On Friday 19th May the 2017 Spring Loch style Home International took place at Chew Valley Lake near Bristol.
Among the England team members was our ‘Team Snowbee’ Captain Andy Cottam, who did us proud by winning the best basket with 8 fish weighing in at 20.77lbs. His great personal performance helped ‘TEFF’ to an emphatic win and ensured Andy received both the Grafham Trophy for Top English Rod and the Brown Bowl for top individual overall.
The full results of the competition were as follows:
England 43 fish 112.85 lbs
Scotland 29 fish 84.110 lbs
Wales 21 fish 58.960 lbs
Ireland 15 fish 38.120 lbs
Best Basket: Andy Cottam (England) 8 fish 20.770 lbs
Heaviest Trout: Stuart McLean (Scotland) 5.550 lbs
Top English Rod: Andy Cottam 8 fish 20.770 lbs
The Angling Trust Team England Fly Fishing (TEFF) was represented by: Paul Angell (manager), Nikki Long (captain), John Braithwaite, Dave Bromley, Andy Cottam, Nick Dunn, Ryan Feber, Mark Haycock, Alex Johnstone, Matt Kingdon, Mark Miles, Mark Rose, Steve Smalley, Dave Summers & Roger Truscott.
Andy Cottam, weighing in his catch
Andy told us his successful method was to fish a Snowbee WFCDS2-7ST Countdown Slow Sink-Tip on his Snowbee Prestige 10′ #7 wt rod with hare’s ear nymphs fished washing line style with an olive booby on the point. He said, “Having won the toss, I joined most of the boats in starting behind Denny island on Chew, where after a slowish start and by fishing clear water I managed to catch 5 fish in the first 2 hours. Following a move to Wick Green I caught a further 2 fish on the same method and then late into the match a drift off Moreton Point saw me land my 8th and final fish which was enough to win the Brown Bowl for the top individual bag and the Grafham Trophy for the top English Rod”.
It was a great team performance by the England Team with 3 other members of the England Team finishing in the top 5 places.
Andy Cottam being presented with the Brown bowl for the top individual rod by IFFA President Wynnora Thomas. (Photo courtesy of SANACC)
In a pastel shade of primrose, this is the slowest sinking option in the series. With a 7ft clear tip, and super slick XS-Plus Nano coated and low stretch monofilament core, the line is well equipped for extreme casting and maximum sensitivity, just beneath the surface even at range.
4-piece ultra lightweight carbon blanksFast action with high lift snakes for extreme distance castingSnowbee tri-modulus carbon technology.
Anodised silver/gold aluminium reel seat with maple burl wood inserts, this beautiful wood displays a range of colours and grain patterns, making each rod quite unique and individual. The rich bronze colour of the blanks is complemented by self colour whippings with a subtle, single band of bronze whipping. From the moment you pick up a Prestige fly rod, you will appreciate the detail that has gone into them, as they simply ooze class. Every rod carries an Original Purchaser Lifetime Guarantee and comes in matching cotton drill sleeve and lightweight Cordura tube.
The hugely successful Appleby family enjoy a great day out with their new competition Long Cast floating fly lines. Peter, and Dean hook up simultaneously, whilst Glen takes a rest here between fish. Clearly this is acceptable as the weekend just gone Glen won the TEFF national bank championships 2017 at this very location, congratulations to Glen. In fact Glen has confirmed he won the competition using the Snowbee long cast fly line on the dry! At 50m in length, if your casting is up to it these lines can reach fish previously out of range up to 50m away, if you’re dry fly fishing you need pretty good eye sight too…
If you come along to Blakewell Fishery this Sunday 14th May 2017, our very own Simon Kidd England International & Snowbee marketing & sales manager will be demonstrating how good this line is.. Also an opportunity for you to see and try all the latest tackle on show and witness fly line presentation and casting demonstrations. Have a go yourself with the new New Roll Cast, Long Cast and Thistledown fly lines, the very latest floating lines for tight back casts, wide open spaces, lake and rivers or simply pick up some tips on improving your own casting.
CLC-F Competition ‘Long Cast’ Fly Line
Whilst designed as an out and out distance casting line, and needing a good back drop to double haul, this line can produce insane casting distance in the right hands and a perfectly balanced rod outfit. In distinctive Ivory head and bright Red running line, ones casting skills and achievements will be the envy of ones neighbours all struggling to reach distant fish and drop offs that can now be achieved.
