It was a horrible morning. Cold, wet and very windy. The blustery wind was from the east but the weather forecast was for sunshine and moderate winds later in the day. I had a meeting in Petworth and also had a chance to inspect a 1920 fly tying kit by Farlows. I decided to take the Land Rover and my fishing gear just incase the weather improved.

The meeting was postponed and the sun had started to break through by early afternoon. I took my rod and landing net for a walk around the lakes. Luffs looked like a highland loch with big waves and a driving wind. I fished the shallow end for a while but although the water looked good, there were no signs of any trout. I moved along the bank below the willow tree and sat on the bench. It was difficult to get a line in the water, the wind swirled around and blew the back cast down into the grass. The first proper cast gave an immediate take on a GRHE nymph, the fish fought long and hard. I wondered if it was an overwintered trout. It wasn’t. I missed a couple of takes and decided to explore the bank by the fir trees at Lower Figgs. It was a relaxing walk in the sunshine, the trees along the edge of the moor sheltered me from the worst of the wind. There were a few fish rising at Lower Figgs but they were not impressed by my efforts and after an hour, I walked back to the club house.

The Farlows fly tying kit was a time capsule from 1920. The materials and tools were original. The black enameled box had kept out the moths, the fur and feathers were all in good condition. Since it’s purchase in 1920 it had been around the British Empire and then back to England. A very rare, valuable and sought after box of goodies.