Angling Direct Holidays News

News

For regulars of Angling Direct Holidays web site who like to be kept up to date on all our developments and interesting news, this page is dedicated to you.

If you been on a trip and got any pictures or news. Just e-mail it in and share it...

"Our first ever Bonefish experience was fantastic!"

During a recent trip to Cuba, two of our clients William Cumming and John Kemp hooked, landed and lost a huge number of Bonefish, Tarpon and Snook over the space of a week’s fishing. William told Angling Direct Holidays that “our first time Bone Fishing was excellent!” On their first day Bone Fishing, both William and John had a total of 15 between them, with William Losing 2 very big fish. The Tarpon fishing on the river also proved a very big success, and with fish caught within their first few casts, it was no wonder their tally was going to amount up very quickly. With John being a bit unlucky on two occasions, when not only did he lose a fish around 30lb, another Tarpon around 60lb also gave him a good 20 minute fight before in end getting the better of him. They certainly made up for fish lost as over a period of a week, John and William had a total of 14 – 16 Tarpon with the biggest around 18lb along with 12 Snook with the heaviest pulling the scales round to 12lb. A big well done to both William and John for their fantastic week’s fishing from all the staff here at Angling Direct Holidays. For more information on this tour, Click Here

A great start to the 2008 Mahseer season...!

We have been informed that the first two weeks of the season has got off to a real flyer for all the anglers so far. Over the 2 week period, 197 Mahseer have been caught, with the
best of the bunch being a 56lb caught by top Mahseer angler Colin Belton. With each day having more than 10 Mahseer caught, it was day 5 which really came to life as more
than 31 Mahseer were caught by the time sun went down! Keep your eyes peeled on this page on our website for more updates on how the season which started with a bang unfolds! For more information on this tour, Click Here

Panama proves it's certainly up there with the best!

During a recent group trip to the beautiful country of Panama, all of our clients left with a vast range of both inshore and offshore fish lost and caught. The inshore fishing proved to be some of the best fishing for Roosterfish and Cubera snapper's in the world! Big inshore fisherman John Eames and Colin Belton had numerous Rooster Fish and Cubera Snappers to over 50lb and would often come home with no less than 20 – 25 fish caught over the period of each day. Colin commented that “the inshore fishing for the Roosterfish really is one of the best places in the world – if not the best!” Trevor Mennie, a regular customer of ours also had a fantastic week catching Roosterfish, Tuna, Dorado and a superb Sailfish caught offshore. The famous Hannibal Bank, roughly 25 miles offshore also proved why it is so successful and popular, as no longer than 20 minutes after putting the live baits over the back of the boat Peter Collingsworth was into an epic battle with a Black Marlin. After an amazing 5hr fight, the estimated 850lb+ Marlin just proved to be too strong and eventually broke the line! If you fancy your chances at battling against either a Black marlin of a lifetime or the superb inshore fishing Panama has to offer, just Click Here for information.

NEW IGFA Redtail Catfish World Record!

Peter Collingsworth caught this beautiful Redtail Catfish using a Hardy Zane 10# Rod and Reel Outfit whilst fishing on a new predator lake in Bangkok, Thailand. Weighing in at 9.87 kilos the beauty is now pending an IGFA world record for the largest ever red tail catfish caught on a 20lb tippet with a fly rod. Peter said: ‘The rod and reel handled like a dream, these fish are very, very powerful for their size, but with the10# power and suppleness under the tip, along with the best fighting reel drag we managed to land this fish in just over 1 hour.’ The pending record is currently awaiting approval by the IGFA and should be confirmed in two months time so keep an eye out! For more information on this new predator lake, Click Here

Smiles all round for Thailand Annual Group Trip!

The Angling Direct Holidays annual group trip to Thailand, again proved just how successful this trip is, with over a 100 fish caught in just a couple of days. The NEW predator lake, just a couple of hours north of Bangkok, is starting to set new standards for the rest of the fishing in Thailand, as it gave up some of its real beauties. Not only did a Redtail Catfish caught on the fly become a new world record, but a handful of beautiful Arapaima were also caught, topped by a massive 80lb+ to Darren Bailey. Richard Bedder, Tony Warvill, Chris Collins and Matt Crowe, were also amongst the fish and between them, had over 5 different species of Catfish, Paco and Aligator Gar. Peter Collingsworth, the Director of the company commented that "this lake seems to get better and better everytime I fish it. It's just a phonomenal lake!" For more information on this group, Click Here

35lb Golden Mahseer caught from the
Ramganga River - Northern India

During a recent recci trip to the Ramganga River in Northern India, Mark Veysey caught this beautiful 35lb Golden Mahseer. A golden Mahseer of this size would often be considered as a fish of a lifetime, so a big well done goes out to Mark from all the staff here at Angling Direct Holidays. A brand NEW DVD will be available for this tour in the next couple of months, so keep an eye out on this news page for its release. For more information on this tour, Click Here

The Matt Hayes Days are back for 2008!

