FLY fishermen flocked from all over the region to attend the annual South West Fly Fair, held at Roadford Lake on Saturday.

The event, hosted by South West Lakes Trust, is now in its third year and has become a regular fixture in the Westcountry's angling calendar as anglers prepare for the start of a new fishing season.

With more than 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 2016.

The show was opened by fly-fishing guru, and patron of the show, Charles Jardine, and went on to feature 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.

Other activities throughout the day included casting demonstrations with Charles giving an entertaining and impressive display with the trout rod and Gary Champion making casting with the double-handed salmon rod look effortless. Fly casting lessons and clinics also took place for both newcomers to the sport and experienced anglers feeling a little rusty after the closed season as well as casting competitions and the opportunity to try float-tubing with the British Float Tube Association or try '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 fillet your trout once you have caught it, before demonstrating some delicious recipes, with samples to taste.

Other attractions included local artist, writer and angler, Robin Armstrong, demonstrating his drawing skills, a variety of angling conservation organi-sations, including The Westcountry Rivers Trust, The Wild Trout Trust and The Salmon and Trout Association and two local custom rod makers, Alan Riddell and Luke Bannister.