Typical Bass Territory
Another very exciting “The Salt” festival took place in iconic Cornish town – St. Mawes over the weekend of 16-18 September 2016. Angling Active were there to support the 3 day event, defend Steven Mcvean’s title of winner last year, and film the best bits. Here is the showreel of the Kilchoman UK Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival shot by Angling Active and sponsored by the likes of Simms, Costa and Scierra. Kilchoman Distillery were huge supporters of the filming too!
Upon arrival into St. Mawes, the conditions were favourable, with mild and dry days ahead. Timed on the calendar to catch the best of the Spring tides, the event kicked off with a sunset drinks reception on Thursday 15th September at the absolutely stunning Hotel Tresanton overhanging the bay. The evening welcomed everyone and introduced the people behind the event including a tipple from the lead sponsor Kilchoman Distillery.
Hayle Beach with Colin Macleod
Despite the strong NorWester toying with the organisers minds, a comprehensive workshop held by Colin Macleod took place at Hayle Beach. The workshop at Hayle explained what to look out for around the UK in order to target Golden Grey Mullet and there was additional information to target thin lipped mullet, and the more common thick lipped variety too in very different circumstances. The beauty however with St. Mawes as a venue is there is always somewhere to go out of the wind. Colin’s findings are very interesting, and the latest developments about algae has come as quite a surprise to those in the know regarding fly fishing for mullet.
Steven with a Thick Lipped Mullet taken on a Diawl Bach
Watch this masterclass film of Colin in order to learn from beginner to seriously experienced, how to target mullet successfully.
Nick Mackrory of Bass-Go-Deeper was also at the festival as a sponsor/supporter. Being a local born and raised fisherman of Cornwall he is a perfect fit to get in behind this fledgling festival that is building momentum . Nick’s charter vessel, ‘Fulmar’ took several anglers out over the weekend to target bass locally over some of the reefs showing just how many bass are around by the looks of the sonar. Nick is a strong advocate for salt water fly fishing and says the bass on the fly in Cornwall is just as good as the very well known West Coast fishery of Ireland! Learn what to look for and how to target bass on the fly by watching the 3rd and final episode here:
This Year’s SALT Winners;
Overall Winner of The Kilchoman Shield and The Field Trophy; Neville Broad.
Longest Fish; Stephen Mcvean 50 cm garfish ( David WCD’s bass was caught outside of the competition so did not count in the final results )
Fish caught closest to St Mawes Harbour; St Mawes Harbour Trophy Chas Murphy.
Biggest Bass Award ; Martin Webster ( 30 cms )
Most Species Caught Award; Stephen Mcvean ( Garfish, Bass, Pollack and Mackerel)
A total of 47 fish were caught by 16 competitors over the one and a half days of competition.
We are already looking to use what we have learned from these 2 experts in their fields next year at the festival again, but what’s even more exciting is that there are mullet and bass all around the UK coastlines. Do a bit of research and you’ll find your closest spot. Good luck, and be sure to tag us or even send your pics in of your adventures.
21st to 24th September 2017 – Book your tickets here:
PS the goody bag alone this year was worth more than the festival entry fee!
http://www.saltwaterflyfishinguk.com
