Saturday as fly fishermen flocked from all over the region to attend the annual show, held at Roadford Lake and hosted by South West Lakes Trust.

This event, now in its fourth year, has become a regular fixture in the West Country’s angling calendar, as anglers prepare for the start of a new fishing season. Each year the event has built on the success of the previous fly fair and this year was no exception.

The show was opened by fly-fishing guru and patron of the show, Charles Jardine, and featured fly-tying demonstrations from both local and nationally renowned experts, with a chance to ‘have a go’ as well as the opportunity to pick up useful tips and valuable advice.

Activities throughout the day included casting demonstrations with Charles, who gave an entertaining and impressive display with the trout rod, and Gary Champion, who made casting with the double-handed Salmon rod look effortless. Sixty people took advantage of the free fly casting lessons and clinics for both newcomers to the sport and experienced anglers feeling a little rusty after the closed season. There was also the opportunity to try float-tubing with the British Float Tube Association and ‘sit-on’ kayak fishing courtesy of A S Watersports. The chef from the local angling hotel, the Arundell Arms, gave a demonstration on ways to prepare and cook your Trout once you have caught it with samples to taste.

There were a variety of angling conservation organisations including The Westcountry Rivers Trust, The Salmon and Trout Conservation Trust UK and two local custom rod makers, Alan Riddell and Luke Bannister, who has built up an international following for his beautiful hand-crafted split cane rods.

There was also a large selection of angling trade stands including impressive displays from the shows sponsors, ‘Right Angle’ and ‘Chevron Hackles’.

With 350 visitors to the event, it proved to be as popular as ever and the organisers are already looking at a bigger and better show in 2017.