European Nymphing DVD Review

[rs0i]

I wanted to end the year as I had started it, and begin the New Year the same: fishing for trout on one of Pennsylvania’s streams. So I set out for Penn’s Creek on December 31, and because of that, I also had the great good fortune to run into Aaron and Taylor.

I asked how their day’s fishing went, talked of this and that, and told them how I looked forward to purchasing the European Nymphing DVD. Taylor mentioned that they had just picked up the first shipment before coming to Penn’s and had them in the back of the car. Aaron asked if I wanted one. Since I didn’t have much cash on me, I said I would just order one online when I got home. He generously handed one over to me and said just send him a check. (It is in the mail.)

I’m an older uncoordinated dog now who doesn’t easily learn new tricks. I first picked up a Shakespeare fiber glass fly rod when I was 16, but waited to take my first nymphing lesson from George Daniel fifty years later in September of 2009 and took another three day class again in September 2010. I signed up for the Trout Predator forum on July 14, 2009 because I thought it was one of the best web sites for all things trout related.

Having watched Aaron’s video late on Friday, it reinforced many of the lessons George had tried drilling into my thick skull, and I was able to correct many of the mistakes in casting and presentation that I had unlearned or forgotten already. I was able to go out on the first day of 2011 to the Benner section of Spring Creek, and after most of the other anglers left this area around noon saying how the fish had generally ignored them, I was able to put the lessons Aaron presented to good use and in less than an hour to land a 12 inch brown and a fat 14 inch rainbow. Great way to start the New Year….

What I’m trying to say in this long winded post, is that this is a great video no matter where you are in your life as a nymph fisherman. I know I’ll watch it many more times and go back to review certain sections to correct bad habits, recurring flaws and reinforce good behavior in pursuit of those magnificent creatures collectively called trout.

Thanks Aaron and Taylor for a job well done.

[AaronJasper]

I am glad that you liked it and improved on your first outing. As you keep on "practicing" you will find yourself netting more fish. You already had the equipment! Get 'em good

[rs0i]

The knot tying utilizing the "third" hand will be put to immediate use. The Davy knot is the only one I haven't used before, and it's a bit tricky. Tying knots from diagrams or pictures isn't the same as seeing someone physically going through the motions. With the DVD you can stop and replay too. It's a good section.

The leader building sections are also a plus.

[AaronJasper]

I felt that going through the leaders piece by piece was the best so that someone could tie them at the same time that I make them. The knots were done just in case someone was unfamiliar with some of them.

Just keep working on the mechanics involved in presenting the nymphs.

[StephenNJ]

AJ..Thanks for showing us how to weave on your video. That dronestone looks great.. Mine on the other hand needs some help. But since I own a copy of the DVD i can replay it. But think I just need to practice it and it will come together after tying a few dozen..

[frankm205]

I have been fortunate to take a guide trip with Aaron and was introduced to the long line Euro methods. After viewing the video last night it felt like I was back on the stream with him again. Well done buddy.

[aceubanks]

Great video guys. I really appreciated the fly tying segment. I attempted weaving flies in past with absolute failure. But, the video offered a few pointers that I was able to pick up. I think I finally tied a couple today that will be fishable. Thanks again and congrats on a good product.

[Esopus Guy]

You guys did a really good job. Love seeing some of my local water not asociated with the same ol' dry fly stuff we've been seeing for years. Thanks for bringing something fresh and up to date to the scene.

[G Lech]

I just finished watching the DVD and it's great. There is no doubt that you guys really put some time into this one. Just watching Aaron fish and explain everything he is doing and why is beyond helpful. This video really cleared up some of the gray area up for me.
THANKS!!!!

[Garrett P.]

Ok, got a chance to sit down last night and watch the DVD. What an excellent production! The video quality is outstanding. I like how the different methods are broken down into components and taught separately and then all brought together in the final chapter when Aaron demonstrates on the stream. The chapter breakdown on the DVD makes it very easy to navigate to a certain section that you want to watch again or have questions on. From a day on the stream with Aaron as my guide I had a leader that I was able to break down and come up with recipe for and its nice to compare to what he shows on the video to see how close I was (I was almost right on). I liked seeing the Davy Wotton knot shown as it will be very useful for its intended purpose (tying the sighter into my leader rig has always been an issue for me). I also enjoyed the fly tying and seeing how Aaron ties up some very successful patterns.

There were two issues (I'm an engineer so I'm paid to find faults) that I found. First, there is one section where Aaron is fishing and he is a little bit away from the camera and it sounds like the microphone craps out a little bit and it gets difficult to hear what he is saying. Two, there is one wrap-up slide after one of the chapters that has a word spelled incorrectly (so easy to know, I've done it on many reports and presentations before). And one last problem, too many close-ups of Aaron's mug, could have done without all that!