Back in March 4 Cadets from Great Torrington Detachment, Devon Army Cadet Force and 1 pupil from Marland Secondary School, Barnstaple took on the challenge to learn Fly Fishing for the Skills section of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Sgt Oscar Beer, L/Cpl George Batten, L/Cpl Koby Sheppard, Cdt Ted Symons and Miles Holland from Marland School.

During the course they learnt all the elements needed to become confident still water anglers such as types of lines, leaders, tippets, flies, role cast, false cast & retrieve.

The course also consisted of a day’s Fly Tying; this enabled the lads to tie a selection of flies for the 2 lake days of the course.

Special thanks to Paul Cozens at Simpson’s Valley Trout and Course fishery for his continued support on our first lake day 22/06/24, although we didn’t catch any trout the lads had a great day, it also proved how difficult trout can be some times (all good practice) but one of the lads did manage to catch and land a 7lb Pike on a small nymph pattern.

Special thanks also to Tom and Nigel at Bulldog Fisheries for their support on our second lake day 13/07/24 and providing a great end to the course.

Unfortunately, 2 of the lads couldn’t make the day due to other commitments but the 3 that attended had another great day and all caught hard fighting fish that were in superb condition, Nigel kindly rounded of the day for us with a detailed tour around the stock ponds giving the lads an insight into how a trout fishery is run.

2 of the lads were so impressed they said they will be returning with their parent for another session.

Special thanks also to Colonel Ashley Fulford for supporting me and providing first aid cover.

Last year I put an ask on Facebook to anyone that had fly tying materials or equipment that was surplus to requirements, the response was incredibly and although I thanked everyone personally at the time I just wanted to say thank you on here for your support, the materials, rods and reels have all been put to good use and helps use teach these  youngsters at no cost.

Thanks to Geoff Mitchell, Claire Gilbert, Molly Vince and another gentleman that lives at Century Corner, sorry couldn’t remember your name, thank you all so much for you support.

All in all, a very successful coarse, thanks to everyone involved.

Tight Lines Lt Trevor Cook