0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:18 > 0:00:19- Over the years...
0:00:20 > 0:00:26- ..I have been privileged to meet - many interesting characters.
0:00:26 > 0:00:32- I have also enjoyed fishing - in over forty countries worldwide.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- However, there is nowhere - as beautiful as Wales.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42- One thing's for certain...
0:00:42 > 0:00:47- ..I never tire - of chatting to interesting people.
0:00:47 > 0:00:53- In this programme, I catch up - with old fishing companions...
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- ..and reminisce about the past.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01- I can think of no-one better to join - me at the start of my journey...
0:01:01 > 0:01:03- ..than Rhys Llywelyn.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08- Today, we are at Llyn Clywedog - in Mid Wales.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- The reservoir is owned - by Severn Trent Water...
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- ..but the lake is also a fishery...
0:01:15 > 0:01:20- ..that's managed by Llanidloes - and District Angling Association.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22- Over the years...
0:01:22 > 0:01:28- ..it has been the location of many - successful days of fishing for me.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- It's a sunny morning here - at Llyn Clywedog, Moc.
0:01:32 > 0:01:33- Yes, it's wonderful.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- However, fish have a siesta - when that's up in the sky.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- The sun is a little high today.
0:01:41 > 0:01:48- Yes, we will have to fish in - deep water if it stays where it is.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52- Flies, Moc. - What are we going to try today?
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- This box is older than you!
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- These flies were tied years ago.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- This is a Coch y Bondu - from way back.
0:02:08 > 0:02:13- Those you have there would be more - suitable on a Christmas tree...
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- ..than on a fishing rod!
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- You may be right...
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- ..but I like to use colourful flies - to attract the fish first of all...
0:02:24 > 0:02:27- ..before using - more traditional flies.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32- If I were a fish, - I would surely go for this one...
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- ..rather than the orange one - you have there!
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- That sounds like a challenge to me. - Thanks, Moc. Off we go!
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- Sun or not, - the challenge has been set.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53- It's time for the old man - to show off his talent...
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- ..and perhaps put his head - on the block.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- We'll see!
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- I just saw a fish - come up to the surface, Rhys.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- I put a fly close to it.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13- He didn't like - what I had to offer...
0:03:14 > 0:03:16- ..but he came up to the surface.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20- Well, if there's one fish there - then perhaps there are more, Moc.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- If a cloud came now, - everything would change.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28- Oh, he's taken it.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- Well done, Moc.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- It's a pretty one too, Moc.
0:03:35 > 0:03:42- I wanted to show you - that us oldies can still do it!
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- Are you ready? Be careful.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- There it is.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- Fantastic.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- It took the Coch y Bondu.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- Well done to the old Coch y Bondu!
0:04:02 > 0:04:03- Well done, Moc.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08- Well done! The first trout - of the morning has been caught.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- The old faithful friend, Coch - y Bondu, has done its job already.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- It's nice to catch a fish early on.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- The first fish - is worth more than one.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25- It represents two or three, perhaps.
0:04:25 > 0:04:31- There's a big difference - between nought and one.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- Yes. You needn't rub it in, Moc!
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- While the sun shone on the lake...
0:04:41 > 0:04:46- ..Rhys and I wondered whether we - were going to catch any more fish.
0:04:48 > 0:04:54- But there's nowhere like - Llyn Clywedog on a fine day in June.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- You've been fishing here - for decades.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06- The areas around the lake - have some lovely names.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- Eblid is over there.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- Then there's Braich y Ffedew - and Biga.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- You named one of the areas, didn't - you, Moc? You called it Carters.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- Yes, he caught a fish there.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- How does Wales compare with - the many countries you've been to?
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- My wife and I have only been - in 106 nations.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- We counted them recently because - one of our grandchildren asked us.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- I've never seen a more - beautiful country than Wales.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- Never have we seen people - more friendly or hospitable...
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- ..than the Welsh - who have welcomed us here.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- That's why we like to come back.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- He was a fine fisherman - and great company.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- Whether you fish - with the US President...
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- ..or a local tramp...
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- ..you're both equal as fishermen.
