Guiding:

This is your day on the river and will be tailored to your own particular needs for the day.  It may be a one to one day or I may be looking after your guests while you enjoy some quiet fishing on your own.  I will cover safety, rules of the beat, river etiquette, rod selection, leaders, dry fly technique, fly identification, nymph fishing, essential river craft skills and correct casting methods for dealing with the wind, current & obstacles.  Most important is the correct presentation of the fly and selecting the right fly in the first place!

I've worked on many different beats of the Test, Itchen, Dun, Anton, Dever, Nadder & Kennet and I love the challenge of a new piece of water.  I am mainly booked through www.orvis.co.uk, www.goflyfishinguk.com, or www.upstreamdryfly.com so if you require a guide while booking through a different company you must check that they would be happy for me to guide on their water or that the owner would be happy for you to take me along.

Guiding though is not all about catching fish, it is making sure that your special day on the river is a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable occasion.

 I have day rod availability on many glorious beats of the River Test and Itchen and can arrange the entire fishing package.   Please send an e-mail to gillybate@hotmail.com to discuss your requirements.

Corporate days:

May be booked through any of the companies above. All specialize in ensuring that your organisiation or friends have a fabulous time on the most beautiful chalkstream beats.  These beats are well stocked and maintained with easy access and varying levels of difficulty.

I  run stillwater days at www.avingtontrout.com  which  have full catering facilities and bar on site. This is the most fabulous venue for a group booking and they are famous for large trout.  All equipment is supplied for the day and all other instructors (dependant on numbers) are fully qualified, insured and registered.  The lakes are terrific for beginners, the less experienced and children and are better able to cope if you have a large party. Breakfast starts the day, drinks are brought around the lake mid morning, BBQ lunch is served in the lodge and afternoon tea finishes the day.  Many companies organize prizes and all fish are bagged and tagged ready for your guest to take home.

Please call 07817 304232 or e-mail gillybate@hotmail.com for more information