Saltwater Flyfishing Workshops

The Workshops

To stand at the edge of the sea, to sense the ebb and flow of the tides, to feel the breath of a mist, is to have knowledge of things that are as nearly eternal as any earthly life can be.

Rachel Carson

Apologies, workshops are very limited and are currently on/off due to covid-19 restrictions.

I may run some workshops during Spring of 2022 with a little luck!

Thanks, Jim.

Discover a new world of how bass fishing on the fly can become a uniquely challenging and satisfying coastal adventure for you.

Learn and understand fish behavior under many different locations in different circumstances and most importantly how best to rig, cast and retrieve your fly (or not) to make the most of your opportunities. Unravel the mysteries of fly fishing in wind and waves, drift, strip, pop,when and where……after ten years of International guiding for bass on the fly from the shore and boat the opportunity to share that accumulated knowledge is now fully available to you

– please note this is a Two Day Workshop but can be completed in a single accelerated day, each day consists of a blended learning sequence of the many and various aspects and challenges that is Bass on the fly combined with on the water guiding and instruction. Please ensure you have read the participation statement below.

Maximum two people only.

Day One

Bass – a species overview

In the classroom! – 3 hrs

The legislation, conservation and continued protection of the species
Season and influences
Growth – Breeding – Behavior
Timings
Feeding patterns
History of, in Ireland
General behavior in locations like estuaries, rocky shores, open surf beaches
Discover how to read tides properly and the effects they have on our fishing for bass
Understanding the finer points of weather influences on your fishing on the Wexford coast and on the further Irish coast
Winds and their influence
Rain and its subsequent effects
Air temperature
Water temperature
Discover and gaining understanding of location development and ‘bass behavior patterns’ over time and tide
Fly fishing at Night – the challenges, this section is on request only
1. Safety
2. Tactics
3. Timings
4. Fly choice
5. Line Choice

Fly fishing gear – an introduction

Rod types and their different application
Suitable reels
Line types and profiles for saltwater fishing different approaches
Fluorocarbons, polyleaders, mono and leader construction
Line rod and reel care in the saltwater environment
Unique fluorocarbon and mono knots for fly fishing
Fly fishing and rigging
Fly choice and type (recommendations)
Surface fly fishing
Sub surface fly fishing and casting
1. Intermediate lines
2. Sinking lines
Surface flys, poppers gurglers and walkers
Using your basket effectively
Safety when casting and fishing when windy

Break for Lunch at The Yard Restaurant THEN

Getting out there – time on the coast 4 Hrs

Day Two

Session One

On the water – 3 to 4 hours morning and evening

On the water tactics and techniques Part I

You safety and a quick location audit on how to stay safe whilst fish landing/handling
How best to stay comfortable and fish effectively when fly fishing
Learning ‘Location development’ over a tide
Watercraft and ‘running down the fish
Learn to Cast at the Coast
Correct presentations over different locations over time and over tidal current / wave
Fly choice and selection for any given time tide and location type
Catch and Return – its much more than returning fish (discussions)
Fish handling regarding

Leaving the fish in the water when releasing
Playing and then landing the fish avoiding stress
What to do over sand, rocks and other difficult areas
Un-hooking and handling,
Photographing returning and recovery OR proper dispatching of fish
Reviewing the legislation

Applying points 8 to 10 from session One on the water

On the water tactics and techniques Part II

Reviewing the different types of presentations and their applicability to different types of fly fishing
The fly profile, colour, its action and its role in fishing when conditions are tough
Fly fishing and you—common errors to avoid and positive aspects to enhance
Advanced fishing tactics and strategies including boat fishing intro

Line management
Distance casting
Casting with BIG flies
Dealing with wind and high seas

Confidence when handling and returning fish and making super photographs

Learning to apply your skills to a range of different saltwater fish.
1. Seatrout
2. Mullet
3. And Tropical species
  1. Bonefish
  2. Permit
  3. Barracuda

__________________________________

Paul Moinester, is a writer, photographer and environmentalist from the USA and he comments “the more time I spend in Ireland, the more I am amazed by the country’s endless quality fishing offerings, incredible beauty, and collection of talented fly fishing professionals. The Bass retreat was proof positive of this sentiment as anglers from across Ireland and abroad gathered in Cobh to learn from world-class instructors about how to most effectively pursue trophy sea Bass on Ireland’s stunning, rugged coast. This is an experience that I won’t soon forget.

PARTICIPATION STATEMENT

Jim Hendrick recognises that coastal saltwater fly-fishing is an activity with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in this activity should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own involvement. By booking a day/workshop you are aware and accept these risks and will be responsible for your own actions and involvement. Jim Hendrick will help you to manage these, but can never completely remove them.

CONDITIONS OF BOOKING

These conditions also apply to each individual when booking as a group. It is advised that you take out your own personal accident/cancellation insurance.

INSURANCE AND LOSS

Jim Hendrick guided days/workshops do not include any personal accident, cancellation, third-party liability or personal insurance. Jim Hendrick recommends that you take out your own policy. Jim Hendrick will accept no responsibility whatsoever in respect of loss or damage to personal property.