Click Here to check out all the brand NEW tours Matt has to offer for 2008.

Brand NEW Predator Lake - Thailand

Want to know more about this Brand NEW tour, then Click Here for more information.

Christmas comes early for record breaking clients...

During a recent research trip to the beautiful Christmas Island, our clients managed to break the record of how many GT's had ever been caught in one day on just the trips' first day. Five GT's was the best the guides had ever seen on the boat in one day, so when clients, John Eames and Colin Belton arrived back at the camp with a mere 16 caught and landed, it felt like christmas had come early. Not only did Colin have the best of the bunch with a hefty 60+lb GT, but both himself and John hooked and landed a wide range of other species such as Tuna, Sailfish and Wahoo. The record was then broken again on the trips' second day by a concentrated effort from Peter Collingsworth and Dennis Smith who arrive back on land with 18 GT's caught. Both having double hook up's on numerous occasions, the best was a brace of 60lb GT's. This was not the only highlight of the day, as the best of the day came to another client, Peter Caira, who after a 45min fight landed a whopping 110lb+ GT. Their guide saying "it was the biggest GT he had ever seen". This offshore fishing was a combination of trolling for the Tuna, Sailfish and Wahoo and a deadly method of 'surface popping' for the mighty GT's. A big thank you must go out to Colin Belton, a well renowned 'surface popper' angler with many big fish under his belt, for his generosity in lending out a lot of his big surface poppers to the other anglers. The inshore fishing proved a success also and who can argue when you've got 250 miles of wind swept flats to choose from. With the opportunity to get up close in person with the Bonefish on the flats, as well as stalking the GT's around the coral on the edge of flats, the fly fishing is extremely exciting. Both John Eames and Peter Collingsworth not only both caught a good handful of Bone Fish but also caught Trevally's. John with both a Blue and Giant Trevally and Peter with a nice Blue Trevally. After watching numerous attacks from the GT's on schools of bait fish, it was just a case of being there at the right time to present that fly in front of a hunting GT. Not only does every trip have to come to an end, but every trip also has a silver lining. On the last day of fishing and in only the first four hours of filming, Richard Foster, Colin Belton and head guide Dave Plummer all hooked and landed a 100lb+ GT each! With Colin's being the best of the bunch and estimated at around 120lb, it was the icing on the christmas cake to an excellent trip. For more information on this fantastic destination, please Click Here.

Mexico - Just Keeps Comes up Trumps Again!

If you want your first ever Blue Marlin, then Mexico really is the place to be. We are currently hearing from clients who just seem to be catching everything. Two recent customers, Phil Redican and Roger Squires had a excellent week's fishing on the Sea of Cortez, catching not only their first ever Blue Marlin, but also Sailfish, Dorado and Tuna. For more information on this great destination for your first ever Blue Marlin then Click Here.

30 Marlin to 440lb caught on Mexico Group Trip!

Angling Direct Holidays annual group trip to Mexico left all of our clients with smiles from one cheek to another. With 30 Marlin caught over the space of the week, each of our clients achieved their main ambition of catching there first ever Blue Marlin. Dave Baker topped the week off with a massive 440lb Marlin as well as another one around the 250lb mark. Not only did everyone catch the Marlin they were seeking for, but each client also caught Sailfish too. Roland Hook also came up trumps with a 65lb Wahoo. Dave Plummer, who hosts and guides the group trip each year commented that "this year was just an amazing year for fish caught! It seems that each year just gets better and better!" For more information on the Dave Plummer Mexico trip, Click Here.

30lb Salmon from Norway!

On a recent trip to the Gaula River in Norway, one of our client's Duncan Hartley, caught this great 30lb salmon during a week’s holiday on this great river. The river is presently fishing well, with Salmon being caught most days. For more information on the trip, Click Here.

NEW DESTINATION!