Colour: Ivory-Red
Available in three sizes only: #7 and #8 both FloatingBuy now…
The overall length of all the lines is 120ft (40 yards) and early trials regularly saw the loop to backing joint, rattling through the rod rings! These lines will benefit people of all casting abilities, exceed the performance using traditional profile lines and help reach those fish that were previously just out of casting range, especially when there may be a limited back-cast available. Buy now
EXDF XS-Plus XS-tra Distance Floating
This very supple line with short Hi-Viz Chartreuse head and Hi-Viz Orange running line will deliver a cast at range with very little back cast, designed for use in tight spaces or simply effortless distance casting for even the modest beginner. The line excels when teamed up with the correctly weighted fly rod and probably the most commonly purchased fly line on the Snowbee ‘balanced outfit’ promotion. Buy now
Colour: Chartreuse/Orange
Sizes: WF5 – WF8
EXDI XS-Plus XS-tra Distance Intermediate
5ft shorter in the head than the floating option, to achieve the same casting performance in a higher density, this line can be fished from bank or boat and is suitably balanced to be comfortable to use all day long. Distance casting made easy with the unique profile, the sink rate of 2–2.5ips will allow your flies to be fished at a range of depths to find the fish. Great for damsels and lures or simply a team of wets in traditional loch style from the boat. But now
Colour: Kelly Green/Orange
Sizes: WF5 – WF8
Sink Rate: 2–2.5 ips
EXDFS XS-tra Distance Fast Sink
The shortest head of all the series at just 30ft (just over 9m), this line will fire a long line in all conditions from either bank or boat. Developed from the popular ‘Surf Line’ a short back cast only is required to punch out this fast sinking head. Most popularly used off the bank on still waters this has also been used in temperate saltwater applications and for predator fishing where reaching depth easily and quickly with short shooting head style is ideal. Buy now
Sunset, just the perfect time to start fishing, as the sun is setting the larger predatory fish start moving inshore with some confidence to pick off the bait fish and fry lurking in the shallows and rocky gullies. Large dark lures fished noisily on the surface can be incredibly effective!
Snowbee fishing caps are ideal to maximise your vision reduce glare and keep the sun off especially helpful at Sunrise and sunset & during the hot summer days, be it on the boat, beach or river bank!
Waterproof & Breathable cap
A new twist on an old theme! Our new premium cap is manufactured from a 100% nylon fabric with out Vapour-Tec® fully waterproof/breathable membrane, to keep you cool and comfortable in all weathers. All inside seams are heat taped to ensure you keep dry even in the heaviest rain. Finished in an attractive Taupe colour with contrasting embossed embroided logo. With a breathability of 4,000g/m²/24hrs and hydrostatic pressure (waterproofness) of 8,000mm, this is guaranteed to keep you cool and dry in the most adverse weather conditions. Buy now
Snowbee visorsThe popular baseball style fishing caps, shade the eyes and offer warmth in the winter months, but can often be too hot during the summer, when all you require is a peak to shade your eyes. The Visors are simply a stiffened head-band with peak attached for those really hot days. Buy now
Snowbee Mesh caps
The Mesh Caps are based on our popular 5-panel design, but with the side and rear panels replaced with a cool mesh material for ventilation, ideal for those really hot days. Buy now
5 Panel fishing caps
Soft, brushed cotton material in a modern 5-panel design, with a rear Velcro adjuster strap and contrasting Snowbee logo. Buy now
Folding Cap
A totally unique, innovative, new folding cap for 2014. Baseball style caps are an extremely popular item for fly fishing, but are not the easiest item to store or carry, when not being worn. Our new Folding Cap is made from 100% polyester micro-check material with a water repellent finish. The peak has a trifold facility, so the whole cap can be folded flat to fit in a pocket. Buy now
Flats Fishing Cap
The ultimate Tropics Fishing Cap from Snowbee! Manufactured from ultra lightweight microfibre, this cap will keep you cool in the most severe conditions. When things really heat up the two mesh side panels help keep you cool. An additional feature is the removable neck shield, which is attached by Velcro to the inside of the cap band. It provides welcome sun protection to the neck and ears when fishing the Tropics. Adjustable elasticated draw cord at the rear of the cap, for a snug fit in windy conditions. Buy now
Wide brimmed ranger hat
Ranger hat Made from tough 10oz cotton duck material which breathes naturally for summer coolness. Treated with DuPont teflon for water resistance. Complete with an adjustable chin strap which can be tucked away inside the hat with a neat velcro strap. There is also a second velcro pocket inside the crown of the hat for fishing licence, money etc.
