Popped down to GAC this weekend to see what was going on with the six monthly open day. The place was packed out when I arrived this afternoon, I am sure the tills were running up some records.

I personally went for a wander and to have a look at a few demo’s of fly tying. Unfortunately Davie MacPhail wasn’t in attendance due to some family issues but I did see Paul Proctor and stood watching him demonstrate a tying of a small sparse Spider, might have been a Waterhen Bloa, and he showed some useful techniques which I will endeavour to incorporate into my tying.

Paul Proctor at the Vice

Paul Proctor at the Vice

He also tied an Olive Klinkhammer and its amazing how many different methods are in use for creating the post and the Hackle. I tend to use the wing on top method shown by John Tyzack as my preference, as I like the tapered base it gives to the body. Paul was saying he prefers to tie the wing round the shank in the thorax area as it gives a slimmer profile to the body. The way he ties off the hackle was akin to JT’s method though with a whip finish round the post , and I tend to post my hackles like Davy MacPhail and tie off round the head! I have tried  tying off round the post but it never works for me. All things said it shows there is more than one way to skin a cat, or tie a fly!

While I was standing I was “rudely” shoved by someone in the passing- recognising the culprit was my fishing “mentor” Hywel Morgan, obviously not recognising me from behind, I said in a moderately loud Weegie accent- “Whay d’you think your shovin?”. He turned round to see my smiling mug! So brief hello’s and handshakes were shared – he was off demo’ing somewhere. I will catch up with him next week when I see him for my casting lesson 😉

I never spoke to any of them- they were all obviously overwhelmed by my presence!

David Edwards was I think demo’ing Bug Bond though it looked like he was being filmed maybe by Aaron of Bearleft- I think? Looked like he was tying Clouser Minnows or something- stuff for big/ predatory fish anyway so wasn’t that bothered for watching that to be honest.

There were plenty other celebs and stands there of interest. Spotted were Ant Glascoe Jr, Mick Brown, Paul Young and Iain Barr. I never spoke to any of them- they were all obviously overwhelmed by my presence!

I did part with some cash though for some tapered leaders I was needing and also a couple of packets of Poly Leaders. Never tried these but want to give them a go this season, see how they help with presentation and turnover. I was hoping to get some bleached/dyed Peacock eyes for stripped quill flies ( I am sure someone was selling them there last year) but none were available, I asked at Cookshill but they said they don’t do them. They had some nice stuff though, Junglecock looked a good buy.

But a good way to spend an afternoon and a lot of money, if you have it to spend!

Worth a visit.