Angling Direct Holidays is now offering you the chance and opportunity to experience all types of fishing from Saltwater Fly, Big Game, Lure Fishing plus many more... in our brand NEW destination of Panama. This destination is totally exclusive to Angling Direct Holidays and Angling Direct Holidays only! The lodge, which is brand spanking NEW, features an outdoor waterfall swimming pool, and has been landscaped and decorated beautifully. During a recent research trip, our team caught Rooster fish to 80lb, Black Marlin to 750lb, Snapper's to 60lb, Wahoo to 40lb, Sail fish to 200lb, plus many more...and this was just in 4 DAYS!

Keep your eye on this page for dates which will be available for this brand NEW destination! Click Here.

But not to let the weather ruin everything, we have a brand NEW compilation DVD giving you the opportunity to have an insight into all the types of fishing available including Saltwater Fly, Freshwater Fly, Big Game, Escorted, Family and many more...If you were looking forward to seeing us and picking up our new full colour brochure, DVD’s or have a sneaky preview into our brand NEW website due to be launched early August, then do not hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to send you out a new brochure and any DVD of your choice. We apologise again for any inconvenience caused by the cancellation of the show, and we look forward to seeing you next year.

CLA Game Fair 2007

Angling Direct Holidays invites you to come and see all the fishing holidays we have to offer, including tailor-made Fishing holidays, Escorted trips and our popular Family destinations at the CLA Game Fair 2007. Find the holiday of your choice & we will assist you with detailed information & for some selected countries we will give you FREE DVD's that will give you a full insight into what to expect for each tour. Angling Direct Retail will also be present with it’s stand, filled with products from a range of fishing manufacturers including: Sage, Hardy, Grey's, Vision, Airflo, Lamson, Daiwa, Shakespeare, Cortland, Rio, C&F, Masterline Plus More...

Angling Direct Holidays NEW Brochure

Angling Direct Holidays is also proud to present it’s brand NEW Brochure. Angling Direct Holidays' 120 page full colour brochure gives you an insight into all the holidays we have to offer including destinations suited for all types of angler, including many family destinations too. If you haven't received your NEW brochure, then do not hesitate to contact us, and one our holiday representatives will happily send you on. 01603 407596

Angling Direct Holidays NEW Website

Here at Angling Direct Holidays, we believe in always trying to improve areas as well as making things look as best they can. The Graphics team have been currently working on a brand NEW web site which is now available to view. The web site will not only show all of our great destinations, but it will have additional features such as watching previews of all DVD's as well as viewing our full brochure all on-line. You will also be able to manage your own bookings, print itineraries and access British Airways flights allowing you to check-in and reserve seats all on-line.

Fishing with Matt Hayes. Hurry as these dates do not last long. Looking for an ideal present for christmas or that special occasion. Well look no further.
this year we have added more dates, more venues plus chances to fish with Matt and Mick Brown. For full details please check out. Fishing with Matt Hayes or alternatively for those who wish for a real adventure why not join us and Matt on a exclusive fly fishing trip to Christmas Island. Check out the following. Giants of Christmas Island.

Salmon Season 2007. Angling Direct Holidays now have all the dates and rod weeks available for the best pools and beats on the Gaula River Norway. Hurry the peak weeks are disappearing fast. For full details check out the following. Winsnes Fly Fishing Lodge River Gaula, Norway

Sail fishing Capital of the world. Angling Direct Holidays is please to announce our new destination in Guatemala. For further details take a look at this tour. Sailfishing Guatemala

New family trip to Belize. This is a great trip for fly anglers as well as families. Do azure blue skies and crystalline waters, protected by the world's second longest barrier reef, sound good? Then come join us on our El Pescador Tour!

Another Customers Great Bag Up.

Just check out Paul Turners kind words after only just returning from his Ebro trip. Well done lads....

Dear all,

Just wanted to say thank you for a brilliant trip to Caspe fishing the Ebro. In three days, myself and Lee Clarke had 5437lbs of catfish up to 142lbs in weight and carp up to 28lbs. We had 25 fish over 100lbs and the average weight of the fish was 92lbs. All our wildest expectations were surpassed and we had a fabulous time. I have attached pictures of a catfish of 124lbs and a 28lb carp.

All the best and many thanks

Paul Turner

Just keep those catch reports and your comments coming..........

Talk about Beginners Luck!!

Tim Swain on his first trip to Canada landed the dream catch for every Sturgeon Angler;

The Sturgeon was about 120yrs old, 3.4 metres long and weighed an estimated 360kilograms. This sturgeon equaled the biggest fish caught in the Fraser since records started in 1999.
Tim was cheered on by his wife and 2 daughters who witnessed this remarkable catch.