The Ranger Hat offers protection to the ears and back of the neck in a stylish and practical way and is treated with an anti-UV agent for maximum protection.
When we sent the material sample to the SGS Laboratory for testing, it went off the scale! It came back with an ‘actual’ UPF (Ultra- Violet Protection Factor) of 2569 allowing just 0.03% of UVA and 0.04% of UVB to pass through! Unfortunately, the ‘official’ rating system only goes up to a factor 50+… the equivalent of wearing factor 50 sunscreen, so we had to settle for this! Buy now
Alan Hill, Scottish International fisherman, capped at World, European, Loch, River and Stillwater level & currently Scottish National Rivers Champion took our Snowbee Thistledown2 to New Zealand…
Following on from a trip to South Island earlier in the year I was desperate to get back out to have another go at my favourite side of our sport, wild Brown Trout fishing.
So risking divorce and all manner of unimaginable torture I booked my flights and headed off for Christchurch at the start of November.
I should say at this time that for a six week trip you would think you would need a serious amount of kit with you but from previous experience you can keep this down to a minimum especially when it comes to rods and reels.
I took out 4 rods this time, one 9ft4wt, two 9ft5wts and one 10ft 6wt.
I took two reels with two spare spools and when I was packing I had to laugh because although all my lines were Snowbee floaters three of them were Thistledown’s and the other was the wf6 Original XS floater in Ivory.
Why three Thistledown’s? Well the truth is two of them are the original lines on the solid mono core and the third was the soon to be launched new Thistledown2 on a braid core which Simon at Snowbee had very kindly given to me for the trip in order to put it through its paces in some of the most challenging fishing situations you are likely to experience.
Having used the original Thistledown in recent river International matches and to win the Scottish Rivers National I thought that it would be a tough ask to improve on what already is my favourite river and small water floater however I was looking forward to giving it a go.
My travelling companion on the trip was David MacAllister from Greenock who is also a seasoned International Angler and also a lover of the original Thistledown which he had also taken as his number 1 line for the rivers.
Now NZ, or should I say South Island, when you get away from the larger towns, is not blessed with Internet cafes or free Wi-Fi zones which I love because you can escape the Rat Race. It didn’t help me on this occasion though because after the big Earthquake I think half of Scotland were trying to track us down to see if we were ok while we were merrily fishing 300miles south and knew nothing about it until a local told us what had happened three days later.
Anyway back to the fishing.
The first river system we tackled was the Mataura and one of its main tributaries the Waikaia.
The weather for the first few days was unpredictable with a strong south wind which blows straight up from the Antarctic and is quite chilly at times. Fish on these lowland rivers were however easily spotted in sheltered areas and late in the day when the wind dropped we were able to pick them off on dries.
My set up on these medium sized rivers was my 9ft4wt with the new Thistledown which performed superbly especially in the stronger winds. I should add that I use a 15ft tapered leader to a 5lb point where I add an O ring then I attach my tippet material which due to the crystal clear rivers was never less than 6ft but normally 7ft.
A long leader? Absolutely, but the Thistledown handles it with ease, even into a wind due to its exceptional tapers.
The new Thistledown was performing as good as the original but as the days went on I began to like it even more for a few reasons I’ll point out later.
First some trout from the Waikaia and Mataura.
Please excuse the ciggy……
After the Mataura we headed North up to the Glenorchy region for a couple of days where we fished on some small streams in the area and also prepared for our walk in to the Caples Hut for some backcountry fishing.
Because of some torrential rain in this area we were a bit restricted however we found some gems of small spring fed rivers which stayed clear and one little 10 acre loch connecting two small river systems where we had tremendous dry fly action catching browns to 5lbs.
