Gwent Angling Society Open Day 2023

Following on from the success of last year’s Open Day event, we are excited to announce the launch of this year’s Gwent Angling Society Open Day. Last year’s event was a truly wonderful day for members and non-members, anglers and non-anglers, and families looking to enjoy a day in the sun, in great company and glorious surroundings, and with a host of events, activities, and great food.

Join us again for a fantastic and family-orientated day of fishing skills, fly tying and fly fishing demonstrations, entomology, and tuition and instruction. Hear more about the issues our rivers continue to endure and the Gwent Angling Society’s great work to combat these issues.

Location and Facilities

Once again, our Open Day will take place on Saturday 10th June (10:00hrs – 16:30hrs) at our Ty Mawr water just outside Abergavenny, located in the fields just behind and below the Gilwern Outdoor Education Centre, Gilwern, Abergavenny (https://goo.gl/maps/UAzeACkTYuErqKLRA). Once you reach the Outdoor Centre, you will see GAS Open Day signs which will direct you through our club gate and down to the parking area in the fields below.

There will be ample parking and disabled-friendly access to all field-based events, as well as a large marquee, seating, and access to portable loos throughout the day. Should you have any concerns about accessing the river or disabilities, please reach out to us to discuss further.

A full lunch is included with every ticket. For those who have attended our previous Open Day events, you’ll know how amazing this lunch is. There will also be a selection of soft drinks, tea and coffee, as well as a range of alcoholic drinks available from our bar.

Full Agenda

• 10:30 – 15:45 – RIVER – Workshops and Demonstrations
• 10:30 – 15:45 – FIELD – GAIA 1-2-1 Casting Lessons
• 11:30 – RIVER (Station 3) – Loop Tackle Demo
• 12:30 – MARQUEE – Lunch
• 13:30 – FIELD – The Fundamentals of Fly Casting with Alun Rees
• 15:00 – RIVER (Station 3) – Loop Tackle Demo
• 16:00 – MARQUEE – Raffle
• 16:30 – Close and Thank You

River Skills and Activities

On the river, we will be providing absolute beginners and experienced anglers alike with a range of demonstrations and skills workshops, all of which are led by fully qualified instructors and guides from the Game Angling Instructors’ Association. Whether you are brand new or looking to hone your skills, there will be something for everyone – from dry fly to wet fly techniques, reading the water, pike fishing techniques, and you’ll even be able to see first-hand what fish feed on via the entomology lessons led by GAS Vice-Chair and environmental lobbyist, Dave Collins.

This year we are also happy to announce that Loop Tackle will be on the river, showing you some of the latest and greatest rods on the market.

River Workshops and Demonstrations

• STATION 1 – Dry fly casting and fishing techniques, Rob Bowen
• STATION 2 – Modern nymphing techniques, Liam Walsh
• STATION 3 – Trout Spey, single and double-handed fishing and casting techniques, Justin Connolly and Rochard Bancroft
  11:00 & 15:30 – Loop Tackle – Spey Casts – Managing your surroundings and how to alter your casts in tricky situations
• STATION 4 – Double-Handed/Skagit casting and fishing techniques, John Symonds

Events in the Main Field

In the main field, you will have the opportunity to watch some of the UK’s best fly dressers, and this year, we have lined up the wonderful Mark Roberts, John Saxton, Sean Thomas, and Tim Wood.

Learn how to build and repair your own fly rods at home with our Alan Parfitt, or go under the microscope with The Riverfly Partnership’s entomology area, and browse and buy some of the best fly-tying materials on the market at the Deer Creek stall.

In the casting area, we will be offering one-to-one casting lessons thanks to the professionally-led Game Angling Instructors’ Association. You will also be able to see first-hand the invaluable casts needed for river fishing via several professional demonstrations.

• Sean Thomas
• Mark Roberts
• John Saxton
• Tim Wood

Sponsors and Raffle

Thanks to our sponsors, Deer Creek, Loop Tackle, and Semperfli Fly Tying, you will have the opportunity to see some of the latest and greatest fly tying an fly fishing equipment on the market.

We will also be holding a raffle throughout the day, with a huge range of prizes featuring guided fly fishing trips, fly boxes, guest tickets on GAS waters, fly tying materials, tackle, and a whole lot more!

Our Mission

Finally, and most importantly, you will have the opportunity to chat with Gwent Angling Society officials, learn more about what we do and why, understand the environmental challenges we face on our rivers in Wales and throughout the UK, and learn about our primary objective – Committed to the Environment.

To read more about our ongoing environmental lobbying, specifically around the Afon Llynfi and following several pollution incidents over the past five years, see the Gwent Angling Society’s response to National Resources Wales’ statement and its investigation into the Afon Llynfi pollution on 31 July 2020 which ended with no conviction.

Tickets

Our Open Days are open to all, both members and non-members and best of all, under-18s are welcome free of charge (all under-18s MUST be accompanied by an appropriate adult). Early Bird tickets are available until 1st May, after which there will be a £5 increase. We will also be selling tickets on the day for those making a last-minute decision.

Note, food-only tickets are available for non-anglers/partners/appropriate adults who will not be attending the river demos.

What to Bring

Please bring appropriate waterproof clothing with you…it might be June, but this is Wales! There will be room in our marquee for attendees should there be an odd shower. Likewise, previous years have been rather warm, so appropriate protection from the sun is also recommended.

For those planning to attend the skills demos down on the river, wellies and/or waders could also be advantageous. All safety equipment for use during casting lessons (hats and glasses) will be provided, however, we recommend bringing your own hat and glasses.

Any Questions? Get in Touch

Stay tuned to our website and our public Facebook page for more updates, agendas, and demonstrations as they are announced, but if you have any queries leading up to the event, please don’t hesitate to contact our Secretary, Gareth Lewis, via our Contact Us page.