Tim and a fellow angler took turns battling the fish for 90mins and said after that it felt like being stuck onto a freight train, an experience that I’ll never forget.

Michael Ward on his first trip abroad to Thailand caught a monster180lb Giant Mekong Catfish. Had this giant not entangled Michael’s line around structures, requiring our guides to cut the line and tie again, this 180pounder would have broken the current IGFA All Tackle World record (63kilos). What a first trip and within a day Michael was back at it with a 105lbSiamese Carp.

This year we are receiving lots of kind complements and great stories from your holidays. Its these kind of remarks and comments that make all our staff feel that all the hard work pays off. Please keep sending in your stories and pictures, we will try and use as many as we can.

Hi Angela

How are you keeping i hope that all your animals are in good shape, i really enjoyed the holiday with you and Peter in cabo,i would also like to say thanks to you for your kind words when my need wasgreatest.the fishing holiday was so much more than just that to me as you know it really has etched memories in to my very sole the sights the sounds the smells the whole ethos of it will never leave me, so when people ask for that trip of a life time experience your company is the one to deliver, i have for filed a dream that some one very dear to me would have wanted me to do and for that i thank you all.the fishing trip was great all the captains and mates worked un relentlessly on my behalf to ensure that a good no great time was had and on the odd occasion (saturday) that no fish are biting (that's why its called fishing not catching) the disappointment was clear to see in their faces,but when it was all action they worked as a team too to do everything they could to make sure that the fish (marlin)was on the boat,as i have already said this really was a trip of a life time if i only do it once (hope to see you next year)it will never leave me. so thanks again to all at A D for all the work that you have put into makeing all this come true, to all the people looking to book for the first time take the bull buy the horns the fish buy the gills and just do it dare to dream they do come true.

I thank you so much

Tim Watson ps tight lines please

Hi Angela,

We had a great trip. In the end we Caught 9 Marlin – 8 Striped and one Blue (took me 1.5 hrs to land the blue on 40lb line). We also had Roosters, Tuna ,Sierra, Dorado , Pargo and Needlefish.

The Hotel was great (the cocktails wonderful!) and we met some very nice people. Flights and transfers all worked very well. The boats and crews were very good. However if you are bringing your own rods and reels, Reels for trolling need to be loaded with 50lb line in case a blue turns up. The crews were not very happy about our 40lb line.

You also need to take heavy link swivels, 100lb leader, light sinkers and a selection of live bait hooks. It’s also worth noting that Mexican customs only let you bring in 4 rods per person. (We had 5 And 6 between us, but got away with it)

We had a great holiday, the best fishing we have ever had and will definitely be going back!

Kind Regards

Geoff Cross

(Geoff it was a pleasure meeting you in Mexico and we are really glad you guy's had your holiday of a lifetime Regards Peter Collingsworth Operations Director)

World Cup Fever. Just take a look at our head guide Dave Plummer in Florida who took out some time to watch and celebrate the last England game. By the look on Dave's face and the colour of his eye's it looks like they had a good time. To be fair they did also have something else to celebrate...............

They were drinking to the magical achievement of Martyn Rowbury's 12lb 12oz Bonefish..... Now that is a reason to have a glass or two.

Look out for the new Florida DVD coming out in July 06

Ok OK we got the message. To satisfy demand now its up to you. We have now added a new Group Escorted Tour to Thailand. The first group departs in September 06 so book now numbers are limited to 8 people. Want to do battle with Giants and celibate your triumphs at night in bangkok then call now.

Thailand Experience. Another great family destination added to our portfolio. After so many request we have now put together a great family destination that you can just take a few days fishing while providing a great family holiday for the rest of your group. You must check this tour out, there is just so much to see and do. It will keep you going back for years. Thailand Experience. Check out the new FREE DVD and see for yourself.

Sea Trout Fishing In Argentina. Our new Sea Trout Fishing trips are now available along with our tried and tested escorted group trip each year, headed by Dave Plummer. Spaces are limited so be quick to review to avoid disappointment. Why not check out the FREE DVD

Coming soon are two new exciting family holiday destinations suitable for both anglers and non anglers. 1st there's Dubai, with is beautiful beaches, stunning hotels, places to shop until you drop and of course great sea fishing. next there's Thailand. This is a great destination and very popular with the english tourist. Now we can organise twin centre trips where by you get the opportunity to spend time in bangkok, see the sights and steel some fishing before moving down the the famous beach areas where you and your family can enjoy the stunning blue sea and scenery.