After the rain let up it was time for our Backcountry trip to the Caples which was quite a hike for us but well worth it.
I had Browns up to 6lbs and we both had large Rainbows with my best at just over 8lbs.
The next three photos show the fish but also show the clarity of the water and the need for stealth and accuracy coupled with long leaders in sometimes quite tight situations. The Thistledown lines had it covered.
Pretty clear and the water at your feet was 5 feet deep.
Just over 8lbs of wild Rainbow.
Brown just under 6lbs.
After the Caples we headed up to Wanaka where we had some R and R after our adventure to the Caples and we then headed over to Fjordland south of Haast and the weather took a turn for the worst over the next 8 days and we were astounded by the amount of rain that fell in a particular 24 hour period that flooded every river in the area so we headed up to Lake Brunner and decided to have a go at a few of the lakes in that area.
Although the weather was terrible we found some incredible fishing in the Lakes and in some of the small spring creeks that fed into them over farm pastures.
Some of this was the tightest, toughest most accurate fishing I have ever done because you only got one chance at these fish but when you got it right it was incredible explosive fishing. Again the Thistledown handled every situation with ease and its accuracy and delicacy excelled.
The next two fish came from the spring fed creeks I mentioned and were no more than 4 feet wide and in some places 2 feet so accuracy was a must when trying to drop a nymph at distance on a big trout’s nose.
You can see how tight it was and how accurate you had to be.
The next pictures show some of the trout we encountered on one of the lakes where we stalked our fish with either dries or small nymphs and again accuracy and stealth were the main factors here when going for these fish in less than 2 feet of water.
I could go on and on with these photos however I want to add just two more and for me they show just what NZ is all about. These two fish were caught on a crystal clear river and both were taken on small blow fly patterns with a 22ft leader down to a 4lb point.
Both these trout are in pristine condition and fought like demons before being safely released.
As I said this was my last day and for the entirety of the trip I had used one fly line, the new Thistledown line on the braid core.
Not once during the trip did it let me down, did I have to treat it with silicone because a section or the tip was sinking or did I feel under gunned on lakes where I felt I lacked distance, indeed I was casting as far as I felt necessary on the Lakes when others were using heavier gear chucking out streamers and Woolly Buggers and I was getting the same distance and more fish using small imitative patterns.
I have other more expensive lines which over the past couple of years have become redundant and are now left at home.
Snowbee always made good fly lines but with this Line you have made an exceptional fly line which will be around for years and the benchmark for others to try and emulate.
Thanks again.
Alan Hill
Scottish Internationalist having been capped at World, European, Loch, River and Stillwater level and the current Scottish National Rivers Champion and Captain of the2017 Autumn Loch Team.
A fine Brown trout caught using Snowbee Thistledown line…
The secret behind the legendary performance of Snowbee fly lines has been the unique coating formula and profile, in conjunction with the classic low-stretch core. This has made Snowbee lines renowned for being amongst the most supple and memory free performance lines available.
Many have tried and failed to replicate this formula, but there is still only one ‘original’ Snowbee fly line…
Over the years there have been minor changes in production and last year’s Nano-Technology is seen as a winning formula across the range with its unmistakable profile and suppleness.
In using this new technology, Snowbee have refined the original formula and manufacturing techniques to enhance the already superb, supple, memory-free performance so loved by fly fishers worldwide.
A fine spring Salmon, using our Nano coated Scandinavian Spey line
New Nano Coating Technology (NCT) has enabled Snowbee to produce the softest, most supple, best casting and longest lasting fly lines in their history. The smaller nano particles result in a silky smooth surface finish and a more dense material. So whether sinking or floating, the XS fly lines now have a finer, more durable silky-finish profile which exceeds even the legendary performance of the original XS lines.
Check out the pictures below, they don’t lie – Snowbee’s latest tech has made their top performing XS Fly Lines softer, more supple and longer lasting than ever before…
The images were taken using an electron-microscope. They emphasise and illustrate the vast improvements of the new technology over the old. The results have been outstanding, maintaining profile and design, which is crucial, but enhancing the previous performance.
