If you are new to Salmon Fishing
Catching a salmon is the ultimate goal for many anglers and with good casting and the correct tackle, it can be achieved.
Catching that first salmon is a major milestone in any anglers career and one to be relished. The sheer magic of the moment is never forgotten. For some the prize will come easily, but for most it will be a journey of frustration and anxious moments so, when success finally comes, it is all the sweeter.
Starting out with the correct kit and a sound knowledge of casting and techniques will move the goal much closer. All you need then is to be in the right place at the right time and the king of fish will be yours.
For larger rivers, outfits based around 14 or 15 9-10 weight double-handed rods are the correct choice. At first these rods may seem clumsy and unwieldy especially if you are used to trout rods but this is not the case at all. With practice you will find that they offer tremendous line control and delicacy at range though do remember to tape the joints before fishing!
The rod should be matched to a reel capable of holding a salmon line and at least 150m of 30lb breaking strain backing line. A good quality reel is a sound investment; not only will it be a pleasure to own, but it will also allow you to play hard-fighting salmon with confidence. Large arbor reels have the advantage of a faster retrieve and they are kinder to the line in storage. Your choice of line needs to be matched to the time of year as a rule of thumb, the colder the water the deeper you should fish. A line with interchangeable tips that can be matched to water temperature and depth is a good starting point.
Smaller rivers are generally best fished with double-handed rods in the 12 to 13 range matched with 7-9 weight lines. They offer better line control than singlehanded rods and are able to cope with the heavier flies that are sometimes needed. Single-handed rods are useful in low water conditions for delicate presentation of small flies at close range and a 96" or 10 rod in the 6-8 weight range is ideally suited to these tasks.
To do any salmon beat justice, you will need to wade some pools. Wading is a skill you learn with practice and to do this in safety, never venture into the water without an automatic lifejacket and a suitable wading staff. Most anglers use stocking-foot breathable waders matched with felt-soled wading boots. A few strategically placed metal studs will give the best grip on a rocky riverbed. These
lightweight waders are one of the major advances in fishing equipment and are as comfortable to wear as everyday trousers. A breathable wading jacket completes the outfit.
Most beats have pools that can only be covered by speycasting due to high banks and obstructions. Take some lessons with a qualified APGAI instructor and a whole new world of casting opportunities will open up. Speycasting is also far less effort than overhead and will make your fishing much more enjoyable. On rivers with open banks, fish are usually landed by beaching or hand-tailing. Where the banks are steep and overgrown a net can be useful, but be sure it is large enough to accommodate a lively salmon.
Today, much of the salmon fishing in the UK is organised on a catch and release basis. It is essential that stocks are carefully managed so we can be sure these magnificent fish will continue to run our rivers in the future. By returning your catch carefully to the water you will be doing your bit to ensure a bright future for the king of fish.
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