Course Description

Course Details 8th May Fly Tying, Fishing, River Ecology & Feast Discover the art and craft of traditional trout angling with this hands-on masterclass set near Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Designed for beginners and outdoor enthusiasts alike, this experience bridges traditional craft, river restoration, practical angling, and open-fire cooking. What to Expect The Craft of Fly Tying: Start by examining the aquatic invertebrates that trout feed on. You’ll sit at the vice to tie your own artificial flies using natural feathers, furs, and threads—crafting the exact pattern you'll take to the water. The River Restoration Project & Watercraft: Walk our private riverbanks to see habitat conservation in action. We’ll show you how we are restoring the gravel riverbed, managing silt, and recreating natural pool-and-riffle features so native wild trout can successfully spawn. Along the way, we’ll demonstrate river casting techniques and how to read the water (any wild river fish hooked during demonstrations are strictly catch-and-release to protect the breeding stock). The Fishery: Catching for the Table: We will head to a local trout fishery to put your casting into practice and test out your hand-tied flies. Here, each guest will work the water to bank fresh trout for our culinary session. Fish Preparation: Learn ethical dispatch, field dressing, gutting, and clean filleting techniques to make the most of your catch. Open-Fire Cooking & Feast: Finish the day around the fire, cooking the fresh trout over wood embers and pairing it with wild seasonings, herbs, and fresh accompaniments. Course Details Location: Near Tunbridge Wells, Kent (starts on private land, with a visit to a nearby local fishery) Duration: Full-day experience (approx. 6–7 hours) Equipment: All fly-tying vices, materials, rods, terminal tackle, safety gear, and cooking equipment provided Suitability: Complete beginners welcome