Original Snowbee XS-Plus Fly Line (magnification x350)New Snowbee XS-Plus Nano-Tec Fly Line (magnification x350)
Snowbee have not stopped at Nano Coating Technology either. Always looking for continuous improvement, there are tests currently being made on an even more advanced nano-technology that is set to take Snowbee fly lines to yet another level, being even smoother and even more advanced than ever before…
Thistledown
When first introduced in 2015, Thistledown was something unique and new, quickly becoming Snowbee’s fastest selling fly line. When launched, there were a few early memory issues and technical challenges until Snowbee adapted fully to the new procedure of manufacturing using the fine monofilament core. From then on, our biggest problem has simply been to make enough of them to keep up with demand across the UK, the whole of Europe & elsewhere. Technology has moved on again and, working with world leaders in braided line technology, we have now replaced the mono core with a superb new braided core version that we are calling the XS-Thistledown.
‘Awesome’, ‘Sensational’, ‘Outstanding’ are just a few of the descriptions that have been fed back to us by early users and top anglers worldwide who have been involved in testing this new version for Snowbee.
Now with zero memory issues, a finer but stronger core and more supple than ever before, this line is set to exceed the performance of even the best selling original Thistledown. Due to improved core technology, it has a thicker outer coating, allowing it to float higher despite having the same diameter. It will last longer, but still has the same profile and performance befitting its name. It casts and delivers with the proverbial “Thistledown” delicacy and precision one would expect from such an elite and aptly named new fly line. Rated from #2-5wt for the single line, the new Thistledown Plus will perform outstandingly on any fly rod rated between AFTM #2 and #5, regardless of its length. It takes some believing, but once you’ve tried this line for yourself you will see exactly what we mean.
A warning on copies.
If your line doesn’t come in a Snowbee box with either two braided loops , or a welded/whipped loop at either end, then it is not a Snowbee fly line. Being a brand leader leaves a company open to copyists and we have seen our fair share of counterfeit fly lines on the market this past year or so.
Remember, all genuine Snowbee fly lines will only be supplied in welded bespoke packaging and will be clearly distinguishable by the branding. All our XS fly lines, since 2015, have been made using the new extra smooth and longer lasting nano Coating Technology and each box is clearly marked to confirm this supreme finish.
SNOWBEE OPEN DAY
You are invited to our PRE-SEASON Open Day, on
SATURDAY 4th March 2017 9:30am – 2:00pm
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Regulars to our Open Day will know it has become a bit of a tradition, with numerous bargains available on the day.
Once again we have a fabulous new range of Fly Fishing products for 2017, so to make room for these, we have some unrepeatable offers on many discontinued products.
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MANY ITEMS ARE DISCOUNTED BY OVER 50%, PLUS WE HAVE EX-DEMO & EX-DISPLAY FLY RODS, WADERS & CLOTHING, ON FINAL WAREHOUSE CLEARANCE AT A FRACTION OF THEIR ORIGINAL PRICE – ONLY AVAILABLE ON THE DAY.
The new season is looming, so bring the shopping list, the wife and the Credit Cards!
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There will be the usual Fly tying demonstrations by local experts
Mike Weaver, who specialises in River Dry Flies and Nymphs and Russ Symons, who specialises in Saltwater Flies, Buzzers & Emergers. There will also be a Fly Casting Clinic run by Paul Kenyon & Geoff Stephens of Fly Fishing Devon – a local Instruction & Guiding service, so this is a good opportunity to polish up your casting before the season starts.
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There will be many experts on hand to answer questions on all aspects of fly fishing,
both leisure & competition, so this is an ideal opportunity to iron-out all the ‘bad habits’ before the season starts, as these guys have probably forgotten more about Fly Fishing than most of us will ever know, so if you have any problems or questions – come along and ask!
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Light refreshments will be provided 11am – 1pm & ample parking available.
Please join us, for what has become a great day out and a chance to meet up with old friends and lie about the size of the fish you caught last season!
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We look forward to seeing you on the 4th March, but for those of you who live too far away to come to the Open Day, we have included Special Clearance Offer Lists for many items which are immediately available, by Mail-Order. Don’t delay however – limited stocks and all items on a “first come, first served” basis.
Our Stinger Skad lures have revolutionised the lure fishing market with regular reports of them out-fishing many previous market leaders!
