Learn to fly fish with one of the world’s top instructors while staying in one of Ireland’s most beautiful country houses.

Peter O’Reilly, best selling angling writer and well-known fly-fishing instructor, has been running his very successful fly-fishing school at Delphi for over twenty years.

Peter is a qualified APGAI-Ireland instructor (in fly tying, single-handed casting and two-handed casting), as well as a Master and THC instructor of the elite American Federation of Fly Fishers.

He runs residential courses at Delphi Lodge to suit all requirements. The 2009 course dates are shown below.

Fly-fishing for beginners - €795

These popular 3-day courses, normally run over weekends, focus on the development of good casting skills and good fly presentation. They are designed for absolute beginners, including fishing widows keen to see what fly-fishing is all about. The courses introduce participants to fly rods, fly lines and correct casting fundamentals.

The programme covers both river and lake fishing; wet-fly, upstream nymph and dry-fly fishing; casting with single-handed and double-handed rods, including casting accuracy, coping with windy conditions, roll-casting and spey-casting; knot techniques; equipment appraisal and a wide range of practical guidance on river-craft, boat management and general fishing skills. The courses are limited to eight participants.

Spey Casting - €895

A new course for 2009. Spey casting and other techniques of fly-fishing with two-handed rods are increasingly popular on Irish salmon rivers. Being able to lift a long line and cast it effortlessly and gracefully is every salmon angler’s dream. In one weekend participants can discover all the secrets of two-handed casting, have great fun and add a whole new dimension to their salmon fishing.

These are 3-day courses, with a total emphasis on mastering two-handed-rod fly-casting, with a little bit of knot technique and leader-making thrown in. Rods and lines will be provided. Maximum six participants.

Advanced Salmon and Trout Fishing - €995 or €1995

These sought-after courses are run over either 3 days or 7 days. They assume basic casting competence and they represent a natural progression for those who have already done the beginners’ course and now want to get stuck in to some serious fishing. They also provide an opportunity to refresh and revise casting skills.

They involve full-time river and lake fishing for salmon and trout, both at Delphi and on other waters, with Peter and a team of expert guides all helping to raise your game. Up for a challenge? The record stands at 5 salmon taken by a novice angler in six days fishing. All tackle is provided. The courses are limited to six participants.

Spring salmon river fishing - €895

A blast of serious river fishing to start the season off. A solid three days on Delphi’s lovely Bundorragha River, fishing for those elusive, big, fresh springers – under the watchful eye of Peter and with plenty of tips on river-craft, casting techniques and coping with adverse conditions. Bad weather is a possibility (but that can be good for fishing). This course is not suitable for novices. Maximum six participants.

All courses

All the Delphi courses involve maximum individual care and attention from Peter himself. After a course with Peter, participants are equipped with all the knowledge and skills required for a long and successful fly-fishing life.

Peter is the ultimate professional and a consummate teacher, with a remarkable and rare ability to identify technical casting faults and to cure any problems with the minimum of fuss. A delightful man, he communicates well with all his students, which perhaps explains the popularity of his courses.

All courses are residential and include full-board accommodation in one of the most beautiful country houses in the West of Ireland, well known for its delicious food, fine wines, great atmosphere and glorious setting.

Participants should bring warm and proper waterproof clothing, wellies, a hat and sunglasses or other eye protection.

All fishing tackle is provided. Do not buy new tackle. But anglers may bring their own if they want to have it assessed by Peter as to its suitability.

COURSE DATES 2009

Notes

1. A 50% deposit is payable on reservation.
2. For details of Delphi’s cancellation policy, click on “Reservations”.
3. Course dates are subject to change. Participants from abroad should await final confirmation of their course dates before booking flights.