Gayle Marsh - Wales

I’m delighted to be invited to demonstrate at the Irish fly fair this year. My previous visits to Galway have seen me working behind a camera, photographing some of the best traditional and innovative fly dressers from around the World.

I grew up fishing for wild brown trout on the rivers at the head of the Swansea valley in South Wales. Competition angling then captured me for a few successful years, during which I represented Wales at International levels in both Ladies and Senior Loch-Style Teams. Nowadays, my true passion is to fish for wild brown trout on the wilderness mountain lakes and reservoirs in Wales.

At the Fly Fair this year I will be tying some of my favourite Welsh wet fly patterns. Most of these patterns travel well. Earlier this year I demonstrated traditional fly dressing at the BFFI in Stafford and at the London Fly Fair - I have also in previous years sneaked in a few cameo slots on Tyer’s Row at Galway and have undoubtedly caught the tying bug.

Fly-tying apart, Galway also provides me with an opportunity to top up on high quality fur and feather from the numerous outlets - also to catch up with fellow tyers and friends I have made over the years and hopefully to meet a few new ones that share a similar passion for fly tying and fly fishing. Come and say hello.