Combining over 100 years of experience, with much of that time spent fishing Channel wrecks out of Plymouth, the Snowbee sea fishing product development team, pooled their knowledge and experience to create the Skad.
The lifelike action of the Skad, is the result of years of research and testing, to create the perfect lure. Using a high grade, natural scent PVC material, resulted in a highly durable lure that will not tear apart, the first time a fish hits it.
The highly elastic tail is able to ‘stretch’ when fish are ‘biting shy’, rather than snap-off, as has been the case with some lures. This new material is also unique, in that it is crystal clear, unlike many of our competitors, whose lures use an opaque material. The advantage of this clarity is a clear light reflection, off the outer surface, coupled with an enticing holographic shimmer, off the internal lead-weight foil wrap – a combination which any predatory fish finds irresistible.
The tail has a series of moulded ‘slots’ down each side, while the oversized ‘paddle’ tail, is angled forward along the bottom edge. This combination not only creates an exaggerated tail action, even at very low speeds, but also sets up additional undersea noise – a proven fish attractor.
Fitted with over-size, ultra-sharp hooks, to ensure fish stay hooked plus large, holographic eyes – a known ‘trigger point’ for any predatory fish. Shop now
A Superb John Dory caught on a day trip aboard Hugh Shepherds Snowbee sponsored boat, Patient Pursuit.
This lovely specimen Joh Dory fell to a Rhubard and Custard Skad lures and was part of a haul including some excellent Bass too. The new Skad lures have been accounting for a number of remarkable catches – this being one of them.
Bass fishing with a Magnum but the Mackerel got there first!
Stinger Skad ‘Magnum’
Following the success of the original Skad lures, we were constantly asked for a bigger lure, particularly for the monster Cod, Coalfish and Salmon found off Norway, Orkney and Shetland… so here it is… the Skad Magnum! And believe us when we say size matters! Big bait… big fish – simple as that!
The Skad can be fished on a traditional long flowing trace and boom, over reef or wrecks, for species such as pollack, cod and ling, or used as a casting lure for inshore species such as bass, pollack, mackerel etc.
Either way, they are lethal fish catchers! On our first trip with the prototype samples, aboard the Snowbee ‘Deep Blue3’, just a single lure accounted for over a dozen fish, including ling to nearly 20lbs. The lure? A little chewed up, as you’d expect, but quite capable of fishing again… and again!
A deep water wreck Ling caught on a Pearl Snowbee Skad lure.
Stinger Skad lures are available from these 10 amazing colours: Rhubarb & Custard, Blue Holo, Green Mackerel Firetail, Pink Holo, Black Firetail, Sandeel Holo, Pearl Oyster, Pearl Bloodhead, Sardine Pearl & Coalie Pearl. Shop now
An innovative new, combined Fly Box and Tool Kit containing everything needed for a day’s fly fishing – zinger, stainless steel snips, long nosed, lockable forceps and leather leader straightener/fly line cleaner.
Comes with a spare fly foam so once the tools have been removed, it can be fitted to make a double-sided fly box. The ideal gift for the fly fisherman who has everything! Colour: Green with clear lids
Snowbee Multi-Box
A superb quality, small Multi-Box ideal for storing dry flies and nymphs. Solidly built in ABS plastic with a heavy-duty hinge that is not going to break half way through the first season!
Double-sided, with a waterproof gasket all around, making it buoyant if dropped. 4 spring loaded lids covering a total of 14 compartments. Undoubtedly the best small multi-box we’ve seen and as the MD couldn’t break it after a full season’s use, it goes in the catalogue!
Colour: Olive Green
Understanding the importance of the low light in the life of the Bass and many other predators for that matter is crucial to our success. Clearly this is by no means the only time to catch them but it is a time of increased activity for the fish which gives us anglers an advantage and chance to out wit them and bag a big one!
Bass on a stinger lure
Skilled anglers will know that this is the time to be ready for, the window of maximum opportunity is short and its no time to be thinking of changing the fly or leader! You need to be at the top of your game, you may only get 20 minutes; maximise your skills during this calm, erie and sometimes spectacular time when the sun drops below the horizon in a blaze of glory and everything takes on that fabulous burnt orange colour, with that lovely band of reds and oranges still on the horizon.
You may have already been fishing for hours and picked up a couple of nice fish but now is the time to catch in numbers and pick off that prize personal best!