0:06:07 > 0:06:12- You can get on a boat - with a complete stranger...
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- ..and after three or four hours, - you have a friend for life.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- That's very true.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24- You can't say that - about any other sport.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- You can make friends.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- That's the brotherhood of angling.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- Despite the strong bond - on the boat today...
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- ..it's the fish - that are winning the battle so far.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47- With one trout in the net - and hours of fishing ahead of us...
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- ..but hello, could that be another?
0:06:52 > 0:06:53- That's it.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- Oh, no!
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- It deserved to escape!
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- It deserved to escape!- - Yes, it did. Poor thing!
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- It's two fish - to the old man so far...
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- ..and Coch y Bondu wins - every time!
0:07:09 > 0:07:14- Without a doubt, it's a wonderful - day of fishing for Rhys and me.
0:07:14 > 0:07:20- A total of four fish - have been tricked - not bad!
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- Well, Moc, - we succeeded in catching some fish!
0:07:29 > 0:07:34- Yes, but you know, - the joy of fishing...
0:07:34 > 0:07:41- ..is not measured against the amount - or the weight of the fish you catch.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- I've had a lot of pleasure.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- It's been one of the best days - I've had this year.
0:07:49 > 0:07:50- It was wonderful out there.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- It was mild - and the sun wasn't too bright.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- We weren't troubled - by too many fish either.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- We'll put that to one side.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- It's all about the chase. - It's the same with women.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- The chase - is perhaps the most exciting part!
0:08:09 > 0:08:10- You're right!
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- You're right!- - And we did a lot of chasing today.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- Trawsfynydd Lake near Blaenau - Ffestiniog is a natural lake...
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- ..that's located in the heart - of the Snowdonia mountains.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39- The lake can be seen from the road - between Porthmadog and Dolgellau.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- It has a surface area - of 1,200 acres...
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- ..which stretches out - for five miles...
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- ..and is home - to brown and rainbow trout.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- Today, - the lake is hosting the final...
0:08:56 > 0:09:02- ..of the 2014 Welsh International - Fly Fishing Competition.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- It's the women-only competition - today.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- Each competitor - is under pressure...
0:09:09 > 0:09:13- ..but they're all looking forward - to the competition.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- Are you nervous today?
0:09:16 > 0:09:20- Yes, I'm always nervous but once - I'm out on the water, I'm OK.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- You've competed here as part - of the Welsh team many times before.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- Yes, this is my eighteenth time.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- You've also been the team captain.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- You've also been the team captain.- - Yes, in 2003.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38- Of all the competitions, - does one stand out?
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- 2007. We were at Grafham in England.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- And Wales won?
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- And Wales won?- - Yes, Wales won.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51- There were ten from the Welsh team - in the top twenty and I was first.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- There are forty women - competing altogether.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- Two women from different teams - share a boat.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- There's quite a lot of pressure.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05- I'm Janice Sharp from England.
0:10:05 > 0:10:06- I'm Janice Sharp from England.- - Julie McGeever from Ireland.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- Our Irish team have been here - since Friday night.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- They've been sussing out the lake - or the reservoir.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- I just do as I'm told today.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- Everything is in the box.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- Flies and everything we need - for today is in there.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- We must focus on settling down - and not panicking.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- Once we get the first fish - in the boat, then we can relax.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- With eight hours of fishing - ahead of them, they set off.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- Their challenge is about to begin.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- Rhys, you must be a happy man today.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- Part of your job is to bring people - here to Trawsfynydd and to Wales.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- I'm continuing with your good work, - Moc.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59- Twenty-five years ago, you tried - to spread the appeal of fishing.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04- One way you did that was by - setting up a women's fishing team.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- Look at what's happened.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11- There are four teams consisting - of ten members competing here today.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- It's fantastic for Wales - and for fishing.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- Wynorra Thomas was one of the first - to take part in this competition...
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- ..twenty-five years ago.
0:11:21 > 0:11:26- She is now the President with - plenty of experience under her belt.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- I remember fishing in small lakes - in the Aberystwyth area.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- They were only small puddles.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39- I remember the first competition - taking place at Llyn Brenig.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44- We then went to Rutland in England.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- That was enormous!
