Spring Flyfishing Show -> Exhibitors

The Spring Flyfishing Show -> Flytyer profile - Alan Bithell.

Alan Bithell - England.

Please write a short profile about yourself - Fishing for.... well too long to mention here, tying flies for the last 18 years some of that time tying commercially. Away from river and tying bench I trained as a mechanical engineer (Dead trade now) but have turned my hand to many different jobs to get by, including Railway Signalman and Magician. .
My favourite fly fishing pattern. -Its difficult to decide but one pattern I have developed through various stages has served me well for many years now is what I call my Little Black Bug. It has cracked that awful hatch of tiny black fly that afflicts us all either on river or still water from time to time.

What other patterns and styles of flyfishing do you enjoy most. -I love to collect styles of fly tying where they belong. I have fished North Country spiders on the rivers of northern England; Bustads on the Eden, Dry fly on Chalk streams (spring creeks) One day I will get to fish Catskill dries on the Catskill Rivers. I've never fished a blob on Rutland though!!!!

Is there a style of flytying you enjoy more than others! -To start with I tie fishing flies. Others tie super realistic flies that never see water. They are brilliant at it. I tie flies that can be used. I love to create semi realistic fishing patterns.

What is your most memorable flyfishing moment? - Camping on Dartmoor, and coming back to the site late for the shop, with nothing for dinner I went back to the river and provided for both of us. A lovely 2lb ish brown. The biggest of the trip. Great on toast.

What is your most favoured piece of flyfishing equipment? -Fishing or not I am never without my Leatherman.

What type of flyfishing rod and reel do you use? - 8'6" 4w covers most of my fishing but I will use rods down to 6' and upto 10' all in 4 weight.

What type of flytying will you be tying at the show and are there any specific tying techniques you will be demonstrating at the show. -All the little tips and tricks that I have picked up production tying, and of course some of my own patterns. If there is anything you really want to see feel free to email me at. [alanbithell@yahoo.com]

What is your favourite piece of flytying equipment? - In the words of Edmund Blackadder "The Large thing between my ears"...... However not what Baldric replied. "Your nose?"

Many thanks Alan and we look forward to seeing you at the show.

Alan is also giving a flytying class at the show. Click [here] to find out more and book your place.

Go back to demonstrators page by clicking [here]