Dear Simon,

Earlier in the year I ran a poll to answer the question, why does anyone fish?

I thought, in my innocence, the poll would provide me with some hardcore marketing data as the replies coalesced around a few definitive answers. The outcome was wildly different. As we collated the poll results it became clear that nearly everyone has a slightly different reason to fish, with different expectations as to what each day should offer. In fact, ironically, the only clear theme running through of all the responses was that catching fish was way down the list of reasons for going fishing!

If that confirms to you that fly fishers are slightly mad, I would not blame you. It can certainly be a maddening sport but it also confirms that the true joy of fly fishing is in the eye of the participant; even a list of 101 reasons would not cut it.

So, in the spirit of the eclectic nature of fly fishing and fly fishers themselves, here are the many ways and types of fishing to buy this Christmas.

Vouchers for all ages and experience

I like to think at Fishing Breaks we always take great care to match expectation to reality. However, that is not always easy for the voucher buyer so I assure you that when it comes to redemption, we will be flexible. So, don’t worry if your voucher is not a perfect match – we’ll transfer the value across to what the voucher holder prefers.

For the Expert

Choose between a Day on the River Test or the Your Choice option, the latter effectively a gift card that may be diced and sliced by the recipient at will.

For the Improver

The One Day Chalkstream Course or Weekend Chalkstream School is ideal for someone who already enjoys fly fishing but wants to brush up or learn new skills in the company of a small group guided by an expert instructor.

For the Novice

There is nowhere better than Nether Wallop Mill to catch your first trout be it on a Foundation Course or with Private Tuition.

For Ladies

New for 2024 we have the talented Gilly Bate running ladies only courses here at Nether Wallop Mill and on the River Test.

Coarse fishing

It is not all about trout! John Bailey hosts float fishing days for chub and barbel on the River Wye.

For the Family

Plant the seed for a pastime that will last a lifetime with either a Family Day or an Adult & Child visit to our well-stocked trout lake at Nether Wallop Mill.

Stocking Filler

It is a basic rule of fly fishing that you can never have too many flies! Buy individual packs, a selection or the amazing 78 fly boxed Hatch Calendar Selection.

Life of a Chalkstream

Due modesty aside, Life of a Chalkstream, published 10 years ago is becoming something of a modern classic. Order in hardback or paperback, along my The Otters' Tale or Frankel, all of which may be signed or inscribed with a message.

How to buy

Voucher by Post: The last posting day will be a week tomorrow (18/December) so there is still plenty of time.

Self-Print Voucher: order your voucher on-line and self-print.

Voucher by Email: order your voucher on-line and select email delivery direct to the recipient. Don’t forget you can tell us to post-date the email for delivery on Christmas Day itself.

Click & Collect

If you fancy a trip out to Stockbridge, with a slight five-minute detour to Nether Wallop, you are very welcome to visit us here at The Mill. Just send us a follow up email after placing your order indicating day and time. We are open 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday until 21/December.

All vouchers are valid for two years and redemption can be done as early as 27/December when the 2024 on-line diaries go live for booking.

As ever, you may buy on-line via the dedicated Gift Voucher section of the web site, drop us an email with your questions or call Sarah and Jamie on 01264 781988.