Used & Abused: The Complete Mayfly DVD - 05/07/2010

The problem with fishing DVDs is that you can’t actually see what’s what until you get it home. I have put some in the DVD player, full of excitement (sad I know, but I love fishing) but after watching for several minutes I kind of feel let down.

This DVD does the exact opposite; it’s informative, instructional, inspirational and put together very nicely. It’s been shot in a stunning location and is, in a word, astounding! The two presenters are Dean Andrews, a well-known face on TV (Life On Mars, Ashes To Ashes) and river ace John Tyzack, a man who knows his onions when it comes to river fishing – he’s six-times English Rivers Champion.The boys make their way along Derbyshire’s River Wye, on the Cressbrook & Litton Flyfishers’ Club stretch, taking fish in the form of brown and rainbow trout, the latter are wild fish, a rarity on British rivers.

Every stage of the mayfly is presented to the feeding fish, from nymphs through to the final stage – the spinner, or spent fly. Watching these two as they literally take the river to bits, pulling out trout from every conceivable nook and cranny, you can’t help but get excited. Some of the camera work is astonishing, there’s plenty of close-up footage of trout slashing at duns on the surface and the fly-tying sequences are pretty fantastic too – crisp and precise, they leave you in no doubt as to how to tie some of the wonderful mayfly patterns that these anglers use.

If you’re looking for a DVD on river fishing then this and the other Fish On Productions DVDs are the best around. I have to highlight one part of the DVD in particular – the outtakes. It may be that I know these guys but I’m sure that anyone watching will find them equally hilarious. To be honest, I nearly wet myself laughing.

The Complete Mayfly DVD

• RRP: £24.95
• Distributor: 01246 268282
• www.fishonproductions.co.uk
• E-mail: info@fishonproductions.co.uk