CROWN FLY FISHERS
STEWART WALLACE
Stewart a.k.a.` Dippy` Wallace is a founder member of the Crown FF. He has been fishing since the age of seven. His formative years were spent at his fathers side on the River Garnock where he learned the basics. As usual he wasted his late teens chasing women and drinking and it wasn't until he moved to Dreghorn that he rediscovered his passion for angling. Dippy has served as secretary for both Crown FF and Dreghorn AC and is still actively involved when called upon.
Preferred Methods....No real preference I love them all when they work.
Tackle....One of the original Orvis three, I put most of my faith in a Trident TL ten foot and a T3 ten foot. Both are good all rounders suited to most types of fishing best of all is the lifetime guarantee as i am notorious for the odd breakage. I also use a Diawa Altmor nine foot four weight for river and dry fly. Reels two recently purchased Orvis Rocky Mountain large arbor are so far proving a sound investment and have replaced my trusty Orvis Battenkills which have served me well for many years. Lines consist of Airflo sinking lines and Aircel Ultra three floater.
Leader Material....I have the greatest faith in Drennan double strength ten pound down to six pound bs. It has great knot strength and very rarely fails. Recently I have joined the fluorocarbon revolution and have settled on Rio Powerflex six point four bs. So far it is very reliable and has a low diameter for bs. at .178 mm.
Favourite Tackle Purchase....The first fly tying kit I ever bought. It showed that there was more to fly fishing than just fishing. I get as much pleasure from tying flies and I find it far less frustrating than trying to catch the wee buggers.
Venues....Hard to choose and I don't think I really can. I think that we are very fortunate in Scotland to have as much on our doorstep as we do. However I really do enjoy fishing our major rivers, in particular the Tummel at any time of year. As far as stillwaters go Mentieth is still hard to beat.
Pet Hates....Getting cut up while boat fishing, discarded leader material at small fisheries and smoking on the mini bus.
Fishing Ambitions....Consistancy. At the moment I am desperately seeking some. Looking for a change of fortune in 2005, a few good results wouldn't go amiss. Top five finish and a quaich would do nicely thank you.
Achievements....A very close second in the Daily Record champion of champions final in 1999. Traveling reserve in 2000 for the Scottish Rivers International team in Ireland.
Best Thing About Crown Fly Fishers....Most definitely, without a doubt it has to be the journey home on the mini bus, just don't dare blank! I also love seeing less fancied members having their day and I can't help but feel really chuffed by the way the club has developed over the years.
At Burns Fishery Tarbolton