There’s something about early summer on the Tyne that makes you want to linger a little longer by the water. This past weekend, we teamed up with The Country Girls UK at Bywell Salmon Fishing for two days that reminded me why these gatherings matter.
Day 1: Starting with the Essentials
We kicked off with a health and safety briefing led by Charlie Brownlow. It’s easy to overlook the basics when you’re eager to fish, but on rivers like the Tyne, a little caution goes a long way. We talked through the realities: slippery banks, unpredictable currents, and the importance of eye and head protection when casting. There’s a quiet confidence that comes from knowing how to move safely, and it sets the tone for the rest of the day.
From there, we dove straight into tackle. Salmon fishing isn’t one-size-fits-all; every river has its own quirks. For Bywell, we brought out a range of rods, but for anyone starting out, a 13-14ft rod in the 8-9 weight range is the sweet spot. The main advantage is that this size will cover you for most rivers in the UK. We spent time on line selection and fly choice too; this time of year, the Tyne invites experimentation, so we tried everything from skating sunrays to size 14 doubles, making the most of Bywell’s varied pools.
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