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- When we went to fish - at Lough Con in Ireland...
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- ..I thought I was out - on the Atlantic!
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- There was no end to the water.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- We've been around the world, - haven't we, Moc?
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- It was a successful end - to the international competition...
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- ..and the ladies waited patiently - for the result.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- Wales finished fourth - with 33 fish...
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- ..and Ireland came third with 33 - but with a higher combined weight.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- In second place - was England with 37 fish...
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- ..but the winner - was Scotland with 44 fish.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- # O flower of Scotland #
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- It was an unforgettable day - on Trawsfynydd Lake.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- The champions...
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- ..of the Welsh Women International - Fly Fishing Competition...
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- ..were over the moon.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48- They know how to celebrate!
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- Well done, ladies.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- Cheers.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- # Proud Edward's army
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- # And sent him homeward
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- # Tae think again #
0:13:04 > 0:13:05- .
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:09 > 0:13:14- July and August are the best months - of the year to catch sea trout...
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- ..or to give it - its common name, sewin.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- Fishermen from all over the world - head to Wales to catch them.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- The Towy river is an old favourite.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32- There's a particular stretch - in Gelli Aur where the sewin wait.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- It's a warm evening in July.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- I've invited close friends - to keep me company tonight.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- I want to see - if we can catch some sewin.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49- But first, something to eat and - a chance to catch up with friends.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- Like me, - you've all filled your bellies now.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- You're ready to do some work!
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- Rhys, you were down on the river - this afternoon.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00- Was it in a good condition?
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- Was it in a good condition?- - I walked from Llandeilo bridge.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- I have to say - the river looks very good.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- There's some cloud cover tonight, - so I think we'll be alright.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- John, - you're familiar with the river Towy.
0:14:16 > 0:14:21- Yes, I've had many - a pleasant evening on the river.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- I've had so much fun over the years.
0:14:25 > 0:14:26- It's a great river.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- Some say it's the best river - in Wales for sewin.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- We're lucky - that we have good rivers in Wales.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- You run a club in Llandeilo.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- Yes, I do.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- Has it been a good season?
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- It's picked up - in the last two weeks.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- It looks promising at the moment.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- There's cloud cover tonight.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- I think we've got a chance - of catching something.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56- We never know for sure. We're - all fishermen around this table.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- That's it. Now, we're ready to work.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00- Down to the river.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- It's almost sunset.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- Dear me, this area is glorious...
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- ..particularly the stretch of river - near Dinefwr Castle tonight.
0:15:14 > 0:15:20- Another hour and the Towy and the - sewin will be ready to welcome us.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- I'd say these young lads - are under pressure.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- Fishing is one - of the world's great levellers.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- I'm over six feet - and weigh over 15 stone.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- I'm a kickboxer and I'm worried...
0:15:34 > 0:15:39- ..about what two 80-somethings - are going to teach me tonight.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44- They've got 150 years - of fishing experience between them.
0:15:44 > 0:15:50- I don't think the lamb is going - to teach the sheep to graze tonight.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- Jamie Harries joins us tonight, - who manages this part of the river.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- We're all in his hands - for the evening.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- It's nearing - eleven o'clock at night.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- Now is a good time - to fish for sewin.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- What do you think of the conditions?
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- What do you think of the conditions?- - With the earlier cloud lifting...
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- ..probably our best chance - is going to be that first hour...
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- ..between eleven and midnight.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- Lads, we're all confident. - Off we go now at once.
0:16:28 > 0:16:28- No problem, Jamie.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29- No problem, Jamie.- - No problem, Moc.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- I've left Moc back at the shore.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- I'm letting him fish - the part that's fairly easy.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- I'm going into the water, - into the river.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- I'm going to wade. This pool - is known as the Whistle Pool.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- It's named that way because - the train used to go by here.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- The train would whistle - as it went past.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- It's a good spot - because the river is deep.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00- It's also a bit slower.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- The fish get caught up here...
