Flies from The Dark Side

There are some flies we're not supposed to talk about. Mention their name in certain angling circles, and you'll get the sort of look usually reserved for someone who's just walked into a chalkstream with a box of maggots.

Worms ...

We've never been ones for the Jedi code, and with these patterns perfect for Stillwaters (and Rivers), the 'Dark Side' is where the fish are.

We've just restocked two selections for anyone ready to give in to their feelings.

The Jig Apps Selection

Small, slim and deadly. Our Jig Apps Bloodworm Selection is tied from the finest flexi-floss we could find, so it wriggles like the real thing the moment it's disturbed. You get twelve in all, three each of black, olive, red and white, all tied on size 14 strong barbless jig hooks.

They come with extra-long legs, so you can fish them as they are or trim them to suit and they're only £20 for the full selection of 12.

Please Note: For details on how to fish them, check out the very end of this message.

*** There's no getting past the fact that all these flies work well - and we mean REALLY well! Order yours today (before 1pm), choose 1st Class delivery, and you will be fishing with them tomorrow afternoon ***

The Derwent Worm Selection

This is the one that looks like it's had a rough journey to the water, which, ironically, took a lot of careful tying to get right. Each fly is tied on the AHREX FW541 size 12 barbless hook, strong and sharp with just the right shape for worm patterns.

There are three each of olive, earth, red and chartreuse. These flies work on rivers and stillwaters, and they're at their best on small waters with high soil banks, where real worms get washed in. They're also a proper blank-saver when conditions are against you. £23.

*** There's no getting past the fact that all these flies work well - and we mean REALLY well! Order yours today (before 1pm), choose 1st Class delivery, and you will be fishing with them tomorrow afternoon ***

How To Fish A 'worm-style' Pattern

These flies seem to be unpopular with the ‘purists’, but they undoubtedly work really well in certain situations. Here we aim to give you an idea of what these flies are and how to use them.

There are two scenarios when fishing this style of fly:

On Stillwaters: All of these patterns are best fished on a sinking (or intermediate) line and shortish leader. Once on the bottom of the lake bed, make a slow (but jerky) retrieve and wait for the take! These flies imitate the bloodworm, which is found in the lake bed. When disturbed, they pulse and move in exactly the same way as the flexi-floss.

On Rivers: These flies are most effective in high water (or after a flood/rise in water) when the water level is going down and clearing. Where these patterns really come into their own is in smaller rivers with high soil banks, where real worms are washed from banks. These can also be used as a point fly in deeper holes.

Please Note: We know that some of you like to customise your flies, so these are tied with extra-long legs (which you can either fish as they are or cut down to a size you think is best).

These are flies, which in some quarters are very much frowned upon. It is not our place to judge anyone, and as far as we are concerned, so long as the fishery allows it, it's fair game.

Nobody has to know. Keep them in a separate box, tell your fishing mates it was a "research purchase", and quietly enjoy catching some fish - we won't tell!

Tight Lines.