A fishing trip:

The idea, the preparation, the works.

The idea came from a couple of fishing buddys who have been flyfishing for more than 15 years both nationally and internationally; there whas some flyfishing to be done abroad.

But where? The solution whas nearby. Last year a couple of clubmembers had travelled abroad and came back very enthousiastic. When next year more members went it was clear: the 3 fishing buddys were going also.

The desision whas made and the money transferred months in advance but the spirit was not yet there amongst the buddys. When we received last years pictures spirits were raised but summer vacations soon took over.

When departure came nearer, there where boxes to be filled with the right flies. There was the experience from last years visitors, the internet and fishers magazines we reconsiled. Most importantly there were trips to the fishingshop to be made to make sure no gadgeds of the most importance were left out. Some proofed to be absolutely unnacisary but the shop owner is a kind man and he has to make a living too! E-mails went and came, the "schooltrip" feeling took hold, in other words, we were about to leave.

The trip started one sunday moring at six o´clock in the morning at a gasstation. We met up with 7 fishingbuddys with all their gear spread over 3 cars, navigators were programmed and just to be sure oldfashionate roadmaps were brought in case the satelites would let us down. Mobile numbers were exchanged, and we planned stops to strengthen the inner body although home had provided us with enough food too last us a week without starving to death. The thing is that pubs provide an essential part of the trip namely keeping our physical condition at level. Our trip went well although some emergency moves had to be made to miss a horse trailer with a flat tire and some spots were honoured with a second visit like a 3 kilometer long tunnel we took twice. This was all to be blamed on the electronical devices and incorrect roadmaps.

And now what it was all about: flyfishing. To put it in words, the size of the fish was not great but the numbers we cought them in was some days huge. The fish were strong and beautiful. Nature and its rivers was breath taking and many times I found myself being the last person in the world with only a buddy miles away. Fishing in more rural places was very pleasing too. It was the first time in my flyfish career that I had to run from a helicopter. Fishing in the middle of small villages or at the foot of a dam is pretty special too. These are all virtues of fishing abroad and I mean that in the most positive way. All during our trip we had great weather so we could mostly fish `dry`. This to me is the best way to flyfish. Just to see a trout or a grayling standing in the water, presenting the fly and see it being take still gives me the greatest trill. I tend to write I and Me but I am sure it was the same for al my buddys. Athough we al have our preferrences, nimph or fly it all worked in this far country.

I did not name my buddys or mentioned were we went. Not to make this the prize question but to make it a different kind of journal. Wheter I succeded is up to the reader. But it is no secret were we went. It used to be behind the iron curtain namely the Tsjec Republic in Vrchlabi to be exact. My mates were Maarten, Levinus, André, Hans, Floor, Enrico en Gerard and no we are no secret agents. One can still see the results of the falling of the gurtain but it is an upcomming country both for fishing and for visiting. The people are most kind with on top of the bill our guide Petr Axamit a ingeneer by profession but a long time flyfisher by heart and a ski guide in winter. He has been fishing all over the world and he went to great lenghts to ensure we had the best time and to share his knowledge. His conversations over drinks were perfect day endings. The spots he picked including the secret ones we are not supposed to talk about even in the Netherlands were excellent. Every thing surrounding the fishing was splended too, the cheap fishing shops, the pubs, the food. This summs up one great trip with great mates in and out of the water, so thanks again guys and hope to see you soon on a next trip.

Hans Beintema