India Mahseer Fishing. This year was the hardest fishing season within the last 10 years we have controlled the Cauvery river. The rains had come early causing the river levels to rise and fall each day. However all our customers still managed to catch fish. On a positive note there was allot of smaller fish caught this year, resulting in the total ban 3 years ago of dynamiting the river. These fish grow quick and i would bet that over the next two years we see the numbers of fish and sizes be better than ever before. On the last trip Peter Collingsworth was out with the clients filming the new India DVD which will be ready for release in mid may. If you fancy coming on one of these trips please hurry as there is only 6 places left for 2007.

Thailand. Peter Collingsworth has just returned from Thailand finishing off the new Thailand DVD. While fishing and filming Francois our guide caught the new all record IGFA Cobra Snakehead. This DVD will be ready for release in mid May. This is a must to check out this fishing, which also makes and ideal family holidays destination where you can fish for as many days as you like or just steel one day at the boarded lakes. The choice is yours. Contact us now to pre order your FREE copy of this DVD.

Newsletter
Angling Direct and Angling Direct Holidays are pleased to announce the release of our new weekly newsletters. Each week we will be sending two newsletters to all customers on our mailing database. The first will be from Angling Direct providing you fishing tips, news, new products and exclusive special offers. The second will be from Angling Direct Holidays again providing you with the latest catch information, what's new, what's hot, plus any special offers / late deals.
If you wish to receive our electronic newsletter please click on the following link.

Costa Rica
In December we hosted another fantastic trip to Costa Rica's west coast and believe me it was not just the weather that was hot !!. The offshore fishing proved to be spectacular. In total the group landed Blue Marlin, 53 Sailfish, 28 Rooster's to 70lb, 9 large yellowfin Tuna from 90lb to 220lb, numerous Dorado's to over 40lb along with many many more species. As usual the apres fishing lived up to its expectations with plenty of hangovers showing in the morning sun. Plans are now being made for 2006 trip. If you are interested Contact Us as places next year will be limited to 30.

Mexico
We are receiving more and more phone calls from single anglers enquiring about big game fishing in Mexico. We therefore are going to put together another additional escorted group trip in Aug / Sept. If you are interested in this trip Contact Us and we will call you back with more details.

Florida
In 2006 we will announce a new family holiday in Florida USA. This two week holiday will combine all the hectic pace and excitement of Disney World, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of the rides while staying at the famous Disney Caribbean Resort, before departing for your second week, recovering in the beautiful settings of the Florida Keys. While staying at the Keys there's a choice of three different types of accommodation to suit all budgets. You can also book as many fishing days with our guides as your family / itinerary will allow. We will announce the launch of this trip shortly so keep an eye out for our weekly newsletter.

Angling Direct Holidays is pleased to announce, due to the continued increase of the Dave Plummer's escorted tours in Florida. That for the 2006 season we have purchased a brand new Scout's boat. Scout's all-new 2005 190 Costa is the second model of an all-new series of flats fishing boats. World famous fly fisherman Stu Apte was intimately involved in the design. The 190 Costa can achieve speeds up to 50+ mph with a 150 hp Yamaha outboard, is extremely quiet and dry and features a particularly 'skinny' 10" draft. This model sports a convenient cooler positioned under the molded forward center console seat, ten carpeted side rod racks and vertical console rod racks and a flared bow to deflect spray.

SPECIFICATIONS
LOA 19'5" ,Beam 8'6", Dry Weight w/o engines (approx) 1,200 lbs, Fuel Capacity 45 gal, Rec. HP 115-150 hp, Maximum HP 225 hp, Draft (approx) 10", Deadrise 10°
Chrome Scout Indicator/S.S. Rub Rail, Horn, Anchor Locker, Aerated /Recirculating Bait Well (Portside)
.Aerated/Recirculating Release Well, S.S. Pull Up Cleats, Console w/ Battery Storage/Flip Top Access
Console Hand Rail, Vertical Console Rod Racks, Molded Toe Rail, Bench Cushion, Seat and Back Console Cushion, S.S. Cup Holders (2), 12 Carpeted Side Rod Racks, Tilt Steering, Sea Star Hydraulic Steering, Troll Motor Plug, Pull Up Push Pole Holders, Trim Tabs, LED Trim Tab Indicator Switch
Rear Deck Backrest Cushion, Poling Platform, Console Cover.

The new boat for 2006 will get you to the fishing marks quicker and dryer. Ensuring you optimise your fishing opportunities.