Mid May on a typical English spring day. The first thought of the morning, yes its the weekend and its time to blow the dust off the rod and set out for great new conquests. There in the distance, the first rise of the morning a rainbow leaping out of the clear water. It's sleek slender body shining silver, twisting as it takes a fresh mayfly from a new hatch. A deep breath is taken and the fly box explored for inspiration this is no lucky dip.

This a challenge against nature a bizarre game of natural chess. Once the fly hits the water the game is on. Every slight touch of the fly line, as it is slowly brought in small jerky movements, trying to imitate one of nature's marvels, is difficult to achieve. Once in a while that moment comes.

The take, the sudden lunge of the line. The bending of the rod. The spin of the reel. The explosion of water as the fish hits the surface like a trident missile heading for its target. The turn and the dive, a moment of uncertainty creeps into the equation. Is it still on the line or is this another tale of the one that got away? No we go again. Another leap, twist, a dive, this time like the titanic. The last roll before safely into the net. Another success. A deeply satisfying moment to be savored.

Fishing is for every age group and gender. Start them young and get them hooked.

You are never too old to start having fun.

Who says flyfishing is a man's sport? Come on girls take 'the stand' and catch dinner.

These photographs were taken on the River Lyn which runs through the Exmoor National Park, North Devon in South West England. Penny Luckhurst is demonstrating her ability with the forward cast to seek out a deep river pool and the trout that dwell there. She had decided on a Booby fly and used a slow retrieve. She was rewarded with this superb catch

One destined for the dinner plate.

Always take time to introduce youngsters into the sport. They are its future. It is so rewarding to see their faces when they catch their first fish. It gets them off the street and away from the TV, in wonderful natural surroundings

The 'Company Chairman' comes on all our fishing trips.

Seek the rise. Take your time and get your cast right. Then follow with a good retrieve. This is my idea of heaven ... fly fishing

Adrian Medcalf

Visit the English Fly Fishing Shop at www.flyfishing-flies.com