About Robin

about-robin-elwes

I was taught to fish by my father and grandfather. And my mother casts a pretty mean fly, too.

I’ve worked in fly fishing professionally since 1984. And I’ve fished all round the world as well as throughout the British Isles. Check out some of the places I’ve fished, here.

For me, fly casting is not only a lifelong passion but an art, and if pursed with dedication and skill will reward you endlessly, not only through the extreme satisfaction derived from a perfect cast, but also by the fish you catch.

My instruction includes everything from making your very first cast to the pinnacle of fly presentation – the intricate family of Spey casts.

At whatever level you currently are, casting lessons are absolutely fundamental to the enjoyment of fly fishing. By improving your casting, you improve your presentation.

And by improving your presentation you will improve your catch rate, it’s that simple.

Credentials

I’ve helped hundreds of fly fishing beginners take their first steps in this fantastic sport.

members_aapgai_logo_largereffisAs a qualified fly fishing instructor, I’m a member of REFFIS and STANIC and I’m an AAPGAI master. AAPGAI stands for Association of Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructors.

My credentials include being the resident fly fishing instructor for the Royal Warrant Holders Association and I’ve had several teaching assignments for the Game and Wildlife Conservancy Trust, as well as the Lawyers Fly Fishing Club.

Where I’ve worked

1984-1985: Kimbridge Trout Farm, cutting banks, feeding fish, and generally learning the trade. This was the year that I stank of fish….

1985-1986: Farlows, on the shop floor, learning the fishing tackle business.

1987-1988: with Simon Gawesworth at his residential fly-fishing school near Torrington, Devon. Instructing 7 days per week. I took the NAC (National Anglers Council) instructors course.

1988: back to Farlows, initially full time on the shop floor, then three days per week in the shop with the other time doing fly casting instruction.

1995: I took six months off to travel around the world. And of course I took some fishing gear. Read about some of those destinations here.