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- ..before moving on up - the tributaries to spawn.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- There's excitement - a hundred yards away.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- Aled and John - have already had some luck.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- It's a five-pound sewin.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- It took a traditional Welsh fly, - the Dyfi black and orange.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- They come from the Dyfi Valley.
0:17:25 > 0:17:26- I'm very fond of that fly.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- I saw it for the first time - in Moc Morgan's book in the '80s.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- It's been in for a couple of weeks.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- It's a little darker, - a bit browner here.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- It's a good fish, - I'm happy with that.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- I like putting them back.
0:17:43 > 0:17:44- I'm going to do that.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49- After catching the fish, - you hold it until it relaxes.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51- Let it catch its breath.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- You'll notice he doesn't go out very - quickly. He'll swim away slowly.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- It was on its head, - exactly the way it should be.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00- It went back fine.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- If it had turned over, - we would have kept him for longer.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- I barely raised him - out of the water.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- I was very eager - to keep him in the water.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- Obviously, the only place the fish - can breathe is in the water.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20- When holding him, we've moved him - against the current.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- Oxygen then flows in through - the gills and he gets better.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30- That's what you do as you hold them, - to strengthen them as they're tired.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- As Aled says, humans are tired - after going running.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- You'll be out of breath - after running.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- Fish are the same.
0:18:41 > 0:18:47- Interestingly, I've fished - this part of the river already.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- I didn't feel one fish - come near my fly.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56- Alun came in to fish where I'd been - fishing ten minutes earlier.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- He hooked one instantly.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- Strangely, a fish jumped...
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- ..around five yards - from where my fly was.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- The fact they're jumping...
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- ..doesn't necessarily mean - that they're feeding.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19- Fish often jump because they - rub themselves against the gravel...
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- ..at the bottom of the river.
0:19:21 > 0:19:26- They jump up to get rid - of everything that's on their skin.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- It's interesting to see that.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- Like Aled said, when a fish jumps - it makes a man smile.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- It makes you think - you have a chance of catching one.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- I don't necessarily think - that they jump for joy.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- Plenty of excitement - at one end of the river.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- It's quiet at the other end.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- It's not looking good for Rhys.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- I've decided - that I need to change my fly.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- There's no specific reason for it.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- I just fancy a change.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- I managed to hook one sewin - at the bottom.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- It came straight out of the water - and the hook came free.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- There's a better fisherman - than me down there.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- There are two otters - working the pool too.
0:20:23 > 0:20:29- I'm not only competing against - Moc Morgan and John Elfed Jones...
0:20:30 > 0:20:31- ..but two otters too!
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- It's not going to be easy.
0:20:34 > 0:20:39- My friendship with John - goes back over sixty years.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- There's nowhere better - than the river for a quiet chat.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- It's strange to think - that we've fished together...
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- ..in so many different places.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- I've learned a lot from Moc Morgan.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57- A lot.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- John, John, - we've got an important lesson.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- We can go back sixty years...
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- ..and say Wales' rivers - were in excellent condition.
0:21:10 > 0:21:16- We can't say that we're leaving them - in a very good condition.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- No, unfortunately.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23- I'm worried what the rivers - will be like ten years from now...
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- ..when my great-grandsons - will be fishing.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32- I'm not saying that the rivers - are in such a bad condition...
0:21:32 > 0:21:38- ..that we have to stop - fishing for salmon and sewin...
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- ..or the future is looking bleak.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- No, we don't need to stop fishing.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- But we need to ensure - that we somehow give to the river...
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- ..a means for it to recover.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56- To tell you the truth...
0:21:56 > 0:22:01- ..I've spent some three hours here - whipping this water...
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- ..but do you know, I think the most - I've done is scare one sewin.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- To tell you the truth, - I've enjoyed myself.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- And I've seen old friends.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- There's more to fishing - than just catching fish.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- Of course there is.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- You're exactly right.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- You're not always right, - but you are this time!
0:22:29 > 0:22:30- You haven't changed a bit!
0:22:43 > 0:22:48- Memorable days spent fishing, - but the journey continues.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- Next week, a chance - to catch up with old friends...
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- ..from the world of agriculture.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- I'm looking forward to it already.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:09 > 0:23:09- .