To further explain, by low light we are referring to periods around sunset and twilight, potentially the final hour of the day before the sun dips below the horizon and then the next 30 minutes referred to as twilight, when you can see both the stars in the sky and the horizon!
These periods are believed to be so important to us anglers because the activity level of the Bass increase significantly, effectively they are also capitalising on the low light to give them an advantage over their prey!
As a predator, the Bass will gorge itself when the opportunity arrises and this occurs at times when their food source is plentiful as well when its most vulnerable!
A fine 5lb Bass caught on a Stinger deceiver lure
Mid summer when the sandeel and white bait are plentiful, coincide this with a spring tide in full flow at dusk and you have the perfect conditions for a feeding frenzy.
Ironically the baitfish themselves are most actively feeding at this time, perhaps wandering a little to far away from the shallow water or weed beds either in search of food or pushed by the increased current flow.
There is nothing more exciting to the angler watching and reading the water for signs of fish, to suddenly see the water come alive with silver as the bait fish jump for the sky as they are pursued by the marauding Bass!
Don’t be afraid to fish ridiculously close to the shore!…
As the Bass corall the bait fish towards the shore they often end up on the beach or bank in a desperate attempt to escape, bass can occasionally be seen chasing them with their backs clearly out of the water!
Mackerel and hate bait momentarily stranded as they are beached during a feeding frenzy, no doubt the Bass are lurking nearby to capitalise on events!
As anglers, we can take advantage of these low light opportunities with a number fishing techniques. With the Bass in an active feeding mode and effectively hitting anything that moves, the strategy should involve the use of flies, lures or baits that can be presented quickly and effectively over a large area and with the ability to switch direction and area to follow the feeding fish. Therefore spinning with a lure or fly fishing are the two best methods to deploy. Live and dead baits tend to come into their own after dark, but that’s another story.
Bass gear
Doesn’t need to be anything too specialised, a 9′ fly rod wt #7 is ample to cast a reasonably large streamer, ideally you want a good quality reel that can cope with the salt water.
Snowbee Geo 9′ fly rodSnowbee 8′ 10 to 50 gramme Kuroshio rod, with raptor 3000 reel
Equally an 8 to 9 ft spinning rod capable of casting 10 to 50 grammes is ideal, length of rod is more a personal choice, modern technology offers plenty of forgiveness in quality gear.
Bass Flies
Flies to use are streamer patterns with plenty of movement such as our surf deceivers and baitfish specials. Don’t be afraid to fish ridiculously close to the shore with your fly these shallow water opportunities are where fly fishing has the upper hand over lures.
Bass will chase their prey right into the shallows and often when fishing the surf you see the Bass shore side of you, in fact this can be a good tactic to deploy, wade out some 30 metres and fish back in towards the shore. Also useful when there is an onshore breeze, as it makes the casting easier!
Bass Lures
Snowbee Stinger lures are specifically designed to achieve ultra realistic
shapes and profiles imitating the swimming action and vibrations of natural bait fish. The Plugs feature life-like scale patterns, coupled with pearlescent or holographic finishes for the ultimate realism, guaranteed to attract the attention of Bass and other predatory fish. Oversized, 3D epoxy eyes provide a ‘trigger-point’ to help provoke an aggressive response.
The Bass are particularly fond of the Stinger Deceiver Minnow 75S
A versatile new small minnow design, which will cover many requirements.
Equally suited to fresh or salt water fishing the exaggerated lip, allows the Deceiver to be either ‘jerk-fished’, causing it to dart downwards, like a startled baitfish, looking for cover, or fished very slow, where the oversized lip gives it a long, slow ‘side to side’ action. A perfect lure for modern LRF fishing and shallow close in beach/bank where a hard lure action is required.
4-piece ultra lightweight carbon blanks Fast action with high lift snakes for extreme distance casting Snowbee tri-modulus carbon technology. 
The tail has a series of moulded ‘slots’ down each side, while the oversized ‘paddle’ tail, is angled forward along the bottom edge. This combination not only creates an exaggerated tail action, even at very low speeds, but also sets up additional undersea noise – a proven fish attractor.
And believe us when we say size matters! Big bait… big fish – simple as that!
