Thinking Time ...

It's at this time of year that we start to plan our 'big' activities for next year - we always try to do at least one thing each year which scares us!

We love to navigate uncharted territories and go outside of our comfort zone - after all it would be really easy for us to just keep selling the same flies year after year - but where's the fun in that. Some ideas work well, and some don't, but we use each as a learning experience.

To work out what these ideas are requires some serious thinking time ...

I've always found that a trip to the water (be it either a river or stillwater) really lets my thoughts percolate (just like a good coffee - more of that in a future email) and bring to the fore those that need more attention.

Contact with the natural environment is proven to be very good for your mind, health and spirit.

I don't want to get all 'New Age' on you and start reading your chakras - but I do believe there's a bit of the 'zen factor' involved. 

Fly fishing is basically meditation in motion. You're out there in nature, with the sound of the water flowing by, the rustling of the trees, not a Wi-Fi signal in sight. The simple, rhythmic act of casting a line over and over again becomes a kind of moving meditation. 

It's a perfect way to clear your mind, focus on the present (or future), and let go of whatever's been bugging you—whether it's work stress, that long to-do list, or even the fact that you've somehow watched everything on Netflix. Plus, there’s something undeniably peaceful about standing in water, trying to outsmart a fish who has no idea it’s part of your therapy session.

Interlude: Please read right to the end of this email, as we have an update on a great cause which we are supporting this year - Reel Recovery - which fits right in with all the above mind, body & soul thinking.

If I were to select just one item of equipment that I think has rekindled my 'inner zen' it’s the use of a silk line - I’ve found nothing better for presenting small flies on long light leaders - I also regularly 'blank' so it's the perfect excuse to just enjoy the art of casting!

Don't think that to get the best out of a silk line you need a cane rod - just try one on a medium action carbon rod - or better still a glass rod - there really is nothing better.

We've just received a parcel here @ Barbless Flies HQ - direct from Ian in Sheffield and it's full of his silk fly lines - we've now got these stunning full-length silk lines in the most popular weights (DT3, DT4, DT4/5, DT5, DT6, DT6/7 and DT7) and colours Straw, Light Green, Dark Green, Navy Blue & Dark Red.

Each of our Silk lines are sent in a handy box (to keep them in when not on the reel), a pot of floatant grease, a microfibre cloth (to clean/help dry them) and full line care instructions.

These lines are made in the UK (in Sheffield, Yorkshire), by Ian Moxon and are great value for money, these fully finished lines are now available for immediate delivery, and from only £89.99 - which for a silk line is outstanding value.

*** We've only 2 or 3 of each weight of line - and no more stock arriving until next year, so if you would like one, grab yours now ***

Please Note: We do realise that silk lines may be very new to some of you, and you will have some questions. Please either reply to this email, or give me a call on 0330 66 00 587 and I will answer them as best I can.

Reel Recovery is an innovative non-profit organisation - spearheaded by Michael Sayers in the UK - it uses FREE Fly Fishing retreats to improve the lives of men with cancer.

In the outdoors you can find troubles drifting, peace and serenity in nature, the power of friendship with a fishing buddy and sharing the day's adventures.

Reel Recovery was originally established in the USA over 20 years ago and has helped more than 4,500 men living with cancer.

This September, for the first time, Reel Recovery are hosting a weekend fly-fishing retreat in Northumberland - this will be the springboard to launch the program across the UK.

Reel Recovery’s mission is to help men in the recovery process by sharing with them the healing powers of fly-fishing, while providing a safe, supportive environment to explore their personal experiences of cancer, with others who share their stories.

Retreats are offered at no cost to the participants and are led by professional facilitators and expert fly-fishing instructors.

Reel Recovery provides all meals, lodging and fly-fishing equipment, and no previous fishing experience is required.

We (Barbless Flies) have agreed to help support Michael and the participants with anything they need. We've already donated all the flies, marketing materials and anything else Michael has asked for.

A project like this is not something which can be achieved on your own, so we'd love a little help from our loyal community ...

To help Michael establish the Reel Recovery program within the UK we'd like you to consider making a small donation via their Just Giving‌ page, you can find out more by clicking the button below:

Don't keep the benefits of fly fishing a secret, let's help others experience what we sometimes take for granted!

For much more information about Reel Recovery you can visit their website - https://www.reelrecovery.org

 

Tight (silk) lines.